Chapter 16
Millie, with Gloria assisting, hosted a morning round of trivia.
Up next was the VIP ship tour. Their first stop was the engine room, followed by the recycling center and the laundry room.
Not typically a part of the tours, she included a peek inside Danielle’s cabin after clearing it with her first.
They took a look around the crew members' dining room, followed by the lounge before heading upstairs and backstage.
“This is where all the magic happens.” Millie unlocked the wardrobe closet, showing them props and pieces ranging from Vegas-style headdresses, sequined and satin gowns, shimmering bodysuits, to tuxedos and tap shoes.
“A headliner show requires between three and six costume changes,” she explained, “based on the show’s complexity.”
“How much does a typical headdress cost?”
“A heavily embellished piece can easily cost hundreds of dollars.” Millie carefully removed a feathered glamor girl piece and handed it to the woman. “This would be in the high-end price range. Be careful…it’s heavier than it looks.”
The woman held it with both hands. “It’s like balancing a bowling ball on your head.”
“A bowling ball is the perfect comparison. I’ll have to remember it.” Millie passed the headpiece around the room. “Our talented team sings, dances, and executes high-flying acrobatics all while the ocean is in motion.”
“I have a greater appreciation for their talent.” The man handed the headpiece to Millie. “I’ve taken several tours. This is by far the best.”
“Thank you. I love giving guests a glimpse into what life is like on board.” She slid the headpiece back onto the shelf. “Our next stop is the galley. The tour concludes on the bridge where you’ll meet Captain Armati.”
Because it was a small group, they squeezed into a midship elevator for the ride to deck seven. Millie had given Annette and Barty a heads up which meant they were waiting for them.
Annette stepped forward to greet the guests. “Welcome to one of the busiest areas on board the ship. Based on the number of passengers, Siren of the Seas being a larger cruise ship, my culinary team is in charge of preparing thousands of meals every day.”
“I’m sure you do.” A passenger patted her stomach. “It’s almost impossible to walk by the grill, the deli or even the buffet without being tempted to stop and grab a snack.”
“An average passenger could eat up to eight meals a day, if they wanted,” Annette said.
Gloria’s jaw dropped. “Eight meals? Who can do that?”
“You would be surprised.” Annette showed them the prep area, the loading station, ending with the garnishment line where the staff added the finishing touches to the meal plates.
A woman timidly raised her hand.
Annette pointed at her. “Yes?”
“I noticed some trays have green covers.”
“Those dishes are for passengers who have food allergies and special diets.” Annette stepped over to a separate prep area, adjacent to the main one.
“We have an entire staff in charge of special meals. Green is gluten-free, red is nut and shellfish allergies, blue is for dairy restrictions and so on.”
“Thank you. I’m glad I asked.”
“You’re welcome. Shall we tour the walk-in cooler and freezer?” Annette escorted the guests out of the galley.
While they waited, Millie tapped out a text to Nic, letting him know she would be arriving soon.
Nic: The elusive Millie. I haven’t heard from you all day.
Millie: I met Cousin Gloria for breakfast. She’s hanging out with me.
See you soon. Her husband added a heart emoji.
Millie replied with lovey-dovey eyes.
“Who are you texting?” Gloria leaned in.
“Nic. To let him know we’ll be heading his way soon.”
A solid five minutes passed before the group returned.
Annette answered a few more questions before wrapping up her portion of the tour. “Back to you, Millie.”
“We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us, Annette and Barty.”
A round of applause ensued, and the tour guests thanked them on the way out.
After taking a headcount to make sure she wasn’t missing anyone, Millie cut through the main dining room, a more direct path to the bridge. Using her master keycard, she unlocked the door and climbed the steps.
Nic, along with several other officers stood on the bridge near the wall of windows. He waved her in, giving her the green light to allow the others access to the otherwise restricted area.
“Good morning, Captain Armati.” Millie introduced her VIPs.
“Welcome to the bridge,” Nic greeted them. “I trust you are all having a fabulous cruise.”
“Oh, yes.” A woman batted her eyes. “Millie is an excellent tour guide. I noticed you have the same last name. Are you related?”
Nic’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “We are.”
“Siblings?”
“Millie is my wife.”
“You’re a lucky woman,” the woman gushed.
“I’m blessed beyond measure.” Millie turned the floor over to her husband, proudly watching as he explained the navigational equipment’s functions before sharing a funny anecdote.
Similar to Annette, he wrapped it up by answering a few questions.
Millie made her way to his side. “This concludes your tour. Before you go, we’ll take a group photo.”
The VIPs plus the captain, Millie and Gloria posed.
“A copy will be delivered to your cabin before the cruise ends.” She turned to go, and Nic stopped her. “Come back when you’re done. I have something I want to chat with you about.”
“Will do.” Millie and Gloria escorted the group to their meeting location in front of the Ocean Treasures gift shop. She handed them a gift card for a mini manicure at the spa, thanking them again for being loyal Majestic Cruise Lines guests.
Gloria waited until they were alone. “What did Nic say to you?”
“He asked me to come back to the bridge.” Millie fell into step with her cousin, strolling to the front of the ship and returning to the bridge.
Nic stood off to the side, cell phone in hand and a grim expression on his face. He motioned to his wife and held up a finger. The conversation ended and he made his way over. “I trust Millie is teaching you her tricks of the trade.”
“It’s exciting but also exhausting,” Gloria said. “No wonder she’s in such good shape. We’ve been going full steam since we ate breakfast, and to think she does this day in and day out.”
“I love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Millie changed the subject. “How’s Scout?”
“Napping. I’ll bring him to the bridge after lunch.” Nic glanced over his shoulder and spoke in a low voice. “Jeremy Manning contacted me.”
Millie’s heart skipped a beat. “About what?”
“He’s insisting I turn the ship around and return to Miami.”
“Patterson already told him we wouldn’t be going back,” Millie said. “I guess he thought it wouldn’t hurt to try. I hope he gets off in Grand Turk.”
“Highly unlikely.”
“Why?”
“Donovan called a short time ago. Jeremy was at Guest Services earlier, raising a big stink about putting a credit card on file.”