“No. Bingo. You were right. Felix is hosting music bingo.”
Margaret leaned over the railing, peering down. “I don’t see any sort of crowd gathering.”
Millie spun in a slow circle. “Over there by the railing.” She hustled across the hall with her cousin and friends close behind.
As they drew closer, Millie noticed not only Danielle and Liz, but also Oscar.
Liz, her cheeks bright red, waved a bingo card in his face. “…rip-off I’ve ever seen.”
Millie tapped her on the shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“These bingo games are a racket. I figured I would buy a few cards and at least win one game.”
“A few?” Gloria flicked the corner of a card, one of dozens covering every square inch of the cocktail tables Liz had lined up along the wall.
“Well…maybe more than a few.”
“Your bingo addiction is out of control. Just because you bought more cards than you can reasonably keep track of doesn’t mean you’ll automatically win.”
“Look around.” Millie made a sweeping motion with her arm. “Most everyone you see is also playing bingo. Based on the number of cards you purchased, your odds are better but by no means guaranteed.”
“I want to win the Effy silver pendant,” Liz pouted.
“You need to give bingo a break, at least for the rest of today.” Gloria grasped her sister’s arm while Lucy began scooping up the cards. “Let’s go have a nice dinner and relax in our sweet suite. We haven’t even finished unpacking.”
“I agree,” Millie said. “We have bingo every single day with some fabulous prizes—cash, cruises, more jewelry.”
“Millie and Gloria are right,” Danielle added. “It’s a numbers game. I’m sure you’ll eventually win.”
For a second it appeared she would resist, but Gloria wasn’t giving up. She held tightly to Liz’s arm and guided her to thewalkway. “I was checking out the Blue Seas’ dinner menu. They have some fabulous dishes. Maybe Millie can squeeze in a few moments to join us.”
“I think I can sneak away to grab a quick bite.”
The women reached the entrance to the main dining room. The hostess at the station picked up a handful of menus and led them to the back of the restaurant.
“No ocean view table?” Liz wrinkled her nose. “I thought suite status included premium seating in the dining room.”
“It includes preferred premium seating based on availability,” Millie corrected. “Unfortunately, the dining room is busy and all the tables with a view are taken.”
Liz grumbled under her breath.
Her sister shot her a warning look.
“I’m just annoyed.” She plopped down in the chair, the frown firmly in place while the hostess unfolded her dinner napkin and placed it in her lap.
“Grumpy lumps aren’t allowed,” Dot joked.
“We only allow happy passengers on board.” Millie took the seat between Liz and Gloria, thinking a buffer might be best based on her cousin’s current mood.
“I’ll get over my crankiness.” Liz forced a smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” the hostess replied. “Enjoy your meal.”
Their server arrived. She did a double take when she noticed the ship’s cruise director seated at the table. “Miss Millie,” Lisette beamed. “What a surprise to see you.”
Millie introduced her family and friends. “I thought I would grab a bite to eat and hang out until my next hosting event.”
Liz brightened. “Bingo?”
