Gloria, along with Liz, who appeared much more cheerful than during the previous evening’s bingo debacle, dinged their keycards and joined the rest of the Garden Girls—Dot, Margaret, Lucy, and Ruth, who stood waiting next to Millie.
“You brought Scout.” Gloria greeted the small pup.
The miniature Yorkie wiggled and squirmed, eager for the attention.
“I figured he could use some fresh air, too.” Millie motioned skyward. “I hope you grabbed your umbrellas.”
“Got them all here.” Ruth patted her backpack. “I felt a sprinkle. You were right. This isn’t a good beach day.”
“I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in our substitute outing.” Millie motioned for them to follow her. “I have a driver on standby, ready to give us a lift.”
“Lift to where?” Gloria hurried to keep up with her cousin’s fast pace.
“You’ll see. It’s not far.” Millie signaled to a man seated in a golf cart a few feet away from the trolley stop. “I thought about taking the trolley, but am glad I arranged for a private driver instead.”
Margaret whistled loudly, noting the long line of people that snaked back and forth. “Those folks are gonna be waiting for hours.”
“I’m afraid most opted out of the beach day, meaning even more passengers are looking for something to do.” Millie greeted the golf cart driver. Shifting her pup to her other arm, she tookthe seat next to him while the others filled the back and rear-facing seats. “Thanks for giving us a lift, Hugo.”
“You’re most welcome, Millie. How is the captain?”
“Working while I goof off with my family and friends.”
“Welcome back to Bimini.” He patted Scout’s head. “Who is this cute little fella?”
“Scout, the ship’s official mascot.”
“It ‘tis a good day to hitch a ride,” he said. “The weather? It is not so good.”
“Which is why I opted for Plan B.”
“Be mindful of the other drivers. Some of them need to take a refresher course in driver’s ed.”
Millie promised she would before asking Hugo about his family. With the pedal to the metal, the golf cart zipped along at a quick clip. They arrived at their destination a short time later.
Gloria peered over Dot’s shoulder. “We’re going to the hotel?”
“Yes and no.” Millie hopped out and handed Hugo some cash.
“I appreciate it.” He stuffed the bills into his pants pocket. “When would you like me to pick you up?”
“One o’clock.” Millie turned to the others. “I believe four hours cruising around Bimini will give us plenty of time to see the sights.”
“There is not much ground to cover,” Hugo said. “If you finish early, give me a call.”
“Will do.” Millie watched him drive off before strolling across the parking lot to a small booth. A large sign above the window read,Golf Carts for Rent.
“You rented a golf cart?” Gloria asked.
“It’s the easiest, most efficient way to get around the island, other than taking the trolley.”
“How much do we owe you?” Liz unzipped her designer handbag.
“Nothing. Captain Armati is friends with the rental shop owner. He offered us a complimentary cart to use.”
“You have it made,” Ruth said admiringly. “Life on board a luxury cruise ship, all your meals prepared, your laundry done, perks like designated drivers and complimentary golf carts.”
“Not to mention snagging the handsomest man on board the ship,” Margaret said. “Captain Armati is a hottie.”
