“I sometimes have to pinch myself.” Millie took the keys from the attendant, who then escorted them to the golf cart parked a few feet away.
She placed Scout on her lap, and as soon as the others were seated, Millie hit the gas. Reaching the stop sign, she waited for the trolley, packed with passengers, to pass by. “Let’s head to the far end of the island and then backtrack toward Alice Town.”
“What about shopping?” Liz asked. “You mentioned a shopping plaza.”
“Fisherman’s Village. We’ll make it our last stop so we won’t have to worry about leaving packages in the cart while we explore.”
“Smart thinking.” Gloria tapped the side of her forehead. “You’ve thought of it all.”
Millie chuckled. “I’ve done this a time or two. Annette, Cat, Danielle and I rented golf carts last year, before Siren of the Seas left for Alaska.”
“How are your friends, Annette and Cat?”
“Good. Busy. We’ll meet up with them soon.” Turning right out of the parking lot, they cruised along at a leisurely pace while Millie explained what the different buildings were. The majority belonged to the island’s large resort, a sprawling complex of cottages and townhomes. Up ahead and to the left was the beach club.
She slowed the golf cart and veered onto the gravel driveway. Mindful to stay out of the trolley’s path, she stopped near the drop-off area. Beyond the palapa were swaying palms and the most vivid turquoise water Gloria had ever seen. “It’s beautiful.”
“The water is even prettier on sunny days,” Millie said. “It’s a shame you’re missing out on what I consider the highlight of the island.”
“We haven’t seen the shopping area yet,” Liz said. “It might be the highlight.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to shop.” Millie swung the golf cart around and continued driving until the road dead-ended. Beyond the gravel parking lot was another beach. “This is rumored to be the best spot on the island for snorkeling.”
Dot shaded her eyes. “Better than the beach club?”
“So they say. I suppose because it’s not as busy.” Millie pocketed the key. “Let’s check it out. Hopefully, the rain will hold off.”
Zigzagging around chunks of driftwood and clumps of seaweed, the women made their way to the water’s edge.
Millie set Scout on the sandy shoreline. “Stretch those little legs, buddy.”
The pup, with his nose to the ground, trotted off to explore.
“We’re the only ship in port,” Lucy said.
“Bimini has only enough room for one cruise ship per day.” Millie kicked her sandals off and dipped her toes in the water. “We’re here. We might as well enjoy a little sand and sea.”
Following suit, the others removed their shoes and meandered along the shoreline, their toes sinking into the powdery white sand. A gentle breeze picked up and drops of rain started to fall.
Margaret warily eyed the dark clouds. “It looks like we might get wet.”
“We had better make a run for it.” Millie scooped her pup up and made a mad dash back to the golf cart with the others close behind.
The friends hopped in only seconds before the skies opened up. Scooching in close together, the golf cart’s roof protected the occupants from the torrential downpour.
“Good gravy,” Ruth gasped. “It’s raining cats and dogs.”
“Tropical rains,” Millie said. “It shouldn’t last long. I see brighter skies off in the distance.”
Sure enough, the rain stopped as suddenly as it started, leaving behind large puddles. “If you’re ready, we’ll head to Alice Town.” She checked to make sure everyone was safely seated before steering the golf cart back onto the road.
Moving at a steady pace, Millie expertly dodged the rain-filled potholes. The golf cart caught up with the trolley and trailed behind them until they turned off into the resort hotel’s parking lot.
“I see our ship again.” Lucy pointed to the cruise ship, anchored at the end of the pier.
Margaret grabbed her cell phone, intending to snap a photo. It was too late. A row of trees appeared, blocking their view. “Rats.”
“You’ll have another photo op when we reach town,” Millie promised. “Tomorrow we’ll be visiting South Seas Cay. If the weather forecast holds, you’ll get a full day of fun in the sun.”
