“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.”
