Nikki gave her the last four numbers.
“That’s one of my smaller cards.” Liz held out the black card. “Put everything I currently owe plus all future charges on this one.”
Nikki ran it through the machine and handed it back. A funny look flitted across her face.
“Is there a problem?”
“The card has been declined.”
“Declined?” The color drained from Liz’s face. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Try this one.” She handed her another, with the same result. “This can’t be right. Maybe there’s a glitch in your system.”
“Try running mine through,” Gloria said.
Nikki grew quiet, tapping the keys. “Yours went through right away, Mrs. Kennedy.”
“The problem isn’t the system but your cards,” her sister said.
“I’m calling the credit card companies right now.” Liz marched across the room, heading to a quiet corner.
“I wonder if Floyd found out about the bingo charges and froze the cards,” Millie muttered under her breath.
“Floyd spoils Liz rotten. She could play bingo until the cows came home and he wouldn’t bat an eye,” Gloria said. “Maybe the credit card companies suspected some sort of fraud and put a freeze on them.”
“It happens,” Nikki said. “More often than you think. She doesn’t look happy.”
Liz paced, waving her hands in the air, an aggravated look on her face. The pacing continued for long moments. She tapped the screen and started a new round of pacing. Finally, she returned. “The stupid credit card companies thought the charges were fraudulent and froze my accounts.”
“Allof them?”
Liz heaved a heavy sigh. “Unfortunately, it appears I maxed out more of them than I realized.”
“You can add the charges to my account,” Gloria said. “And pay me back when we get home.”
“I spoke to a manager and explained the charges are legit. The Centurion card, as well as the original one, should be good to go.” Liz handed her the black card again.
Millie held her breath, watching as Nikki ran it through the machine a second time. “It cleared.”
“Problem solved,” Liz smugly replied. “I gave the manager a stern lecture. You won’t have another issue with the charges.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Rasmussen, and I’m sorry for having to wake you from your nap.”
“Liz is fine.” Gloria nudged her arm. “She needs to get outdoors and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air.”
“What are you two up to?” Liz slid her wallet back inside her purse.
“Actually…” Millie tapped her scheduler app. “I need to come up with an activity to replace the illusionist who is still down with the flu.”
“I’m good at brainstorming,” Gloria said. “How soon do you need the idea?”
“Like yesterday. Let’s go to my office and make a pot of coffee to get the creative juices flowing.”
“I’ve been known to come up with an idea or two,” Liz said. “Where are Lucy, Dot, Margaret and Ruth?”
“I’ll find out.” Gloria sent a group text to her friends.
