“As luck would have it, we’re hosting a spa event.” Millie stopped by the gift shop to grab a handful of charms before climbing the stairs to the spa deck.
Camille, the manager, stood at the counter, a warm smile on her face when she saw them strolling toward her. “You’re right on time.”
“Thanks. You’ll be proud of me. I didn’t forget to grab a handful of these little gems.” Millie dangled a packaged charm. “I got a little sidetracked. We stopped by Donovan Sweeney’s office to ask about disgruntled passengers or if he knew of anyone with a chip on their shoulder.”
“Chip as in vandalizing the ship?” Camille quipped.
“Correct.”
“Patterson was already here this morning. He took pictures of the fitness center’s damage.”
A flurry of excited voices filled the corridor. Their special guests arrived, ending the conversation.
Millie stepped forward to greet them. “Thank you for joining Camille and me for the pampering party.”
Camille grabbed the tray of champagne flutes and passed them out. “Louis Roederer for those of you with discerning palates.”
While the women mixed and mingled, Millie worked her way around the room, passing out the limited-edition charms—a sterling silver Siren of the Seas replica with a sapphire gemstone at the stern of the ship.
“Who designed these?”
“Me,” Millie said.
“How precious,” the woman gushed, holding the charm so it sparkled under the LED lights. “You are so clever, Millie.”
“She’s a gem,” another guest chimed in. “So thoughtful and sweet.”
The guests finished sipping their champagne before being escorted to the various spa rooms in the back.
Millie, with Gloria by her side, made their rounds, offering snacks and delivering gift baskets overflowing with goodies—samples of spa products ranging from bath bombs to fuzzy fur slippers.
Soft music, fragrant aroma, hushed voices. The spa event was a world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy ship…a quieter pace in a relaxed, tranquil setting.
The event ended and before Millie knew it, she stood at the spa’s entrance, hugging her VIPs, many of them she considered friends.
Gloria stood by her side until the very last guest left. “This is my favorite hosting event so far.”
“Isn’t it fabulous?” Millie held up her hands. “The mini mani was the icing on the cake.”
“My hands haven’t felt this smooth in years.”
Camille finished ringing up a purchase. She handed the bag and receipt to the customer before joining Millie and Gloria. “I swear these pampering events get better and better.”
“Based on the feedback, it’s number one.” Millie handed Camille a charm. “I didn’t forget you. This is for your collection.”
“Thanks. I wasn’t going to ask.” Camille promptly added it to her bracelet. “Where are you headed next?”
“To check in with Dave Patterson.”
“Before you go, I’ve been thinking about our earlier conversation and the vandalism,” Camille said.
“What about it?”
“Something I noticed that might tickle your sleuthing brain.”
“A clue?” Gloria asked.
“Possibly. Follow me.”
