“What’s wrong with bingo?” Liz argued. “I love it.”
“More like become obsessed with it.”
Floyd, Liz’s new husband, was loaded, having made a boatload of money from selling mineral and natural gas rights on his property. Not long after, he’d fallen head over heels in love with her. To be blunt, he spoiled Liz rotten, including moving her into an exquisite country estate, albeit only after completing extensive renovations to bring it up to the new Mrs. Rasmussen’s standards.
Liz had gone from being penniless to becoming one of the richest women in West Michigan. Floyd, a man who had spent most of his years living a modest life, had met the one woman who could help him part with his windfall.
The couple was the epitome of opposites attracting. Floyd would be perfectly content living in a shack on his farm. Meanwhile, Liz desired all the creature comforts and high-end accoutrements her husband’s money could buy.
How had Liz become preoccupied with bingo? Gloria had no idea, but at least the obsession sounded a lot less dangerous than sports or online betting.
Liz scrambled to her feet. “The welcome bingo session begins in twenty minutes.” She snatched her keycard off the coffee table and hurried to the door. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
Millie waited until she was gone. “You weren’t kidding about the obsession part. If I recall correctly, Liz’s new husband is loaded.”
Gloria rubbed her thumb and index finger together. “They’re set for life.”
Millie tapped the top of her watch. “I know you’ve been on board before but thought a refresher tour might be helpful.”
“Lead the way.”
The cousins tracked down Dot, Ruth, Lucy, and Margaret. Starting at the tippy-top of the ship, Millie showed the women around—the spa where Margaret and Dot promptly booked appointments. They toured the fitness center before strolling past the spa’s café, offering light meals and healthy, nutritious snacks.
While they walked, Millie rattled off the day’s events. “I highly recommend seeing the shows.”
“I’m down for shows,” Ruth said.
“Me too,” Lucy said. “I also want some pool time.”
“Which is where we’re headed next.” With Millie in the lead, they trekked to the lido deck.
Steel drums and the festive sounds of Caribbean music wafted in the air. An abundance of loungers, both in the water and lining the sides of the pool deck, invited them to kick back and relax.
Margaret clasped her hands, dreamily eyeing an empty chair. “This is my idea of paradise. As soon as we finish the tour, I’m changing into my swimsuit, grabbing my beach book and soaking up some sun.”
Top to bottom, stem to stern, Millie offered them glimpses of what was in store. She answered questions, mostly from Dot about the dining options.
“What’s your favorite food?” she finally asked.
“Greek, dolmades, tzatziki, gyros.” Dot licked her lips. “Pita chips with a slathering of hummus. My stomach is growling already.”
“We have a wide variety of dishes, guaranteed to tempt even the pickiest of palates.”
“Liz,” Gloria and the others echoed in unison.
“Gotta love Liz,” Millie chuckled. “She hasn’t changed.”
“Speaking of my sister, she’s meeting us on the bridge.”
By the time the women arrived, Liz had beat them and stood waiting at the door.
Millie swiped her keycard and ushered the others inside.
Nic, who was on duty, made his way over. “Welcome back to Siren of the Seas. I trust you enjoyed my wife showing you around?”
“It was our own private behind-the-scenes tour and a nice refresher,” Gloria joked. “We’re super excited about the voyage.”
Liz muscled her way past her sister and held out her hand, batting her eyes at her cousin’s husband. “You’re looking especially dashing, Captain,” she flattered.
