Page 8 of Waylaid in Whittier

Although Millie would miss the majestic beauty, the awe-inspiring nature, not to mention the tranquility of Alaska, she was ready for Siren of the Seas to return to a warmer climate. She missed the festive deck parties, the rhythm of the steel drums, not to mention she couldn’t wait to dig out her favorite sundress and pair of flip-flops.

Stem to stern, top to bottom, Millie and her sidekick Scout traveled, checking in on activities and greeting passengers. Skyler Timmer’s “The Sky’s the Limit” travel blog had stopped featuring Millie and Siren of the Seas, which meant the number of passengers seeking her out had dwindled. She’d even been able to cut back on the number of “meet and greet” events.

Although still honored when passengers tracked her down to tell her how much they enjoyed all the activities on board, Millie was relieved her schedule was returning to normal.

Because of the sea day, it was all hands on deck for the entertainment staff. Bingo, trivia contests, an art auction, and an arts and crafts class. There was even a cooking demonstration in the main galley which is where Millie found herself after dropping Scout off at home.

She stood near the back, watching while Amit and Annette whipped up an authentic Alaskan dish, her stomach grumbling at the tantalizing aroma of garlic wafting in the air.

Because of the early morning safety meeting, she’d missed breakfast and realized she was famished.

“I’ll have my assistant, Amit, show you the finished product and then we’ll get down to the best part of today’s demonstration—taste-testing our baked salmon puff pastry pie.”

Amit opened the oven and removed golden brown piping hot pies. Working as a team, he and Annette sliced and plated the generous portions before handing them out.

Millie waited for the guests to enjoy their treat. The presentation ended. She stood by the door, chatting with a few of the passengers on their way out.

Finally, the galley cleared, and Annette noticed her. “Your timing is impeccable. We have a few slices of baked salmon pie left. Would you care to sample a piece?”

“You betcha.” Millie crossed the room and joined her friends at the counter. For the second time in as many days, she noticed Annette had put on makeup, something she rarely did. “Look at you, all dolled up, wearing lipstick and mascara.” She tilted herhead. “I didn’t notice earlier, but is it my imagination, or is there something different about your hair?”

Annette tugged on her bangs. “I got a few highlights and dug out some of my makeup. There’s nothing wrong with looking nice.”

“Nothing at all.” Millie noted a hint of defensiveness in her friend’s voice and wisely changed the subject. “I see the culinary presentations are as popular as ever.”

“And so are the cooking classes. We haven’t set off the smoke detectors or fire alarms in weeks now,” Amit said proudly.

“Maybe because I haven’t been around to set them off,” Millie joked.

“You do seem to always be right in the thick of any excitement.” Annette laughed. “Speaking of excitement, any word from Sharky and if he was able to smooth things over with Elvira?”

“Not yet.” Millie dug into her piece of pie, savoring the rich flavors of the Alaskan salmon. “This is surprisingly creamy.”

“Because of the heavy cream we added.”

“There’s something else.” Millie sampled another bite. “I’m tasting garlic with a hint of pepper.”

“Turmeric,” Amit and Annette answered in unison.

“Miss Annette is on a healthy kick,” Amit added. “She has learned turmeric is very good for you.”

“It’s heart-healthy, not to mention anti-inflammatory.”

“The perfect combination. Delicious and good for us.” Millie polished off the rest of her piece and scraped the plate clean. “Between this healthy dish and Andy’s snow shower guaranteedto get rid of toxins, I’ve done my good deed to keep my body shipshape.”

“Andy has a snow shower?” Annette leaned her elbows on the counter.

Millie filled them in on the new feature. “I’m not sure how popular it will be. I suppose once we head back south to more tropical climates, we might have a few passengers and maybe even crewmembers eager to try it out.”

“I would like to try a snow shower,” Amit said.

“Swing by the spa when you have some time off and talk to Camille. Tell her Millie promised you could give it a test run.”

“I will do it. Thank you, Miss Millie.”

“You’re welcome.” Her activity app chimed, reminding her it was time to head down to the theater to oversee the headliner show’s practice run. “Your baked salmon pie is the best. If you want my two cents, you should add it to your regular rotation of culinary demonstrations.”

“I think I will.”

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