Page 5 of The Cruise Club

Carmen couldn’t help but think that Peter might regret his warm welcome as she admired the charming Greek-style buildings and local shops. Betty would undoubtedly monopolise the purser’s time, to ensure that she got her money’s worth throughout the cruise. But Carmen was determined that nothing would dampen her own enthusiasm. This was her opportunity to meet Ruskin Reeve, and she intended to enjoy the amazing holiday. As the port came into view, she gazed at the bustling harbourfront and vowed to make the most of everything.

The coach stopped, and excited passengers pointed to the ship that rose majestically from the Ionian Sea, its bow painted navy with a regal gold stripe.

‘Because of its size, theDiamond Starcan dock port side,’ Peter explained, ‘unlike larger cruise ships berthed some distance away.’

Carmen could see that a walkway was carpeted in red, and a band was playing. Nervously, she wondered if Ruskin Reeve was already on the ship.

It’s finally happening!

Soon, she would meet her idol. The thought of meeting the author she’d admired for years, filled Carmen with an indescribable excitement. Memories of standing in the rainearly morning as they waited to board their flight, and Betty’s constant complaints and rudeness to the airline staff, were forgotten. In the golden Greek sunlight, theDiamond Starlooked like a floating palace, and Carmen would soon be stepping on board.

‘CARMEN!’ Betty’s voice drew the attention of everyone around. ‘Stop daydreaming at the back and give your poor old mother a helping hand.’

But Carmen’s poor old mother had already made her way down the steps of the coach and was poking towards Peter with her cane.

Peter held a clipboard and checked his list of names. ‘Ah, you must be Mrs Elizabeth Cunningham, accompanied by your daughter, Carmen?’ He smiled at Betty.

‘I’m glad you know who I am,’ Betty snapped. ‘Now find my wheelchair, young man; my daughter will be assisting me.’

Fully aware that crew members were waiting to help any passengers who needed assistance, Carmen wondered if she should hide. But Betty was making a fuss, and the only way to quieten her down and avoid a scene, would be to do what she was told.

‘I’m sorry but Mother insisted on sitting at the front,’ Carmen began as Peter, head and shoulders above the crowd, came forward to greet her. ‘I’m afraid I got stuck at the back.’

Flustered, she slung her bag onto her shoulder, then attempted to straighten the creases from her cotton trousers. Her T-shirt felt damp in the heat and clung, and Carmen wished she’d worn something cool, gorgeous and flowing,like many of the glamorous passengers who were making their way to the ship.

‘Don’t worry, Ms Cunningham, or may I call you Carmen,’ he said, ‘such a beautiful name. I love the opera, don’t you?’

Before Carmen had time to reply, Peter instructed a co-worker to help Betty into her chair and deaf to her protest, wheeled her to a linen-covered table where smiling uniformed servers were handing out drinks.

‘Why don’t you help yourself to refreshments,’ Peter instructed as a server handed Carmen a cleansing hand towel while another offered champagne.

Carmen held the chilled flute and sipped.

The first taste was cold and delicious, and she felt a temporary release of the stress that lay on her shoulders.This stuff should be on prescription!Carmen asked for a refill.

For a moment, she forgot about her mother and let her mind drift to the turquoise water, sun-drenched coastline, and all the charming places she was about to explore. She visualised sitting close to Ruskin Reeve to listen to carefully chosen words of wisdom that would inspire and enable infinite possibilities in her writing. Reflecting on the adventure ahead, Carmen smiled. She was on the verge of an unforgettable journey!

‘CARMEN!’ Betty’s voice screeched and Carmen’s happy spell was broken. ‘Don’t stand daydreaming all day. Come and help your mother!’

Carmen turned to see the co-worker in charge of Betty shake their head and, with a shrug, walk away from thewheelchair. She wondered what Betty had said to cause upset. Finishing her drink, Carmen knew that she must get Betty settled in her room. If only she had the courage to throw away the key!

‘Make sure you handle me with care!’ Betty bossed.

Carmen contemplated breaking into a run and releasing Betty into the sea. But the thought of her mother’s indignant shrieks echoing across the lagoon made Carmen grip the handles tighter. ‘Relax, Mum, we’re nearly there,’ she said as they entered the ship, ‘you’ll soon be safe and sound onboard.’

‘About time and not a moment too soon,’ Betty grumbled impatiently. ‘My arthritis is playing up and my cabin had better be to my liking.’

‘I’m sure it will be perfect,’ Carmen soothed.

With a wistful smile to Peter, who was helping check passengers in, Carmen made a mental note to order champagne from room service as soon as she’d unpacked.

Peter gave an understanding look. ‘Don’t worry,’ he whispered, ‘there are plenty of group activities for your mother. We call them the Golden Oldies Gang. You’ll have lots of time to yourself.’

Carmen wanted to hug Peter. Perhaps the purser might ensure that the Mysteries of the Mediterranean cruise would be magical for Carmen after all.

Chapter Four

On the balcony of a suite on theDiamond Star, Fran Cartwright smiled as she held the rail and watched weary travellers disembarking from airport coaches. Greeted by cruise line staff, they stood in the warm sunshine, sipping complimentary drinks as they awaited to board the ship.

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