Page 9 of The Cruise Club

Ten minutes later, Dicky stepped on stage in the Neptune Theatre and made himself known to the choreographer of theDiamond StarDance Troupe. Aware that he would work his act into the various song and dance routines and, having performed a zillion times with similar performances throughout his career, Dicky felt confident.

‘Who’s the headline singer?’ he asked as he studied the show schedule.

‘Melody Moon,’ the choreographer replied, ‘have you met her?’

‘No, not had the pleasure.’ Dicky studied the singer’s songs for the evening show.

‘She’s just finished rehearsing and you’ll find her in the dressing room you’re both sharing.’

Dicky sighed. Gone were the days when he had his own dressing room. Regardless of gender, artists had to muck in, and he hoped the shared facilities would be more spacious than his box-like cabin.

Walking through the backstage area, Dicky wandered along an access corridor until he came to a door labelledMelody Moon & Dicky Delaney. Bristling that Melody’s name came before his own, Dicky reached for the handle and stepped in.

To his surprise, the dressing room was generous. Newly carpeted and with a long counter against one wall, two comfortable swivel chairs sat before well-lit mirrors. A display of products was arranged on one side, and Dicky was delighted to see primers, concealers and bronzers of every shade and colour. His late-night shadows would soon fade with a dab or two of Melody’s expensive cosmetics.

Dicky was about to reach out for Melody’s professional stage makeup when he heard a toilet flush and a door in the corner of the room open. Turning to greet Melody, he was surprised to see a man in a silk dressing gown enter the room and walk past rails of glitzy outfits.

‘Hello,’ Dicky began, ‘I’m Dicky Delaney.’

‘Hello,’ the man said and sat down.

Dicky noticed a faint trace of lipstick on his lips, and his eyes were lined with kohl.

‘Er, I was hoping to meet Melody,’ Dicky said, ‘do you know where she is?’

‘I’m Melody,’ the man replied. ‘But don’t worry, my heels are higher than your expectations,’ he added.

‘You’reMelody?’ Dicky’s jaw dropped.

‘It’s all. right, I don’t often bite.’ Melody shrugged.

Dicky quickly composed himself. He suddenly felt embarrassed. It wasn’t as though he’d never met a drag artist before; the Spanish Costas were full of bars and clubs where he’d worked alongside numerous Zaras, Serenas, and Lolas. In fact, they’d been some of his most enjoyable gigs. But Dicky was taken aback that an old-fashioned company like the Diamond Star Line was moving forward with the times. He was delighted that they’d embraced inclusivity by introducing a drag act into its traditional stage show.

‘I’m pleased to meet you, Melody,’ Dicky said and held out his hand.

‘I wouldn’t be too pleased,’ Melody said. Ignoring Dicky’s hand, she took a cotton wool ball and slathered it with cream. ‘I’m the headline act around here, so don’t forget it.’ Melody wiped at her skin and leaned into the mirror.

Dicky bristled. If that’s how Melody wanted things to play out, she’d met her match!

‘Well, that remains to be seen.’ Dicky glanced at his watch. ‘The show starts at nine, which means you’ve only five hours to bring your character to life.’ He opened the door and as he stepped out, he retorted, ‘It looks like you’ll need every minute, good luck!’

Chapter Six

Fran was excited as she took Sid’s hand, and they went from their cabin to the Terrace Restaurant. Throughout the day, Peter, the entertainment director, made announcements informing passengers about the Greek evening, encouraging them to dress in the theme, adding that the onboard fancy dress shop had plenty of available options.

As Fran and Sid waited for the lift to take them to the event, a couple wearing matching white togas joined them.

‘I like your outfits,’ Fran said as she noted the silky white gowns, worn off the shoulder and fastened with matching belts adorned with a small pineapple brooch.

‘Good evening,’ the man said. ‘I’m Colin Scott, and this is my wife, Neeta.’

‘I’m Fran and this is my hubby, Sid,’ Fran said, ‘did you join the ship today?’

Fran gazed at Neeta’s cleavage and thought that it dwarfed the Grand Canyon. Studying the woman’s wrinkle-free face and plumped-up lips, she wondered if Neeta’s best friend was a cosmetic surgeon.

‘Yes, we arrived on the Gatwick flight.’ Neeta’s glossy lips bounced like two balloons and as they stepped into the lift, she swirled the hem of her toga, showing a long expanse of tanned thigh. ‘We’re very excited about the cruise,’ she added, flicking her blonde hair to one side. ‘My husband is a retired airline pilot, and cruising is such a welcome change from flying now.’

‘We’re frequent cruisers,’ Colin added proudly. ‘Flying was great, but there’s something about a ship that feels… well, grounded.’ He smiled, clearly pleased with his wit. When he spoke, his teeth gleamed against the glow of his tan.

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