Page 90 of The Cruise Club

‘But in first place…’ Kyle paused, to build the tension. ‘With not only sixteen ducks but she also netted two golden chuckies, our queen of the hunt and winner of our Danny theDiamond StarDolphin is… Betty!’

Everyone clapped as Kyle presented Betty with a tiara-wearing Danny the Dolphin. Sid tossed his cap into the air as Kyle posed beside Betty, and the ship’s photographer snapped away.

‘And that was our final senior splashdown,’ Kyle said sadly, ‘but remember darlings, this isn’t goodbye. It’s just a see-you-later, as I know many of you will be meeting me again on another cruise.’ He stood poolside in a pirouette pose. ‘You’ve all been the sunshine in my day during my time on theDiamond StarMysteries of the Mediterranean cruise. I want you to promise me that you will keep splashing, keep laughing and never let your trivia cards get wet. Go out there and show the world that you seniors know how to make waves!’

To the sound of applause, Kyle blew a kiss to the crowd, then spun on his sliders and strutted towards the bar.

‘We’d better rescue Betty.’ Carmen saw her mother grappling with her safety strap.

‘Don’t worry, I’ve got it,’ Theo said, ‘it was me who fastened her in.’

Theo sped off to assist Betty as Fran and Sid appeared.

Fran’s hair was wet and clung to her face as she grabbed a towel. ‘Gosh, that was fun,’ she said, rubbing Sid’s back. ‘We don’t get games like that at the Sandcastle Waterpark at home in Blackpool, but I might suggest that they do.’

‘I hear that you’ve been looking after Betty,’ Carmen said. ‘Thank you so much, I’m so grateful for all your help.’

‘Oh, get away with you, it was our pleasure, we’ve all had a wonderful day.’ Fran beamed and gave Carmen a wink, nodding towards Ruskin. ‘But more importantly, I must ask, are you ready for the gala evening and what are you going to wear?’

‘Goodness, I hadn’t really thought about it,’ Carmen said.

‘Well, I need to head off and get ready. I’ve a lot to do.’ Fran ran her fingers through her damp hair and laughed. Are we all going to sit together for our last night?’ She looked at Ruskin, her eyebrows raised.

‘I’d love to join you, if I am invited,’ Ruskin replied and squeezed Carmen’s hand.

‘That’s settled then, Sid will reserve the table.’

As everyone turned to leave the pool, Theo appeared with Betty, now sitting in her chair. She gripped an armrest as the flowers on her cap bobbed as though trying to avoid the storm brewing beneath.

‘Carmen!’ Betty cried out, waving her cane. ‘You’ve abandoned me all day, and the least you can do is help me to my room and get me out of this horrible swimsuit. I look like a slimy slug.’

Carmen took the chair from Theo and gave him a grateful wink. ‘See you all later,’ she said, then turned to Betty and added, ‘Normal service resumed…’

Dicky had enjoyed his day in Cartagena. Still glowing from the success of the Kenny and Dolly show the previous evening, he was happy to escort his lady friend, who’d insisted that they find a jeweller’s shop where she treated Dicky to an emerald signature ring with matching cufflinks. Now as he sat back in his chair in his dressing room with Melody alongside, Dicky showed off his latest acquisitions.

‘Who’s a lucky boy?’ Melody said as she held the ring and watched it sparkle in the lights from her makeup mirror. ‘Emeralds are gorgeous, the birthstone of Taurus.’

‘Correct,’ Dicky said, ‘and as I am born under that sign, I am known to be ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and love.’

‘Taurus is also known to be stubborn and resistant to change, making me think that you won’t pursue this relationship when the cruise ends tomorrow. Was this a goodbye gift?’

‘I am sure it is,’ Dicky said, taking the ring from Melody and placing it on his little finger. But his smile faded and, looking for a distraction, he reached for the call sheet for the evening’s performance.

Melody saw the shift in his mood. ‘What’s wrong, Dicky?’ she asked. ‘You don’t sound so sure about things.’

Dicky glanced up, his eyes meeting Melody’s, and for amoment, there was a flicker of something unspoken between them.

‘It’s okay. I’m Taurean remember, and I’m stubborn,’ he said.

‘Well, stubborn or not, sometimes you need to talk, and you might find that what you want is worth fighting for, even if you must break a few of your own rules along the way.’ She reached for a tube and began to apply her makeup.

‘What are your plans when we leave the ship?’ he asked.

‘I’m looking forward to heading home to Benidorm for a few months, where I can get plenty of work in the clubs. Then, I’m booked to join this ship again for a Christmas cruise in the Canaries.

‘That sounds good,’ Dicky said and forced a smile.

‘And what about you?’

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