Page 8 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
Sure enough, the owner sent an apologetic note explaining the reason for flagging it and asking the Siren of the Seas’ excursion department to help salvage the reservation. At the very end, Zema assured Isla he was holding the booking until she contacted him.
“The ball is in your court,” Isla said. “The owner is waiting for word. You’ll need to meet with your group and whittle down the list.”
Astrid bit her lower lip, a look of uncertainty on her face. “I can try. Let me make a quick call.”
Isla watched her dart off to the other side of the room, cell phone in hand. “She seems really timid.”
“If you met the women she’s hosting, you would understand why.”
Astrid paced back and forth, her mouth set in a grim line. Finally, the conversation ended. She returned to the desk where Millie and Isla waited.
“What’s the verdict?” Millie asked.
“I’m going to need a vacation after this cruise.”
“You weren’t able to whittle down the tiki hut passenger list?”
“Whittle down might not be the most accurate description. I have some good news and some bad news.”
Chapter 4
“We’ll take the good news first,” Millie said.
“The tiki hut excursion is a go,” Astrid replied.
“Perfect.” Isla’s fingers flew over the keyboard, tapping out a message to Zema, the tiki hut’s owner. “We should hear back shortly.”
“Great.”
“What’s the bad news?” Millie asked.
Astrid’s shoulders slumped. “Dixie, Gail and Wendy are upset.”
“Refresh my memory…who are they?”
“The top three contestants, the three eating queens I’m supposed to keep happy at all costs or it’s…” Astrid made a slicing motion across her neck. “They can make my life pretty miserable.”
“I don’t doubt it for a minute,” Millie said. “Would you like me to explain it to the group?”
She brightened. “Could you?”
“Absolutely. Let’s do it now and get it over with.”
“Hang on.” Isla squinted her eyes. “Zema confirmed. You’re back on for the excursion, scheduled for ten o’clock Monday morning where you’ll meet on the dock in Grand Turk. I’ll have the tickets for your group delivered to your cabin tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much.” Astrid clasped her hands. “This is the best news I’ve had all day.”
“You’re welcome. Make sure your group arrives all together, which is one of the requirements,” Isla said. “Everyone boards at once.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
Millie made a move to follow, and Astrid stopped her. “On second thought, I’ll handle the BellyBusters. I’m going to put my foot down and put an end to their shenanigans.”
“Show them who’s boss.”
Astrid straightened her shoulders, a look of determination on her face. “I need to stop letting them push me around.”
“Good for you.” Millie gave her a thumbs up, saying a small prayer for Astrid as she walked away.
