Page 3 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
As they drew closer, it dawned on Millie what the commotion was all about. “What in the world?”
Chapter 2
A woman sporting a hat that resembled an ear of corn waltzed onto the ship. Following behind were even more corn hats, one right after the other. “These must be the Belly Busters.”
“Where are the contestants from?” Danielle whispered under her breath.
“Their headquarters is in Nebraska, home of the Cornhuskers.” The ears of corn bobbed back and forth, and as the women drew closer, Millie noticed they were made of sturdy Styrofoam. “They’re clever attention-grabbers, I’ll give them that.”
The women gathered for a group photo near the railing overlooking the grand atrium, blocking the flow of oncoming passengers. “They’re in the way.” Millie approached the group and introduced herself. “Welcome to Siren of the Seas.”
The woman taking the photo spun around. “Thank you. We’re excited to be here.” She straightened her hat and held out her hand. “I’m Dixie the Destroyer.”
“Part of the Belly Busters group,” Millie guessed.
“Yes, ma’am.” She squared her shoulders. “I’m the reigning champ and plan to keep my title, adding one more trophy to my case.”
A corn hatter muscled her way past Dixie, nudging her to the side. “Not so fast, Destroyer. The title is mine this year.”
Dixie scowled. “Wait your turn, Wolf.”
“Wolfette to you,” the woman haughtily replied. She held out her hand. “I’m Wendy, a member of the Belly Busters, too, and soon-to-be new champ.”
Millie shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. As I told your…teammate, I’m Millie Armati, the ship’s cruise director.” She introduced Danielle. “We have a lot of fun events planned for your group.”
“Most of which involves eating.” She playfully flexed her muscles. “Chowing down and beefing up.”
“We’re thrilled to have you on board our ship,” Millie said. “Unfortunately, your group is holding up the line. Would you be so kind as to move to another location out of the flow of traffic?”
“Oh, sure. Sorry about that. I didn’t realize we were in the way.”
“No worries.” Millie watched as they circled the bank of elevators and took the main stairs one level down, making their way to the center bar. “Well? What do you think?”
“They’re a competitive bunch,” Danielle said. “I’m trying to figure out how they all stay so skinny.”
“I was wondering the same thing.” Millie pulled up her scheduling app and tapped on the Belly Buster’s events. “They have food training exercises planned every single day.”
“I noticed you put me in charge of some of them.”
“You and Felix.” Millie clicked away, watching as Dixie frantically motioned to another woman. “I wonder which one is Astrid, the Amerifinest Foods’ host for this fun-filled foodie cruise.”
“Amerifinest Foods, the big food conglomerate that sells everything from chili to cheesecake?”
“Yep. They sponsored the cruise as a promotional gig. It’s ingenious. I guess their plan is to rack up all sorts of free publicity before the big day.”
The conversation ended when another group of passengers approached, wanting to know how to find the lunch buffet. Another hour passed, and the crowds started to dwindle.
Danielle tapped the top of her watch. “It’s time for your first official greeting of the cruise.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” Millie hustled to the sound booth. Grabbing the mic, she started herspiel, one she knew by heart. “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your cruise director, Millie Armati. I would like to officially welcome you to the beautiful Siren of the Seas. Before our ship is allowed to leave port, each of you must watch our mandatory safety briefing, available via Majestic Cruise Lines’ app or on your cabin’s television. After you finish watching the important safety video, please make your way to your assigned muster station.” She wrapped up her speech, rattling off a few of the evening entertainment highlights.
Cameron, the sound technician, waited for her to sign off. “Remember the good old days when we all stood on the deck or sat in the theater with our life vests on while the safety captain droned on and on?”
Millie grinned. “Cheek to cheek, crammed in like sardines in the Florida heat. I like the new way so much better.”
“I guess the lockdown a few years ago brought about a few positive changes.”
“Absolutely. And passengers like it too because they can start their vacation even sooner.” Millie slipped out of the studio and swung by the apartment to grab her miniature Yorkie, Scout.
