Santa Cruise

by Fern Michaels

  Belize City

  The tranquil blue water of Belize glistened in the morning sunlight. Since the water off the port is too shallow for cruise ships, they anchored a few miles offshore. A tender would transport the passengers to the Fort Street Tourist Village, where they would have a dockside view of the colorful open-air shops. The ride usually took about fifteen minutes, giving the passengers ample time to admire the sight of the crystal-clear Caribbean.

  Nina was the first to knock on Frankie’s door. “Good morning.” Nina was beaming.

  “Well, look at you, all glowing and smiling.” Frankie stepped aside to let Nina in.

  “Does it show that much?” Nina was bright and chipper.

  “It does. So?” Frankie emphasized the “so.”

  Mimicking her friend, Nina answered. “So we had a wonderful dinner. We shared our experiences of the day.”

  “And?” Frankie peered at her.

  “And, we took a stroll on the deck and found a quiet place to watch the stars.”

  “Sounds romantic.”

  “It was. It felt like a real date.”

  “Did you tell him you were definitely taking the writing gig?”

  “Not yet. I’m still a little leery about sounding too aggressive. I don’t want him to freak out.”

  “Freak out about what?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Guys. They can be so unpredictable.”

  Frankie chuckled. “And they think we’re unpredictable.”

  “What else did you guys talk about?”

  “Movies, books. Climate change. I usually press him for details about his work. He was involved in the Flint, Michigan, water crisis, going after several sugarcane growers in Florida, and cleaning up a chemical plant in Pennsylvania.”

  “Sounds interesting and complicated.” Frankie was picking out an outfit for the day trip into Belize City.

  Rather than visit more ruins or do any water sports, Rachael, Frankie, and Nina had decided to save their energy for the evening’s festivities. They were going on a historical ride through the original parts of the city, a food-tasting tour of Belizean delights, some leisurely shopping. Rachael was looking forward to listening to some of the street musicians playing Garifuna-style music.

  Rachael and Henry’s crew planned on a few flash mob dances at the five parties, but she didn’t tell her friends. Surprise.

  All had agreed to have dinner together, then decide where to steer themselves as the evening unfolded. Nina and Richard promised to catch up with each other at one of the parties, but they hadn’t decided on a time or place.

  “So it looks like you’ll have someone to kiss at midnight.” Frankie peeked around the closet door.

  “I guess so.” Nina was absorbing the significance of that kiss.

  “Uh-huh.” Frankie smiled. “It’s kinda nice to have a beau.”

  “I wouldn’t call him that, but yes, it’s been nice to spend time with an interesting man who doesn’t make me want to punch him in the face. Or puke,” Nina said, with a guffaw.

  “I would call that progress, my friend.” Frankie laughed with her.

  Nina flopped down on the bed. “I must confess, I feel like I’m back in high school.”

  “Just don’t get caught making out behind a stack of deck chairs. Or get a hickey.” The two women roared out loud. A loud knock rattled the door.

  “Open up! I hear you guys making a rumpus in there.” It was Rachael, coming to fetch her friends. She had Amy in tow.

  “You must be thrilled about your helicopter ride to the Great Blue Hole,” Nina commented.

  “I am elated.” Amy’s enthusiasm was written all over her face and in her body language. If Frankie had let her, Amy would have used the bed as a trampoline.

  Frankie took one last look in the mirror. “Shall we?”

  “We shall,” Rachael responded.

  Once again, the colorful outfits and their buoyant mood gave the impression that they were walking on air. And once again, heads turned as they passed.

  After the tender docked, Amy waved and walked in the direction of the van that had a sign CISCO BASE HELIPORT.

  The others found the advertised air-conditioned van for the historic tour.

  Vendors standing inside and outside their huts were selling everything from beer to conch-shell jewelry to handwoven baskets in the Mayan tradition. It was a cacophony of voices beckoning tourists to buy their wares, several types of music, and the clanging of boats against the dock. Truly a festival in and of itself.

  The women sauntered through the crowd, each feeling confident in her own skin. They boarded the air-conditioned van for the one-hour tour of the former British colonial capital. Sights included the old swing bridge still operated by hand, and St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America. It was a pleasant way to see the city.

  After their jaunt around town, they met a guide whose mission it was to take them to several local cafés, where they would sample salbutes, tiny corn tortillas topped with cabbage, chicken, avocado, and hot sauce. Then on to red beans and rice, followed by stewed chicken. Ceviche and tamales were also on the list, as well as cochinita pibil, soft tortillas stuffed with roasted pork and vegetables. The tour finished with fry jacks, puffed pastries filled with cheese.

  After one more round of the Fort Street Village shops, they would head back. By three o’clock, they were ready to return to the ship and take a nap.

  When they were on the tender, Nina asked, “Why, oh why, did we sign up for that six-course dinner at Remy tonight?”

  Frankie laughed. “We’re having a gastronomical kind of day.”

  Rachael patted her stomach. “Oy. I don’t know if I can shove anything else into my mouth.”

  “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. The reservation isn’t until seven thirty. Dinner should take about two hours. Then we can hit the parties,” Frankie said.

  Fifteen minutes later, they were back on the Medallion of the Seas. “I am beat,” Nina remarked, as she slipped the keycard into her door.

  “That makes two of us,” Frankie echoed.

  “Nap time. See you in a bit.” Nina gave Frankie and Rachael a two-finger salute.

  “Ciao for now,” said Frankie, returning the salute.

  “Sweet dreams.”

  Amy was still on her helicopter tour and wouldn’t be getting back until almost five.

  * * *

  By six, the three women had regrouped and were getting ready for dinner when Amy banged on everyone’s door to share the photos she had taken of the spectacular Great Blue Hole. She shared the information she had acquired. The Great Blue Hole was a massive sinkhole, hundreds of feet deep, with small stalactites. Jacques Cousteau thought it could be considered one of the wonders of the world. There was evidence that the Mayans had visited it frequently, but to what extent and why was still a mystery. In 2018, a research group had ventured below to levels no one had gone before and discovered a thick layer of toxic hydrogen sulfide, like a blanket, floating across the entire width of the hole. Amy could not contain her excitement. It had been a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

  “This has been some kind of trip for you, hasn’t it?” Rachael said.

  “Yeah. Seriously. First my dad, then a day with my dad wading through caves. And tomorrow I’m going to the stingray farm. Whew. I’m going to need a vacation after all this.”

  “Let’s not forget your job interview,” Frankie added.

  “Right. I got an e-mail from the head of human resources, but I couldn’t open the attachment on my phone.”

  “Don’t you think it’s kind of important?” Nina asked.

  “To be honest, I’m worried they’ll cancel the interview.” Amy looked distressed.

  “I doubt that will happen. Why don’t you ask the concierge to arrange for the business office to print it out for you? You can access your e-mail from one of their computers,” Frankie suggested.

  “Splendid idea.” Amy hesitated. “Will
you come with me just in case it’s bad news?”

  “Sure,” Frankie answered. “Let’s do it now, then I’ll come back and finish getting dressed. We’re going to have a big night tonight.” She raised her eyebrows.

  Frankie checked the schematic of the ship and located the business office. She picked up the phone to see if they were still open and if they could accommodate their request. The answer was “yes” to both. They scurried out the door, running into Peter in the hallway. He flattened himself against the wall as if he were avoiding being trampled. Frankie shouted, “We’ll catch up with you later.”

  Amy was visibly shaken by the time they reached the office. Frankie put her hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure it’s going to be fine.”

  The office manager showed Amy to a standing desk, where she could log in to her e-mail. She downloaded it and froze in her seat. She read aloud. “Dear Ms. Blanchard. Upon reviewing your application, résumé, experience, and the letters of recommendation, we find that an additional interview will not be required.” Amy’s heart sank, and she looked away from the screen, trying to hold back the tears.

  “Wait,” Frankie called out. “It goes on to say, Therefore, we would be pleased if you would consider accepting the position of associate professor at our institution beginning with the fall semester. Kindly contact Dean Whittier to schedule a development meeting. We look forward to seeing you. Kind regards, Mildred Crenshaw, Director of Human Resources. P.S. A hard copy of this letter is being sent via FedEx to your home. Oh my goodness, Amy.” Frankie started jumping up and down.

  It still hadn’t sunk into Amy’s head. Frankie hit the PRINT button. In a matter of seconds, the letter flipped into the exit tray. Frankie pulled it out and put it close to Amy’s face. “See?”

  Amy’s hands were trembling. “For real?” She was absolutely incredulous.

  “For real, baby girl. Come on. We need to tell the others.”

  Frankie and Amy stopped long enough to print a second copy for Amy’s father and to thank the office manager for staying open a few extra minutes. She yelled, “Congratulations. Happy New Year!” to the back of Amy’s and Frankie’s heads as they rushed out the door.

  They were practically skipping back to their staterooms when Amy spotted her father going into one of the lounges. “Dad!” Several men turned around. “William Blanchard.” He stopped short. Amy ran up to him. “Dad, I got the position at MIT! I’m moving back East! I’ll only be a three-hour train ride away.”

  “That’s wonderful news, honey.” He picked her up and swung her around as he had when she was a little girl. “Have you told your mother?”

  “Not yet. I literally found out only five minutes ago.” Amy was out of breath. “But I’m going to call her in a little while.”

  “Sweetheart, I am so proud of you. Come to think of it, I’ve always been proud of you.” He had a great big grin on his face.

  Amy and Frankie were cackling all the way back to their staterooms. Nina opened her door, and Rachael followed.

  The four women were jumping up and down when Peter walked out of his stateroom. “What’s all the commotion about?” he asked, with a smile.

  “Amy is moving back East. She’s joining the faculty at MIT.” Rachael whooped.

  “That’s wonderful news.” Peter was genuinely surprised and happy. “We’ll kinda be neighbors. About-an-hour-away neighbors.”

  “Excellent. You’ll get to meet Blinky and Hop-Along.” Amy was elated. She would have friends and family within a few hours’ reach. “Are you going to hang out with us for the parties tonight?”

  “I thought you’d never ask,” Peter said cheerfully. “Where shall we start?”

  “Let’s meet at Margaritaville first. Nine thirty,” Rachael said, knowing that was where the first flash-mob dance was taking place. She was also planning on directing everyone to the various parties so they could watch the fun Henry had planned with his students.

  “Got it.” Peter was happy to be joining the hilarious bunch of women for the festivities. He couldn’t think of a livelier group to ring in the New Year. “What is the dress code for this evening?”

  “Good question. There are five themes, but I don’t think we need to dress for any of them. Who carries a shotgun and travels with a horse besides Walt Longmire?” Frankie mused.

  “Who is Walt Longmire?” Rachael looked perplexed.

  “A handsome contemporary sheriff in Wyoming.” Frankie folded her arms. “Get with the program. It’s a huge hit on Netflix, based on the books by Craig Johnson.”

  “Of course you would know that.” Rachael pouted.

  “I would have said Gene Autry, but I didn’t think anyone would know who he was.” Frankie chuckled.

  Peter laughed. “You mean the singing cowboy?” All four women gave him a stare. “Oh come on, you’ve heard ‘Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ right?”

  “Of course,” Rachael chimed in.

  “There you go.” Peter winked. “I’ll catch up with you gals later.” He turned and whistled the familiar tune on his way to his stateroom.

  The four women retreated to their staterooms to begin their beauty routines for the evening. They decided they would be dressy but casual. Frankie opted for the black sheath, but this time she added several strands of long pearls. Nina decided to wear a long black pencil skirt with a white halter top, accessorized with black-and-white earrings, her hair wrapped up in a black-and-white double-twisted headband. Amy chose a black-and-white swing skirt with a tulle hem that matched the sleeves and cuffs of her cropped jacket. Rachael was also in black, as were her coconspirator dancers. Henry had arranged for props for them for the different flash-mob surprises. Rachael was proud of herself for not spilling the beans.

  The word “enthusiasm” could not cover Amy’s delight over being offered a professorship at MIT. She called her mother immediately.

  “Mom?” Amy was practically out of breath.

  “Dear, is everything all right? You sound out of breath. And why on earth are you calling me from the ship?”

  “Mom, I have fantastic news. I got the position at MIT. I’m moving back East this summer to start the fall semester.”

  “Oh my goodness. That is wonderful news. What a nice way to ring in the New Year. I am very proud of you.”

  “That’s what Dad said.” Amy realized her gaffe.

  “You spoke to him already?” Dorothy sounded disappointed that Amy hadn’t called her first.

  “It’s a long story, Mom. Let’s focus on the good news.” Amy immediately changed the subject. “So what are your plans for tonight?”

  “Well, darling, I am going to the dinner dance at the club.” She hesitated. “With Lloyd.”

  “Really, Mom? That’s terrific.” Amy could hardly keep her wits about her. “Lots of good news today.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way, dear. Lloyd is a very nice, interesting man. We have a lot in common.” Dorothy was almost apologetic.

  “I am very happy for you, Mom. Truly.”

  “And I am happy you feel that way. I know you weren’t a fan of Rusty’s.” Dorothy cleared her throat. “I hope you understand why I was attracted to him?”

  “Yes, Mom, I do. But you mentioned you had some sort of disagreement?”

  “It’s not worth discussing, dear.”

  “And I am happy you moved on.” Amy paused. “Do you mind telling me what you meant by Lloyd gave you a lot to think about?”

  “That’s for a sit-down conversation, dear. Now I must be going. You have a wonderful New Year’s Eve.”

  “You do the same, Moth . . .” Amy caught herself. “Mom!”

  * * *

  Around seven fifteen, the women gathered in the hallway. Amy could barely contain herself, gabbing about her mother’s date with Lloyd. The other women were pleasantly surprised. Those who had met Rusty were of the same opinion as Amy. And they all liked Lloyd.

  They began their parade down the hallway as if they were on the
catwalk of a fashion show. Peter was leaving his stateroom at the same time and whistled the famous catcall. None of them turned around. They simply gave him a backward wave. Henry couldn’t have choreographed it any better.

  Dinner at Remy was sumptuous. Even though there were six courses, they were not full-size portions. They started with a potato leek soup. Next were two chilled jumbo shrimp in a light chili sauce, followed by a small leafy salad with cranberries and honey-roasted almonds. The single grilled lamb chop was served with four roasted fingerling potatoes. The final dish was bite-size pieces of swordfish in a lemon-and-pepper sauce. For dessert, a small chocolate souf-flé was served. Four glasses of champagne were brought to the table, “Compliments of Richard Cooper.” Everyone made cooing sounds of appreciation.

  The clock was ticking, and Rachael had to make sure she was at her appointed station by nine thirty. She didn’t want to seem too obvious or overanxious. So she tried a different approach. “Shall we stroll on over to Margaritaville?” She figured “stroll” was passive enough not to sound noticeable but enough to hurry them along.

  They got to the deck hosting Margaritaville. The entire waitstaff was wearing brightly colored Hawaiian shirts, and tiki bars were all around the perimeter of the pool. Rachael caught Henry’s eye. He nodded. Another woman walked up to her and handed her a small stuffed parrot attached to a headband. In less than five minutes, the opening notes of Jimmy Buffett’s song “Saxophones” blasted over the speakers. Eighteen parrot-headed dancers began their flash-mob dance. The place thundered with laughter, hoots, and applause. The dance troupe was becoming a passenger favorite.

  When the song was over, Frankie approached Rachael. “I’m willing to bet you have something planned for all the parties.”

  “Shhh . . .” Rachael put her finger on her lips. “I’ve got to get moving to the next one. Don’t tell anybody.”

  “Heck, I’m following you. I don’t want to miss any of it.” Frankie motioned for Amy to follow. Amy grabbed Peter’s arm and dragged him in Frankie’s direction, at the same time giving Nina and Richard a wide-eyed “come on” look.

  The entourage made their way to the second deck, where the country-music theme was jumping. Just as at the previous party, Henry caught the eyes of his dancers. Each was given a cowboy hat. Minutes later, the sound of an accelerating pickup truck introduced major drumrolls, and the sound of a slide guitar blasted over the speakers. It was a recording of Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and the dancers hopped and bopped the official Boot Scootin’ line dance. Again, the crowd went crazy, and several other passengers joined them. By the time the song was over, there were over two dozen people kicking up their heels. Mission accomplished.