Page 19 of Waylaid in Whittier

She shook her head, giving him the “I’ll fill you in later” look.

Reaching the apartment, she eased the door open.

Scout scampered down the hall to greet them. The pup trampled over Millie’s foot. Curious about their guest, he promptly trotted over to her.

Kendra scooped him up. The pup wiggled and squirmed, his small pink tongue licking her chin.

“He’s adorable.” The young crewmember smiled for the first time since Millie had found her.

“Scout loves attention.” She could see the change in the woman’s demeanor, her expression, and she knew she’d made the right decision in bringing her home.

With snuggles and cuddles out of the way, Kendra and Scout played catch on the balcony while Millie fixed two cups of tea and carried them out.

“Thank you for letting me visit Scout,” Kendra said. “I feel better already.”

“You’re welcome.” Millie perched on the edge of the chair, eyeing the woman over the rim of her cup. “I’m sorry the ship’s computers aren’t cooperating. I brought you here to see Scout, but also for another reason.”

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Kendra’s face. “Another reason?”

“To use my computer to FaceTime your family.”

Her eyes grew round as saucers. “Y-you want me to use your computer? But I…I don’t. You don’t…”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” Millie waited for them to finish their tea and led Kendra back inside.

In no time, she had logged onto the site, entered Kendra’s information, and connected the call. At first, it looked as if her family wasn’t available.

But suddenly the “Starlink clouds” parted and Kendra received a response on the other end. Within seconds, an image of a woman who looked like an older version of Kendra appeared.

“Kendra. It is you. You have gotten the computer to work,” the woman exclaimed.

“Mama!” Kendra patted Millie’s arm. “I’m using the cruise director’s computer. I’m at her home.”

“The cruise director?”

Millie leaned in and waved hello. “It’s nice to meet you, Kendra’s mama. I’ll give you a chance to catch up.”

“Thank you, Millie.” Kendra’s eyes glistened with tears. Not tears of sadness, but of joy and gratitude.

“You’re welcome.” Millie refilled her teacup, and she and Scout slipped out onto the balcony. While she waited, she sent Cat a text letting her know Kendra was speaking with her family and she was almost positive she would be returning to work soon, in much better spirits.

Millie had almost finished her tea when the slider opened. A smiling Kendra appeared. “I’m done using FaceTime.”

She turned, giving the woman her full attention. “Did you have a nice chat?”

“I can’t tell you how much it meant to see my mama’s face, to hear her voice and have her see me.” Kendra blinked rapidly. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea what it meant to see her just now.”

“I think I do. One thing to remember is that we’ve all been where you are, feeling sad and lonely, missing our families back home. It’s only natural.”

“You’re right. Mama said she is happy for me to be here, to make friends and visit places I wouldn’t otherwise get to see.”

“Do it while you’re young.” Millie downed the rest of her tea and stood. “Are you ready to head back to work?”

“I am.” Kendra impulsively hugged Millie, her slender shoulders trembling. “This is the best day I’ve had since I got on board, thanks to you.”

Millie hugged her back. “Why don’t you freshen up in the bathroom and I’ll take you back to the gift shop?”

As soon as Kendra was done, Millie escorted her to Ocean Treasures. She gave Cat a friendly wave and watched as the woman hurried to join her.

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