Page 46 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“Right? If this doesn’t make them feel special, I don’t know what will.” Brenda reached inside a bag and removed a miniature painting of a pond with a wooden bridge crossing over it.
“This is pretty.”
“Claude Monet’s The Water Lily Pond. I find it both tranquil and soothing.”
“I’m sure the VIPs will like it.”
“The miniature is only the beginning.” Brenda removed a small glass jar and held it up. The liquid gold contents glimmered under the gallery’s lights. “L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, guaranteed to smooth any wrinkle on your face. It’s a bargain at a hundred and twenty bucks for an ounce and a half.”
Millie made a choking sound. “Seriously?”
“Donovan gave us his marching orders, to pamper our elites, and that's precisely what I'm doing.” Brenda set the jar aside and showed her a decadent cookie wrapped in silver paper, with a gold satin ribbon tied at the top. “Amit and his new bakery team whipped up these gourmet cookies.”
“They look yummy.” Millie’s mouth watered. “What’s in them?”
“Caramel cream, made with bits of toffee, dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter and buttery pecans.”
“It’s almost too pretty to eat.”
“I bet they’re worth every calorie.” Brenda licked her lips. “I’m not sure if you noticed, but a fresh selection of art pieces is on display. The elites will be the first to preview our new offerings.”
“You outdid yourself,” Millie said. “If this doesn’t feel like pampering, I don’t know what will.”
The staff arranged the final table of treats right before the special guests started to trickle in—an equal mix of men and women, couples, singles, along with a family of five who had recently reached the elite status.
Millie mingled, chatting with many of them who were like old friends, having traveled with the VIPs for years, meeting their families, learning about their lives and gathering valuable feedback.
A familiar figure glided across the room where Millie stood admiring a replica of another Monet work of art.
“Aliviah,” Millie beamed. “How are you?”
“Getting older by the minute,” she quipped. “You’re looking tanned and trim, my dear.”
Millie patted her hips. “It hasn’t been easy. I dined on some delicious dishes while we ambled around Alaska.”
Aliviah waved a jeweled hand. “I haven’t visited the Last Frontier in ages. The flights and layovers are what stop me.”
“It’s a long haul if you’re flying from Florida.” Millie changed the subject. “I was thinking about you the other day, remembering how you mentioned bringing your family on a voyage this year.”
“It’s in the works.” Aliviah winked. “I’ve secured the cabins, an all-expenses paid trip for my family and close friends.”
“I can’t wait to meet them.”
Brenda, who was standing nearby, handed Aliviah a goody bag.
“What a beautiful bag. Thank you.” The elderly woman peeked inside, oohing and aahing over the selection. “You have truly spoiled us rotten.”
Brenda licked her finger and jotted it in the air. “Mission accomplished.”
A passenger appeared, inquiring about the golden bag of goodies. Brenda hurried off to grab more bags, leaving Millie and Aliviah alone once again.
“Rumor has it you have your hands full on this voyage.”
“We have a few rambunctious groups.”
“The infamous Belly Busters from Nebraska are at the top of the list, I’m sure.”
“Between you and me, yes.”
