Page 2 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“I thought…” Amit turned to Millie. “Did you know?”
She nodded. “I added my two cents and recommendation, as well.”
Annette stepped closer, her expression softening. “You’ve been my right-hand man for many yearsnow and have helped me in so many ways. I would love for you to continue working as my partner, but it isn’t fair to keep you in the position. You deserve this.”
“The promotion and a raise,” Donovan added. “Effective immediately.”
“Speech…speech.” Millie began chanting. The others joined in.
“Thank you very much.” Amit swiped at his eyes, overcome with emotion. “I will do my very best not to let you down. I will make Siren of the Seas’ bakery the best bakery in the Majestic Cruise Lines’ fleet.”
Everyone gathered around, congratulating Amit and patting him on the back. “I had no idea. Bakery chef has always been my dream.”
“Time to cut the cake.” With Annette by his side, Amit passed out generous slices of vanilla cream-filled cake, all the while assuring his friends and co-workers he would always be available to lend a hand when needed.
Nic congratulated him once again. He slipped in next to his wife and whispered in her ear. “You sneaked out early this morning.”
“Turnaround day is always crazy.” She scooched in closer. “Plus, I wanted to get my steps in on the jogging track before it got too hectic. I even had time to admire the mansions on Fisher Island. The Miami port has some of the best views.”
Siren of the Seas had recently returned from its summer in Alaska, and although Millie had enjoyed the change of scenery and rugged beauty, she was thrilled to be in warmer climates, returning to their home port, officially known as “PortMiami.”
Nic’s radio went off. Staff Captain Vitale needed him on the bridge. “Duty calls.”
The others weren’t far behind. Because of the busy port day, the party ended quickly.
Millie lingered, helping Amit cover the leftover cake and place it in the fridge. “So…do I need to call you Chef Amit now?”
“No, Miss Millie. I will always just be Amit.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “I had no idea I was being promoted.”
“You deserve it,” she said sincerely. “It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.”
“Here, here.” Annette made her way over. “Although you won’t be working directly under me, I might need to steal you away a few times during this new cruise. The Belly Busters group has several special meal events scheduled.”
“You’ll be seeing a lot of me,” Millie said. “I’m hosting quite a few of their activities.” As soon as the ship began making the journey south, she’d discovered a group of contestants, the Belly Busters, would be cruising with them. The group was part of a national food-eating competition being held in Miami and sponsored by AmerifinestFoods, one of the largest food companies in North America.
From what Millie could glean, the cruise would be used as a floating training ground for the upcoming competition. It was actually a clever idea. What better way to prepare for an eating competition than on board a cruise ship where food was plentiful and available twenty-four hours a day?
To prepare for their arrival she’d done some research and discovered the competition was garnering a great deal of attention. Millie and her team, including assistant cruise director Danielle, had met to go over the game plan, making sure the Belly Busters got top-notch A+ service.
Intrigued by the idea of the contestants—all women—competing by eating, she was looking forward to meeting them, which reminded her. “Our elite passengers are boarding soon. I need to head to the gangway.”
Taking the quickest route to the atrium, she arrived to find Danielle already there. “Hey, Millie. Thanks for inviting me to Amit’s surprise promotion party.”
“You’re welcome. You sneaked out.”
“I had a couple of errands to run.” Danielle tapped the top of her radio. “Suharto radioed to let me know the VIPs are on their way.”
Millie straightened the lapel of her jacket, beaming from ear to ear. It was one of her favorite times of the week. She loved to see the expressions on the passengers’ faces, the excitement in their eyes when they finally stepped on board the ship knowing their vacation was just getting started.
Although Majestic Cruise Lines worked hard to ensure the boarding process was as seamless as possible, there was no avoiding the stress and occasional chaos—unloading luggage, handing it off to the porters, being herded through security, bags and belongings all checked.
While the ship’s crew skipped the long lines passengers were forced to endure, she had been on hand to observe the process and knew the employees worked hard to help the boarding passengers complete the process as quickly as possible.
The first wave appeared, many of whom Millie greeted by name. Up next were suite guests, followed by boarding groups. The process appeared to be going smoothly, like clockwork, until the line came to a screeching halt.
Danielle nudged her. “Something is going on.”
Loud voices echoed from the entrance to the boarding bridge, a glass enclosure linking the terminal to the Siren of the Seas. Suharto appeared, followed by a group of passengers, all women.
