Page 6 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
Astrid, the mousy woman who had been hovering in the corner, slipped in next to Hannah. “I told you I didn’t think it would fly.”
“Because you didn’t hammer out these important details before we boarded,” Hannah snapped.
“We will accommodate you to the best of our ability, but I want to be clear about what we can and cannot do, so there is no misunderstanding.” Millie held out her hand. “Astrid?”
“Astrid Pace, the event host.”
“Millie Armati, cruise director.” Millie shook her hand. “I was just discussing the extensive request list.”
“Yes…uh. I apologize for Hannah springing it on you. Hopefully, it won’t be a problem.”
“I’ll work on it.” Millie ended the conversation, promising Hannah and Astrid she would do what she could to address the requests, and made her way toward the door.
She heard someone calling her name and turned to find Astrid hurrying toward her. A scowling Hannah stood glued to the spot, uneaten donut in hand, watching Millie.
“I-I’m sorry about Hannah’s rude behavior. She tends to be…passionate about what she feels the Belly Busters need.”
“No need to apologize.” Millie offered her a genuine smile. “I’ll do what I can. Hannah will have to understand that some things won’t be possible.”
“Like hearing that awful song over and over and over.” Astrid rolled her eyes. “Between you and me, I think she likes the song because it hurts everyone else’s ears.”
“I may have heard it a time or two but don’t recall the exact lyrics or tune.” Millie shifted her feet. “You’re the designated host. Perhaps you should remind Hannah who is in charge.”
“Been there. Done that. It goes in one ear and out the other. I just wanted to let you know this isn’t my doing.”
Scout, who had been patiently sitting in the stroller, stuck his front paws on the rail, eager for attention.
“Your little pup is so cute.” Astrid reached out to pet him and hesitated. “Can I pet her?”
“You can. His name is Scout. He’s the Siren of the Seas’ mascot and belongs to Captain Armati and me.”
“I met Captain Armati on my way here. He seems like a nice man.”
Dixie meandered over, eavesdropping on their conversation. She nudged Astrid. “Did you mention our minor issue?”
“What minor issue?”
“Booking the tiki hut excursion.”
“Right. Thank you for the reminder. I completely forgot.” Astrid pressed her hand to her forehead.
“I’m not in charge of ship excursions,” Millie said. “Isla Petersen, the director of shore excursions, can help you.”
Dixie made an unhappy sound. “We already spoke with her. She’s stonewalling us.”
Astrid clasped her hands. “I have some unhappy campers, or in this case, cruisers on my hands. The Grand Turk tiki hut excursion was number one on our list. It was all set, ready to go. Out of the bluetwo days ago, the company cancelled on us. Is there any way you can help us rebook it?”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Millie pulled a notepad and pen from her pocket and jotted down the information. “Give me until tomorrow morning.”
“The sooner the better,” Astrid said. “We’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you, Millie. We have faith you can help us resolve the issue.”
“Like I said, I’ll work on the items I can make happen.”
While the women talked, Danielle appeared. Millie promptly turned the meet and greet over to her, and she and Scout trekked down to the excursions desk. “Is Isla around?”
“She’s on break but should be back any minute.”
“Perfect. I’ll hang around and wait.” Millie and the employee chatted about the upcoming port stops, mentioning the tiki hut excursion the Belly Busters had booked.
