her compliment.
She sat down, feeling more like herself after her third cup of coffee.
“What time is it, anyway?” she asked. “I wanted to attend the cooking class.” She took a forkful of eggs and a slice of avocado. Chewing, she realized she was hungry and hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon. She took a slice of watermelon from the plate, a banana, and a few strawberries. All good hangover foods, she knew.
“It’s after two,” he said.
“In the afternoon?” She waved her hand in front of her. “Never mind. Of course, it’s afternoon,” she replied, answering her own question. Glancing outside to the balcony, she could tell by the sun’s position that it was midafternoon.
“You missed the class, but they will have another on the return trip. Tonight, there is a dancing contest. It’s always one of the most attended events. You should go.”
“I’m not much of a dancer,” she said. The only rhythm she possessed was in the kitchen.
“As you’ll find, most of the guests aren’t. However, many will lose all inhibition when a bit of alcohol is consumed.”
“That’s not going to be me. I am a teetotaler from here on in,” she said, then realized her mistake. “Possibly a fruity cocktail. I’ll have to get my sea legs before I indulge.” She almost added anymore but caught herself.
“Then I’ll leave you to finish and prepare yourself for tonight. The fun starts at seven o’clock. If there is anything you need,” he said, as he returned his chair beneath the table, “all you have to do is push a button. Enjoy your afternoon, Anna.” He nodded, then returned to wherever he was supposed to be.
“That was fast,” she said to no one.
Her first day at sea was a total flop. Literally. What to do until seven? She left the table, food and all, and returned to the chaise lounge. Unsure if George’s behavior was normal, she reached for the satellite phone extension and dialed Mandy’s cell.
“Hey,” Mandy said, sounding out of breath.
“Hey, back. You okay?” Anna asked.
“Out of shape is what I am. Hang on,” Mandy told her. “Okay, that’s better. I had to sit down. Christina is on a roller coaster. No way was I going with her. She’s fine. I had to trek across the park to the first-aid center. I’ve got blisters the size of golf balls.”
Typical Mandy. “Please tell me you’re not wearing those espadrilles? The ones with the four-inch platforms?”
Mandy didn’t answer.
“You are, aren’t you?”
“I didn’t realize SeaWorld was so . . . hilly.”
“Then go buy yourself a pair of sandals! I’m sure there has to be some sort of gift shop there that sells shoes. I can’t believe you,” Anna said, and laughed. “Looks before comfort, I know.” Those were the words Mandy lived by. “Hilly? Isn’t Florida as flat as West Texas?”
“Even more, if that’s humanly possible.”
“I have a question. . . .”
“I’m sure you do. Shoot,” Mandy said.
“My steward, George. Super nice guy, but I’m wondering exactly what his duties consist of. I slept in”—another lie—“and he knocked on my door, had enough food for a family, set the table, then I casually asked him to join me, and I wasn’t remotely serious. And he did. Is that normal?”
“Normally, no. I’ve never stayed in a cabin as luxurious as yours, but I’m sure the travel agent mentioned something about a personal butler. Did you ask him?”
“Yes, and he basically said the same thing. I just thought it a little strange. I’m not used to being catered to.” She’d never get used to it because she liked her privacy too much.
“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t read more into this. All I can say is, enjoy it while it lasts. We’ve a heavy-duty filming session for the upcoming fall season. Speaking of which, I’d give anything for a bit of cool weather. It’s humid as hell today. What about you?”
“I’m in the middle of nowhere, Mandy. The weather is”—she paused—“warm and sunny. Tell Christina I called. I’ll check in sometime tomorrow. “Remember, don’t let her out of your sight, and make sure you’re there when she exits the ride.”
“She’s fine. Tell me about the captain’s dinner. Did you meet anyone worth mentioning?”
She knew Mandy wouldn’t be satisfied without getting every detail she could. “I slept through the entire evening. I think I was . . . overtired. Plus, I had a Dramamine. So, no, I didn’t meet anyone worth mentioning.”
“Anna, please get your rear end out of that room and mingle. You can sleep