points. Everyone in the room knew “Mamma Mia” and started singing along with Jacques as he played, including the sisters, who swayed back and forth in sync, singing together.
At last the questions were over and teams had to exchange papers to grade. Sierra was checking answers for a group of women who’d labeled themselves the Silver Foxes. The Silver Foxes were getting almost every answer right, even the newer songs.
“We’ve gotten most of them, too,” said Sophie, confident of a win.
“And this song?” Elsa asked after Jacques had played it again.
“‘All Shook Up,’” called several people. “Elvis.”
“That’s one we missed,” Sierra said. “Darn.”
Finally the list had been gone through and the totals tallied, papers exchanged again. The Chocoholics tied with the Silver Foxes and cheers rose up from both tables when they were each awarded a bottle of champagne.
“We’re awesome,” Trevor said as the brothers and sisters each knuckle-bumped each other.
Several of Kurt’s students stopped by to congratulate them, led by Trevor’s number one fan.
“I knew all but the really old ones,” she bragged.
“How many can you translate into German, Harriet?” Kurt asked.
“Most of them.”
“I tell you what. You guys form teams and have a competition to see who can put the most song titles into German and I’ll have a prize for the winning team.”
“Champagne?” Harriet asked eagerly.
“No. Chocolate,” said Kurt.
She pointed to Trevor. “His?”
“Sure.”
“Even better,” she said, and dashed off to organize the competition.
“There goes the rest of my chocolate,” Trevor said.
“I doubt it. I don’t think Harriet will get many takers.”
“She certainly seems fond of you,” Sierra said to Trevor. “It was sweet that she came over.”
“That kid has been tailing me since we met at the airport. I wish she’d glom on to someone her own age already,” said Trevor.
“That’s my bro,” Kurt said. “He’s irresistible to women.”
Sophie was beginning to think so.
* * *
“Oh, well, we almost won,” said Denise’s new pal Charlie.
“Those new songs threw me,” said the newest member of their little group, a tall, blondish man named Arnold, who seemed to be in competition with Charlie for Denise’s attention. “Who on earth is Lizzo?”
“The person who sang that song we didn’t get,” Charlie cracked.
“There’s always tomorrow,” Denise said, and downed the last of her martini.
If Catherine was going to have any energy for tomorrow she knew she’d have to get some sleep tonight. She’d been covering her yawns for the last half hour.
“Speaking of tomorrow, I think I’ll turn in and get rested up for Cologne,” she said, standing.
“A good idea,” Athena approved. Probably not because she really cared about Catherine leaving to rest up. She was simply happy about her leaving.
“We’ll see you in the morning,” Rudy said, standing, as well, and the other two men followed suit.
Denise was showing no sign of moving. Why should she? She still had plenty of energy and two men interested in her.
“I’ll see you a little later,” she said to Catherine. “If you’re awake.”
She went to the room, got ready for bed and then slipped in between the covers. She was asleep within minutes and never heard Denise come in.
She awoke the next morning feeling refreshed but still tired. “I think maybe I won’t do the city tour, after all,” she said to Denise as they got dressed.
“Tired?”
“A little.”
“You looked pretty beat last night. You probably should take it easy. But I hate to see you miss the fun.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s lovely here on the ship and I did bring a book to read. Anyway, I’ve already had a lot more fun than I would have if I’d stayed home.”
“It’s not over yet,” Denise said. “But you’re smart to pace yourself.”
“Anyway, I know you won’t be lonely. Although you might get tired juggling two men,” Catherine teased.
“It is a terrible problem to have,” Denise said, straight-faced. “This is so much fun, isn’t it?”
“It is. I’m really glad you talked me into coming.”
“I’m glad you came. Come on, let’s go get some breakfast.”
The dining room was starting to fill up, but they managed to find an empty table with four settings where they were soon joined by Charlie. Arnold came in right on his heels, looking suave in jeans and a black sweater worn over a white shirt with a crisp collar. Charlie, on the other hand, wore slacks, a Nordic print green sweater that made no attempt to hide his girth and a Santa hat. Everything about Charlie said party while Arnold’s attire and demeanor said sophistication. Two different men. How would Denise