by Cindy Bell
Bekki was going to ask more about Morris but before she could, the pizza arrived. Soon she and Nick were so busy exclaiming over the savory flavors, that she let the subject slide.
Chapter Two
Bekki made the arrangements to have her mother take over the salon while she and Sammy were gone. Then she set a time to meet Sammy at the dock in Parkdon. The morning of the cruise, Bekki had mixed feelings. She was really looking forward to getting out on the ship and having some fun with Sammy, but the idea of not seeing Nick for almost a week was hard to stomach. She and Nick didn't always get a lot of time together because his work as a detective kept him busy at odd hours, but what time they did get together Bekki valued immensely. She was already laying awake in bed even though it was fifteen minutes before her alarm was set to go off. She had been listening to Nick's steady snoring for most of the night. It was a sound she was sure she was going to miss.
“Mm, awake already?” he muttered as he rolled over and kissed her cheek.
“I couldn't sleep,” she admitted with a soft frown.
“That eager to leave me?” he inquired with a sleepy smile.
“Oh, you know that's not it,” Bekki huffed a little but couldn't help smiling at his boyish smile. He was adorable in the morning before his features had a chance to gain a certain hardness that went along with working with criminals.
“Oh, I don't know that at all,” he argued in return. “I mean you're hopping on a pleasure boat to paradise, will you even want to come back?” he pouted. Despite his dramatic tone Bekki knew him well enough to see that he was teasing her.
“I don't know, but if I do, I'll be sure to bring you a coconut,” she smiled sweetly.
“I don't want any coconuts,” he growled and pulled her close for a snuggle. “I just want you.”
“I'm going to miss you, too,” she murmured, kissing him gently.
“Who said anything about missing you?” he countered. “I'm going to get the house to myself. I can eat cereal in my underwear.”
“What?” Bekki's eyes widened slightly. “You're joking right?”
“About missing you, yes,” he grinned as he climbed out of bed. “But I'm definitely going to be eating cereal in my underwear.”
Bekki stared after him with mock horror as he stepped into the bathroom. “Not on the couch I hope!” she called out.
“Oh yeah,” he hollered back as he turned on the water for the shower. “For dinner in front of the television!”
Bekki had to hide her laughter in her pillow. She could just picture that as being Nick's perfect evening home alone. When she finally pulled herself out of bed Nick had the shower warmed up for her.
“Don't worry about breakfast,” she said. “I'll just grab a bagel or something on the ship.”
“No, you won't,” he said sternly. “I'm taking you out to breakfast this morning. I'm not sending you off without a little bit of fanfare.”
“Aw,” Bekki smiled and hugged him. Then she whispered next to his ear. “There are extra boxes of cereal in the back of the cabinet.”
“Fantastic,” he grinned. “You've got about fifteen minutes,” he reminded her. “I'll get your suitcase in the car.”
“Thanks, Nick!” she called back.
By the time she finished her shower and met Nick at the car she was feeling more enthusiastic about the trip. When they arrived in Parkdon they stopped off at a small restaurant that Nick was familiar with.
“Great breakfast,” he promised Bekki as he held the door open for her.
“Mm,” Bekki breathed as the aroma of the cooking food drifted past her nose. She wasn't even aware she was hungry until just that moment. They were seated quickly and placed their orders. After the waitress walked away, Nick met her eyes across the table.
“You know that conversation we had, about Morris?” he reminded her. Bekki nodded a little, she knew that Sammy still hadn't heard much from Morris. “I tried to talk to him a little yesterday but he avoided me like the plague.”
“Oh, no,” Bekki winced.
“I hate to say it but I think Sammy might be right,” Nick shook his head. “Maybe Morris is afraid that if I find out I'll be angry with him.”
“Hmm,” Bekki took a sip of the water that the waitress had left at their table. “Maybe. I just don't get it. I was sure he was smitten with Sammy.”
“Maybe so,” Nick nodded and sat back as the waitress delivered their food. After she walked away he looked back to Bekki. “But with the way he's acting, something is definitely going on.”
“Oh, I see, it's your turn to play detective,” Bekki grinned.
“Play?” Nick groaned and flashed her his badge on the inside pocket of his jacket. “It's what I get paid to do, remember?”
“Well, I can pay you if you want,” Bekki smiled.
“For you, it's free,” Nick grinned and took a bite of his eggs. “Oh, these are good,” he mumbled.
Bekki smiled at him across the table. He was shoveling eggs into his mouth, and she still found it adorable.
“I wish you could come with me,” she said with a sigh.
“So do I,” he agreed and set down his fork so he could take her hand in his. “Are you sure you're going to be okay out there?”
“I think I can take care of myself,” Bekki chuckled quietly and gave his hand a soft squeeze.
“I know, that's what worries me,” Nick said in a grave tone. “Just promise me, no playing detective, okay?”
“I have no idea what you're talking about,” Bekki said with a light smile.
“Uh huh,” Nick rolled his eyes a little and then pulled her hand to his lips for a soft kiss.
“Just make sure you have fun,” he insisted and let her hand fall back to the table.
“Speaking of fun,” Bekki said quickly as she glanced at her watch. “Looks like I better get going.”
“I'll get the check,” Nick said and signaled to the waitress. Just as he raised his hand his cell phone began to buzz. Bekki picked it up and glanced at the front.
“It's work,” she said and held it out to him.
“Yes?” he asked as he answered the phone. “Can't it wait just a few…” he sighed and glanced up at Bekki. Bekki smiled and shrugged.
“It's no big deal, the dock is just around the block. I'll walk, and I'm sure Sammy will be there waiting for me.”
“Are you sure?” Nick asked reluctantly.
“I'm sure,” Bekki promised and patted the back of his hand. Once they settled the check they stepped outside the restaurant. Nick kissed her softly, then he kissed her with more passion, when he went in for the third kiss Bekki stopped him with a laugh.
“You're going to make me miss the boat, it's not as if we won't see each other again,” she reminded him gently.
“I know,” he groaned and went in for one more kiss. “Be safe, okay? Keep a life jacket on at all times…”
“Nick,” Bekki looked him straight in the eyes. “Go to work. I love you.”
“Okay,” he hung his head briefly then kissed her one more time. He held her firmly by the shoulders and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, too.”
As she watched Nick walk back to his car Bekki felt a slight tug herself. She hadn't really expected it, but she was already longing to be back home and in his arms. As she rounded the corner, she heard a loud voice coming from the alley between the restaurant and the next building.
“Why are you acting like this?” one voice demanded.
“I want my money,” the other voice responded. Bekki hesitated. She didn't want to walk past the alley and alert the people down it that she could hear them.
“I said you'd have it, you'll have it,” the first voice barked back sharply. “You need to relax!”
“I'll relax, Carlos, when you put that money in my hand,” the second voice responded in an argumentative tone.
“I will,” Carlos groaned. “Just give me one more cruise, and I promise you, I will have the money to you.”
>
“Mmhm,” the second voice replied. “Don't bother coming back if you don't have my money. Jump into the ocean, it'll save me the trouble.”
“I'll have it,” Carlos snapped. Bekki took a few large steps back as she heard footsteps approaching the end of the alley. She ducked her head as the two men left the alley. All she saw were the baseball caps they were wearing as they hurried off. She felt a little unsettled. The man Carlos had been arguing with seemed as if he was quite serious about his threats.
Carlos had mentioned going on a cruise. Was he going to be boarding the same ship as her? She hoped not, but she knew it was a huge cruise ship, so it was highly unlikely that she would ever run into him. She was curious about what the argument was about but she remembered Nick's request that she not play detective. She did her best to put the entire conversation out of her mind. When she arrived at the dock she found Sammy waiting for her. She had a pair of colorful sunglasses perched on her nose, and a large, bright pink purse slung over her shoulder.
“Hi, Bekki!” Sammy waved to her friend and met her as Bekki walked across the dock.
“Hi, are you excited?” Bekki asked and gave her a quick hug.
“I am,” Sammy nodded, but Bekki noticed a slight tremble in her voice.
“What is it, Sammy?” Bekki asked with concern as she studied her friend's expression.
“I guess I was just hoping that Morris might show up to see me off,” Sammy admitted in a whisper and looked down at the ground. Now Bekki understood why her friend was wearing such dark sunglasses. She was trying to hide her eyes. Bekki suspected Sammy had been crying.
“Oh, Sammy, I bet he was planning to,” Bekki said quickly as she gave her friend a hug. “Nick got called into work just as we finished breakfast, I bet Morris did, too.”
“Maybe,” Sammy shrugged and sighed. “I'm sorry, I promise not to ruin our trip with my silly drama.”
“It's not silly, Sammy, it's not silly at all,” Bekki said firmly. “I know how much it hurts to care for someone who doesn't seem to feel the same way,” Bekki grimaced as she recalled the break-up she had gone through that led her to move back to Harroway. “Just try not to worry about it too much. We'll have a fun trip, and get all of this figured out with Morris when we get back. Okay?”
“Okay,” Sammy smiled and hugged Bekki in return. As they boarded the boat, Bekki glanced over her shoulder and searched the gathering crowd of passengers for anyone that might have been Carlos. She had no idea what he looked like, she had only heard his voice.
Chapter Three
Calypso music was being played on the deck of the cruise ship. The passengers that milled around Bekki and Sammy and clustered close to the railing were adorned in bright, flower-spotted clothing and khaki shorts. There was a buzz of excitement around everyone, including Bekki and Sammy. The sundresses they wore for the occasion were fluttering in the light breeze.
“I can't believe we're really doing this,” Sammy said happily as she followed Bekki towards their cabin.
“I can,” Bekki grinned as she looked out at the bright blue sky. “It's going to be wonderful.”
When they reached their cabin Bekki opened the door.
“Oh, this is nice!” Sammy declared as she stepped inside. “I thought we'd be staying in a sardine can.”
“My friend, Andrea, made sure we had a passenger cabin,” Bekki explained as she set her bag down on the floor and began to walk around the cabin. It wasn't huge, but there was enough room for a small table and chairs, and the bathroom had a fairly big shower.
“This is fantastic,” Sammy said happily. Bekki was pleased to see the glow in her friend's eyes again.
“I'm so glad you decided to join me,” she said with a light smile. “Why don't we check out the rest of the ship?”
Bekki and Sammy spent most of the rest of the day exploring the ship and enjoying some time in the sun out on the deck. Bekki didn't mention Nick, and Sammy didn't mention Morris, it was just a fun time for the friends to bond. As the sun began to set Bekki's stomach began to growl.
“Ready for dinner?” she asked Sammy.
Sammy sat up on the lounge chair and watched as a couple walked past who were dressed quite elegantly.
“Bekki, wouldn't it be fun to dress up for dinner?” she suggested.
“Sure,” Bekki nodded. “I didn't bring anything too dressy, but I'm sure we can come up with something.”
When they returned to their cabin Sammy opened her suitcase to reveal several fancy dresses, and box after box of various cosmetics.
“Uh, Sammy?” Bekki asked as she looked through the creams, lotions, cleansers, lipsticks, foundations, eyeliners, and numerous other make-up items. “Why did you bring all of this?” she asked. Sammy was busy laying out four of the dresses she had tucked into her bag.
“Which one?” she asked as she laid her hands on her hips and surveyed them. Bekki was a little surprised she had brought so much.
“I think the red one is nice,” Bekki suggested and pointed to a low-cut peasant style red dress.
“Oh, perfect,” Sammy agreed. Then she began sorting through the cosmetics. “I'm here to have fun, remember?” Sammy grinned. “I need to look as young as possible.”
“What? Why?” Bekki demanded as Sammy tried to take some of the make-up from her. “You're beautiful the way you are, Sammy, you're not old.”
“Well, obviously I'm too old for Morris,” Sammy pointed out through gritted teeth.
“Morris is an idiot if that's the case,” Bekki sighed and watched as her friend began to smear on foundation.
“Okay, okay, at least let me do it,” Bekki suggested with a smile. “We haven't given each other makeovers in a long time.”
“Great,” Sammy said happily and sat down at the table. As Bekki applied and smoothed the foundation and blended it with just enough blush she studied her friend's beautiful features. Over the years Sammy had become even more beautiful, though she seemed to be the only one who didn't see it.
“Make sure you cover up those wrinkles by my eyes,” Sammy requested.
“Sit still,” Bekki commanded. “I'll get to the imaginary wrinkles.”
Sammy rolled her eyes but she smiled at Bekki. When Bekki placed the final touches of mascara and eyeliner on Sammy she walked into the bathroom to look in the mirror. When she stepped back out she was smiling from ear to ear.
“You truly are an artist, Bekki,” she said with a nod of approval.
“My turn?” Bekki asked cheerfully. “I've been wanting to try this new shade of lipstick, but I'm not sure if it will go with anything I brought to wear.”
“You can wear one of mine,” Sammy suggested. “It won't fit perfectly but we can find a belt or something to make it work.”
“Thanks!” Bekki said as she looked at the other three dresses. “How about this one?” she picked up a charcoal colored sleeveless dress with a v-neck and a pencil skirt.
“I think it'll look beautiful, and perfect with that lipstick,” Sammy agreed. Sammy applied Bekki's make-up, keeping it light as she preferred it, and then they got into their dresses. When they were done Bekki took a quick photograph with her phone to send to Nick. When she looked at the photograph she was more than a little surprised. It had been so long since she and Sammy had dressed up, other than at Bekki's wedding.
“We are two hot chicks,” she winked at Sammy.
“It does feel good to get spruced up, huh?” Sammy grinned.
As Bekki and Sammy walked towards the restaurant, Bekki realized that she and Sammy had been focusing on the beauty of others for so long that they had forgotten how to appreciate their own. They were both drawing quite a few stares from the men they passed.
“Look at us,” Sammy giggled as she sipped a glass of wine.
“Look at you,” Bekki corrected and grinned at her.
“Oh, please,” Sammy waved her hand, but her eyes were shining with pride. Bekki was sure this cruise was going to be just what she ne
eded for a boost of confidence.
“Here are a few free tokens for the slot machines,” their waiter said and handed them an assortment of colorful tokens.
“Oh, we should go to the casino,” Sammy said with excitement. “I haven't been to a casino in such a long time. We should try our luck.”
“Hmm,” Bekki considered that for a moment. She wasn't usually much of a gambler, but it had been a stroke of luck for her friend to call and offer the job. “Sure, but remember these places try to take the last penny out of your pocket.”
“It's just for fun,” Sammy promised as they left the restaurant and walked towards the casino. When they reached it, it was already crowded with people. There were several card playing tables, a few dice games, and an entire half of the casino dedicated to slot machines.
As Bekki and Sammy stepped out onto the main floor of the casino, Bekki felt as if she had been transported into an entirely different world. The music was loud and jovial, easily heard over the noise of the slot machines and calls of the players. The lighting was bright and flashing in some areas, and dim and relaxing in others. It gave certain tables a secretive allure. Bekki glanced over at Sammy and smiled.
“I have a feeling we're going to be very lucky on this trip,” she said with a grin.
“I hope so,” Sammy said with a sigh. “I could really use some good luck.”
As they walked across the carpeted floor to the center of the main floor, Bekki noticed several passengers clustered around one table. The cursing that was rising from the center of it was really what drew her attention. A man was sitting at the end of the table, and it looked to Bekki as if he was quite angry. She assumed it was from losing money on a bet. Bekki was not much of a gambler, but she was curious about the commotion.
“Why don't we start over there?” Bekki suggested as she pointed to the table. “I've heard that if someone is on a losing streak when you join the table, there's a good chance that there will soon be a winning streak.”