Page 131 of So, I Met This Guy . . .

‘There’s an app for everything,’ teased Maggie as Flick listened open-mouthed.

‘We also have a feature that allows you to discover where your friends and family are on the ship. It’s easy to lose people on a vessel of this size.’

‘And this will help you find them?’ Flick’s mind turned.

‘If they’ve accepted your request, absolutely.’

Flick and Maggie glanced at each other. Both thinking the same thing.

‘Well, I’ll leave you to get acquainted with everything; don’t forget to watch the virtual muster drill on your television, it’s the safety video in case of an emergency,’ she added in explanation. ‘It’ll explain how to put on your life jackets, where to assemble—’

‘It’s like the Titanic.’ Abruptly Flick looked worried.

‘Don’t worry, I don’t think we’re going to be hitting any icebergs in the Mediterranean,’ reassured Maggie.

‘Oh, one last thing.’

At the door, the press officer turned and pulled an envelope from her pocket, which she handed to Flick.

Pulling out a gold-edged invitation, Flick read aloud: ‘An invitation to the captain’s table tonight for dinner?’

‘Yes, he’s very excited about meeting such an esteemed journalist and her guest. He can’t wait to hear all your stories!’ She smiled excitedly. ‘And by the way, it’s formal attire, so make sure to dress up!’

As the door closed behind her with a muffled click, Flick pulled a face.

‘Which exciting story should I start with first? The one about the sheep escaping on the moors, the pole-dancing pensioners or the Boy Scout tombola?’

‘Definitely the pole-dancing pensioners,’ said Maggie and they both burst out laughing.

‘God, I could get used to this,’ said Flick, twirling around the room. ‘I can’t believe we have our own balcony!’

‘I thought you said cruises were terrible for the environment?’ Maggie raised an eyebrow. ‘In fact, I’m sure I remember you saying they should be banned.’

‘Well, yes, I was of that opinion originally –’ finishing checking out the marble bathroom complete with its own whirlpool bath, Flick affected a serious expression – ‘but I’m planning to do some journalistic investigating while I’m on board and come to my own conclusions.’

‘Would that involve sitting on our balcony and enjoying the ocean view while drinking our complimentary bottle of champagne?’

‘It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it.’

Popping open the bottle, Maggie filled two glasses and they both went outside onto the balcony. Champagne twice in two days. She could get used to this.

‘So what are we drinking to this time?’ asked Flick, as she raised her glass in a toast.

How about to confronting the man who broke my heart and stole my life savings and disappeared? thought Maggie. To saving Birdy from the same fate, and bringing Him to justice? Or to finally meeting the man you think is your dad and getting some answers?

The ship’s horn blasted and the water beneath churned.

But as they began gliding away from the dock it struck Maggie that their toast shouldn’t be about Him, it should be about them. And raising her glass, she chose the most important thing of all.

‘Friendship.’

Keeping Watch

‘Can I help you with anything?’

‘Why, yes, I’m wanting to buy a gift.’

Meanwhile, lower down the ship, on the fifth deck dedicated to designer retail shopping, Dennis, the sales manager of Fine Jewellery and Luxury Watches, was gliding over to the couple who were bent over an illuminated glass case filled with some of their premium timepieces.