Free A Crafty Christmas by Mollie Cox Bryan Page B

though Sheila’s grand prize allowed her to eat for free at any of the onboard restaurants, she chose to dine with her friends at the buffet. They all came to love the lavish dessert tables. A chocolate fountain surrounding delectables like pound cake, fruit, and pretzels consumed their attention this night. Even Randy was impressed.
    â€œI’ve often thought about working on a cruise ship,” he said. “I’d get to see the world.”
    â€œIt would be fun,” Sheila agreed. “You’re young and now would be the time to do it.”
    â€œI’d never see him then,” Paige said.
    â€œYou hardly see each other now,” Vera said. “How’s it going with Earl?”
    â€œWe spoke on the phone yesterday,” Randy announced. “He said he was sorry to hear that Fred and I broke up.” His voice cracked and he gazed off.
    Sheila wondered if he was emotional because of chatting with his father or because of the break-up with his partner.
    â€œWonders never cease,” Vera said. “Your dad is talking with you. That’s great.”
    A huge smile appeared on Paige’s face. “Earl is just working through it. He loves Randy. It’s going to be okay.”
    Randy, fair and blond, blushed easily and his face reddened as he sipped his wine. “Maybe it’s time for change in my life,” he said. “Maybe I’ll check into pastry gigs on the ships.”
    â€œYou know, I don’t think I’ve ever had such good lobster,” Vera said. “The food is amazing. I swear I’m going home at least ten pounds heavier. And everything is so clean. Hard to imagine someone has been poisoned.”
    â€œBut they didn’t say food poisoning, did they? I don’t think so. It’s not just the food, but the booze. I mean everywhere you go, they are shoving drinks under your nose,” Sheila said.
    â€œYeah, for a hefty price,” Paige said. “Unless it’s in crop rooms. I’ve been able to sneak some into my flask so I have my own portable bar. Screw them and their twenty dollars for a glass of wine.”
    â€œMy mom,” Randy said, laughing. “Class act.”
    â€œHow’s your head?” Eric asked Sheila.
    â€œIt hurts. After dinner, I’m going to meet with Theresa, then go back to my cabin and go to sleep. You all will have to party without me.” She grinned.
    â€œTruth is I’m about partied out. This cruise has been exhausting. Maybe tomorrow I’ll relax by the pool. I love to scrapbook, but this has been intense,” Paige said.
    â€œI’m a bit weary, too,” Vera said after a few minutes.
    â€œAnd with the murder and everything . . . I don’t know. I’m a bit freaked out. I can’t stop thinking about the poison. Is it in the food? In the water? Where is it? Maybe I’ll join you at the pool tomorrow, too. Until Sheila’s journaling class. We won’t miss that.”
    â€œTomorrow night is the award ceremony?” Eric asked.
    â€œNo,” Sheila said. “It’s the next night. It was supposed to be after my class in Mexico, but it doesn’t look like we’re going to get there. I ran into the captain and he gave me a heads-up on that.”
    â€œDoesn’t look like we’re going anywhere,” Eric said.
    â€œThey’re just being safe,” Vera said. “I don’t mind if they turn around and go to some other ports. Just as long as we get there safely.”
    â€œSeems like a long time,” Paige said.
    â€œWell, they said to reroute requires permission from several agencies and islands,” Randy said. “It must be taking longer than what they expected.”
    Sheila finished the last bite of her meal and excused herself to go meet with Theresa again in the Cut and Paste lounge. That name tickled Sheila, even though she knew that the Jezebel had adopted it temporarily for the scrapbooking