Marcia King-Gamble - The Way He Moves

Serena picked up her purse and Pia followed her out. They’d both agreed that the Empire Room, the main dining room, would be their best choice for dinner. As they approached they spotted the long line of passengers waiting to enter.

“Why don’t we come back in fifteen minutes after it opens,” Pia suggested, “Now is as good a time as any to familiarize ourselves with the ship. If we start off on Helios we can work our way down.”

Pia led the way to a glass elevator, and after a short wait they joined a number of people getting on. Among them was a chubby, middle-aged, overdressed woman, clutching the arm of a man in suit and tie. She poked Serena’s arm and said, “Aren’t you the woman that man attacked? I witnessed the whole thing.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I told the security people that man was dancing way too close to you. All of a sudden he left his partner and lunged for your throat. We’re from Kentucky. We don’t have this kind of excitement at home.”

“Well, at least he was caught,” another passenger chimed in.

Everyone in the packed elevator was now staring at Serena. She was glad when the elevator stopped on Poseidon and several people got off.

“I hope he didn’t hurt you too badly,” the plump, plain-speaking woman said. The sentiment was echoed by several others and Serena thanked them for their kindness.

She was relieved when they reached Helios and she and Pia quickly circled the artificially lit sundeck.

“We’ll need to spend some time here,” she said as they did a quick walk-through of the Jasmine Spa, fitness center and Starlight Theatre. All the amenities of an upscale resort seemed to be here, the putting green, tennis courts, hot tubs and a spacious observation deck.

“Sign me up,” Pia said enthusiastically.

“We’ll come back tomorrow when it’s light. Shall we take the stairs to the next deck?”

“Sure.”

On deck eleven, Artemis, they stuck their heads into the main lounge aptly named the Court of Dreams. It was three stories high and very glitzy. It reminded Serena of a wedding palace with its ornate railings, sweeping staircases and marble steps.

In typical Renaissance style, cherubs floated on the clouds on the ceiling, and pink, white and gold upholstered sofas and chairs added to the dreamy effect. Tucked away in illuminated alcoves were vases of greenery and blooming roses or statues of the Greek gods and goddesses. On stage, angled slightly to the left, a massive, black concert grand piano dominated.

“This reminds me so much of a European grand concert hall,” Pia exclaimed.

“It is rather elegant.”

They took a quick look at the indoor and outdoor pools, popped into the Sunshine’s American Diner, where families with kids were chomping on hamburgers and pizzas while enjoying a more casual dining experience.

“The Empire Room should be open by now,” Serena suggested, heading for the stairs.

A tuxedo-clad maître d’ and several assistants hovered at the entrance of the dining room, greeting the few people trickling in.

“May I seat you?” he asked. The women gave him their Alexandra’s Dream cards. After scrutinizing them, he flashed an even larger smile. “I have been waiting for you.”

Serena’s eyebrows rose. “You have?”

“Yes, indeed. I will bring you to the captain’s table. Please follow me.”

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