Santa Cruise Page 4

  As they made their way to the trail, Nina decided she was going to focus on the upcoming trip. It was something to get excited about. She had few expectations of making a love connection. But the idea of getting far away from the pressure of auditions, spending time with friends, and having some fun put a spring in her step. “Come on, boy! Race you to the fence.” With that, Winston trotted briskly ahead while Nina clung to his leash.

  After their usual forty-five-minute romp on the trails, stopping to say hello to passersby, they headed back to the small ranch-style house Nina rented. It was built in the early 1950s, when the movie business was really starting to blossom. A cameraman from Warner Bros. Studios had it built on a piece of land that backed up against Topanga State Park. The property was lush with incredible vegetation, with different plants flourishing at different times of the year. There was the big-leaf maple, maidenhair ferns, spike moss, and giant mountain dandelions. When she had first moved there, Nina thought she would start a journal identifying the foliage. But then she realized she was spending too much time challenging herself instead of simply enjoying the beauty.

  The house was modest in size, but the cameraman had had the keen eye to install giant windows and sliding glass doors along the wall facing the lush greenery and mountainside. The view was an organic work of art, with changing colors and patterns as the seasons changed. Nina thought it was only logical that someone who made his living looking at the world through a camera lens might look at the world differently. Or at least with a different perspective and appreciation.

  The interior of the house was mostly wood paneling that had darkened over the years. It added to the atmosphere. It had a U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula that served as a counter for eating, with stools on the side of the large living room. Today they call it an open floor plan. There were two bedrooms, one on each side of the house. A deck flanked the entire back of the house and was accessible from the living room and both bedrooms. No matter where you sat, Mother Nature was the canvas.

  Nina looked around. She loved her place and hoped she could continue to afford to live there. It was a slice of heaven in a sometimes very treacherous business. Careers in show business were tenuous at best. Until she could count on a certain amount of money each year, it was always going to be an uneasy way of life. But for now, she shrugged off her doubts about the future of her career. Instead of spending precious time worrying, she would enjoy the position she was in.

  She rummaged through the refrigerator, trying to decide what she should fix for dinner, as Winston patiently waited for his. He nuzzled the arm holding the refrigerator door open.

  “Oh what?” She looked lovingly at her big pooch. “Is there something I can get you, sir?” He nudged her arm again. “OK. OK. Gee, I wonder if all pet owners have conversations with their pets? What do you think, Winston?” He gave a woof of agreement. “I thought so.” Coming up empty-handed, she closed the fridge and pulled out a can of dog food. “Oh, don’t be ridiculous,” she addressed Winston. “I have no intention of eating your dinner. I just need to figure out what I should fix for myself.” She spooned out his wet, grain-free chicken-and-beef medley and placed it in his bowl. “You’re welcome, mister.”

  She scratched his head and looked in the pantry cabinet. Pasta. “That’s a start,” she mumbled. There were still some fresh herbs in her kitchen window. She knew she had olive oil, butter, and Romano cheese. “Remind me to thank Frankie’s mom for her instant-dinner tricks.” Winston barely acknowledged her statement as he lapped his bowl clean.

  Chapter Five

  October

  Frankie’s Apartment, New York City

  The women were due for another Zoom call. Rachael had already dumped Jimmy and was on to Miles, but it didn’t seem serious. Frankie couldn’t wait to hear the latest. She sent out the Zoom online invitation for everyone to dial in.

  Nina was the first to do so. “Hey, babe! What’s shakin’?”

  “Not much. Working like a maniac. We have a new cookbook to go with the latest diet trend. A mash-up of keto, Atkins, paleo, and South Beach. If you ask me, they’re all alike anyway. No carbs. No sugar. No fun.”

  “Whatever happened to low-fat?” Nina asked absently.

  “That was also a bit of a scam. If you look at the labels of some of the products, what they lack in fat they make up with in sugar, corn syrup, and a lot of other multisyllabic words you can’t pronounce. I must say, I am glad the vegan craze has leveled off. Our editors bought a slew of vegan cookbooks last year. Trouble is, you can get so many of those recipes online. And how many vegan cookbooks does one need to own?”

  “Sounds like a total snooze festival to me,” Nina joked. “Some vegan things are OK, but I’m still a carnivore, thank you very much.”

  “I have a cookbook for that,” Frankie retorted, laughing.

  A chime came over the speakers indicating another person was logging in, and Amy’s face appeared.

  “Amy! What have you done to your hair?” Nina exclaimed.

  “You like it?” Amy was sporting a new look. It was a drastic but stylish blunt cut to her chin, in a pale pink. Surprisingly, it was quite attractive on her. “Pink! Like the singer!”

  “Fab-oo,” Nina exclaimed.

  “Looks terrific,” Frankie added. “What made you do it?”

  Amy perked up. “I was going through my closet and decided I needed a total makeover. My clothes were so blah. I went to a boutique in the Bay Area over the weekend and told the sales associate that I wanted something for a cruise, but definitely not cruise wear. She fitted me with some cute skirts and tops and a couple of maxi dresses from this century. Then I realized my hair didn’t go with the new hip clothes. I asked her to recommend a hairstylist, and she did. She even brought me there and introduced me to Magill, the owner of Crowning Glory. She showed him the outfits I bought and he clapped his hands with glee. He said he knew exactly what I needed.”

  “Well, he was right,” Nina exclaimed. “Loving the makeup, too!”

  “Yeah. Can you believe it? Me? Makeup?”

  “And I’m digging those new glasses,” Frankie chimed in.

  “They’re still big and black but much more stylish.” Amy was ecstatic about her new look.

  The computers chimed, signaling that Rachael had joined the call, and her face appeared on their screens. “Hola, chicas!” she exclaimed. “Amy! Is that you?”

  “Yes. You like-y?”

  “¡Mucho gusto!”

  “Oh cripes. Are we going to have to listen to you show off your language skills?” Nina wrinkled her brow.

  “Me rogarás cuando lleguemos a Cozumel,” Rachael replied.

  “I think she said something to the effect that when we get to Cozumel,” Frankie offered.

  “Sí, señorita. You will be begging me when we get there.” Rachael folded her arms smugly.

  “I am sure we will,” Frankie said. “So what’s the latest in the boyfriend category?” Everyone knew her question was directed at Rachael.

  “Danny and I had a great time the other night.”

  “Danny? What happened to Miles?” Amy asked.

  “He was too clingy,” Rachael replied.

  “I swear, you have had more boyfriends in the past few months than I’ve had in the past four years.” Frankie sighed.

  “We’ll fix that once we get on that ship, chica.” Rachael’s enthusiasm for meeting men never waned. She didn’t seem to be able to keep them, nor did she choose wisely. It was always a crapshoot with her.

  “Whatever you say,” Frankie countered. She had lowered her expectations for a love connection. That way, she wouldn’t be disappointed. But she was looking forward to a seafaring adventure with her gal pals and visiting places she hadn’t been before.

  At the end of the month, the women were back on Zoom for an update. Frankie gave them more details.

  “OK, ladies. We are booked on the Medallion of the Seas cruise ship, scheduled to depart Miami on December
27. That means we should all plan on flying in the day before. I’ll book two double rooms at Vie Vay, a small boutique hotel fifteen to twenty minutes from the port. There’s a great Peruvian restaurant nearby where we can grab dinner. It’s low-key. And, yes, Rachael, we’ll expect you to order our food in Spanish.”

  “¡Mucho gusto!” Rachael exclaimed, and started singing “Vaya con Dios.”

  Nina rolled her eyes. Amy snickered. Frankie knew it would be just a matter of time before Nina would lose her patience with Rachael’s penchant for theater, and not the kind Nina was accustomed to in her profession.

  Frankie was about to say something to Rachael but thought better of it. No need to start a squabble two months before their trip. She decided at that moment she would bunk with Nina the night before they set sail. Amy had the patience of a saint and could tolerate any over-the-top behavior from Rachael.

  Frankie continued, “Have you guys taken the virtual tour of the ship yet?”

  Everyone answered in the affirmative. “And the list of activities is incredible. I think I might take one of those cooking classes they are offering at the culinary studio,” Amy exclaimed.

  “Certainly better than shuffleboard,” Rachael squealed.

  “Do they actually have shuffleboard?” Nina asked.

  “Yep. Bocce, croquet, darts, pong, a pub crawl, wine tastings, and bingo,” Amy added. “And that’s just when we’re on the ship. There are tons of things to do when we get to each destination.” Amy’s exuberance was contagious. They could each feel the other’s excitement. “Snorkeling, visiting ruins, glass-bottom-boat rides.”

  “Let’s not forget shopping.” Nina chuckled.

  “Ladies, I think this trip is going to be packed with fun, sun, and maybe a little romance.” Frankie smiled.

  “Oh, right. Romance,” Nina said wryly. “I almost forgot.”

  Frankie snickered. “I know what you mean. I was so involved looking at all the activities on and off the ship that I lost track of the purpose of this cruise.”

  Frankie changed the subject. “Did you see the staterooms? One is almost the same size as my apartment. I may remain a stowaway.” She raised her eyebrows in a mischievous way.

  Amy chimed in. “Let me see if I have this straight. Nina is going shopping, and I’m going to learn how to cook. Frankie is going to figure out how to remain onboard, while Rachael runs away with the bosun. Splendid.” The women were roaring with laughter.

  Frankie was the first to speak. “I’m glad we’re doing this. If nothing else, we’ll have a glorious adventure, eat great food—”

  Nina interrupted with, “And duty-free perfume.” That phrase had become their running joke.

  Frankie started again. “I’ll send you guys an e-mail, but there are a few things to do beforehand. There’s online check-in two weeks before. You need your passport and another form of ID. You’ll print your luggage tags ahead of time as well.” Frankie tried to keep a straight face when she added, “Remember, no firearms, sharp objects, candles, incense, or pepper spray.”

  “I guess that means no whips either, Rachael,” Nina teased.

  Rachael immediately defended herself. “I am not that kind of girl.”

  “Oh, I’ve seen you crack the whip when you were with Greg,” Frankie said, waiting for a response.

  “Yes, in a cowboy kind of way.” Rachael laughed. “Believe me, if I could have beaten him with one, I would have.”

  “That’s probably why your father opted for getting you a divorce lawyer. It was cheaper than bailing you out of jail.”

  At that point, Amy was laughing so hard she was clutching her stomach. Nina tossed her head back and guffawed. Frankie snorted. Not appreciating the joke, Rachael put her hands on her hips in defiance.

  If one were to describe the four women, it would go something like this: Nina was strong, likable, but often serious. Amy was sweet, smart, but a little naïve. Frankie was outgoing, quick-witted, and compassionate. Rachael was a bit of a drama queen. She could be kind but was often oblivious to other people’s feelings. It was an odd combination, but they appreciated the camaraderie they had fostered in high school. Each had an appreciation for the other.

  “Take it easy, Rach,” Nina advised. “We’re just kidding. Jeez, girl, chill.”

  “You’re always picking on me,” Rachael blurted.

  Frankie knew that this was going to happen sooner or later. Better now before they set sail. “Oh, Rachael. We love you. You just make it so easy for us.” Frankie smiled into the camera.

  “That’s right. You’re an easy target,” Nina added. “That simply means you are a very interesting individual.”

  Nice save, Frankie said to herself, and changed the subject back to the cruise. “We should plan on getting to the pier around eleven. We’ll drop our bags at the curb, then go inside to register and get our keycards and go through a security check, like we do at the airport. Depending on the readiness of the ship, we may be able to board right away. Pack a small carry-on, like a tote bag, with whatever you think you’ll need before we get our luggage. It may be a couple of hours before they bring it to the staterooms. We can tour the ship or get lunch at one of the restaurants. There’s a deli, Italian, Asian, burger joint, steak house.”

  Amy put up her hand. “Stop! You’re making me hungry.”

  “Deli?” Nina asked. “I could go for a really good lox and bagel. They don’t seem to be able to make a good bagel out here. They blame the water,” she joked.

  Frankie smiled. “I don’t know what kind of water they use on a cruise ship, so don’t get too excited.”

  “I remember when you used to ship H&H bagels to me when I was in grad school at MIT.” Amy grinned. “I could swear they were still warm when I got them. My roommates would go crazy.”

  “I would pick up two dozen and take them to FedEx. The guy who worked there always got a kick out of it. He could smell them through the box. Now H&H delivers all over the country.”

  “They do?” Nina’s eyes widened.

  “Yep. Didn’t you know that?”

  “I do now. Wow. This could change my life,” Nina joked.

  “OK, ladies. Are we all set? Any questions?” Frankie asked.

  “I’m good, I think,” Amy answered. “Thanks so much for doing this. I am really excited. Finally, a holiday I am not going to dread.”

  “It will be a nice change of scenery,” Nina added. “I’ll miss Winston, but he’ll have company. One of the assistants from the show is going to stay here with her dog. She has a black Lab, and he loves to play with Winston.”

  “That’s great. I have someone from the animal hospital coming by twice a day for Blinky and Hop-Along.”

  “Marco’s brother, Giovanni, is going to take care of Bandit,” Frankie said.

  “Rachael, do you have any pets?” Amy asked.

  “Not likely. I have a kid and an ex. That’s more than enough to deal with. Ryan is going to stay with his father the entire week. I’m sure there will be some calamity before, during, or after. Greg’s new wife isn’t one of Ryan’s favorites.”

  “And my mom’s new boyfriend isn’t one of mine.” Amy laughed.

  “Isn’t that always the case?” Rachael mused.

  “I’m still in touch with Tina, Dennis’s daughter. She’s ten now. And she hates her father.” Frankie smirked. “I guess that makes two of us.”

  “How long did you guys date?” Nina asked, remembering that Frankie and Dennis had dated in high school and again after Dennis’s divorce.

  “Too long.” Frankie snickered. “Let’s see, it was between the crazy psychiatrist and the audio engineer. Hmm. Maybe two years. Tina was only five when I first met her, but we bonded over his being a jackass. She said he always smelled funny, as in beer. Even at five years old, she could tell he was a loser.” Frankie smirked. “Boy, I wish I had that kind of radar.”

  “You and me both, kiddo.” Nina chortled.

  “That makes three of us,” A
my added.

  They all looked at Rachael. “What? I think I have good radar.”

  Her comment sent everyone over the top in hysterics. “Yeah, you sure know how to pick ’em. You go through men like I go through a pair of underwear. A fresh one every day.”

  Amy had tears rolling down her face as her rosy cheeks got redder and redder.

  Rachael put her hands on her hips again. “I catch them, then release them once I discover they’re not right for me.”

  “Well, you’ll have an entire ocean to fish from. There will be approximately five hundred fish in the singles cruise dating pool,” Nina joked.

  “We just have to watch out for sharks.” Amy giggled.

  The women chuckled, then said their good-byes, each clicking the END MEETING button.

  Frankie leaned back in her chair, stretched, and yawned. She hadn’t realized how much research went into planning a trip for four people, but everyone seemed genuinely excited. Bandit rubbed up against her leg indicating it was time for his dinner. She picked up the big kitty and snuggled him against her neck. “You gonna miss your mommy? Don’t worry. Giovanni is going to look after you.” He purred in satisfaction. “Now, the big decision for me tonight is what should I have for dinner?” She nuzzled him again. “Oh, I am sure you would like me to order sushi, now wouldn’t you?”

  She set him down on the floor, and he followed her into the small galley kitchen. Frankie pulled out two cans of cat food. “Tuna or salmon?” He made a cooing sound, but Frankie still could not understand cat talk. “Tuna it is.” She laughed to herself. After setting the food down on the floor, Frankie pulled out her folder of menus. “Sushi does sound like a good idea.” She picked up her phone from the coffee table, dialed Kyoto Sushi, and ordered a vegetable spring roll, a Philadelphia roll, and a tuna roll. She looked down at her cat. “Might as well have what you’re having.”