attention back to her book. Yet her gaze kept wandering back to the growing number of fruit sculptures. Now, if theyâd carve the Maltese Falcon, that would
really
capture her interest.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tricia caught sight of Cathy Copper standing to one side, watching the show. While the woman might have annoyed her the evening before, she looked lonely standing there. She was about to get up to signal Cathy to join her when the editor turned away for the corridor that led to the elevators, still limping a bit. Oh well. Maybe Tricia would catch up with her later. It was a big ship, but it would be easy to feel lonely with no friends or family to share the adventure with.
She turned back to look at her sister. Angelicaâs gaze was still fixed on the table ahead, where the fruit sculptures were piling up at an alarming rate.
Clever as the fruity carvings were, they didnât hold much allure for Tricia, who stifled a yawn. What she needed was a nice strong cup of coffee. She leaned closer to her sister. âIâm going for coffee. Want something?â
Angelica shook her head, watching the flashing knife that hacked away the excess flesh of a mango as it was transformed from a piece of fruit to a figurine.
âIâll be back in a few minutes,â Tricia said.
Angelica nodded, but continued to stare enraptured at the show that continued before them.
âWeâll save your seat,â Midge said as Tricia sidled past the twins.
The Lido Restaurant was on the same deck as the lounge, and Tricia entered the door, stopping at the hand sanitizer. As she worked the foam between her fingers, she noticed Fiona Sample up ahead. She was alone, and Tricia hurried to join her.
âFiona!â
The author looked up and waved. Tricia joined her.
âHow do you think the panel went?â Fiona asked eagerly.
âOh, it was great fun. You were wonderful.
Everyone
on the panel was wonderful. If youâre not busy, would you join me for coffee?â
âIâd love to.â
They selected mugs, filled them from the large stainless steel urn, and doctored them before turning to search for an empty table. They found one halfway down the long aisle that overlooked the ocean, and sat down.
âIâm having such a wonderful time. Itâs so great to connect with readers and authors Iâve only known via the Internet.â
Tricia lifted her cup to take a sip when she saw Arnold Smith steering his scooter down the aisle. The basket in front was filled with books.
âHi, Fiona,â he called out as he passed, heading for the restaurantâs exit to the stern.
âHi, Arnold,â Fiona said, sounding less than enthusiastic.
âThanks for signing all my books.â
Fionaâs smile looked forced. âYouâre welcome.â
They watched him go. When he was out of earshot, Tricia spoke. âYou know that guy?â
âEverybody knows Arnold from social media. Facebook, in particular.â
âHow?â
âHe comments on a lot of posts, but heâs best known as a prize pig.â
Triciaâs eyebrows rose. âA what?â
âAuthors have giveaways for books and other swag. Arnold enters every one of them. The idea behind the contests is for winners to give honest reviews of the books. He doesnât. In fact, heâs on a number of lists from publishers who send out review copies. One of my readers discovered that when Arnold receives a shipment, he immediately lists the books on eBay. Itâs rumored that he makes enough money to support himself.â
âThatâs terrible.â
âAnd thatâs a lot of books,â Fiona acknowledged. âDuring the signing after the panel, one of the authors overheard him bragging that he got a terrific discount by booking this cruise just a day ahead of sailing.â
Tricia had heard about such sell-offs. The idea of just picking up and taking a trip on a whim did
Robert Chazz Chute, Holly Pop