Bakers on Board by Sheryl Berk Page B

savored every bite. “At least most of the cupcakes stayed dry.”
    â€œEven if I didn’t,” Jenna said, bundling herself in a towel.
    â€œI wouldn’t call it a disaster at all.” Mr. Warren suddenly appeared behind them. “Everyone is talking about that thrilling pirate show in the pool,” he told them. “You made quite a splash, ladies.”
    Leo and Mitchell breathed a huge sigh of relief that their boss was pleased. “Pass me a cupcake,” Mitchell told Kylie. “After all that drama, I need one.” He popped three in his mouth, one after the other.
    â€œDark chocolate ganache,” he said, licking his fingers. “My favorite.”
    â€œSo what are your plans for the rest of the cruise—now that you’re off duty?” Leo asked the club.
    â€œSun and fun,” Delaney said. “Finally!”
    â€œAbout that…” Mitchell interrupted her. “The forecast is calling for rain tomorrow.”
    Delaney rolled her eyes. “I give up. I just give up.”
    â€œWe’ll still have plenty of time in the Bahamas, and the captain promised me he’d make a special stop in Florida on the way home since some of our VIPs missed their excursion to Disney World.”
    â€œYes!” Delaney pumped her fist in the air. “Magic Kingdom, here I come!”
    Jenna made a face. “Do you think we could maybe skip the Pirates of the Caribbean ride?” she asked her friends. “I think I’ve had enough adventure on the high seas for one trip.”
    Meanwhile, Harold had a chance to flip through the images Marisol had taken with his camera.
    â€œThese are excellent,” he told her. “You truly have an eye.”
    Marisol shrugged. “Ya think?”
    â€œI do,” he replied. “And I have a surprise for you. Be at the lobby tomorrow morning and you’ll see.”
    Marisol had no idea what Harold was planning—but she realized she couldn’t lie to him anymore.
    â€œMr. Hammond,” she began. “About Lucy…”
    â€œYou got her wet,” he said. “I saw some condensation inside the lens while I was shooting.”
    â€œI’m so sorry. It was stupid and irresponsible, and I wouldn’t blame you for never trusting me with your equipment again.”
    â€œWell, that would be a problem,” he replied. “You see, I’ve decided to come out of retirement, and I’ll be needing an assistant to help me this summer. I was hoping you’d be interested—and I’ll pay you for whatever shoots you come along on.”
    Marisol’s face lit up. “You mean it? That would be amazing!”
    â€œOf course,” he reminded her, “you’ll need to get your parents’ permission.”
    Marisol sighed. “That means telling my mom that I’m not going to be a doctor.”
    â€œI think she’d rather hear the truth from you than lies,” Harold said. “I know I would. And after tomorrow, I think you’ll have an easier way to tell her.”
    â€¢ • •
    Immediately after breakfast, Marisol, Maggie, Jenna, and the rest of PLC filed into the ship’s lobby. There were chairs set around a stage.
    â€œWhat do you suppose that is?” Jenna asked her sister. She pointed to what looked like several easels draped in cloths.
    â€œI don’t know. Harold said it was a surprise.”
    Kylie checked the ship’s daily schedule. “It says 9:00 a.m. art exhibit.”
    Guests began filling up the chairs in anticipation. Leo and Harold walked up on the stage to introduce the event.
    â€œIt gives me great pleasure to introduce one of the finest photographers in the world, Mr. Harold Hammond,” Leo said in the microphone.
    Harold bowed modestly. “This exhibit is not about me,” he told the audience. “It’s about a young talent that I’ve discovered right here on this ship.”