Jordie was at the bar studying cocktail recipes on his laptop, which he had brought up from his cabin earlier. Excited with his new job, he had intentions of making the most of the opportunity.
He decided his first cocktail would be an abbreviation of one he found on the internet, which he named, ‘Tangy Fizz’
He wrote it on the cocktail specials board, then filled a tall glass with crushed ice before getting the ingredients for a taste tester. “First a splash of orange juice... a good portion of vodka... maybe a touch more vodka, a drop of Galliano... some sweet bubbly Champagne,” he grabbed a mini bottle, popped the cork then poured it in, “and finished with a twist of lime for added tanginess,”
He admired his creation; lifted the glass, sipped, then coughed, “mmm, tangy... maybe too much Vodka,” he placed the glass to one side.
At 6pm the passengers started to wander in for pre-dinner drinks; Mitch came over from the Galley to get a bottle of Champagne for Julio. ‘To keep zee energies flowing,’ Julio had winked.
With the sudden rush of customers, Jordie asked Mitch if he could stay and help, Mitch nodded and jumped behind the bar. As the last of the passengers grabbed their drinks, Kristy entered the dining room. Accompanying her was a softly curved, eye-catching woman in her mid-thirties. Her hair was blonde and gently curled, and spilled onto her shoulders, highlighting her charming and captivating face. A hot pink and yellow sundress hugged her body, emphasising her subtle curves.
Her name was May-lee; an independent woman of the world, who treated life’s journey as a voyage of discovery; a celebration of fine foods, show biz and Champagne. An admired Cabaret singer and dancer, May-lee had left Rivers Landing at an early age to travel the globe. She had entertained privileged audiences from Sydney’s Opera house, the sun soaked Riviera and her favored Spanish Isles. She had had a request from her darling niece Kristy to entertain on Maddy to help build tourism in her beloved river towns. A request she happily agreed.
As the girls approached, Jordie was unable to take his eyes off May-lee; and a sudden tingling sensation swept over him.
When the girls arrived, they sat on high stools at the bar. May-lee crossed her legs; the sundress parted and slipped down exposing a shapely thigh. Jordie’s eyes followed. She noticed his gaze, smiled, then turned her attention to the cocktail specials board.
“The tangy fizz sounds exotic, we’ll pamper our tastebuds with two of those delights,” she whispered.
Jordie obliged, confidently showing off his talents as a barman; making sure not to overdo the vodka. He placed the drinks onto the bar with all the trimmings; tiny colourful umbrella, cherries and long straw. May-lee picked up her glass and had a leisurely sip, “mmm, what a marvellous cocktail... exquisitely yummy, and sharp... like the barman,” she praised and sent him a wink.
Jordie’s face reddened; Kristy giggled at her aunties teasing then introduced her. “I’d like you to meet my beautiful aunt, the world renowned Cabaret singer and dancer… May-lee,”
Mitch sent May-lee a smile and told her his name. Jordie shot his arm across the bar and clutched her hand. When she gave a light squeeze, he had a rapid heart flutter, but recovered enough to tell her his.
“Jordieee... such a dynamic name,” she crooned.
A goofy grin crossed his face at her praise, “Why thank you Maay-laady,” he chuckled then performed a posing bow.
May-lee smiled at his attempted gallantry and humour. Mitch sniggered and thought, ‘what a tosser,’
“Auntie arrived this morning… she’s our star attraction,”
“I’m delighted, anything for my favourite niece… besides I have a feeling it may be an interesting trip,” she sent Jordie another wink.
After chatting for a bit, May-lee suggested that she and Kristy retire to their cabins to dress for the welcome aboard dinner.
When the girls left Mitch nudged Jordie and chuckled, “Maay-laady,” how cool are you,”