At My Mother’s Birthday Brunch, I Found A Paid Cruise Cabin In My Name – And A Job I Never Accepted
PART 2
Camille’s face changed before she answered.
“Definitely is a strong word.”
Mark spoke from across the table. “You told me Nora had the dates blocked and was handling the trip stuff.”
“I said she was planning to.”
“You said if Nora was going, we wouldn’t have to worry about Mom getting around.”
June looked from one daughter to the other.
Nora kept her voice level.
“Mark, did that affect whether you booked?”
He hesitated.
“Yes.”
His wife touched his arm, but he continued.
“We’ve never cruised. Camille said you’d already checked the accessibility pieces and would keep everyone organized. I figured if you were comfortable with it, it was probably fine.”
Nora felt the word land again.
Fine.
Camille leaned toward her. “Nobody is trapped. The next group deadline isn’t for weeks.”
“How many people booked after you told them I was going?”
“I don’t know.”
“You have a folder.”
Camille exhaled.
“Four cabins, maybe five.”
Nora took out her phone.
“What’s the agency number?”
“At brunch?”
“Yes.”
“Nora, please don’t turn Mom’s birthday into—”
“Into what?”
June said quietly, “Give her the number.”
Camille looked hurt, then opened her own folder.
The agent answered after two transfers. Nora identified herself and asked only about her own reservation.
“Cabin 8124?” the agent said. “Yes, Ms. Ellis. You’re confirmed in the Mercer family block.”
“Did I personally authorize that reservation?”
A pause.
“I have the deposit from Camille Mercer and a notation that she was coordinating the family cabins.”
“Is my cabin currently counted toward the group’s committed rooms?”
“Yes.”
“And am I listed as a traveler contact?”
“You’re the secondary group contact for onboard coordination.”
Nora looked at Camille.
Secondary group contact.
Not a cute folder label.
Not merely family shorthand.
The agent continued, “Would you like me to make a note?”
“Yes. Please note that I have not yet confirmed that I am traveling and I am not accepting a group-contact role.”
Camille shut her eyes.
The room was completely quiet now.
Nora thanked the agent and ended the call.
Mark set his coffee down.
“I booked because I thought you were committed,” he said.
Nora looked at the five navy folders open around the table.
Camille had not just saved her a cabin.
She had used Nora’s name to make the whole trip feel settled.
