Chapter 4

Simon couldn’t believe it; he was panic-stricken. What would Dave say? “Where are you going?”

Alvin rubbed his paws together, a gleam in his eyes. “The casino! I’m feeling lucky.”

“Oh no. No, no, no. Dave said…” Simon was desperate. For all his talk of racehorses with Dave, he had no idea how to handle Alvin when he decided to take off.

“Dave said we were old enough to make our own decisions,” said Alvin.

“He meant we were old enough to choose a movie!”

Alvin laughed as he looked at the television screen. “We’re clearly not. Check out what Theodore just picked.”

Theodore’s little face fell. “What’s wrong with this?” The opening credits had just started to roll across the screen, and Theodore couldn’t wait to watch one of his favorite movies.

“It’s for babies,” sneered Alvin dismissively. “Which is why Dave treats us like babies. Munk up, Theodore.” He grabbed the remote out of Theodore’s hand and changed the movie. “There, that’s better,” he said with a smile. He tossed the remote onto the bed and headed for the door.

Simon sighed and took off down the narrow cruise ship corridor after Alvin. The girls looked at each other, pleased.

“Who’s up for salsa night?” asked Brittany. “But what to wear … what to wear…” Dave and Alvin were dressed up, after all. The girls needed something fancy.

Eleanor jumped up onto the stateroom desk, her green eyes sparkling. “I know!” She reached into the welcome basket and poured a little tin of fruit candies out onto some sparkly fabric. It was time to party!