Page 46 of Why Cruise

The server approached the table, but it still took us a solid 30 seconds to rein in the laughter.

“What will the lady be having today?” He said to Justice, not Mackenzie. They all had their heads in their menus, so they didn’t notice.

“Can I, um,” Mackenzie started and then stalled out.

Ren cleared his throat. Mackenzie nodded her head once and whispered something to herself like a pep talk.

“How about you start with Mr. Twill here?” Ren interjected.

“Of course. Sir?”

We all placed our orders. When it came back to Mackenzie, she lifted her chin and said, “The stuffed pork chop, please,” like she had rehearsed it.

“Excellent,” the server said, taking my menu.

“Oh and,” she shot a quick glance at Ren, “shrimp cocktail.” She twisted her fingers and then hid them in her lap.

Justice sat up straight to get the server’s attention. “No mushrooms for her.” How did he know she didn’t like mushrooms?

I looked between Ren and Mackenzie. Something was happening there. Ren had a satisfied smirk on his face. No. That was pride. And Mackenzie was… freaked out, but relieved.

“So tell us about the crime, Ren.” That came out harsher than I had wanted. But I couldn’t tell if Mackenzie needed protection. But from what? I reached under the table for her foot and she hooked both of hers around mine.

“Cheating at high-risk-high-reward poker, mostly.” He snapped his napkin open and looked up at the ceiling. “I’m not sure that’s technically a crime, come to think of it.”

“I’m sure the PHPD would have an opinion on that,” Justice said.

“I’m sure Port Haven’s finest have much better things to do with their time.” Ren countered. “Oh, I’m also fantastic at gettingintoplaces I shouldn’t.”

“Like that Camaro you ‘borrowed’?” Justice leaned back in his chair and threw up air quotes.

“You’re the one who wanted to learn how to drive my stick.” Ren pulled an innocent face and covered his mouth. “Oopsie. Sorry. Drive stick shift.”

“They’re angry flirting again.” Mackenzie leaned into the table and stage whispered.

“I know.” I said.

“It’s hot.”

“We are not flirting.” Justice said in a huff.

“It really is.”

She sat up straight with a naughty smile on her face as the server approached and put her shrimp cocktail in front of her with a “Ma’am.”

“But seriously,” Mackenzie popped a shrimp in her mouth, “are you a criminal?”

“Absolutely.” Ren didn’t hesitate. “Mostly I steal cars, but never Camaros.” His eyes locked with Justice across the table. “High-end, one-of-a-kind custom cars that have their own garages and security details.”

Ren took another bite of his appetizer, chewing thoughtfully.

“Actually, I think it’s just rich people’s pranks,” he added, like he was surprised at the realization.

Mackenzie said, her eyes bright with curiosity. “How do you mean?”

“Okay, so rich dude number one will buy a very fancy, very expensive car. Rich dude number two wants that very fancy, very expensive car. Pays me to go steal rich dude number one’s car. Then six months later, rich dude number one pays me to steal it back. And they are all making money on the insurance, to boot.”

“Aren’t you afraid of getting in trouble?” I asked. I wasn’t sure Ren was telling the truth at this point. He did say he’d never lie to Mackenzie. Justice was leaning back in his chair, plate ignored, pushing his wineglass in little circles.

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