Page 26 of Too Far To Sea
“McKay,” Dana called to get his attention. “Look at this sheep. Would your niece like him? He is the cutest of the ones I’ve seen today.”
McKay picked up the stuffed animal, surprised to see it was made in Ireland with real Irish wool and not halfway across the globe. “I think Gracie will love it.”
Dana picked up three smaller versions of the sheep. “Definitely a kid pleaser.”
“Who are those for? Nieces and nephews?”
Dana laughed. “Cheyanne is my only sibling, not an aunt yet. These are work related.”
“So, you can’t tell me, or you have to?—?”
“Never speak with you again, among other things.” Dana paid for her purchases and waited for him.
He waved to the top of the street. “Only a couple of stores left. Have you found a sweater better than the first one you saw?”
“No.”
“You should go back and get it, then. You don’t want it to be the one that got away.”
“You’re right.”
They backtracked to a side street and entered the shop. Dana went straight to the sweater she liked, a traditional pattern in blue. A lavender one in a similar style sat next to it.
“Wow, I think you found my sister’s sweater, too.” McKay looked at the tag. “I’m never sure if I should get a medium or a large.”
“What size does she say she wears?”
“Sometimes both.”
“Then err on the side of too large for a sweater like this. She can always wear it over another shirt.”
He stood behind her in line. “I’m glad I ran into you today. I don’t think I would have found the right gifts without some help.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t find a crew member to help you shop.”
McKay smiled and didn’t reply. Explaining his dating availability status was not a subject to share with an acquaintance, especially one he would date if he could. He gestured to the cafe across the street. “Would you like ice cream? My treat for keeping you standing so long.”
Dana bit her lip. “Is that allowed? I wouldn’t want you in trouble for involvement with a passenger.”
“It is an outdoor table. When we finish, you can walk up to the bus kiosk, and I’ll go back to the ship. A simple thank you. Very public. Nothing illicit.” If that wasn’t a justification, he wasn’t sure what was. He’d tell Alvaro as soon as he returned. Better to selfreport that nothing happened than have another crew member see them and make assumptions.
“Only because I need to sit.” Dana sat at the closest empty table and looked at the line, waiting to make a purchase. “I should have gotten my ice cream first.”
“What flavor do you want? I’ll get it while you watch the bags. If that isn’t a problem.”
“I can watch bags. They are hardly likely to do anything requiring my expertise.”
He chuckled. “I forgot, personal security, watching bags should be easy. I’m more worried about anyone who tries to take them now.”
“They won’t get that far. Chocolate based anything.”
The answer to his flavor question brought him back from picturing her taking out would be thieves. “Cone or cup?”
“Cone, of course.”
All too soon, they finished their cones, and Dana waved goodbye as she crossed the street to the bus kiosk.
McKay rose and walked the other direction. If only he could keep this encounter to himself. However, the best course was to report it. If he didn’t, it was unlikely that he would be reprimanded, since it was his last week and there had beenno physical contact. As tempting as it was to skirt the rules, he wouldn’t, he couldn’t. He neared the jewelry store where he’d run into Dana. Through the window, he watched the saleswoman sell rings to another customer. If only her mistake had been right, and Dana was his girlfriend—he’d have done something impulsive.
