Page 56 of Too Far To Sea
“And after that?” asked Dana.
“I’m not sure. I have a great job lined up to start next month. Chandler’s father found it for me. Honestly, I think I am more excited about the job than I was about the wedding. Since I am not marrying a Brit, I’ll need to check, I may need a visa or something. But I’d like to stay and work. And that has nothing to do with not wanting to be anywhere near my mother for the time being.”
“Understandable.”
Ping.
Chey looked at her phone. She held it up for Dana to read.
Chandler: I NEED the ring!
“Is that the first time he’s texted?”
“Ya.”
“Are you going to give it to him?”
“No. It’s a family heirloom. I intend to return it to his mother.” Cheyanne tucked her phone into her pocket. “What are your plans? Going back early with mom and dad? Renee, Erin, and Lindie are touring London. No one has heard from Amy-Kate. I think she is in your old dungeon of a room or she got off.”
“I wouldn’t get on a plane with Sheila in her current mood to save my life.”
“Even if you got first class again?”
Dana laughed and shook her head. “I’m staying for a few days. You know I have this thing for Jane Austen. I’m taking the opportunity to go to Bath then down to Lyme Regis. I’ve always wanted to see the Cobb.”
“At least one of us can be romantic.”
“You could come with me?”
“No, I am not ready to think about romance. Speaking of—anything more between you and the security officer?”
“Not really. You saw the text when he asked how you were doing, but we haven’t had any other conversations since the whole mess when I caught Chandler and Amy-Kate together.” The few words that were said when she rebounded didn’t count as conversation.
“It’s odd. Three security members were there to witness it.”
“I thought so too, but it’s probably good, or I might have done more than deflect a blow from that jerk.”
“Good thing you didn’t. I mean, I know you could have taken Chandler any time, any place. He’s a wimp compared to the men I’ve seen you spar with. But I am glad you didn’t get put off the ship too. They could have kicked you off, right?”
When McKay wouldn’t talk to her at the time, Dana had wondered the same thing. She hadn’t been fighting, only defending herself. “I was worried for a hot minute.”
“You didn’t answer the important question. What about the security guy?”
“I’m going to try to see him once we are home. I just need a moment to talk to him. I don’t want to do the whole stalker web search thing though.”
Cheyanne leaned forward. “Really? You want to date him?”
“Yes.” The confidence in which the answer came out surprised her.
Cheyanne smiled. “Good for you.”
“I am really hoping there is something there once he is away from the ship. I mean, he would have to be nice to everyone on board. I’m not sure if he is reciprocating my feelings or not.”
“I think there is interest on his part. Even I noticed how he looked at you. Chandler didn’t look at me all softy-eyed like that. Next time I get engaged, I’m going to make sure it’s for all the right reasons.”
“Are you just putting on a brave face? Or are you really not that upset about things?”
“Like I said, I was more excited about my new job and living in the UK. I always knew something was off. I guess I just didn’t have enough—I don’t know a word for it—flutters?”
