Page 78 of Too Far To Sea
McKay rolled his eyes, though the words hit closer to home than he cared to admit.
“What love of your life, Uncle Mac? What love?”
“You!” He picked up Gracie and swung her around, grateful for the distraction. The movement reminded him of helping Dana down from the Cobb, and he set Gracie down perhaps a bit too quickly.
“You haven’t lost me.”
McKay gave her another hug. “Well, then, your mother must be wrong.”
“Are you two staying for dinner, Jen?” asked his mother.
“Yes, I have time before my shift. Are you sure you can handle Gracie and Mac?”
“Gracie’s easy. She cleans up after herself.”
“Hey, I do too,” said McKay, though his room still held half packed suitcases.
Jen sat down next to McKay’s computer, glancing at the screen. “Hastings Security? Are you looking for new jobs?”
His heart quickened at the name on the screen. “I don’t know if they would hire me, but they are the security for Robyn’s Place, and it’s close enough that I would be nearby.”
“You’re not going back to the ship?”
McKay shook his head. “No, I’ve decided not to renew my contract with them.”
“Because of the thing?” Jen carefully avoided mentioning Dana’s name.
“Partially. I also think it’s just time to be on land, to be around for all the things that I miss.”Like the chance to build something real with someone special that lasts more than two weeks.
“I hope you’re not staying for my sake,” scolded his mother.
“No, Mom. It’s time to be home.” How long it would feel like home was another issue.
“Any other job leads?” asked Jen.
“I’m not looking that seriously yet.” He had his hands full, taking care of Mom. Once things changed, he could figure out the next step. Maybe he would apply to Hastings, if no other reason than to go to Chicago and have a chance of finding Dana.
“Slow down, Chey. What’s wrong?”
“Sorry,” Chey’s voice came in a little gasp over the phone. “I’m just really worried about Mom.”
“Why? What happened?” Dana sat on the end of her bed.
“I think Dad left her. She was such a mess. I’ve never seen her like?—”
Mitchell left?Unbelievable. They seemed fine on the cruise. “Like what, Chey?”
“Just upset. Just crying and blaming herself. We knew she knew about Chandler’s affair before the wedding, but she was just telling me all these things and how everything she’s done in her life was wrong. I was almost afraid to let her off at Heathrow.”
“She’s flying to Chicago?”
“Yes. Dad left yesterday. Just got in a taxi and left.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Her flight lands in—” Chey paused “—six hours. Is there any way you can be in Chicago to pick her up?”
Dana looked at her schedule. If she switched one shift, she could do it. “Yes, I can go.”
