Page 59 of Love Overboard
“That’s strange.” Emily’s eyes narrowed at Jon. “You two seemed pretty friendly on Nevis.”
He dropped his gaze and fiddled with a button on his sleeve. “Crisis draws people together.” He waved at a couple who were gesturing to him. “If you ladies will excuse me, a guest is trying to get my attention. We return to Galveston tomorrow, but I assume I’ll see you all on the next cruise. Be sure to check out the revamped evening show. They’ve added a rap number.”
“Thanks for warning us,” said Gerry.
He nodded and left to greet the passengers at a nearby table.
“Did you hear what he said?” Emily shoved her chair back. “We need a new crisis to throw him and Lacey together.”
Daisy dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Somehow I doubt that’s what he meant.”
Emily placed one elbow on the table and cupped her chin in her hand. “Lacey won’t fall for another fake emergency. It has to appear completely coincidental. Where should we start?”
The group fell silent. Cutlery clinked against fine china. Other diners chatted and enjoyed the meal, but the Shippers’ supper had transformed into a strategy meeting.
Daisy sighed. “Why is romance so difficult?”
Althea peered over Gerry’s shoulder, and her full red lips lifted. “It’s not so difficult for some. Here comes romance now.”
“Do my Irish eyes deceive me?” a thick brogue exclaimed.
The other ladies’ heads turned to find Seamus O’Riley dressed in the same style of white tie and tails he wore for his show. He walked round the table until he stood by Gerry.
“Ah, it’s herself—the fairest flower in this floating MSBuckinghamgarden.”
Gerry grimaced. “That metaphor makes no sense.”
Daisy cringed and whispered, “Gerry, be nice.”
“Think nothing of it.” Seamus clasped his hands behind his back. “Every word she speaks to me is a point in my favor. I’ll win the fair lady yet.” He rocked on his heels. “Will y’be coming to my show when the new cruise starts?”
“We have work to do,” said Emily. “Perhaps another time.”
“You’re crushin’ me poor spirit.” Seamus patted his chest. “But I’ll hold you to that promise, and I’ll say good night till it be morrow.” He left with a twinkle.
Althea swooned. “That was poetic.”
“Shakespeare probably thought as much when he wrote it,” said Gerry.
“I know it’s fromRomeo and Juliet. I’m not an idiot. But I’m not sure about you. Why don’t you date him?”
“He looks like he’s part leprechaun.”
“I think he’s cute.” Althea’s eyebrows dipped. “Snatch him up while he’s still interested.”
“He’s shorter than me.” Gerry pulled a book from under her napkin, snapped it open, and blocked her face.
“Too bad he didn’t take a shine to me first.” Althea lifted a little from her chair as she watched the magician cross the room. “I’d like to go international for husband number four. Get a little Irish cream in my diet.”
“You do that.” Gerry lowered her book. “I’ll be your bridesmaid.”
Emily ignored her friends picking at each other as she calculated their next move in Operation Ambush. Her bones told her success was imminent. She stabbed a russet potato with her fork, sliced it down the middle, and smiled. “Ladies, we may be close to clinching another satisfied match. If we can devise a good scheme, one more voyage should do it.”
CHAPTER 27
THEGALVESTON DOCK BUSTLED WITHworkers maneuvering fresh supplies onto the MSBuckingham. Jon dodged to the right as a forklift barreled past. The provisions master, in his bright-yellow safety vest, took out a thermometer and checked the temperature on a pallet of oysters. Shrink-wrapped skids of perishables waited to be loaded off a delivery truck.
Collins wandered up with his hands in his pockets, and Jon struggled to keep his temper in check. No matter how much he argued with the corporate office, they refused to replace the incompetent buffoon. He’d been tempted to go over their heads and fire the man himself, but ultimately decided to follow protocol a little longer for the sake of workplace harmony.
