Page 62 of Love Overboard
Jon passed her a cookie. Better to let it go. It was early days in their relationship. There was plenty of time to meet her family later. He bit into his lukewarm burger and tried to ignore the gnawing sensation in the pit of his stomach.
Was that feeling because he hadn’t told her about the investigation? Or something deeper? Because of something that came between them two and a half years ago?
He wished he knew what that something was.
CHAPTER 28
SMOOTH JAZZ PLAYED THROUGH THEsound system as the art deco sconces cast a cozy amount of light. Lacey sat with her parents in the MSBuckingham’s exclusive steakhouse. She toyed with her entrée while her dad relished every bite of his filet mignon and lobster meal.
The waiter held out a large bottle. “Would you care for more wine, sir?”
Her still-chewing father tapped the stem of his glass with a finger.
“Are you sure you want another one, Ron?” her mother asked. “Remember your health.”
He swirled the dark-purple liquid and downed it in one gulp. “It’s fine. I’m on vacation.”
A lifelong vacation.
Lacey pushed a mushroom around her plate. Nineteen minutes remained, and then she reported for work. She could make it.
“Are you dating anyone?” asked her mother.
Lacey’s fork froze. “I … Work keeps me busy—”
“’Course it does,” her father interrupted. “These big companies squeeze the lifeblood out of their employees. They probably don’t give her time to breathe, let alone date.” He grabbed the lobster claw and used the crackers to split its shiny red shell. “I’m willing to be your advocate. Want me to talk to your boss? Give me the signal.”
“No!” Lacey sat a little straighter. “I like my job, Dad. They treat me very well.”
“This is a classy setup.” Her father motioned around the room with his fork. “I’m glad you got in with such a fancy operation. It’s way better than the dumps I used to work at before I got sick.”
She concentrated on her plate and slicing her coq au vin. “Monarch is a wonderful employer.”
“We’re so proud of you, honey,” her mom said. “But I feel guilty that you keep sending money home. We’re doing okay now. I should be able to pay the mortgage on my own. You don’t have to always—”
“What do they have for fun on this boat?” Her father refilled his glass and took another swig. “I hear cruise ships are jam-packed with entertainment.”
Lacey stabbed the chicken leg with her knife. “There are nightly shows in the main auditorium. A comedy club. Bingo.”
“Just bingo? No casino?”
“No.” Lacey dropped her silverware with a loud clink. “Monarch Cruises is a family-oriented line. They never have casinos on their ships.”
“Pity.” Her father cocked his head. “I was mighty good at poker back in the day.”
Lacey shut her eyes and silently counted to ten. A gentle buzz rattled the table, and she reached for her vibrating phone. She read the message from her coworker Nadia, lifted the cloth napkin from her lap, and tossed it on her plate. “I’m sorry. There’s an emergency at the dining room. I need to go.”
“Why does it have to be you?” Her father frowned. “You’re not the captain.”
“Don’t worry about us.” Her mom waved her off with both hands. “We’ll be fine.”
Lacey stood. “Enjoy your meal.”
“Monarch ought to let you eat in peace,” her dad grumbled as he sawed at his steak. “That’s no way to treat employees, disturbing them during dinner.”
Lacey clamped her lips in a tight smile and beat a hasty retreat from the restaurant while thanking God for the delightful disturbance.
She ducked into a staff hallway and pounded up the stairs to one of the main dining rooms on deck eleven. Exiting into the passage behind the galley, she swerved out of the way as a server in a black uniform with purple buttons zoomed past, holding a tray of food above his head. Staying close to the wall, Lacey walked toward the door that led into the eating area.
