Page 87 of Love Overboard
“Yes, that’s nice, but I’m afraid it won’t … you probably don’t—”
“Mrs. Windsor.” He stopped and faced her. “I decided not to date Lacey. She is cute but not my type.”
“You don’t say.” Emily pursed her lips.
“Yes.” The bag sank lower as Ricardo talked. Thick packages of flour peeked from the top. “It was my decision. I suggested we remain friends and … and nothing more. If you will please excuse me, this is heavy.”
He scuttled away, and Emily shook her head. She never should’ve encouraged him. The Shippers could find Ricardo someone else. She switched her purse to her other arm and ran through the options in her mind. Perhaps Malaya at the front desk would be a good candidate.
A matchmaker’s work was never done.
CHAPTER 38
JON MADE A QUICK HELLOcircuit around the lido deck on the way to his office. A cruise director never lacked for friends. Total strangers called him by name and slapped him on the back as he passed.
His teeth ground together as he observed Collins stretched out on a deck chair. His paunch showed through the gaping holes between his shirt buttons, knobby white knees protruded below his shorts, and a straw hat rested over his face.
Jon approached the man and stood beside the chaise lounge. “Working hard?”
Collins tilted his hat back. “I contacted a friend of mine in the bureau for an update. He says the crew member they arrested on the MSRoyalis ready to crack. Only a matter of time till they get the names of the ringleaders. All we got to do is wait.”
“Even so, do you suppose you might keep an eye on the passengers and crew here?” Jon tapped the top of the chair. “In case we missed someone.”
Collins rose with a grunt. He wandered away without a backward glance.
Jon spied Emily on the tier above the swimming pool. Her keen gaze took in the scene below. Her mouth moved, but there was no one beside her.
He took a detour up the stairs and approached the older woman. “Enjoying some alone time?”
“Not at all.” She lowered herself to a nearby chair. “I was talking to the Lord.”
Jon took the seat beside her. “Did my name come up in the conversation?”
“Naturally. And Lacey’s too.”
“That’s good. We could use some divine assistance.” His smile faltered. “I admit, I’ve been asking God for some extra help in the relationship department.”
Her brow crinkled. “Is there a problem?”
“Nope. Things are going well, but”—Jon rubbed a hand against his pants leg—“I thought things were going well two and a half years ago. Then Lacey disappeared without notice. If she did that again …” He shook his head.
“Worrying doesn’t fix anything, dear.” Emily reached over and patted his knee. “Talking to the Lord is the best thing you can do. And the second best is being honest with Lacey about your feelings. If you do that, everything will work out for the good.”
He hoped she was right. Since Lacey had introduced him to her parents, he felt a smidgen more secure in their relationship. But the wordlovehad never once escaped her lips. A desperate desire for some sort of guarantee wrestled with his patience.
Emily and Jon sat for several seconds without saying anything. The sound of squeals and splashes drifted from the pool area. He studied the little matchmaker beside him. She wore a peaceful, relaxed expression.
“I haven’t seen much of you lately,” Jon said.
“Probably wouldn’t have noticed me anyway with those stars in your eyes.” Emily drummed her fingers on the armrest. “Have you made any headway on the drug case?”
“How—” He peered over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “How do you know about that?”
“We have our informants.” Emily raised her brows. “I assume you’ve told Lacey.”
“Yes. She’s been keeping a lookout for anyone suspicious.”
“Good. You can count on help from the Shippers. I visited the port myself to surveil the passengers. If we spot anything unusual, I’ll report it to you.”
