Page 32 of Hearts Aweigh
“Be sure to behave for Abby,” Spencer said.
Maddie’s smile disappeared. She straightened her spine and nodded at her father.
Abby longed to wag her finger.Way to ruin the mood, party pooper.
Spencer held two overstuffed bags in front of him. “I brought the necessary items.”
Abby’s lips twitched. “Such as?”
“A pillow and blanket. Sunblock. A bathing suit. A sun hat. Allergy medicine.”
Exactly what she expected. Nothing useful for a playday indoors. But she gave the man points for trying. Maybe she could convince him to visit the splash pad with his daughter when he returned.
Abby cupped a hand around her mouth and stage-whispered to Maddie. “There’s a magician inside.”
Screaming erupted from the corner. A pudgy boy with black hair stomped his feet. Tears dribbled down his cheeks.
Spencer frowned at the scamp. “Do you need to check on him?”
“He’s fine.” Abby laughed at Spencer’s shocked reaction. “Did I sound harsh? That’s the second fit that boy’s thrown this week. The first was yesterday when we wouldn’t give him a soda.” She tweaked Maddie’s cheek. “The truth is, I’m a big softy. When a child is truly crying, I want to wrap them in my arms and shower them with affection. But after years of experience, I can recognize the fakers. Wails. Tantrums. Vomit. One young customer chucked his shoe at me.”
She squatted in front of Maddie and gave her a bear hug. “Why can’t all kids be as sweet as you?”
Her precious captive giggled in her arms. Abby looked at Spencer. “I reminded Daisy of the meeting. You’d better get going.”
His gaze cut to Maddie. “If I forgot anything, call me right away.” He reached out. His hand hovered over his daughter’s shoulder, but then he withdrew without touching her. “I’ll return soon, Madeleine. I promise.”
Spencer passed the overloaded bags to Abby. His fingers brushed her arm as he slipped the handles past her wrist. A tickle like static electricity danced across her skin.
Abby gave herself a mental slap upside the head.Keep it professional.
“Yes, sir. Nothing to worry about. Maddie and I will have a marvelous time while you’re gone.” She motioned with her elbow. “Come on, Maddie. Let’s check out that magician. We’ll sit criss-cross applesauce on the carpet and watch his show. The last time Mr. Seamus was here, he made a whole bicycle disappear.”
Abby’s words tumbled as fast as her heartbeat. Never had the mere presence of a passenger rattled her so, but something about this man upset her even keel. She could ignore a good-looking guy without a second thought, but what she couldn’t ignore was the expression she recognized in this man’s eyes. Abby was a sucker for hurting children. And she sensed behind Spencer Randolph Masterson’s cultured facade was a lost boy who desperately needed a hug.
CHAPTER 15
SPENCER STRODE INTO THE TEAROOMwith five minutes to spare. Not that it made a difference. Daisy always arrived late for everything in order to make an entrance.
British paraphernalia adorned the Royal Crumpets Tearoom. Porcelain cups and saucers painted with the Union Jack decorated each round table, and a portrait of Jane Austen hung on the wall.
He chose a table in the corner where they weren’t likely to be overheard. A piano prelude by Chopin played from the speakers. He ordered a cup of coffee from the server and settled in for a long wait. Was this an ideal time to entreat a little heavenly guidance?
Lord, have I come on a fool’s errand? I haven’t always been the best son, but Daisy hasn’t been the best mother either. Is there any way to heal this relationship?
If what they had could even be called a relationship.
Raised by servants. Shuttled off to boarding school at the age of twelve. Spencer couldn’t recall a single conversation or embrace with his mother that hadn’t been performed in the company of others. Daisy had dwelled on the periphery of his life for as long as he could remember. He doubted she’d even desired children. His father was the only one to pay him attention.And Julius Masterson’s particular brand of attention had been painstaking and precise.
Spencer was well into his second cup of coffee before his mother made her appearance. Even in her seventies, she floated across the room with a grace that testified to generations of Southern breeding. He stood as she approached and pulled the chair out for her. Once they were seated, she folded her hands on her lap and offered him a tentative smile.
“It’s good to see you, Spencer. I’ve missed you.”
He refrained from voicing the doubt that swelled inside. “Thank you. Have you been well?”
“Very much so. I’ve made new friends who keep me busy.” A twinkle entered her eye. “You might be surprised at the trouble we get into.”
He chuckled. “After hearing you’ve joined a club of matchmakers, I doubt much else could surprise me.”
