Page 46 of Hearts Aweigh
“Yes.” He gave her an awkward double pat and extricated himself from her soft hold. “Althea, thank you for the reminder.” He acknowledged his mother. “Daisy, I understand you’ll be joining us at the pool.”
Althea grinned. “We’re all coming, baby.” She passed him a leopard-print bag. “My sacroiliac’s been hurtin’. Can you carry this for me?”
Daisy handed him a similar-sized black one. “Mine too, if you please. Thank you.”
The group stared at him with cheerful expectation, except for the tall one, whose stoic countenance remained unreadable. The four senior citizens began to move, and Abby added her own tote to his ever-growing collection. “Let’s head to the pool.”
Spencer examined the bags. Since when had he become the porter? Abby was his employee, not the other way around. Who was the boss in this relationship?
CHAPTER 23
AMAN-MADE WATERFALL CASCADEDinto the crystal clear children’s pool as families cavorted in the spray. Mounted speakers played a blend of popular hits, and sunlight glinted off the cheery orange and turquoise tiles surrounding the swimming area.
Emily relaxed on a recliner beside Gerry, who hadn’t emerged from her book since they arrived. Daisy and Althea sat on the edge of the pool, splashing their legs at a giggling Maddie, who floated on her back while Abby propped her hands beneath her. A perfect picture—except for one detail.
Emily glowered Spencer’s direction. He sat at a table in his starchy khaki pants and crisp white shirt, typing away on his phone. How could the man ignore his family? It was unconscionable.
The desire to meddle surged inside her, but she decided to ask for advice first.
“Lord.” She didn’t bother praying quietly. Gerry knew her penchant for petitioning their heavenly Father. “What’s wrong with that man? He has a beautiful baby girl and a mother who hasn’t seen him in a year and a half. Should I say something?”
“Would it do any good?” Gerry snarked.
“I wasn’t talking to you.”
“I know. But I’m throwing my two cents in anyway. I doubt anything you say would make an impression on that stuffed shirt.”
“Mr. Masterson!” Abby hollered from the pool. “Come here. Maddie’s floating by herself.”
Spencer immediately put the phone away and walked to join them.
“Did you see that?” Emily nudged Gerry.
Her friend poked her nose over the top of her book. “See what?”
“One call from our Abby-girl, and Spencer stopped working to attend the floating lesson. What does that tell you?”
“Tells me he’s not completely heartless. He must care about his daughter.”
Emily resumed her conversation with heaven. “I don’t know, Lord. Am I the only one who’s seeing this? Or am I completely delusional?”
“Yes,” said Gerry. “And yes.”
“Can I go on the slide?” Maddie asked.
“Absolutely, sweetie.” Abby helped her climb from the shallow pool. “Excuse me.” Spencer turned. “I need to send another text to my office.”
Abby rolled her eyes and walked hand in hand with Maddie to the twisty orange slide.
The little girl climbed the short ladder but hesitated.
Abby called, “Don’t be afraid. You can do it. I’ll go wait at the bottom for you.”
As she spun to head there, her bare foot caught on a waist-high stack of folded lounge recliners piled by the pool’s edge. Her body twisted left. Her ankle twisted right.Pain.She stumbled and landed on the tiles with a thud.
Quick steps rushed to her side. “What happened?” Spencer knelt beside her.
She motioned to the chairs. “I tripped.”
