Page 48 of Hearts Aweigh
“What happened?” Daisy said, hurrying over, her friends not far behind.
Spencer waved Abby’s shoe. “Ms. O’Brien twisted her ankle.”
The four women fluttered around them, offering commiserations and advice on how to best treat a sprain.
Madeleine wandered closer and rubbed Abby’s heel. “Does it hurt?”
“Don’t worry, sweetie,” Abby said. “I’m fine.”
Emily smacked Spencer’s upper arm. “What are you waiting for? You should carry her to the infirmary.”
“I should what?” He stood upright.
Abby waved both hands. “Totally unnecessary. I can walk.” She pushed herself to her feet and winced.
“See there?” Emily pointed. “You don’t want her to injure herself further, do you?”
“But I …” Spencer blinked.
“Really, Spencer,” said Daisy.
Althea clicked her tongue. “Show them how a Southern gentleman behaves.”
Squeals and splashes and the airy gusts of the water cannons told him the other passengers were busy enjoying the pool. So why did it feel like the whole world was watching him? The Shippers definitely were. They stared him down with eyebrows raised in expectation. He sighed and bent, then placed an arm at Abby’s back.
Gerry took out a small notebook. “Now we’re talking. Maybe I can use this in my novel.”
“No, no, no.” Abby pushed him away. “I’m fine.”
Spencer straightened and glared at the hovering manager. “I assume this ship has a wheelchair somewhere.”
“Oh yes,” the manager said. “I’m very, very sorry. Let me get you the wheelchair.” He scrambled in his pockets. “Where did I put my phone? Let me run to my office—oh, wait. Here it is!” He discovered the cell in his back pocket and went off to place a call.
Gerry shook her head and put her notebook away. “Don’t think I’ll be getting any material for my book.”
“Yep.” Althea propped her hands on her hips. “No heroes here.”
“I apologize, Abigail,” Daisy said. “It’s my fault for not raising him better.”
“It’s coming!” The manager waved his phone over his head. “The wheelchair should be here in ten minutes.”
“Ten minutes? You’ve got to be kid—” Spencer passed the shoe to Abby. “Forget it.” He put one hand around her back and the other under her knees.
She hugged her sneaker tight. “What are you doing? I can walk.”
He rose in a swift motion. Her petite body settled against his. She weighed hardly more than a child.
“That’s more like it,” said Emily. “Well done, Spencer.”
Althea applauded. “It’s about stinkin’ time.”
“Whoa.” Abby threw an arm around his neck and peered at the ground. “I’m going to get airsick up here.”
Spencer nodded at his daughter. “Come along, Madeleine.”
Abby pressed his chest. “The bags. We left them by the bench.”
Spencer ignored the tingling sensation where her fingers rested and addressed the manager. “Get them for us.”
