Page 52 of Hearts Aweigh
His coworker Mike sidled past him with a folding chair and waited while Althea settled herself. Gerry stood as tall as the man denying them entrance. She peered over his shoulder. “Tell me, Mr. Everson. Can you hear what the passengers are saying on those TV screens?”
He locked his muscular arms over his barrel chest. “That would be a violation of their privacy. We visually monitor everyone’s activity for their own safety and as a precaution against lawsuits but don’t listen to their conversations. If a question arises about someone’s behavior, we can check the footage.”
“Speaking of footage.” Emily stepped forward. “Could you check the feed for us? Someone left a note in the infirmary today, and we want to know who it was.”
“Why?”
Emily shot a worried look at her friends. “I’m afraid I can’t reveal the reason, but I assure you it’s important.”
The man did his best imitation of a statue. Only the slightest movement of his lips proved his humanity. “We respect the rights of our passengers. Whatever your newest scheme is, I advise you ladies to cease and desist.” He backed over the threshold and shut the door.
Althea rose from the chair and dusted off her skirt. “Not too friendly, is he?”
Gerry frowned. “Sounds like he’s onto us. We better watch what we say around him.”
Emily tapped her orthopedic sandal on the floor. “We need access to those video files. How else can we discover who left the blackmail note in the clinic?”
Althea snapped her fingers. “What about Barney? He’s always been nice. Maybe he’d sneak a look and fill us in.”
“Great idea.” Emily patted her. “Why don’t we track him down? Once we’ve finished, we can double-check the details for Abby’s romantic dinner at Cloud Nine.”
Emily pictured the imaginary thundercloud hanging above Spencer’s head. Did he have to make his annoyance with his nanny’s dating so obvious? What a shame all that chemistry between him and Abby was wasted.
No matter. The Shippers could find their sweet client someone better. Perhaps this next date would prove they already had.
CHAPTER 26
THAT MIGHT GO DOWN ASthe worst date of her entire short life.
Abby shuffled along the wide hallway leading to the VIP suites. The wispy green material of her long sundress had hidden the elastic bandage during her fancy picnic, but the effort was in vain. Perhaps she should’ve worn sweats to meet Cedric. The forty-five-minute date had resembled ten rounds with a kung fu master. She’d block one hand, and another appeared. Her dress wasn’t the best outfit for childcare, but she was too tired to change.
Abby arrived at the Mastersons’ suite and knocked. The door swung open. Her boss stood on the other side, his jaw jutting at a grumpy angle.
Why? She wasn’t late. The truth was, she’d been grateful for an excuse to leave her date.
“Did you miss me?” She crossed the threshold.
“Madeleine did.” He closed the door and walked to the dining room table covered with papers.
“She’s here?” Abby lifted her gaze to the upper balcony, expecting to see Maddie peeking over the rail. “I thought she was spending time with Daisy.”
Spencer pulled out a chair. “She was tired, and we put her down for a nap. But before she fell asleep, she asked where youwere.” He sat and shuffled a stack of papers. “How was your date?”
Abby moaned. “Don’t remind me. The Shippers need to vet their candidates more carefully.”
He stopped shuffling. “Don’t tell me the almighty matchmakers picked a dud.”
“Not a dud. He was just too fond of physical contact.”
“What? Was he acting in an inappropriate manner?”
“Inappropriateisn’t exactly the right word. More like overly friendly.” Abby chuckled. “I haven’t been out with a guy that touchy-feely since high school. Good thing I still have one good foot.” She sank into a chair opposite him and swung the leg not encased in a bandage. “I kicked his knee so hard he squealed. And then I told him I’d aim higher if he didn’t watch his hands.”
The beginning of a smile appeared on Spencer’s face. “Another gutter ball? After this many consecutive bad dates, maybe you should forgo the incompetent games of my mother and her friends.”
“I don’t blame them. People like Cedric have great manners until you get them alone. There’s no way they could’ve known what a Casanova he is. I’m sure their next choice will be better.” She sensed a protest coming and held up her hand. “Don’t worry. It will probably take them several days to offer a new option. By then your cruise will be finished, and you won’t have to work your schedule around my love life.”
Spencer’s forehead knotted. It was true. Soon, they’d say goodbye to Madeleine’s nanny valet. Fewer than three days remained until they docked in Galveston.
