Page 26 of Hearts Aweigh
A cloud passing over her usual sunny countenance, Althea placed a hand on Emily’s arm. “Drop it, baby. If Daisy wants us to know, she’ll tell us in good time. We can’t let our curiosity cause her pain.”
A guilty twinge like the unpleasant pressure of a flu shot pricked Emily. She twisted the cloth napkin on her lap. Was Althea correct? Emily couldn’t deny she loved a good mystery. Did she truly wish to help Daisy, or was she just looking for a new thrill?
Gerry tapped the table. “They’re here.”
Abby and Norville stood at the entrance. Their complementary heights and corresponding smiles lent them the air of newlyweds on their honeymoon. The three Shippers turned their chairs for a better look at their latest match.
CHAPTER 12
ABBY SIGHED IN RELIEF ASthe last remnants of the setting sun disappeared behind the windowsill. She could finally stop squinting and enjoy the classy ambiance. A string quartet played on a dais in the center of the room as diners enjoyed the Trafalgar chef’s exquisite culinary creations.
A votive candle flickered on the table between her and Norville. She fingered the bouquet of tulips he’d brought. Good thing she’d changed from her work clothes into a simple but feminine sundress. The dim lighting, romantic music, and posh attire of the people around them equaled the fanciest date of her life.
Achoo!
Abby jumped at the eardrum-puncturing sneeze.
“So sorry.” Norville took out a clean white hankie and wiped his nose. “I must have caught something. I wasn’t sick when I came aboard.”
“Uh-oh.” Abby winced. “You’ve fallen victim to the dreaded Cruise Ship Cold. The staff works hard to keep this place sanitized, but every new batch of passengers brings its own germs.”
He returned his handkerchief to his pocket. “I hope my sneezing won’t disturb you too much.”
“No worries. I spent my first two months at sea popping cold-and-flu tablets.”
“Abby?” A new voice intruded.
Her workout buddy approached their table. “Hey, Claude. Are you our server? This will be fun. I get to orderyouaround for a change.”
“You two know each other?” Norville asked the giant man. The waiter’s black tuxedo stretched taut against bulging biceps, and his white bow tie was dwarfed by his thick brown pillar of a throat.
“Everyone knows everyone when you work on a cruise ship.” Claude chucked Abby on the shoulder. “This girl drafted me as her personal trainer when she found out I used to be a weight lifter.”
“I have to be in good shape to keep up with the kids, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this guy.” Abby moaned. “He’s a teddy bear in the dining room but a heartless fiend in the gym.”
“Give me some tips, Claude.” Her dinner companion made a muscle with his thin, plaid-encased arm. “It’s obvious I’m not the bodybuilding type.” Norville’s nose wrinkled. He covered his mouth with both hands and sneezed. “I could also stand to build my immune system.”
Abby chuckled. She liked it when a man didn’t take himself too seriously. This date had possibilities. They made eye contact for a few flirtatious seconds before she looked away. A pair of dark eyes met her gaze over Norville’s head. Mr. Masterson waited with his daughter at the maître d’s desk. What was he doing here? He strode through the room, holding Maddie’s hand. His tall body bent to the side to accommodate her short stature. Her temporary employer hadn’t been happy when she insisted on having dinner with Norville before reporting as ananny valet. But the suggestion he let someone else watch his daughter was met with a flat refusal. Her phone lay on the table. She pressed the button and noted the time. There were still thirty-nine minutes before she’d promised to report at his suite. Better to ignore his domineering presence and enjoy her date.
A waitress led the Mastersons to the table directly behind hers. Maddie sat with her back to Abby, and Spencer lowered himself into the chair facing her. He offered his daughter an encouraging smile. It looked like he’d taken Abby’s advice to heart. His eyes encountered hers, his mouth twisted, and he lifted two fingers in a salute.
No fair. I’m supposed to be off the clock.
“Abby?” Claude’s voice recalled her to the conversation.
“What?”
He tapped his pen against the paper. “I asked if you knew what you wanted to order.”
“Oh.” She peeked at the nearby table, but Spencer was studying his phone. Probably working again.
Achoo!
Abby focused on her date. “I’m sorry. I guess my attention is kind of scattered.”
“May I suggest the chicken Alfredo?” Norville said. “A hostess recommended it to me. She said it was delicious.”
Alfredo?Abby considered the pasta with its thick, creamy sauce. “That’s a lot of starch. When you’re as short as me, you count the carbohydrates.”
