Page 43 of Hearts Aweigh
“I learned this trick from the minister.”
Abby plopped her hand into his. “He didn’t invent it.”
Spencer’s strong fingers enveloped hers. She shut her eyes and waited. Silence. She peeked at Spencer.
“You’d better say the blessing,” he said. “I haven’t passed the beginner level in the prayer department.”
“I’m a little surprised you talk to God.” Her brows winged upward.
“On the contrary”—Spencer’s smile was nothing short of angelic—“we used to be close when I was a boy. I’m sorry to say, I drifted as I grew older, assigning him to the same category as Santa Claus.”
Abby winced and jerked her head at Maddie.
He cleared his throat. “I assure you. I’ve seen the error of my ways and am consulting the Almighty on a regular basis now. But public prayers are still a bit beyond my purview. Ms. O’Brien, please say the blessing for us.”
She closed her eyes. “Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us a sunny day and healthy bodies to enjoy it. Please bless this food—”
“And remove the calories,” Spencer said.
“Bless Grandma Daisy and her friends.”
“Keep them from stirring up any more trouble, Lord.”
She dug her nails into his palm, and he jerked away. Abby finished her prayer. “And please help the foolish people who can’t see your love at work in our lives come to know you better.”
“Amen.” Spencer massaged his skin. “Who knew praying over food could be dangerous?”
The truth in his words hit him upside the head. This was the second time in the space of ten minutes he’d been unnecessarily close with his employee. Why couldn’t he keep his hands to himself?
God, don’t let me turn out like my father.
His mind formed the desperate prayer. For years, he’d witnessed his sire treat female employees like they were his own personal playthings. Julius Masterson had flirted with some and carried on actual affairs with others. Although Daisy never once mentioned her husband’s philandering in Spencer’s presence, she must have known.
Daisy.
She was the reason for this crazy cruise in the first place.Forget the appealing redhead and keep your eye on the target.He heard the waiter approach the table. “Bring me the pan-seared salmon.”
“Sorry, dear,” a sweet voice replied. “I don’t work here.”
At his elbow, he found not the waiter but one of his mother’s friends. The short one with the springy hair. She wore a thick cream cardigan with a flowered print blouse and a pair of khaki pants.
“Emily!” Abby jumped up and gave her a hug.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” She urged Abby back to her seat and gestured to her own outfit. “I’m not dressed for the Trafalgar. The maître d’ wanted to refuse me entry but didn’t dare. He’s been after the Shippers to set him up with the pretty fitness director. I keep telling him one client at a time. Speakingof clients”—she grimaced at Abby—“it appears our first option isn’t panning out, but we have an alternate ready. How would you like to eat lunch with this restaurant’s new sous chef while the ship is in port tomorrow?”
“Sous chef?” Abby bounced in her seat. “Is he the guy with the silky blond hair all the housekeepers swoon over?”
“One and the same. His name is Cedric. He wasn’t one of our original prospects, but everyone on the kitchen staff speaks well of him, and he’s expressed an interest in you.”
Abby’s delighted squeal told Spencer her reply. Before she could speak, he interrupted. “I’m sorry, but I need Ms. O’Brien’s help tomorrow. I plan to take Madeleine for”—he regarded his daughter, who was playing with her family of swans—“some recreation. Ms. O’Brien must choose an age-appropriate activity and accompany us.”
A pout formed on Abby’s lips. “Sorry, Mrs. Windsor. Romance will have to wait.”
“No matter, dear.” Emily rubbed her hands together. “I checked with the first mate, and we don’t leave port until ten o’clock tomorrow night. How about a romantic walk on the beach with Cedric after your charge has gone to bed?”
Spencer’s gaze darted to Abby, who sprang from her seat and wrapped the older woman in another hug. Her joyful laugh enlivened the restaurant’s solemn atmosphere.
“That sounds amazing,” Abby said. “I owe you and the Shippers a million thank-you notes.”
