Page 58 of Hearts Aweigh
“Yes,” Emily said. “It’s a shame.”
Daisy twisted in her seat. “Y’all must imagine me a horrible mother, but I did what was best for both of them. Too many obstacles stood in the way. And there wasn’t enough time for the two to form a genuine attachment. It wasn’t meant to be.”
Althea bobbed in her chair and hooted. “Sometimes the Good Lawd surprises us.” She pointed at someone approaching their table.
Everyone’s head followed the direction of her finger. Even Gerry lowered her book. Spencer strode through the crowd, carrying a small white box. Although he wore less formal attire than the last time they’d seen him, his ruler-straight posture and tall, commanding presence made him stand out like a racehorse in a herd of Shetland ponies.
“Heaven help me,” Daisy murmured. She scrambled in her purse, withdrew a pair of square sunglasses, and slipped them on. Her fingers fluttered around her hair, and she rearranged her skirt.
Spencer stopped at their table, and Emily clocked the cautious set of his mouth. His face, while not unpleasant, wasn’t exactly friendly. More like wary.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” His gaze rested on his mother. “Daisy, good to see you again.”
“I admit, I’m bewildered,” she said. “Didn’t you leave?”
“We took advantage of turnaround day to go shopping. I purchased vacation clothes for myself and Madeleine. And something for you too.” He set the box on the table in front of Daisy.
She raised the lid to reveal the latest cell phone model in a pearly-white color. An exasperated sigh left her lips. “I thought I made it clear I don’t want a phone.”
“It’s for emergencies”—he clasped his hands behind his back—“if you ever need to get a hold of me. Or perhaps you might want to talk to Madeleine. The rest of the time, you can leave it in your suitcase.”
Althea bumped her. “Not a bad idea.”
Daisy replaced the lid but didn’t give the phone back. “Why didn’t y’all return to Louisiana?”
Spencer spread his arms wide. “I decided another voyage might do Madeleine and me both good.”
“Where is she?”
“I’ve left her with Ms. O’Brien.”
Emily’s ears perked. “You’ve already seen Abby?”
“Yes, Monarch has assigned her as my daughter’s nanny valet again.”
“What a coincidence.” She exchanged a knowing look with Gerry.
“On the contrary, I requested her. Abby proved herself more than capable on our last cruise. She’ll do an excellent job if you four will do me a favor.”
“A favor?” Emily’s eyes narrowed.
Daisy pushed her shades down an inch. “You never require help from anyone.”
“A favor from all of us?” Althea leaned forward. “How fun. What can we do for you, baby?”
He widened his stance and folded his arms. “Please postpone arranging dates for Abby.”
“Why?” Emily cocked her head.
“Because it’s inconvenient whenever she leaves to meet some guy.”
“‘Inconvenient’?” Emily smirked.
“‘Some guy’?” Althea wore an identical expression.
Gerry took his measure. “Sounds like someone’s jealous.”
He should have known better than to bring up their matchmaking. Somehow these Shippers always managed to twist things in a disconcerting direction.
