Page 28 of Companion Required

Chapter Thirteen

Kennedy

By the time they had unpacked, showered and dressed, with Kieran getting Kennedy’s opinion on a stylish ensemble of a floral shirt comprising faded pinks, oranges and blues, together with white chino pants and tan deck shoes—a look Kieran totally rocked—the cruise staff had already arrived to set up for the drinks party.

Kennedy wore a simple linen combination, a comfortable fit of white shirt untucked over fawn-coloured pants and open-toed brown leather sandals. His friends would expect no less. When he descended the circular stairs to the main floor, he noticed Kieran helping the two staff lay out finger foods and arrange glasses.

“Kieran, you’re on holiday. Leave the professionals to do their job.”

“I want to be useful.”

And just then, Kennedy realised the truth. Kieran felt nervous about meeting his friends, wanting to impress them and make sure everything went well. Once again, an overwhelming affection hit Kennedy, that Kieran was trying because of him, something none of his other companions had done. Before he could say anything, there came a knock at the door. Being the nearest, Kennedy went to answer.

“Are we too early?” asked Steph, her head poking through the open door.

“Aren’t you always?” said Kennedy, pulling her into the room and into a hug. “I bet you could hear the Cosmopolitan shaker all the way from your cabin, couldn’t you? Come on in.”

If Steph appeared a little tired, Laurie looked positively haggard. Not that he would tell her as much. Plus-sized and proud, they rarely dressed down, and while blonde Steph wore a deep scarlet pantsuit and gold accessories, auburn-haired Laurie had black jeans and a black silk blouse decorated with tiny red and gold koi carp.

“Before you say anything, we may not be looking our best right now—despite half an hour of emergency makeup. We flew in last night, so we’re both more than a little pooped. Might not last the whole night.”

“Jet lag’s real, isn’t it?” added Kieran, coming to Kennedy’s side. “I found that out the hard way. Loving that fishy blouse, by the way.”

“And who might you be?” said Steph, casting an approving glance at Kennedy before returning her full attention to Kieran.

“I’m Kieran,” he replied, throwing an arm around Kennedy’s shoulders. Kennedy grinned and looked away, not wanting them to see how much he liked the gesture.

“So you’re this year’s plus one, huh?”

“I am indeed,” said Kieran, detaching himself from Kennedy. “And more importantly, you’re without a drink. What can I get you?”

“Okay,” said Laurie, stepping into the cabin. “So you’re now officially my new best friend. Steph’ll have a long, tall vodka tonic with fresh lime. I’ll have soda water with ice and lemon.”

“Soda water?” said Kennedy as Kieran headed off. “Since when?”

“Since ten weeks ago,” said Steph, grinning sheepishly at Kennedy.

“Oh my God, are you—?” asked Kennedy, turning to Laurie and waiting for her to reply.

“I sure am,” said Laurie. “Ten weeks on Jenny Craig and already twenty pounds lighter.”

“What he was going to ask, darling,” said Steph, rolling her eyes, “was if we’re pregnant.”

“I was not—” lied Kennedy.

“Oh, pur-lease,” said Laurie, flicking her hair. “One miracle at a time, darling man.”

When Kieran came back with drinks for the girls, he joined in the conversation and seemed to enjoy their banter. Listening out for the door, Kennedy almost missed Steph’s comment.

“You should be honoured. You’re not his usual type. Most of the others looked like sticks of candy floss. With the kind of sparkling conversation you’d expect from sickly fairground confectionary.”

“Steph!” said Laurie, aghast but laughing.

“What? It’s true.”

“Iamstanding right here, ladies,” added Kennedy, even though he was used to ribbing from his friends. When another knock came at the door, Kennedy went to answer. To Kennedy’s surprise, not only had the piano player arrived with an armful of sheet music, but Pete and Eric were accompanied by Leonard. The whole gang had arrived.

“Permission to come aboard, sir?” asked Leonard, grinning, after Pete and Eric had moved inside.

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