Page 19 of Love Overboard
CHAPTER 8
“HI, MOM.” LACEY LEANED ONthe railing and watched the passengers disembark as she talked on her phone. “How are you?”
“Not too bad. My new medication is better than the old one. I haven’t had nearly the pain.”
“That’s good.” Lacey untied the purple scarf around her neck with one hand and stuffed it in the pocket of her uniform. “Are you still working two jobs?”
“Yes, but it’s part-time. My schedule’s a lot easier these days, thanks to the money you keep sending. You’re sure you still have enough to live on? I hope you’re not working too hard.”
“No more than usual. I even have a few hours off. The ship’s docked in Cozumel an extra day, so I’m going shopping.”
“Good for you. Buy yourself a pretty outfit.”
“Who would I wear it for?” Her sarcastic response was automatic, but a familiar face popped in her mind. Brown hair. Square jaw. Rock-solid arms that dipped a girl like she weighed less than a life preserver.
Lacey realized her mother was talking and tried to refocus.
“I hear your father coming in from his softball game.”
“Softball? He must be feeling better.”
“Not much. He still suffers from the chronic fatigue. But the doctor says it’s good for him to exercise. He forces himself to get out. Wait a minute. I’ll put him on the phone.”
“Don’t bother.” Lacey walked down the empty side deck. “I have to go. Love you. Bye.” She hung up and entered the glass doors into one of the small lobbies.
Static crackled.
Lacey tensed, and her head whipped around. Daisy and Althea sat at a small table by the window playing cards. Not a walkie-talkie in sight.
Did she imagine it?
She strolled over and eyed the setup. “What game is this?”
“Gin rummy.” Althea placed an eight of hearts on the discard pile. “Care to join us?”
“Thanks, but I have to change my clothes.” Lacey scanned the room. “Where are the other Shippers?”
Daisy drew a card from the stockpile. “Emily and Gerry reserved a special trip to a lighthouse. They’re getting ready and meeting us here before departure.”
“A lighthouse? Where?”
“I’m not sure,” Althea said.
“I’ve told you three times,” Gerry grumbled as she and Emily walked in together. “We’re visiting the El Grande Lighthouse at Punta Verdad.”
“Like I’m really going to remember that.” Althea waggled her head.
Lacey observed the approaching pair. “Punta Verdad is thirty kilometers away. Don’t tell me you’re taking one of those all-terrain vehicle tours.”
“Oh no.” Emily flapped a hand at her. “Can you picture a body my age bouncing through the Mexican jungle for hours?”
“Exactly. It’s a crazy idea.”
She nodded. “That’s why we’re riding a motorboat.”
“What?” Lacey leaned forward. “You’re riding what?”
“I found the sweetest young man online. His name is Fernando. He takes you out to the lighthouse on his boat and even provides lunch. He makes the sandwiches with his grandmother’s fresh homemade salsa.”
