Page 67 of Love Overboard
“Very proud.” Mrs. Anderson smiled. “How do you know our daughter?”
Emily and Lacey looked at each other and laughed.
“That’s a long story, Mom,” Lacey said.
“Suffice it to say”—Emily patted her—“she helps watch over me while I live on board the MSBuckingham.”
“You live here?” Lacey’s mom blinked.
“Sounds heavenly.” Her husband’s eyes closed. “People to cook and clean and entertain you. What a genius idea.”
Emily adjusted the front of her jacket. “I enjoy it. But it’s thanks to people like Lacey—caring, compassionate, hardworking.”
“She got that from me.” Mr. Anderson’s chin rose.
“I’m trying to find someone to take care ofherfor a change.” Emily pinched the side of Lacey’s sleeve and tugged. “But she’s fighting me.”
“I can take care of myself, Mrs. Windsor.” Lacey brushed off Emily’s fingers.
“Certainly you can.” She nodded. “But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all the time.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Her father gave Emily two thumbs up.
Lacey inched away. “I should get going. There’s a delicate problem on the ship requiring my attention.”
“Is it dangerous?” her mother asked.
“Oh, no.” Lacey took another step back. “Just a sensitive matter which requires special oversight. I’ll see you later.”
She left her parents with Emily, although she knew it was risky. Lacey hoped the little matchmaker behaved herself. But it couldn’t be helped. She had a bathroom vandal to catch.
CHAPTER 31
SILVERWARE RATTLED AS DINERS LURCHEDon their seats. The dining room listed to one side, and Emily’s water sloshed over the rim of her glass. She grabbed the edge of the table.
“My word! Peter must be driving tonight. I hope he’s using the stabilizers.”
Gerry nodded. “How did that boy ever make first mate? He drives like a teenager who just got his permit.”
A light-green tinge colored Daisy’s countenance. She shoved her pasta aside and pressed her fingers between her arched brows. “I discerned the water was a mite choppy. He must be doing his best.”
“Baby, you don’t look so good.” Althea speared a truffle with her fork and popped it in her mouth. “Do you want me to walk you to the room?”
“No thank you.” Daisy grasped her teacup. “Perhaps a sip of Earl Grey will settle my stomach. How many voyages must I make to fully conquer the motion sickness?”
Althea reached out and rubbed her arm. “I can grab you a seasick bag. Just holler.”
“Back to what I was saying.” Emily held on to her water glass with one hand and gestured with the other. “I met Lacey’s parents in the lobby. They were both as nice as could be. Her mother was a quiet little thing, and her father was all that was charming. I’m glad Lacey came from a good home. Of course she would, seeing how kind and conscientious she is.”
“Do you think they’ve met Jon?” asked Althea.
“Knowing Lacey, I doubt it.” Emily sighed. “She’s made progress, but having him meet the folks is a big leap for anyone.”
“We should introduce them.” Althea waved at their server. “Isaac, can you get us a plate of saltine crackers please?” She put down her fork and scooted closer to Daisy. “Those’ll help the nausea.”
“I’m sorry, dear.” Emily patted Daisy’s white knuckles. “I’m completely ignoring your health. Forgive me for being horrible.”
“No such thing.” Daisy waved her hand. “I always get this way on rough-weather days. I’ll be fine as soon as the floor stops rocking.” She stood on unsteady feet as the ship rolled. “But perhaps Iwillvisit the powder room.”
