Page 96 of Love Overboard
“Never mind that,” Emily said. “We’re at code red.”
Daisy tucked her black velvet clutch under her arm. “What do you mean?”
“Lacey found out the truth about Jon, and they had a skirmish.” Emily herded her friends to the lido deck’s entrance. “We have to fix this.”
Gerry hiked her skirt to her bony knees. “Where is Lacey now?”
“She sped past me a few minutes ago. She’s gone Elvis.”
“Gone what?” Althea’s head cocked to the side. “Is that more navy lingo?”
“It means she’s disappeared.”
“How did she—”
“Who told—”
“When did—”
The tardy Shippers tried to talk at once.
Emily held up both hands. “I don’t have time to explain. You can hear the details later. This calls for major damage control.”
She walked to the doors and scanned the sea of merrymakers. Jon remained in the same spot as before, unmoving. Why didn’t he follow Lacey?
“This way, girls.”
The Shippers advanced across the deck. Couples swirled on the dance floor. Live music blared from the band. A line of people exited the dessert tent with brimming plates. The ladies excused themselves as they broke through the ravenous passengers and planted themselves in front of Jon. He stood with his hands in his pockets, his face pointed at the floor.
“What are you waiting for, you idiot?” asked Emily. “Go after Lacey.”
Jon’s dazed stare met hers. “I wouldn’t even know what to say.”
“Saying anything is better than saying nothing.” Althea grabbed the sleeve of his tuxedo and pulled. “Trying is caring.”
Daisy took his other arm. “Women prefer a man of action, Jonathan.”
His solid frame didn’t move. “I should give her space.”
“Mm-hmm.” Gerry nodded at him. “Remember how well that worked the last time? She switched ships.”
Jon’s eyes widened.
All four women hollered in unison. “Go!”
He bolted in the direction Lacey had departed, the Shippers close on his heels.
CHAPTER 43
FOUR EXHAUSTED SEPTUAGENARIANS COLLAPSED AROUNDa table in one of the small lounges. An hour of searching for Lacey had produced zero results. Emily threw down the battered silver mask, and it bounced off the wood and fell to the floor. She’d been clutching it since they left the party.
“Was this yours, baby?” Althea leaned over and retrieved it. “Why’s it so mangled?”
Emily ignored the question and slumped on her chair. “I warned him. But did he listen? No. Lacey wouldn’t have been nearly as hurt if she’d learned it from him.”
Daisy flipped the French cuff of her lace sleeve. “Who told her?”
“Not me.” Althea waggled a hand. “I didn’t say a word.”
