Page 85 of Hearts Aweigh
Mr. Everson marched to the ladder. Even though the sunglasses hid his eyes, he still managed to give the impression he was glaring at Gerry.
She stepped off the bottom rung, slipped her pen from behind her ear, and wrote with a hurried scrawl. “Hidden cables. Perfect for a murder.”
A frustrated rumble issued from Everson’s throat.
“Murder!” Barney’s complexion switched from green to pale.
“Don’t listen to her, dear.” Emily winked at him. “You’ve been a great help, as always. I owe you one.”
“What about the text you sent? Didn’t you want to set me up with a date?”
“Ah yes.” Emily rubbed her nose. “I’m sorry. That particular plan didn’t come about. But I’ll keep you in mind for the future.”
“Great.” His answer wasn’t enthusiastic.
“Don’t look so glum. Next time we’re in port, I’ll be sure to buy you some sugary buñuelos.”
“Promise?” He brightened.
Althea patted his shoe again. “Barney’s got a sweet tooth as big as mine.”
Everson moved in front of the ladder like a barrier. “If you ladies are finished distracting my team member, he’ll get back to work.”
Barney sighed. “Thanks, Sarge.”
Emily’s nose lifted. “He’s not the only one with work to do. Come on, girls. It’s time to introduce Abby to her future.”
CHAPTER 44
ABBY EXITED THE DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOMof the Imperial Suite and checked on Maddie. She was playing with a pair of dolls in the living room. Her happy voice chattered as she improvised their conversation.
“Sweetie,” Abby called. “I’ll be gone for a while, but your grandma will be here with you.”
“Okay, Abby.” Maddie ran over with her dolls. “You look pretty.”
“Not as pretty as you.” She tweaked Maddie’s cheek.
Outside the windows, the last traces of sunlight dipped below the watery horizon and the more valiant stars were twinkling in the evening sky. Abby rested one hand against the couch and slipped on a pair of pink patent leather heels. They perfectly matched her new pedicure. She flexed her ankle with trepidation. No pain. What a relief.
Dr. Grant didn’t tower over her like some people she knew. His lean five-foot-ten frame would be much friendlier to her neck. Especially when she was wearing heels. Would he like her outfit?
Abby passed a mirror and smoothed an errant curl into her French twist. Her white eyelet sundress was modest yetattractive. The ruffled shoulder straps lent a dainty, feminine air.Not bad.
Maddie’s tears had suckered her into spending more time in this royal prison, but she didn’t intend to miss her date. At least half the female employees on the boat had a crush on sweet and dreamy Dr. Grant.
The front door clicked, and Spencer entered, talking on the phone. “That’s right, Baptiste. Make sure he’s comfortable with the switch. I’ve always represented their company cases. Yes, I—” He halted at the sight of her, scanned her outfit, and continued. “I’ll also call him personally to soothe his concerns.”
Abby settled on the couch beside Maddie. The girl pulled a cushion over and propped her dolls on top.
Spencer finished his call, settled in the chair opposite them, and sat with one leg crossed over the other. “You’re all dressed up, Abby.”
She smoothed her skirt around her knees. “It’s my break time.”
He gave a stoic nod. “I’ll stay with Maddie until you return.”
“Thank you, but your mother should be here soon. I’ll be back in two hours.”
“Two hours?” Spencer noted a tinge of desperation in his voice and cleared his throat. “You took forty-five minutes last time.”
