Page 28 of The Situation Ship
“It’s my pleasure, and please call for me at any time,” Elma said, getting out at the next level to let other guests on. Poppyeyed them, with their swimsuits and lazy smiles, envious of how they were unaware of the horror that had occurred only a few levels beneath them.
“Good thinking about the food; I’m starving,” Isaiah said, cutting the tension in the lift.
“I just said that to get rid of her. How can you even think of food?” she asked.
“We haven’t eaten since last night.” Isaiah leaned in so the other guests couldn’t hear. “We’ve all had a shock, and none of us are happy about the situation we are in now, so I suggest we get some food into ourselves and take a breather.”
“I really just want to get to the room and sleep, but I suppose some food wouldn’t hurt,” Poppy said, crossing her arms.
One of them, a woman with long jet-black hair and perfectly tanned skin, was sneaking glances at Isaiah over her shoulder and giggling with her friend. Apparently a murderer wasn’t the only thing Poppy had to worry about; she side-eyed Isaiah, who seemed oblivious or very good at pretending not to notice the ogling woman.
“The diner I ordered from this morning before—” Mina cut herself off. “Um, it serves an all-day breakfast buffet,” she finished, her stomach rumbling.
The doors opened, and the smell of delicious baked goods greeted them.
“Never too late for breakfast.” Isaiah smiled, letting Mina and Poppy off first. They strolled past all the international cuisines until Mina pointed out the diner. The smell of bacon and pancakes came in waves.
“It does smell good,” Poppy said, reading the menu on the wooden stand outside the revolving gold door.
“Greasy food is the best cure for shock and your hangover,” Isaiah said over her shoulder. She wanted to argue, but her growling stomach sided with him.
“We can’t solve all the world’s problems in a day, and we need to act normal if we don’t want to end up locked up by Captain Hamill.” Mina took her arm.
Giving in, Poppy followed them inside.
After a hearty meal at the diner, they crashed early in their new suite, exhausted from the shock of the murder. Poppy didn’t expect to sleep so well, but the adrenaline had worn off.
Mina woke her for breakfast, and she realised they had slept for over twelve hours. It was the reset they’d all clearly needed.
At their assigned table in the breakfast room, a waiter came by to take their order, but they decided to go for the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The complimentary mimosa caught Poppy’s eye, but the thought of champagne made her stomach flip, so she chose water instead.
“You need to eat something; it might help you feel better,” she said as Mina happily accepted the extra glass in spite of her seasickness.
“Maybe if I drink, I won’t notice the rocking as much,” Mina replied, looking a little green.
“Let me make you a plate,” Poppy offered. “Some carbs might give you some energy, if nothing else.”
“I should be the one helping you,” Mina said, starting to rise. “It’s my job.”
“Forget about that. It’s just breakfast.” Poppy pulled down her pink cover-up, which had stuck to the back of her thighs because of the leather seats. She couldn’t wait to get outside and enjoy some time in the sun. Even though they were in a new room, the bathroom was identical, so the less time she spent there, the better.
Isaiah was already exploring the endless options. Poppy lingered by the pancake and waffle station, piling some onto a plate for herself and Mina along with sweet and savoury sauces and a bowl of fruit.
“I’ve never seen a breakfast buffet with caviar and gold leaf-topped salmon parfaits before,” Isaiah said from behind her, catching the plate before Poppy dropped it.
“Nice reflexes,” she replied, taking it back from him. “I’ve never been so jumpy, and I didn’t hear you coming.” With her wedge flip-flops on the marble floor, everyone could hear her approach.
“Don’t mention it, but you can thank me by explaining what aspic is. I know I don’t want liver as my first meal of the day,” Isaiah said with a smile. She could tell he was trying to lighten the mood.
“It’s like jelly with meat inside; it’s French,” Poppy said, never having been a fan.
He shuddered. “I think I’ll avoid that section.”
His discomfort made her smile, but she couldn’t let him see that she was warming to him.
“This should make you feel right at home,” she said, picking up some extra crispy bacon with gold tongs. She dropped it on his plate, followed by a glazed doughnut.
“Ms Roe, I’m starting to feel that I’ve done something to offend you,” Isaiah said, following close behind her. His cologne, with a light touch of cedar and sandalwood, smelled good.
