Page 44 of The Situation Ship
However, once the voyage was over, Poppy would get justice for Patrice. Calliope was right; she had been raised by the devil.And anyone who sins deserves to burn.
Poppy was utterly captivated by the grandeur of the theatre foyer. Her eyes were drawn to the magnificent chandelier, a sparkling masterpiece above the carousel bar. It was a marvel to her that such a space could exist on a ship. She could almost imagine herself in a Venetian opera house, as long as she didn’t look out of the window. As she sipped her strawberry cocktail, her anticipation for the doors to open grew. Isaiah’s unease, evident in his failed attempts to not fidget with his cufflinks, was a welcome distraction from her own nerves.
“Have you been to the opera before?” she asked him.
“No, but I went to Autumn Adler’s concert last winter. She’s—”
“The concert pianist! I met her at a charity auction a few years back. You must have good connections; her tickets go fast,” Poppy said eagerly. “I’m so jealous you got to go to her show. Iwatched it online on my tour bus. Her music really pulls at the heartstrings.”
“My partner helped her with a case and she gave him some tickets, but sadly, his little boy was sick, so I got to go,” Isaiah explained.
Poppy vaguely recalled hearing about Autumn being attacked during a show, but she’d been in the thick of her US stint and didn’t know the details.What a coincidence that my bodyguard’s partner would—
Her thoughts were interrupted when she spotted an old flame across the foyer raising his glass in her direction.
Poppy offered a small smile and quickly turned away, hoping he wouldn’t interpret it as an invitation to join them. She couldn’t bear the thought of engaging in a conversation with him.
“Someone you know?” Isaiah looked over her shoulder, fiddling with the new strap on his wrist.
“An ex, sort of,” Poppy replied, helping him adjust the strap; it was a little stiff.
“Your ex is Scott Sanderson?”
“We weren’t official. He worked on one of the music videos for my last album.” He was the last guy she’d dated before Joshua. Her aunt had got rid of Scott by getting him a role in a movie shot halfway across the world, effortlessly ending whatever had been developing between them. Now Poppy knew Joshua had been hoping for the same treatment.
“And?” Isaiah prompted.
“Nothing.” She shrugged.What is with this ship? I feel like I’m being haunted.“Why? Are you jealous?” she asked, watching Isaiah chug his beer.
“No,” he huffed. “Why would I be?” But he stood a little closer, and the smell of his cologne made her think,Sanderson who?
She felt a surge of warmth towards Isaiah. His nonchalance about Scott’s presence was comforting. It was as if he was telling her, ‘I’m here. You’re safe.’ It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
“Poppy Roe, looking gorgeous as ever.” Scott’s voice made her stiffen uncomfortably.
I guess he didn’t take the hint.
“Scott, I thought you were still filming in Canada,” she said as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. He rested his hand on her lower back, and she was about to move away when Isaiah interrupted.
“Please give Ms Roe some space,” he said firmly, removing Scott’s hand from Poppy’s waist.
“Relax, big guy; we’re old friends.” Scott flashed a big smile and winked at Poppy. She couldn’t believe she’d ever fallen for his charms.
“Friend or not, please keep your hands to yourself if you want to keep them. Understand?” Isaiah said, getting between them.
Scott backed up, and Poppy noticed the sway in his step. He’d clearly indulged a little too much at the open bar.
“Let’s not get off on the wrong foot.” Scott offered his hand to Isaiah. “I’m Scott. Scott Sanderson.”
Isaiah’s jaw clenched. “Isaiah Rivers, head of Ms. Roe’s security.”
Scott winced as Isaiah gripped his hand, and Poppy concealed her smile with the rim of her glass.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m happy to see you’re so protective of our girl.” He smacked Isaiah’s arm. Poppy noticed that his hand was slowly turning purple.
“It’s my job to ensure her security, but Poppy’s able to look out for herself,” Isaiah responded, dropping his hand. Scott flexed it and turned to Poppy.
“I heard about what happened with Joshua. And to think I considered him a friend! He should never have treated you socallously.” Scott sized Isaiah up, trying to stand a little taller. “I must admit I was relieved to hear you were single again.” He stepped a little too close for her liking.
