Page 3 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
Beth caught Avery’s eyes and blinked as if this was news to her.
“Have you been a good girl?” Avery asked Olivia.
“Oh yes, I’ve been especially good this year.”
Avery had to smile. She was about to say more when a group of four men and one woman entered the cafeteria, climbing up the stairs from the car deck. One of them carried a guitar, and Avery surmised they were members of a band. They headed to the long line at the small cafeteria and Avery was able to hear smidges of their conversation.
“Our first paying gig . . .”
“We got this. It’s only up from here.”
“Suzie, keep your throat lubricated so you’re fresh . . .”
Olivia tugged at her sleeve and Avery realized the little girl was trying to get her attention again. Leaning down so Olivia could whisper in her ear, the little girl said, “I need Santa to know what I really want for Christmas is my daddy to come home.”
Avery’s heart ached for her. Beth seemed to have heard her daughter and her face went tight, as if she was struggling to hide her emotion.
Avery was saved from having to address the issue when her phone chirped. Caller ID showed the call as coming from Reed.
“Excuse me, Olivia, this is my brother calling.”
“Okay,” she said graciously, as if granting Avery permission to answer.
“Merry Christmas, big brother,” she said.
“You’re on the ferry?”
“Yup. I should arrive around twelve-thirty. The ferry arrived on schedule, so I should be in Seattle on time.”
“Great. I thought I’d walk to the dock and greet you. My condo is less than six blocks from there.”
His thoughtfulness was something of a surprise. “No need to do that.”
Reed ignored her objection. “I plan on treating you to lunch.”
Avery was instantly suspicious. This could well be another matchmaking attempt. “Just the two of us?”
“Funny you should ask that—”
“Reed,” Avery cut him off. “I prefer to find my own dates, thank you very much.”
“I know, and agree, however, Sam is a great guy. The least you can do is meet him.”
“Over lunch, with my brother listening in on every word? No, thanks. Call him right now and explain that I would prefer to wait for a more convenient time.”Like never,she mused.
“You sure?”
“I’m positive. Although, thinking about it, I would enjoy being treated to lunch by my big brother. I’m hungry. I skipped breakfast this morning. All I ask is that you make sure it’s a table for two, not three.”
“Message received.”
“Where is the reservation?” Her brother had taken her to a wonderful seafood restaurant recently, and she was eager to return.
“Anthony’s.”
“Perfect. You couldn’t have chosen better.”
“I made those reservations shortly after our last time there.”
