Page 32 of Lust and Little White Lies

"Look at that guy," I say to Claire, jerking my head toward the table next to us. "He looks like he wants to bite someone's head off."

"Oh, him. His name's Jerry." She rolls her eyes and gives him another glance. "He has to be the grumpiest person I've ever met on a vacation. He complains about everything and is a huge know-it-all. According to him, he's done everything and knows everyone. You should probably stay away from him before he makes you a target. He's already complained about a couple of people in our group. He says they're too loud."

"Good advice. I honestly don't need any more drama."

"Probably not. It seems you already have your hands full with that waiter in the dining room."

"Excuse me?" I can feel my mouth gaping open as I look at her in shock. I clamp it shut.

"Relax," she laughs. "I don't mean any offense. Even from across the dining room, it's obvious that something's going on between you two. I see the frowns and irritated looks you throw at each other. And it's funny how the guy watches you when you're not looking. He was peeking at you from the kitchen doorway during lunch. That was before you seemed to get in some squabble."

"Seriously? It's that obvious?"

"It is. And I wouldn't worry about it. That guy's so darn handsome, and so is your other waiter; half the women on the ship want to sit at your table."

Suddenly uncomfortable, I glance around the dining room for a distraction and easily spot one. "At least I'm not the only one making a spectacle of myself." I nod toward Jerry, who's huffing and puffing in his seat, his face a lovely shade of pink. "It looks like Jerry is about to blow a gasket. I don't think he likes having the musicians playing beside his table."

"Too bad. He's such a jerk."

Claire's husband, Frank, nudges her. "Who's a jerk?"

"Jerry. He looks like he's about ready to have a fit."

"That guy's such a piece of work." Frank leans across the table toward me, trying to make his voice heard over the music. "Claire and I were on the pre-cruise with him, and he complained about everything. Maybe he should bury himself in a hole if he's that unhappy."

Jerry suddenly slams his palm down on the table. "You're too loud! I can't hear my wife talk to me. Move. You have to move."

The musicians stop playing.

The dining room goes silent as heads turn toward the disruption.

Beckett rushes to the trio of musicians and quietly says something. Then they move to a table across the room and continue playing while Beckett hovers over Jerry as they discuss something. Beckett looks stressed, and Jerry seems pissed, his face going from pink to crimson. The woman beside him tries to calm him down.

"Told you he's a jerk," Claire says, shaking her head.

With Jerry finally calmed, the musicians pick up the pace and play a lively song. Irritated faces relax, and eyes shift to the trio and the woman singing.

Claire reaches over and grabs my arm. "Come on. It's time for some toe-tapping and dancing. The jerk's already made a scene, so we can't make it any worse."

She pulls me up from my seat and over to an open area between the tables. Hooking her arm in mine, Claire dances as she spins us in a circle. Everyone starts hooting and clapping.

Everyone except Jerry.

The music gets louder and faster, and I'm getting dizzy as Claire has us spinning. Then, she somehow lets go of me.

I shriek as I go flying.

I land in Jerry's lap—my arms and legs flapping. Instantly freaked, I shoot like a cannonball from his chair.

Jerry bolts upright, his face three shades redder. He wags his finger at me and yells, "She physically attacked me! You all saw it."

Beckett makes another rush toward Jerry, Claire grabs my arm and drags me to our table, and the room erupts in giggles and whispers.

My head makes a thunking sound as I smack it facedown on the table, completely humiliated.

Claire pokes my arm as the music and conversations start up again. "Oh, come on. It's not that bad. It was an accident and a funny one to boot. That was the best thing I've seen happen tothe jerk since we've been on the cruise. He was so pissed. It was priceless. Here, take a drink. You were the best entertainment of the night." Claire giggles as she slides my glass toward me.

"Fine," I sigh as I pick my head up. "I swear, it's always me. I'm always the one the crazy shit happens to." I sip my wine as my eyes dart around the room. I expect to see disapproving stares and whispers but see thumbs-up and appreciative smiles instead.Okay, maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought.

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