Never Say Never by Lena Nelson Dooley

have the charts to look at. On some of the ships I’ve captained, they have kept us out of a few jams.”
    Marilyn stood at the door. “I’ve made us some refreshments, if you have time to visit.” They went next door where a tray of desserts and coffee sat on the table in front of the couch.
    After they had eaten and chatted for a few minutes, Charlotte asked, “Do you get many foreign passengers on the cruises? I had breakfast this morning with a woman from Germany.”
    â€œYes, cruises are popular with people from all around the world.” Gareth turned toward Homer. “Do you remember how many countries are represented this time?”
    â€œI was just looking at the list.” He rubbed his forehead above his eyes. “Let’s see, there are some from Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the Philippines. That’s just the passengers. If you look closely at each crewmember’s name badge, you can see where they are from. Over forty countries, I think.”
    â§
    When Charlotte arrived back at her cabin, Chelle stood holding another white envelope. “We’ve been invited to eat at the captain’s table again this evening. I thought he invited different people each night.”
    Charlotte didn’t like her tone, but she didn’t want to spoil the day with another disagreement. “Maybe not. How was your day?”
    All during the time they got ready to go to dinner, Chelle regaled her with tales of the ruins, the swimming at Xel-Ha, the people she met, and the crewmembers who accompanied them. Seeing her so happy gladdened Charlotte’s heart.
    When they arrived in the dining room, the only person they knew was the captain, and he saved places for Charlotte and Chelle beside him. Once again, the variety of food, and its quality and uniqueness, astounded Charlotte. The kitchens had to be large to accommodate all the chefs and helpers. Maybe she would ask Gareth the next time they were alone together.
    This time, all the people lingered over dessert and coffee, sharing about how they spent the day. Another newlywed couple ate dinner with them, and they drank a whole bottle of champagne. Charlotte wasn’t sure she wanted Chelle being around them, but they left the table before anyone else.
    â€œMother, isn’t it time we went to our cabins to get ready for the show?” Chelle pushed her chair back and stood.
    Charlotte did the same. “Okay. We can go.” She turned to those still seated at the table and Gareth who stood behind his chair. “We’ve enjoyed this time with you, haven’t we, Chelle?”
    The noncommittal teenage grunt and look in her eyes warned Charlotte that her daughter was upset about something. She was sure she’d find out soon enough.
    She was right. The cabin door barely closed behind them when Chelle turned on her. “What’s going on, Mother?” She didn’t sound like the whiny teenager who could stretch the word Mom so far. Charlotte wasn’t ready for her daughter to sound so grown up.
    â€œI’m not sure what you’re talking about.” Charlotte reached for the itinerary for the next day, hoping Chelle would take the hint that she didn’t want to discuss it.
    â€œYou and that captain. He couldn’t take his eyes off you, and you were eating up the attention.” She spat the words as if they tasted bad.
    They poured over Charlotte like bitter acid. Did the other people see it that way? Had she been indiscreet?
    â€œGar–Captain Van den Hout was a perfect host and a gentleman.”
    Chelle stomped across the floor then kicked off her platform sandals. Charlotte hoped the sound didn’t carry to the deck below them. “You are so naive, Mother. That man has the hots for you.”
    Charlotte couldn’t believe what her daughter had said. “Chelle, where did you hear things like that?”
    â€œI am not a baby, and I know