have the charts to look at. On some of the ships Iâve captained, they have kept us out of a few jams.â
Marilyn stood at the door. âIâve made us some refreshments, if you have time to visit.â 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, âDo you get many foreign passengers on the cruises? I had breakfast this morning with a woman from Germany.â
âYes, cruises are popular with people from all around the world.â Gareth turned toward Homer. âDo you remember how many countries are represented this time?â
âI was just looking at the list.â He rubbed his forehead above his eyes. âLetâs see, there are some from Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the Philippines. Thatâs just the passengers. If you look closely at each crewmemberâs name badge, you can see where they are from. Over forty countries, I think.â
â§
When Charlotte arrived back at her cabin, Chelle stood holding another white envelope. âWeâve been invited to eat at the captainâs table again this evening. I thought he invited different people each night.â
Charlotte didnât like her tone, but she didnât want to spoil the day with another disagreement. âMaybe not. How was your day?â
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 Charlotteâs 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 wasnât sure she wanted Chelle being around them, but they left the table before anyone else.
âMother, isnât it time we went to our cabins to get ready for the show?â Chelle pushed her chair back and stood.
Charlotte did the same. âOkay. We can go.â She turned to those still seated at the table and Gareth who stood behind his chair. âWeâve enjoyed this time with you, havenât we, Chelle?â
The noncommittal teenage grunt and look in her eyes warned Charlotte that her daughter was upset about something. She was sure sheâd find out soon enough.
She was right. The cabin door barely closed behind them when Chelle turned on her. âWhatâs going on, Mother?â She didnât sound like the whiny teenager who could stretch the word Mom so far. Charlotte wasnât ready for her daughter to sound so grown up.
âIâm not sure what youâre talking about.â Charlotte reached for the itinerary for the next day, hoping Chelle would take the hint that she didnât want to discuss it.
âYou and that captain. He couldnât take his eyes off you, and you were eating up the attention.â 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?
âGarâCaptain Van den Hout was a perfect host and a gentleman.â
Chelle stomped across the floor then kicked off her platform sandals. Charlotte hoped the sound didnât carry to the deck below them. âYou are so naive, Mother. That man has the hots for you.â
Charlotte couldnât believe what her daughter had said. âChelle, where did you hear things like that?â
âI am not a baby, and I know
Matt Witten
T. Lynne Tolles
Nina Revoyr
Chris Ryan
Alex Marwood
Nora Ephron
Jaxson Kidman
Katherine Garbera
Edward D. Hoch
Stuart M. Kaminsky