CONNOR:Roarke?You playing or what?
DONOVAN:He's probably too busy rehearsing show tunes
ZANDER:Saw the gala photos in Monaco Social.Nice plus-one, by the way
PRESCOTT:Very nice.If only you didn’t look like you're about to devour her in every pic
CONNOR:"Professional relationship" my ass
I stare at the phone in horror.
There are photos of the Champagne Étoilée Investor Gala.Of course there are photos.
I saw the photographers.Except…it was hard to pay attention to anything but Mia.
ME:Can't make poker.Busy with launch prep.
DONOVAN:"Launch prep.”Meaning you’re avoiding questions about your mysterious nanny?
ZANDER:Who, according to Monaco Social, is "stunning" and "clearly smitten"
PRESCOTT:They also mentioned excellent chemistry.Almost like you two have been?—
I don’t read the rest, silencing the phone and shoving it in my pocket.But the damage is done.
If there are photos in the social pages, it's only a matter of time before investors start asking questions about my "personal life" affecting my professional judgment.
"Uncle Roarke?"Isla appears at my elbow."Are you okay?You look grumpy again."
"I'm fine, sweetheart.Just thinking about work."
"Mia says thinking too much about work makes your face get all wrinkly."
"Does she now?"
"She also says you should practice smiling more.Want me to help?"
Before I can answer, she's demonstrating an exaggerated grin that makes her look slightly unhinged.
"PRACTICE SMILING!PRACTICE SMILING!"Captain Feathers contributes.
"I think my smiling is adequate," I tell them both.
"That's what you said about your singing," Isla points out."And we all know how that turned out."
Defeated by a seven-year-old and her feathered accomplice, I make my escape to the bridge, where Captain Martinez is reviewing weather reports.
"Afternoon, Mr.West.We're all set for the harbor tour tomorrow if you'd like to take her out."
I nod absently, then find myself moving toward the helm.
My hands settle on the wheel automatically, muscle memory from countless hours spent here in my teens, my twenties, my thirties.
A lifetime, really.
Daniel used to joke that I was born with salt water in my veins instead of blood.
And then a memory hits me like a rogue wave.
