He grinned, shaking his head.“Not that I’m encouraging anyone to spend the whole cruise watching TV.”
Helena leaned over, her shoulder against Jasper’s arm and smirked.“Nice save, babe.”
Sebastian scoffed.“You Americans and your obsession with sports.”
“Right,” Carl jumped in dryly.“Because the Brits aren’t at all passionate about soccer.”
“Football,” Sebastian corrected instinctively.He hesitated, then offered a sheepish smile.“Actually, the only time in my life I ever punched someone was over a Manchester United game.”He shook his head.“Bloody Liverpool fans.”
For the first time all evening, Sebastian seemed almost human instead of the insufferable, pompous pain in the butt he’d been since dinner started.
“What is it you do, Sebastian?”I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
“I’m on hiatus,” he said curtly, clearly not interested in elaborating.
Callie added softly, “He was a record producer for some of the biggest pop stars.”There was a flicker of pride in her voice, but something else, too...a hint of regret.
“That’s where I’ve seen you,” Augusta said.“Weren’t you a judge on that one singing show?”
Pippa, who couldn’t help herself, blurted, “Ultimate Singer of America.”
Callie’s eyes lit up at Pippa’s recognition.“His first show was Britain’s Got Stars.He put singing competitions on the map.”
“You’re on hiatus?”I asked.
“I’ve moved on,” Sebastian said briskly.“Bigger and better things.”
I knew from Pippa that he’d left the show after Callie’s season, and the rumor was that he’d been forced out.Even so, something inside me wouldn’t let sleeping dogs lie.“Like what kind of bigger and better things?”
“I’m meeting with investors about a reality show on a cruise ship,” he admitted, his eyes sparking with enthusiasm.“A talent competition for the next big cruise act.Winner gets a cash prize and a year-long headliner contract withLady Voyage.”He leaned back, looking smug.“It’s going to be huge.”
Pippa perked up.“I would totally watch that.”
“Do you sing or dance?”Callie asked her, amused.
Pippa laughed.“Me?Heck, no.I can’t carry a tune to save my life.”
“That’s not true,” Jordy said, nudging her.“You sing with JayJay all the time.”
Pippa blushed.“Nobody wants to hear my rendition ofPink Pony Club,trust me.”
We all laughed, the tension easing as the drinks arrived.The same young man who poured our water delivered the drinks to our table.The conversation shifted to lighter topics.Laughter bubbled up here and there.The wine loosened nerves and tongues while warming the atmosphere.
When Charise arrived back at our table with two assistants carrying two large trays, Pippa leaned in and whispered.“Oh my gosh.I know where I know our steward.”
I tucked my chin.“Really?”
“She was on Ultimate Singer of America the year before Callie.”
I pivoted my gaze to my friend.“I thought you only watched Callie’s season.”
“It’s possible that I watched more seasons than that.”
“Possible?”I chuckled.“Are you sure?Augusta is probably right that she just has one of those faces.”
“I know it’s her,” Pippa whispered.“This is so crazy.”
“It’s quite the coincidence,” I agreed.
