Sally was beginning to look like she could be in danger, as bizarre as that might appear, seeing the way she was on the ship, her tiny frame, her trusting nature.
“Okay, okay, too much for me!” Chloe said, faking a fierce shiver. “What are we going to be cooking? Do you know, Celia?”
“I think we get a few choices. There’s the head chef and two of his assistants giving the classes. One is on main courses, one is on desserts and bakery items and, oh, there’s even a specialized class for vegetarians,” Celia said.
“I’m afraid I’m going to be opting for desserts!” Amelia said, grinning.
“And I’m going to be giving a question-and-answer session while you all cook up a storm,” Edward said.
“Oh, nice,” Wes offered, glancing at Chloe. “I was just thinking that I still have a few questions—”
She interrupted him, laughing. “We’re sitting with some of the finest teachers and knowledgeable web people on the ship!”
“Right! But, hey, they’re on a cruise, too. I don’t want them to work because of me when they’renot supposedto be working! And...”
“You don’t want to go to a cooking class!” Chloe said, laughing. She leaned toward him as the others laughed, being charming, the perfect loving wife, as she added, “My love! My turn. ‘As you wish.’ You are perfectly welcome to attend one class while I head off to another!”
“Aw, you guys are too cute!” Celia said.
“If I weren’t so jealous, it would be sickening!” Daniel moaned. “No, no! Don’t take offense. I am jealous.”
“What? We’re not as sickeningly sweet?” Celia demanded.
“Oh, no, you guys are just... um, adorable, too?” Daniel suggested dryly.
“You’re all lovely people, and that’s that!” Sally said. “And, oh, I do think I need another cup of coffee! Excuse me.”
“Sally, please, sit, I’ll get you another cup!” Edward told her.
“I want another cup myself. I’ll get it!” Wes said, rising quickly. “Anyone else?”
“How many can you carry?” Broderick asked him.
“For however many we need—I was a waiter once upon a time, too,” Wes told them.
“A true jack of all trades!” Amelia noted.
“Coffee all around—seriously, I’ll just grab one of those trays they have up there, no problem!” Wes said.
As he headed off, he almost walked into Billy, their enthusiastic young cruise director.
“Hey! Wes, you need something?” Billy asked him.
“It’s all good. I’m on a mission!” Wes told him. “Did you need anything, Billy?”
Billy laughed. “I’m justcruisingaround to make sure that everyone is doing all right. My main computer people are here and, of course, passengers who I hope are enjoying all that they’re learning!”
“I think they are!” Edward offered. “Except a few of them are going to learn to cook today!”
“Maybe one of us should learn to cook,” Broderick said dryly.
Daniel laughed. “We don’t live together and I’m perfectly happy ordering my meals by delivery when I am home!”
“Okay, computer classes, cooking classes, whichever!” Billy said. “I’m really just checking out the room, checking in on everyone, hoping all are having a good time!”
“We’re having a wonderful time,” Chloe assured him.
“Brilliant!” Sally said.
