some bloke who had money, he’d decided to get licensed and sign on with a ship. He applied on the Ortensia, and they took him on. He’d been sailing on her now for three years. He had no idea what had become of Yooralla.
But now seeing Jennifer, he felt his fascination with the striking woman in his past bubble to the surface again. It might not be Yooralla, but he could still enjoy her company. He fully intended to do just that.
Charlie went back to the door and listened. He heard Pet ordering dinner for three in her cabin, and she asked Joey to have it delivered at six o’clock. He glanced at his watch. They had several hours before he had to leave. Plenty of time.
Jennifer knocked on the toilet door. “It’s all right, Charles. The steward is gone.”
Charlie came out and immediately saw the roll-in cart, set as a table for three, complete with chairs already arranged around it. The sandwiches were on plates and the beer poured into mugs. “Did Joey question why you had three places?”
“Not at all. I simply said someone else would be joining us momentarily and would be staying for dinner.”
Jennifer threaded her arm through Charlie’s and led him to the impromptu table. “How long can you stay?”
“My next watch is at eight. I told Pet I should be on my way by seven.”
“Let’s eat, and then we can get to know one another better.”
Wanting to make sure Pet didn’t mind Jennifer coming on to him, Charlie winked at her. “I already know Pet pretty damn well, but I expect there’s more to find out.”
“Oh, yes, dear Charlie, I can assure you, there’s more coming.” Charlie could see the now-familiar sparkle in her hazel eyes and knew everything was spot-on.
It surprised Charlie when these two lithe women attacked their sandwiches with the same gusto as he did. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he started eating. The beer washed it all down nicely. All the while, the ladies continued to flirt with him. The afternoon promised to be a memorable one.
They had nearly finished eating, when someone knocked on the door. Charlie looked at Pet, and she shrugged her shoulders.
He whispered, “Find out who it is.”
In a surprisingly calm and pleasant voice, Pet called out, “Who is it?”
“It’s Captain Driscoll, Miss Kinlan. May I come in?”
Charlie jumped up and exhaled, “Jesus Christ!” Then he bolted into the loo.
4
At the last moment, Charlie remembered not to slam the toilet door. He closed it with barely a click, then locked it for good measure. He hoped to hell the Captain hadn’t gotten wind of him being there.
Not usually prone to listening in on others’ conversations, this one he strained to hear. With his ear pressed to the door, he heard Pet greet the Captain.
“Well, hello, Captain Driscoll. This is an unexpected surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Pardon the intrusion, Petula. When I saw tonight’s dinner list, your name wasn’t on it. When I inquired at the dining room as to why, they told me you had canceled. I feared you had become ill.”
Charlie would have laughed, had he not been so bloody pissed off. “Petula?…I feared you had become ill?” He muttered to himself, “That son of a bitch.” He wondered how the hell Pet would handle it.
He heard her laugh and quite naturally explain, “Oh, no, I’m not the least bit ill. I have work to do. I’m working on designs for my new collection and preparing for a show in London at the same time. The scheduling for the show is brutal. It happens practically as soon as I step off the ship.”
“Surely, Petula, you could take some time to have a meal with me.”
Charlie figured the Captain wouldn’t give up easily. He hoped Pet could say no to him.
“I’ve already arranged to take my meals in my cabin, with some of my staff. That’s the joy of being the boss. I can arrange working dinners and no one can complain. Isn’t that correct, Jennifer?” He heard Pet pause, then say, “Oh, I am sorry, Captain Driscoll, this is Jennifer. She’s one of my models.”
Charlie heard Jen respond, “It certainly is a pleasure to meet you.”
“And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Jennifer. Can’t you please talk some sense into your boss for me?”
“I’m afraid, Captain, there’s no talking her out of it. We have to get ready for the show. What’s left of this trip is the best opportunity we’ll have.”
Before the Captain could say anything, Pet went for the jugular. “Perhaps I can arrange for my seat to be filled this evening by another of my models. Jennifer, don’t you think Suzy would enjoy meeting the Captain?”
“Let me ring her up and ask if she’s available.”
Just when Charlie thought the ladies had the situation in hand, he heard the Captain ask, “I see you’ve also had your luncheon here. Seems I missed meeting another member of your staff.”
“That would be my assistant, Derrick. I sent him back to his cabin to gather some sketches I left with him. He’ll be back in a bit.”
“Excuse me, Captain Driscoll. I have Suzy on the line. If it wouldn’t be an intrusion, she would be delighted to take Petula’s seat this evening. Would that be acceptable?”
“Yes, indeed, it surely would.”
“Splendid.” Charlie heard Jennifer give Suzy the news, and then add, “Captain, Suzy wants to know if perhaps you could show her the bridge after dinner?”
“I don’t see why not.” Charlie could tell that the Captain, just like the rest of the crew, wanted some female company. Pet giving him a substitute did the trick.
“Captain Driscoll, I do appreciate your concern. I am so sorry I will miss dinner, but as you well know, duty calls.”
“Perhaps before the voyage ends, you will do me the honor of sharing dinner with me privately.”
“Thank you, Captain. I will certainly remember you made the offer.”
Charlie murmured, “Yeah, so will I.”
He waited for the all clear from Pet before emerging from the loo. When he came out, Pet had another G and T waiting for him. “Here, you look like you could use this.”
Charlie took the glass, but didn’t drink. He gestured toward the door with the glass. “You know that son of a bitch wants to get laid. He had his eye on you.”
Pet held her ground with Charlie. “Well, he’s too frigging late, isn’t he? You beat him to it.” Then she turned to Jennifer. “Jen, ring Derrick and make sure he knows he had lunch with us this afternoon. While you’re at it, let him know he’s invited to an exclusive party tomorrow night. Tell him there will be someone there who wants to meet
