I bite back all the things I want to say. I know it’s not going to help the situation. I’ve already tried begging at the last place.
Shifting on my toes, I look over my shoulder at the long line of guests I’m holding up, before turning back to her with a pleadinglook.
“Why didn’t she book?”
“She’s holding up the line.”
“We just want to eat.”
I bet that’s what they’re all saying.
No. They’re not.
I shake my head and glance back at the counter.
These people are not St. Michael’s students. They aren’t Jenni, or my dad. They are just here, relaxed and ready to have a good time. They probably don’t even notice me.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but since you didn’t make a reservation, you’ll have to wait until eleven.”
“Eleven?” My voice cracks; my stomach rumbles. I can’t wait until then, and I’m desperately trying to avoid spending the first night of my cruise alone in my room.
The hostess glances at the line, then back at me with an apologetic smile. “Maybe you could come back in an hour and try again.”
That’s what they’ve all said when they’ve wanted me out of their hair.
“I understand.” I nod, annoyed at myself for being too busy stressing over Tiff and Jamie’s wedding to properly prepare for this trip. It did say in the email to book in advance.
I lean a little closer so the family behind me can’t hear me. “Is there any way I could just sit and eat at the bar? I’m happy with fries.”
The hostess’s pleasant smile is a little less pleasant now. “I’m sorry, ma’am. We don’t serve our dinner menu at the bar. We’re completely booked, but if you really want, you could sit at the bar and I’ll let you know if there are any no-shows.”
Well, that’s further than I got with the last two places.
“Okay. What’s on the bar menu? Is it just drinks?”
“Yes, and snacks.”
“She doesn’t need to go to the bar.” My stomach drops. “She can sit with us.”
No.
I close my eyes, not wanting to turn around and face him. Especially not after upchucking my breakfast into the sea this morning.
“There’s plenty of space.”
Is he still talking?
“I think you should take his offer, honey,” an elderly lady says beside me. She’s looking at the man behind me with a wide smile. “I would.”
Zach laughs softly behind me.
“Ma’am, please don’t encourage her,” he says, and the hairs on the back of my neck start to rise as he steps closer. “I already spend half my life trying to get her to say yes to me.”
I can’t see his face, but judging from the look on the lady’s face, I’m sure he’s giving her a megawatt smile. “And does she?”
I cross my arms, shaking my head.
“Rarely,” he replies. He playfully knocks me on the side as he steps beside me. “She likes to keep me humble. It builds character.”
