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Obsessed Heir (Billionaire Heirs #4) Chapter 11 24%
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Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Abigail

M r. McClelland has arranged for dinner to be served in the suite’s living area to accommodate Mrs. McClelland.

I tighten my grip on my phone as I read James’s message. Miss Opal didn’t want to cause more of a fuss. She’d suggested a quick dinner in the dining room then returning to the suite.

This change of plan is complicating things for me. How am I supposed to avoid Barron if we’re having dinner in the suite? The thought of spending an entire meal under his scrutinizing gaze, dodging his thinly veiled insults, makes me feel queasy.

Ever since that horrible confrontation with him earlier, I’ve been hiding…er, staying in my room.

“Is everything all right, dear?” Miss Opal’s gentle voice pulls me from my anxious thoughts.

I glance up to find her watching me, concern etched across her delicate features. Her hand freezes in midair with the lipstick she’d been applying. The mirror lies in her lap, forgotten, as she studies me.

“You look like you were a million miles away,” she presses when I don’t respond readily.

“Nothing to worry about, I promise,” I insist, pasting on what I hope is a reassuring smile. I wince inwardly. I should have been more careful to mask my emotions when she’s around.

“I just got a little distracted by this message, that’s all.”

It’s not quite a lie. The text definitely distracted me, and I will deal with the consequences in the next few hours.

Miss Opal’s wizened eyes narrow almost imperceptibly. It’s as if she somehow senses the half-truth in a way only a mother can.

A pang of guilt goes through me because I’m being less than honest with her. But I can’t bring myself to tell her what happened with Barron.

“If you’re sure,” she murmurs, concern lingering in her eyes. “So what was this distracting message about? Should I be worried as well?”

“It’s from James,” I clarify, tapping my phone screen to keep my nervous fingers occupied. “Your son arranged to have dinner brought up so you don’t have to go to the dining area.”

Her concern evaporates, her features brightening with a radiant smile. “Barron.” She beams with a mother’s pride. “He’s so thoughtful.”

Thoughtful isn’t quite the description I would have used to describe him. Regardless, I return her smile with as much sincerity as I can muster.

“Let me put those away for you,” I offer, holding my hand out for her makeup.

She passes the items over then hesitates as a new thought occurs to her.

“Oh, do you have your makeup bag with you?” she asks, sitting forward in bed.

“No.” I left it all behind, having unpacked my backpack once we arrived at the hotel yesterday.

“Surely the ship must have a place to purchase some basic necessities on board.”

“I’m fine going without,” I assure her, shaking my head automatically. Then inspiration hits. “I think I’ll just stay in tonight, if that’s okay with you.”

“Oh, Abby.” Her smile falters, sending another wave of guilt over me for ruining her happiness.

A distant rumble of thunder offers some unexpected inspiration.

“The ship’s moving a little too much for me.” I swallow hard. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very good company, and I don’t want to ruin your first day with your son.”

Her expression turns thoughtful as she considers my words. “I understand,” she finally says. “It is a bit rough at times.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Relief courses through me at how quickly she accepts my excuse. Any other time, I’d feel horrible about putting her off like this.

“You’ve done fabulously well for someone who’s never been on a ship,” she says with a hint of pride.

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure how I’d do.” We have another rough wave, and I stop, closing my eyes for a second to settle my stomach.

“Why don’t you message Barron to come by for me once he’s here,” she suggests. “So you can go lie down.”

My heart sinks at the suggestion. Without even trying, she’s inadvertently backed me into the exact scenario I was hoping to avoid. Having direct, though not face-to-face contact with Barron, which would still put me straight in his cross-hairs.

“That’s okay, Miss Opal. I can take you.” Barron doesn’t need to know he got under my skin. Though the simple fact I’m cutting out early will be enough for him to figure it out.

“Let’s get me to the couch so you can go rest,” she suggests.

She steps down, pivoting to sit in the chair. I take off the brake, pull back, and change direction to take her into the hall.

The sound of muffled voices reaches us as we approach the living area. My heartbeat kicks up. Is Barron already out here waiting?

“Bring the table over.” James’s voice filters down the hall.

Miss Opal turns, leaning up. “Sounds like we have company,” she whispers.

“Yes.” I manage to keep the surge of relief out of my voice. The extra voices mean more people around as a buffer between Barron and me. It should be easier to step away and help James while Miss Opal is distracted.

The knot forming in the middle of my back relaxes a bit. Feeling renewed, I pick up the pace, steering the chair into the living area.

The rich aroma of roasted meat and herbs fills the room. My mouth waters, despite the fact I can’t identify the meal by the scent.

“James,” one of the two men assisting him calls out. He nods in our direction, setting a small crystal vase in the center of the white linen tablecloth.

James turns, hearing his name, his features relaxing when he sees us. “Ladies, just a moment please, while we get everything in place.”

“Don’t rush on our account,” Miss Opal says, trying to put everyone at ease.

The men continue arranging polished utensils, cloth napkins, and gold-rimmed china.

“Isn’t that exquisite?” Miss Opal remarks, her eyes shining.

“It is,” I agree.

“Abby is just helping me out of my room. We won’t be underfoot,” she explains to James.

“I only wish we could have offered you dinner by moonlight,” James says, sounding apologetic.

My stomach twists. The only thing worse than being surrounded by water is being surrounded by dark water. Suddenly, the meal isn’t quite as appealing.

“I’m afraid with us traveling into this storm, that won’t be possible,” he concludes. “The water’s growing choppy, and it’s bound to get worse.”

“Oh, I understand,” Miss Opal says with a note of sympathy. She turns to me, placing a palm on her chest as her eyes soften with compassion. “Abby isn’t doing well with the way the ship is moving. The poor dear is going to settle in for the night.”

“Miss Abby?” James says with concern as the other two continue to set up the table. “Would you prefer to have your meal in your room?”

“That’s not necessary.” I don’t want to put him or anyone else out because I’m trying to avoid Barron.

“No trouble at all.” He waves to a trolley in the corner. “I brought dinner for all three of you. Duck breast, roasted vegetables, and greens.”

“Goodness, that sounds wonderful.” Miss Opal leans left so she can look over her shoulder at me. “You simply can’t miss out on this, Abby.”

I bite my lip, considering her words as I push the chair around to the other side of the room. I planned to make a quick exit, but now my taste buds want to stage a mutiny.

“Unless you would prefer something else,” he offers, clearly wanting to accommodate. “The meal may not be to your taste.”

“No, that does sound wonderful,” I agree.

“I will deliver a plate to your room.” He turns to the corner, picking up a tray. “You can set the dishes on the floor outside your door once you’re done. I’ll pick everything up later, or in the morning, if you need more time.”

“Thank you, James.” I’m grateful for his thoughtfulness in accommodating me. With any luck, I can get Miss Opal settled in front of the television. Then I’ll slip away to my room, avoiding any awkward encounters.

“Let’s move you to the couch so you’ll be comfortable.” I guide her wheelchair as close as possible so she doesn’t have far to go.

After locking the wheels in place, I go around helping her transfer over. She grips my arms as she rises, then we pivot, and she eases onto the plush cushions.

“There we are,” I say once she’s situated comfortably. “Would you like to watch something while you wait?”

“That would be lovely.” She gives me a grateful look, patting my arm fondly. “They have quite the selection of television series and movies available.”

I grab the remote from the end table, power on the television, then hand it over. “Do you need any help to work it?”

“I’m sure I can manage,” she says with a wink.

“May I offer you a nice cold drink?” James proposes. “I stocked the refrigerator for Mr. McClelland.”

“Abby, why don’t you see if we have ginger ale. That might settle your stomach.”

“I’ll get it, James.” I turn toward the kitchen, shooting a concerned glance toward the entrance.

“May I help you find a show?” James offers.

“Please do.” She hands him the remote.

Opening the refrigerator, I find water bottles, sodas, and some drink brands I don’t recognize. Picking a ginger ale, I spot a can of iced tea sitting behind it. Oh, Miss Opal would have a field day with that.

“Did you have any luck, dear?” she asks.

“Yes, ma’am. Do you want one?”

“Please.”

I grab a second drink and a glass to pour it into. While she’s loosened up a bit, she doesn’t approve of drinking straight out of a can when we have guests.

“Here you go.” I set the drink on the nearby end table.

“Go ahead and retire for the evening. There’s still plenty of time for you to enjoy the ship’s amenities.”

“Thank you both,” I reply with a smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Go. He could show up any minute.

Taking the opportunity, I do my best to keep to a normal pace as I head to my room. It feels like the front door might open. It would be Barron arriving for dinner.

The thought brings back the image of that mocking stare. The click of the door handle makes me lightheaded. Has the distance to the hall somehow increased?

Almost there. Go-go-go.

I make it to the hall and speed up. The plush carpet muffles my steps, so they won’t know I’m practically running to remove myself from the possibility of confrontation.

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