Obsessed Heir (Billionaire Heirs #4)

Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

Abigail

“ I can try moving around a little today,” Miss Opal suggests. “It doesn’t hurt as much.” She points her toes this way and that, likely moving her foot more than she should.

Has she not seen the size of her ankle? Never mind the dark spots stretching out from under the bandage.

“I’m not sure you’re ready,” I say, keeping a positive note in my voice. “Doctor Stein said the swelling would have to go down before you consider putting any weight on this ankle.”

Miss Opal lets out a resigned sigh. “Very well.” She holds out her feet for me to put on her slippers. “I really wish you’d found something to wear when you were shopping.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks as I’m reminded of the reason I couldn’t look around. Not when Barron was the primary reason I had to get out of there before I could buy anything. Admitting that would only lead to more questions I’d rather avoid.

“I’ll try again when we reach port,” I promise, hoping to reassure her.

“We need to find out what time we arrive so you’re ready. Though you may not find much, outside of touristy shops, in these little towns,” she warns. “They go to larger cities for their own needs.”

Anything would be better than paying the prices on board. I could spend my entire month’s salary on clothes and still not cover everything I need for the week.

“I know, but it’s worth a shot.” Straightening, I paste on a smile. “Ready for breakfast?”

“Yes, I’m famished,” Miss Opal declares as she steps down from the bed onto her good ankle and pivots to settle into the wheelchair. Of course she’ll be hungry, with the time difference. It’s midmorning at home, and she’s usually an early riser.

“Good. I heard noise in the living area, so your son may be waiting.” My chest feels hollow at the possibility of facing him again so soon. It’s bound to happen sooner or later if we’re under the same roof.

“Oh, we can’t have that.” She draws in a deep breath. “He always ends up in a mood if he has to wait. Sometimes, he’s so much like his father.”

If her son’s foul temper rivals that of her late husband, I shudder to think how much worse it could be. Swallowing hard, I force myself to keep my tone neutral.

“We’d better get a move on, then.”

“In my defense, those pills the doctor gave me to relax were a little stronger than I expected.” She huffs. “I feel like I’ve been asleep for days.”

I shoot her an envious glance as I stifle a yawn. “I’m relieved you got some rest.”

“You didn’t sleep well?” Her brow furrows with motherly concern. She’s always been very perceptive. While I tried to smother my yawn, she caught on.

“No, not really,” I confess. “When I close my eyes, I feel the ship moving, and it messed with my sleep.” Gripping the handles, I wheel her out to the hallway.

The aroma of fresh coffee and savory breakfast foods greets us. Holly stands at the table, already pouring a steaming mug. “Good morning, ladies.”

“Good morning,” we both reply as we move to join her.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be joining you for breakfast,” she says with a warm smile.

Miss Opal returns the expression wholeheartedly. “Not at all. We’d love to have you.”

Holly uncovers two plates laden with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, and mini pancakes. The third, in front of her, has half a grapefruit and a boiled egg.

The only thing missing is a fourth place setting. Though, of course, why would she assume the hired help would be dining with them?

“Do you need anything before I head out to the dining room?” I steel myself against the pang of rejection as I bring her chair to the table.

“You won’t be having breakfast with us?” Holly asks, disappointed. “I ordered some of everything, since I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”

“And Barron?” Words I never expected to utter.

“He’s sleeping in,” she says, as if dismissing my concern.

Which means the third place setting is for me. “In that case, I certainly will.”

It makes things easier because I won’t have to rush back.

“I’m so glad.” She moves the covers aside. “I told him I’d keep you both company before Mrs. McClelland’s spa appointment.”

Miss Opal sighs wistfully as I pull out the chair between the women. “I suppose he’s changed. He was always such an early riser when he was younger.”

“I’m sure he got that from you,” I say, settling in between them. If Holly noticed I’m wearing the same thing I had on yesterday, she’s polite enough not to comment on it.

Holly’s body language shifts, her shoulders stiffening almost imperceptibly. “Oh, he’s still up early most days. But with it being the first night aboard, we had a lot of ground to cover if we want things to go as planned.”

From the way she’s acting, I’d say something didn’t go quite right. I pour Miss Opal’s coffee then mine as I wait for Miss Opal to ask the question that will inevitably spring up.

“Are you all right, dear?” Miss Opal addresses Holly, whose attention is somewhere else.

Holly blinks, looking at Miss Opal then at me, as if she just realized she has a spotlight on her. “Me?”

“Yes.” Miss Opal picks up a piece of toast from her plate. “You seemed rather perturbed,” she points out, slathering butter over her toast. “I wondered if something is wrong. I know my son can be quite the taskmaster.”

“I’m fine, but I suppose I do have a lot on my mind.” She reaches for her coffee, taking a long sip, clearly hoping that’s the end of the discussion. “And how are you doing this morning?”

I dig into the fluffy eggs to hide my amusement. Does Holly actually think she’s off the hook simply by changing the subject? Does she not realize how tenacious both mother and son are? Maybe it’s just funnier when it’s happening to someone else.

“I’m relaxing, as the doctor required,” she says, ending in a resigned expression. “But I must say that it isn’t as fulfilling as he and Barron expected it to be.”

“I apologize,” Holly says, turning from Miss Opal to me then back. “I didn’t consider the fact Barron would be tied up so much during this first trip.”

“That’s quite all right.” Miss Opal gives her an understanding smile. “It means a lot that you would include me in such a significant occasion.” She sets her toast down. “It’s all so terribly exciting. You must tell me what you’re up to.”

Checkmate. She pulls one of the famous McClelland U-turns. We’re right back in the conversation Holly was trying to avoid.

Holly sighs, obviously used to this routine already. Regardless of her relationship with Barron, she doesn’t strike me as the type of person who would be rude to his mother.

To her credit, Holly recognizes that she won’t be able to sidestep Miss Opal forever. A rueful smile tugs at her lips as she gives in gracefully.

“Well, we had scheduled today to be picture day, since we’re going through a bit of a storm. But I ended up without a model.”

Miss Opal’s expression turns to remorse. “Oh dear, there I go causing a problem again.” Her shoulders droop.

“No.” Holly is quick to backpedal. “We will be taking pictures with you, but I had planned to give you time to heal.”

“Mhm,” she replies with an understanding hum.

“We had another model doing a layout for the website.” Holly’s tone turns thoughtful, as if she’s carefully considering her words. “But I’m rethinking the decision.” She presses her lips together. “She may not be the best person for the job.”

“I understand.” Miss Opal picks up her toast again. “You have to do what’s best for the company.”

That’s certainly one way to avoid sharing details. I make a mental note to steer clear of whatever drama is unfolding with this mysterious, unsuitable model. Clearing my throat, I attempt to shift the subject.

“What should I prepare for Miss Opal to make sure she’s ready for her photo shoot?”

The diversion works. “I want to capture a dinner scene. Perhaps something more intimate, like a captain’s table. We’re also doing a wine pairing later this week.”

Miss Opal’s eyes light up. “Wine pairing sounds delightful.”

“We’re fully booked for the events,” Holly continues with a huge grin. “So we’ll have to set up early, otherwise we’ll be in the way.”

“I just want to have things ready before we hit port.”

“You’ll have plenty of time.” Holly’s tone is reassuring as she digs into her grapefruit. “We don’t arrive at port until tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I stop halfway through cutting a bite of sausage.

“That’s not later today?” Miss Opal asks in stunned disbelief.

“No.” Holly shakes her head. “Today is a sea day.”

“I’m so s-sorry,” Miss Opal stutters. “I must have misunderstood.” Her face turns from a healthy pink to a full-out glow on her cheeks. “I thought you mentioned we’d leave Seattle and have the day at sea.”

“We leave Seattle on the first day then have a day at sea,” Holly clarifies.

My heart sinks. While I might get away with wearing this again today, I can’t do it a third day in a row. Showering and putting on the same clothes I was wearing was icky enough once.

If I hurry, I may have some time to browse without having a guard dog following me around.

“Well, the evening wear is ready and hanging in the closet. Just let me know the schedule so I can make an appointment to get her hair done.”

Miss Opal beams. “You think of everything, Abby. What would I do without you?”

Other than not end up in a wheelchair? I keep the comment to myself, but it doesn’t make it any less true. “I’m sure you would do just fine.”

“Will you be needing both of us?” Miss Opal asks.

“Both of us?” The implication starts to sink in. The spotlight abruptly shifts to me. And we’re back to this not being funny.

“Um, I don’t think that’s part of the plan.” I can’t backpedal fast enough.

But Holly’s entire demeanor shifts. “That’s a great idea!” Her scrutinizing gaze travels over me in an assessing once-over that leaves me feeling uncomfortably exposed. “You’d be perfect.”

My fork clatters out of my hand as I sit up straight. “No-no-no.” I shake my head vehemently. “Your son would not appreciate this, Miss Opal.”

“I have free rein to do whatever I need to in order to make this successful.” A conspiratorial grin plays along Holly’s lips. “That means having pictures up on the website before the week is done.”

Before I can even come up with another objection, Miss Opal leans forward to pat my arm.

“Abby, you can’t say no,” she pleads. “Not when Barron and Holly need you for this project. Without your help, they’ll never stay on task.”

My mouth snaps shut as she takes the wind from my sails.

Holly’s face lights up as she settles back in her chair. “Wonderful! I already have the perfect idea for your look.”

Ah damn.