The Companion by Chelsea Hale

Author:Chelsea Hale [Hale, Chelsea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crescendo Ink
Published: 2018-02-06T16:00:00+00:00

Mandy’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Derek at their spot on deck four. She took the seat next to him. The last two days Derek had loosened up. He joined Mandy and Alice at all their meals and almost all of their activities, including the comedy club, the shows, and even a cooking class.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Shh. You’re interrupting my concentrated relaxing.” He made a face and then resumed his stoic pose.

Mandy laughed. “I would never have thought it possible.”

“You should try it. Don’t pull out your work and just enjoy the view. Let the sound of the waves calm you.”

She pushed his arm playfully. “Don’t mock me.”

“I’m not. It’s like I can breathe for the first time this week. It’s…it’s amazing.”

“It sounds like you’ve discovered new oceans,” she said, referring back to her quote from the beginning of the cruise.

He took her hand, holding it and caressing the back of her knuckles with his thumb. “I suppose I have.”

“Do I have your permission to finish the drawing of you and Alice? I want to give it to her tonight at dinner,” she said.

Derek’s eyes took her in. “You’re very thoughtful to Grams. I know she’ll appreciate it.”

“Thanks.” Mandy finished up the drawing and during her two-hour break she bought two matching frames from the photo souvenir shop and framed the two pictures she’d drawn for Alice—one with her and Betty talking and the other with her and Derek dancing.

At dinner Mandy present the wrapped presents to Alice. “I know we still have a couple of days on the cruise but I wanted you to have these now.”

Alice caressed the pictures and held them close. She gave Mandy a watery smile and squeezed her hand. “You are such a dear. Thank you, Mandy.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Mandy saw Derek nodding approvingly.

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