Page 18 of Hearts Aweigh
She hustled to the greeter’s desk and ran her tongue over her teeth to eliminate any stray lipstick marks.
Twenty seconds later, the Mastersons arrived.
Abby chuckled at how predictable the man was.
He held his daughter’s tiny hand in his with all the comfort of someone carrying a plastic explosive.
Abby bent and hugged Maddie. “I’m so happy to see you. It’s been ten thousand years.”
The girl giggled. “You saw me last night.”
“Did I?” Abby scratched the side of her head. “Maybe it feels like ten thousand years because I missed you.”
Maddie beamed. “Really?”
“You betcha.” Abby waved them in to the larger room. “Come in. Come in. We’re going to have tons of fun today. First, we’ll watch a magic show. Then there’s a treasure hunt in the Aquarium Room. And a yummy snack when you get hungry.”
“Be sure to behave for Abby,” Spencer said.
Maddie’s smile disappeared. She straightened her spine and nodded at her father.
Abby longed to wag her finger. Way to ruin the mood, party pooper.
Spencer held two overstuffed bags in front of him. “I brought the necessary items.”
Abby’s lips twitched. “Such as?”
“A pillow and blanket. Sunblock. A bathing suit. A sun hat. Allergy medicine.”
Exactly what she expected. Nothing useful for a playday indoors. But she gave the man points for trying. Maybe she could convince him to visit the splash pad with his daughter when he returned.
Abby cupped a hand around her mouth and stage-whispered to Maddie. “There’s a magician inside.”
Screaming erupted from the corner. A pudgy boy with black hair stomped his feet. Tears dribbled down his cheeks.
Spencer frowned at the scamp. “Do you need to check on him?”
“He’s fine.” Abby laughed at Spencer’s shocked reaction.
“Did I sound harsh? That’s the second fit that boy’s thrown this week.
The first was yesterday when we wouldn’t give him a soda.
” She tweaked Maddie’s cheek. “The truth is, I’m a big softy.
When a child is truly crying, I want to wrap them in my arms and shower them with affection.
But after years of experience, I can recognize the fakers.
Wails. Tantrums. Vomit. One young customer chucked his shoe at me. ”
She squatted in front of Maddie and gave her a bear hug. “Why can’t all kids be as sweet as you?”
Her precious captive giggled in her arms. Abby looked at Spencer. “I reminded Daisy of the meeting. You’d better get going.”
His gaze cut to Maddie. “If I forgot anything, call me right away.” He reached out. His hand hovered over his daughter’s shoulder, but then he withdrew without touching her. “I’ll return soon, Madeleine. I promise.”
Spencer passed the overloaded bags to Abby. His fingers brushed her arm as he slipped the handles past her wrist. A tickle like static electricity danced across her skin.
Abby gave herself a mental slap upside the head. Keep it professional.
“Yes, sir. Nothing to worry about. Maddie and I will have a marvelous time while you’re gone.
” She motioned with her elbow. “Come on, Maddie. Let’s check out that magician.
We’ll sit criss-cross applesauce on the carpet and watch his show.
The last time Mr. Seamus was here, he made a whole bicycle disappear. ”
Abby’s words tumbled as fast as her heartbeat.
Never had the mere presence of a passenger rattled her so, but something about this man upset her even keel.
She could ignore a good-looking guy without a second thought, but what she couldn’t ignore was the expression she recognized in this man’s eyes.
Abby was a sucker for hurting children. And she sensed behind Spencer Randolph Masterson’s cultured facade was a lost boy who desperately needed a hug.