Page 20 of Terminal Voyage

"Yes, but Sophia and I have a passion for wine. I like to diversify my investments. I don't like keeping all of my eggs in one basket.”

There was that hand on my thigh again.

I removed it. “I'm happy where I am."

"But there is a world of opportunity."

"How does Sophia feel about your diversification?"

"Sophia has interests of her own," he said, glancing across the table, watching her flirt with Sebastian. "Come for a visit. You never know. You might like Italy. You could go from serving wine to distributing it.”

"Food for thought," I said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to powder my nose."

"Hurry back," Luciano said.

I pushed away from the table and stood up. By that time, almost everyone had finished their desserts.

"I say we all adjourn to the salon for a cigar and a game of cards," Declan said.

“Excellent,” Luciano said. “Gives me an opportunity to win my money back.”

“Or lose more,” Declan said.

They all chuckled.

"FYI, the captain tells me we might run into some rough weather a little later, but nothing to worry about. If you are prone to seasickness, like my wife," he said with another chuckle, "we have Dramamine and seabands, if you find that kind of thing helpful.”

We left the dining area as the waitstaff cleared our plates.

The second deck salon was designed for entertaining. There was a poker table, a pool table, a large flatscreen display, comfortable couches, a full bar, and a dartboard. Sliding glass doors opened to the bridge deck aft, which was home to another bar and alfresco dining area.

Sebastian was more than eager to get into the poker game, and so was Sophia. She struck me as the kind of woman who could hold her own at the table.

"Teagan, are you in?" Declan asked.

"Thank you, but I'll leave that to the professionals.”

"Are you sure?”

I nodded and took a seat at the bar. I figured I’d hang out for a bit, then sneak out when no one was looking.

Jimmy was there to take my order. "What can I get for you?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"How about a glass of wine?”

"Are you trying to get me drunk?"

He chuckled and raised his hands innocently. "How about a small one?”

With an exaggerated sigh, I said, "Okay. Twist my arm.”

"I won’t have a job if I don’t have someone to serve. It's not like you have to drive home.”

"You're a bad influence," I said.

Jimmy smiled. "I'm a good bad influence.”