My God, she must be a camel, Gavin thought as he poured yet another glass of water for Veronica, who showed no telltale signs of bladder strain. Either that or she’s invested in a box of Depends. A half hour ago he had been practically doubled over in pain and used the facilities himself, but she seemed oblivious to the call of nature.

Veronica had finished circling her selections from the party menu. “I do hope these hors d’oeuvres are tasty enough. Since I’m not at home with my own secret ingredients, I won’t be able to doctor them up. A true chef knows how to fuss with a dish and make it more interesting. And now, Mr. Gray, we must figure out how many people I’ve invited so we can order accordingly. Do you think we should invite some of the ship’s officers, maybe even the Captain?”

I don’t care, Gavin thought wildly, his eyes riveted on the closet door. Pee, damn it. PEE!

Veronica rushed on, “I’d love to finally be at a party where there are more men than women. We’ve already invited everyone at the table, which should be pleasant. I just hope that Cameron Hardwick is in a festive mood. I must remember to tell Regan that Violet Cohn insists she met him in Greece several years ago. Mr. Gray, what are you staring at?”

Lloyd was a good dancer. Regan realized she was enjoying herself. But when the set ended and he proposed a walk on the deck, she glanced at her watch and said, “I’d better get upstairs. I don’t like to be away from Lady Exner for too long.”

Harper looked disappointed but said, “I guess you’re right. I saw her almost fall over the side yesterday. And it’s been known to happen.”

“I think we have everything in order, Mr. Gray. This is going to be such a good show.” Veronica turned as she heard Regan’s key in the door. “Oh, lovely, Regan’s back. I wonder who she’s talking to out there.”

Another chance shot to hell, Gavin thought with an ever-escalating level of frustration felt inside his pounding head. Glass after glass of the bubbling water had given him a headache.

Regan entered, smiling.

“Regan, did you have a nice time?” Veronica asked gleefully.

“Veronica, you got your wish. The guy from bingo asked me to dance.”

“Ooh, I can’t wait to hear about it,” Veronica said eagerly, “but first, if you’ll excuse me.”

Gavin sat there in disbelief as he watched her slam the bathroom door shut.

“Thank you,” Regan said to him as she took a seat. “You’re so nice to help out with the party planning.”