Archer settled into his seat as Edith guided Alexa to the chair beside him, then took her place on his other side. ''Let's eat,'' the older woman said with a smile. ''Then we can check out the entertainment deck.''
Nodding in agreement, he twirled a forkful of pasta, while the navy-haired woman reached for a sandwich. Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter, until a sudden, violent wave slammed into the ship, jolting them sideways. Dishes clattered, and he gripped the table to steady himself.
Seconds later, a grizzled voice crackled over the intercom. ''Hold tight, folks! The sea's kicking up a storm, but I'll steer us through her worst.''
