Page 20 of Hidden Depths
"It's what rich people eat."
Ben shakes his head.
"Don't embarrass us."
"I'm not embarrassed."
Scott picks up a lobster tail.
"I've just never had lunch that required three forks."
Hazel quietly reaches over.
"Twelve o'clock fork."
Scott looks horrified.
"There are time-specific forks?"
Hazel can't help laughing.
"No."
"I'm messing with you."
Even Storm laughs.
Ward notices.
And he realizes...
He likes hearing her laugh.
It's different from the calm, capable captain she presents to the world.
After lunch...
Storm invites anyone who's interested onto the bridge.
The others go fishing.
Sunbathing.
Talking.
Ward is the only one who follows her.
Not because he's trying to impress her.
Because he's curious.
He wants to learn.
Storm begins explaining navigation, radar, currents, and the way she reads the sea.
Ward listens.
Really listens.
