The Resort

by M J Hardy

  To my surprise, we carry on and I stare around in shock as she directs me to a seat in first class and smiles. “Here you are, 5B. It’s not a window seat I’m afraid, but it’s way better than the one you were in.”

  “Are you sure I can sit here?” I stare at her in disbelief and she laughs. “Of course, it’s going spare and quite honestly, if anyone needed it, it was you. Just enjoy it, I know I would.”

  She nods towards my case. “Would you like me to help you with that?”

  “It’s fine – thank you. In fact, I can’t thank you enough, this is, well, it’s amazing.”

  She winks and says brightly, “Enjoy. Anyway, I should go, I think we’re about to close up.”

  I stare around me in surprise as a warm feeling spreads through me. First class all the way this time. If only Jack could see me now.

  As I make myself comfortable, it’s not long before another stewardess heads my way and hands me a glass of champagne. “Enjoy your flight, madam, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  She smiles warmly and moves on, leaving me in an extremely happy place as I settle back and sigh with relief. Sometimes Karma plays a blinder, and this is one huge middle finger to Jack who would be green with envy if he could see me now.

  Chapter 3

  Kim

  After possibly the best flight of my life, I feel fully rested as I make my way off the plane. It feels so different exiting a flight that has proven to be an experience I am unlikely to recover from anytime soon. The space I had to stretch out and relax in my own private cabin was unexpected. Then there were the delicious meals and fine wines. A larger entertainment screen and gorgeous amenity kit with top end toiletries and superior items were a delightful treat compared to the usual plastic rubbish. The cabin was calm and not crowded at all, and even the toilets were clean and crammed full of expensive soap and luxurious hand lotion. In fact, I feel as if the holiday started at Heathrow and I wonder what it’s like to travel this way every time.

  Luckily, Jack has disembarked already and after thanking the crew profusely, I make my way to the Arrivals hall. Jack is already in line and I watch him chatting to the woman who sat beside him on the plane and feel a sharp pang as I realise that to any other onlooker, they are a couple.

  The elegant man and woman are behind me, and I try to listen in on their conversation while we wait. They were in first class too but nowhere near me and yet when I stretched my legs, I stole many looks at them and vowed to try to be just a fraction of the woman I appear to have developed a fixation for. She even travelled elegantly and changed into lounge wear and wore a cashmere looking eye mask while she slept most of the way. Subsequently, she now looks as if she’s stepped out of a magazine as her trouser suit is not creased in the slightest and her hair gleams as it swings around her shoulders. The man appeared to work beside her for most of the flight and looks happy as he entwines his fingers in hers as they wait, with none of the impatience that Jack displays.

  “Is it far?” The woman’s soft voice wafts towards me and he says with a clipped accent, “Half an hour away, I think. They said a car would be waiting.”

  “Good, hopefully they can fit us in for a massage today, I think my back is in knots after that flight.”

  “I could email them if you like.”

  “Super, darling.”

  He taps a message on his phone and I sigh inside. This man is my dream man and if I could be that woman, I would die happy.

  It doesn’t take me long to get through passport control and I head across to Jack who is waiting to reclaim our suitcases.

  “Hey, darling, did you have a good flight?”

  The woman beside him looks up sharply and I smile and slip my hand in my husband’s, noting the frown on her face as I kiss him lightly on the cheek. “The best, how about you?”

  “It was ok, they didn’t have my meal choice, but it was edible at least.”

  Thinking of my own gourmet meal, I sigh with satisfaction. “Mine was lovely.”

  He turns his attention to the belt and sighs. “I bet ours are last off and to be honest, I can’t wait a moment longer to relax by a pool and switch off.”

  “Me neither.” He stares at me a little harder and shakes his head. “You know, Kim, there’s something different about you since that flight, you seem so, well, chilled.”

  Thinking of the last eight hours of luxury, I smile. “I had a good sleep, maybe that’s all I needed.”

  Running his hand around my waist, he pulls me close and whispers, “I can’t wait to get there, you know how horny holidays make me.”

  “I know.”

  For a moment I could convince myself that everything was right with our marriage because when Jack’s in this mood, nothing else matters. We are those newlyweds who doted on each other and the couple that fell in love madly and deeply. Yes, this holiday is just what was required and as he kisses me tenderly, surrounded by strangers in a sterile airport, I couldn’t be happier.

  We finally retrieve our bags and as we head through customs, Jack says with concern, “Are you sure there’s transport provided?”

  “Yes, there should be someone to meet us.”

  I look anxiously at the many boards being held up and then spy one that says, Lotus Lake Resort and Spa.

  “Over there.”

  Jack sighs with relief.

  “Thank God for that, come on, final stage and then hello paradise.”

  We make our way over to the sign and the man holding it beams his welcome. “Welcome to Kurraga. If you head outside, you will see a minibus waiting with the resort name on the side. Someone will take your bags while you make yourself comfortable.”

  Feeling happy, relaxed and excited, we head outside and as the heat hits me, all my troubles dissolve in an instant.

  Jack groans. “I needed that. Wow, how hot is this?”

  “It’s perfect.”

  The brand new gleaming mini bus waits patiently and as Jack entrusts our bags to the driver, we step on board and the first people I see are the glamorous couple from the plane. They look up and smile, and I don’t miss the interest on Jack’s face as he smiles at the woman first.

  We take the seats behind them and Jack grins. “This is nice.”

  “It certainly is.” He twists my fingers in his and raises my hand to his lips. “I can’t wait for this.”

  As I settle beside my husband, all is good with the world, and I look with interest at the people who join us on board.

  They all appear pleasant enough and as the door closes, the driver says jovially, “Welcome to the Lotus Lake Resort and Spa. I’m Eddie and I’ll be driving you there today. It will only take 30 minutes and then your holiday can begin. Welcome to paradise.”

  As he fires up the engine, I settle back in my seat. I can’t wait.

  Chapter 4

  Evelyn

  Sighing, I shift in my seat and stare moodily out of the window. This is just great. A whole week with Charles, it’s enough to drive me slowly mad. How I wish he was more interesting. Like the man who is sitting behind me who caught my eye in the airport. Now there’s a man I would enjoy spending a week with. Good looking in a rough and ready way and I bet he’s an animal in bed. The woman with him doesn’t know how lucky she is. Yes, a real man, not the pander pony beside me who wouldn’t even breathe if I tell him I’ve got a headache.

  My life is so boring and I don’t know what to do about it. When I married Charles, I thought I had it all. Wealth, a handsome husband and a life stretching in front of me of privilege and adventure. Funny how the dream gets distorted by reality. My life is one endless round of coffee mornings, shopping and visits to the spa which must be most women’s idea of heaven. Not mine. I always wanted more than that, a career, something worthwhile to occupy my time and not to become a trophy wife, but that’s how it turned out. Charles swept me off my feet and I was blinded by his wealth. He’s good looking, charming, and a dream come true. Now the rosy glow has faded f
rom my eyes, I realise how shallow it all is. There is so much more I want to do, but he won’t hear a word of it.

  “Darling…” He wraps his fingers around mine and whispers, “I have booked you in for that massage at 3pm, is that ok?”

  “Yes, lovely darling.”

  I smile and he nods as if he’s just wrapped up another business deal. Mindful of where we are, I say in a low voice, “Charles, I’ve been thinking.”

  He actually places his finger on my lips and whispers, “Tell me later, I have an email I need to answer as a priority. Maybe we can discuss your thoughts over a pre-dinner drink this evening.”

  I nod miserably and he starts tapping into his phone as I hear a giggle behind me and the low tones of a couple richer than I am in so many ways. “Stop that, what will everyone think?”

  The tears well up as I imagine being as happy as the woman behind me clearly is. It’s obvious they are. Who wouldn’t be with a man like that beside them? If only mine gave me half as much attention as he gives his phone, I may not be so miserable.

  Looking out of the window instead, I note with interest the landscape as we pass. As paradise goes, we’ve hit the jackpot here and I wonder about the man who made this trip possible. Lotus enterprises is the holding company of the resort we are going to. The fact we are here is by invite only because Charles has been managing this guy’s investments for years. Now the resort is finally about to open and we have been invited to test out the facilities. Charles doesn’t talk to me about business, so I don’t know more than that, but I am interested to meet the man behind the dream.

  Sighing, I lean back and look around me and a woman sitting across the aisle catches my eye and smiles. I smile back and wonder why she’s here alone. I saw her in the baggage reclaim area as she hauled her suitcase from the belt and as shallow as it sounds, I liked the outfit she is wearing. Tight black skinny jeans, ripped at the knees, with a silk camisole and short fitted jacket. She has long dark wavy hair and the huge designer sunglasses perched on her head are an expensive brand. Her luggage was all coordinated and I sigh when I realise how much that impresses me. I really need to get a life because I am burning in material hell.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our destination.” The driver calls out and I look with interest at the palatial resort looming up before us.

  We sweep through huge white pillared gates and my first sight of paradise takes my breath away.

  Charles looks up and nods with appreciation. “Looking good, then again, I never expected any less of him. That man has it all worked out and probably left nothing to chance.”

  “What’s he like?”

  “Ok, I guess, to be honest it’s all business with him and he gives nothing away. Good business sense though, he keeps me on my toes, which is saying something.”

  He reaches out and twists his fingers in mine and says smoothly, “We’ll check in and while you relax, I’ll tick a few items off my to do list. This week should be fun.”

  He looks away and I die a little inside. Fun. I’m not sure if Charles knows the meaning of the word and all I can see is a week of boredom, while I try to remember why I married him in the first place.

  As we disembark the mini bus, I look with interest at my fellow passengers, trying hard not to openly stare at the man who sat behind me.

  He is so good looking and I feel a shiver of desire pass through me. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes and a body that I can tell would look good lying beside the pool. His wife, or at least I think they’re married, is pretty with her blonde bob and simple shift dress. An understated elegance that makes me feel as if I’m way overdressed. She stands back a little as he looks around him with interest and for a moment, I catch his eye and feel a warm feeling spread through me as he smiles and something shifts between us.

  “Come on darling, the porter will deliver our bags to the room.”

  Charles snakes his arm around my waist and guides me up the impressive white marble steps towards the reception that opens up into a vast space.

  It feels so tranquil here, so beautiful and serene, I can feel the tension leave me almost immediately. I tune out as Charles jostles for position in the line and secures our room and a soft voice beside me says, “Wow, this place is impressive.”

  I turn to see the single woman beside me and she grins, holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Emma.”

  “Evelyn.”

  I smile and she shakes my hand with a cool grip.

  “I must say, I was blown away to win this competition.”

  “Competition?” I’m a little confused, and she laughs.

  “Yes, can you believe I won this week away on a Facebook ad? All I had to do was comment and before I knew it, I had a message in messenger telling me I’d won. Crazy, isn’t it?”

  “That’s amazing. You must be so happy.”

  “I am actually.”

  “Are you on your own?”

  “Sadly, yes, although that’s not unusual. I’m always on my own because I haven’t met anyone I want to bother seeing twice. It must be nice to have found your other half.” She sounds wistful, and as her eyes flick over to Charles, I see a little envy in her stare.

  “Yes, it is.”

  My words betray me because I would give anything to be in her shoes, actually scrub that, I want to be in the petite blonde’s shoes because my attraction to her husband has shocked me. I don’t look at other men, I rarely even bother to acknowledge they are there. After all, I have a husband, despite how little I see of him.

  Emma leans in and whispers, “Maybe there will be a single man here this week, perhaps this is destiny and I will find true love in paradise.”

  She winks and as Charles heads our way, says quickly, “It looks as if you’ve checked in. I had better fight my way to the front because I am itching to make it to that sunbed at some point today. Enjoy your stay.”

  She smiles. “I hope to catch up with you later, although don’t worry, I’m not a weird hanger on, just come and find me if you want some girly company. Well, anyway, I should go and leave you to your holiday. Have a good one.”

  She heads off before Charles reaches us and he says quickly, “Who was that?”

  “Her name’s Emma, she won this holiday on Facebook.”

  “Oh yes, I heard he was running a competition for guinea pigs.”

  “Guinea pigs?”

  “Yes, Mr Wheeler wanted to test out the facilities and grab some five-star reviews. He ran the competition on Facebook as a way of stirring up interest. Competition aside, the bookings are phenomenal and as I said before, that man knows what he’s doing.”

  “Will he be here?”

  Charles shrugs. “It’s doubtful, he rarely stays in one place long enough to breathe. It certainly teaches me a thing or two about time management.”

  We step inside a lift that is pretty large and opulent. Mirrors line the wall and unconsciously I study my reflection with a critical eye. Perfect. Then again, that vision gives me more displeasure than if I had greasy hair and no make-up on wearing a dress that is stained and torn. I’m not sure when I hated the perfection my life brings. It crept up on me without me seeing it and now it’s here, I look on my life with hatred and derision.

  Charles punches the button for the floor we need, and I’m not surprised to see it’s on the top one. He turns and winks.

  “Only the best for us, darling, it pays to have contacts and Mr Wheeler has ensured we are in the best room.”

  “That’s kind of him.”

  “I suppose, although I would have expected nothing less.”

  Charles smiles with the smug look of someone who expects perfection, which makes my heart sink. He looks at me that way too, I’m not stupid. I know he expects the same of me. The designer clothes, the modern tasteful home. The small fortune he expects to pay at the end of the month when he receives my credit card statement, showing him I have maintained the image of perfection by weekly visits to the hairdressers, beauticians and
designer shops.

  Charles expects perfection in every aspect of his life, even the bedroom. Sex with Charles is perfunctory, probably because he doesn’t want to mess up my hair. It’s cold, clinical and a tick on his to do list and afterwards he leaves me to shower while he answers any emails that came in during the ten minutes or so the phone wasn’t in his hand.

  The elevator arrives and as we step outside, I note the plush carpeting that still smells new and the freshly painted walls with not a mark on them. Charles stops at a large wooden door that clearly states it’s the penthouse, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I know I’m ungrateful and I hate myself for that too because I have it all and my only worry is getting through the day without losing my mind through boredom.

  I follow him into a large airy space and catch my breath. This is outstanding.

  Charles laughs softly beside me. “Yes, this will do. A panoramic sea view and a set of rooms suited to our needs.”

  He drops his bag on the table nearby and heads toward the double doors leading onto the balcony. As he opens them, I hear the crash of waves outside and as I follow him, I stare in amazement at a beach paradise. The balcony alone is worth a mention because it has its own hot tub and impressive sun loungers. It’s absolutely huge and appears to be in its own little world as it juts out above the rest of the hotel.

  The heat is almost unbearable and Charles leans across and presses a switch on the wall, initiating the fan on the ceiling.

  “That’s better.”