'Too crowded to use sails?' she asked as she stood by Dominic at the helm.
'Yes. See the pink house on the bay over there.' He pointed it out to her. 'We head for that. Below it is the marina I use when here. It's only about five minutes from town by taxi.'
She watched, and admired, the way he handled the forty-foot-long sloop in the busy waterways. His hands were firm on the wheel, in command. Constantly he scanned the water, trying to anticipate the directions the other boats might make, watching for the crazy holiday-maker who didn't know what he was doing and shouldn't have been let out on the water in the first place.
Lexy recognized some of the buildings on the shore now. The big high-rise American-owned hotel, and the department store near the main harbor. She smiled. She might not be able to do much this afternoon, but she’d have all day tomorrow to herself. She’d revisit old sites, treat herself to a real old-fashioned tea, maybe visit a hairdresser and have her hair trimmed.
When they were securely tied, Dominic stood and stretched.
'It'll feel odd at first on land. Want to get your passport, Lexy? I'll see to the landing formalities.'
He turned to give a final check on the wheel and palmed the engine key and so missed the startled look on her face. She had not anticipated this. Of course they had to go through immigrations and customs.
'I’ll come along,' she said. With any luck, they’d have different lanes and he’d never see her passport.
'You can if you want. Bring it along. They’re casual here, the formalities won’t take but a minute.' He went to the cabin and got his from the drawer near the table, returning to the deck. Lexy was still standing where he had left her, anxiously looking towards shore.
'Come on,' he said impatiently.
Lexy went to get her blue passport with the fancy gold insignia. Clasping it in her hand, she followed him down the pier, oblivious to the boats on either side, to the people they passed. Worried only what would happen if Dominic saw the name on the passport.
Following closely behind Dominic, lost in thought, she bumped into him when he stopped to open the door to the marina office. He turned around and gripped her upper arm, pulling her gently around before him. 'Not got your land legs yet?' he murmured, opening the door so she could precede him.
She murmured something, her heart racing at his touch. She needed to focus, not imagine some reaction to his touch.
A low center counter bisected the office. A young woman in a coral sundress was seated at one end. Behind her were several desks, cluttered with papers and forms. There was a young man holding a phone against his ear, an expression of acute boredom on his face.
'May I help you?' the woman asked with a friendly smile.
'I hope so, Jim Travers out?' Dominic replied.
'Yes, for the rest of the day. Can I do anything?'
'I'm Dominic Frazer. I've just tied up to your visitors' pier and want to stay a few days.'
Lexy's mind wandered as Dominic explained to the mooring official. She looked out of the large windows, her eyes then drawn to the bored young man. Idly, she wondered to whom he was listening and what they were saying. She looked back at Dominic. He was obviously making a terrific impression on the woman. She was practically falling over herself in an attempt to do as much for him as she could. Lexy smiled, wondering if Dominic would classify her as a 'gusher'. Then a tinge of remorse smote her. The woman was young and looked nice. She was also looking at Lexy now.
'Now your passport and we'll be all set,' she was saying.
Lexy blinked and fatalistically handed it over, her eyes on the clerk, watching her open it briefly, check the picture then copy down the number. A quick glance at Dominic showed he wasn’t at all interested in the proceedings, but was watching a man on the dock.
'Thank you, Miss Kent—'
'Call me Lexy,' she said hurriedly, too hurriedly. Dominic's puzzled look swiveled to her face. 'It's my nickname,' she said lamely.
The clerk found nothing amiss in this, only smiled again and nodded. 'Hope your stay here is pleasant.'
Dominic remained silent as they went outside, but Lexy knew he was looking at her in perplexity once or twice.
'Here's a phone.' Dominic paused at the covered phone booth at the entrance to the pier. 'I want to let Robin know I'm here. Want to wait, or go on back to the boat?'
‘You don’t have a cell phone?’ she asked, surprised he still used the public landline.
‘Where would I use one sailing? Besides, one of the reasons I write on the boat is to avoid interruptions,” he said, fishing out some coins from his pocket.
'I'll go on, then. See you back at the boat. Or will you go directly to Robin's?'
'I'll be back for some clothes.' He began dropping coins in the slot.
Lexy nodded and sauntered slowly back down the pier, relieved immigration had gone so smoothly. It was much hotter tied to the dock than in the open, skimming the waves. The prevailing breeze was from the east and the landmass that was Barbados sheltered Bridgetown from the full cooling effect of the wind. She expected she’d just have to endure the heat until they set sail again in a few days.
She studied the other boats as she walked along, some inhabited, some secured tightly against the sun and weather, awaiting their owner's return. One large cabin cruiser was having a party, and one of the men called an invitation to her to join them, but she smiled and refused. She could hear his entreaty for several yards beyond the boat. Foolish, probably drunk already, she thought.
It was hot! She eased the shirt away from her body, fanning a little, trying to create a breeze. Maybe she’d book into a nearby, cheap hotel for the night. Anything would do, as long as it had air-conditioning. The cabin would be stifling with no air stirring. When Dominic left, she would ask that nice clerk in the office if she could recommend a good place close by. She didn't want to venture into town if she could help it.
'All set?' she asked brightly when Dominic joined her a few minutes later.
'Yes.' He gave her a warm smile. 'Come with me,' he coaxed. 'You'll enjoy meeting Robin and his wife.'
She was tempted, very tempted.
'Come on, say yes, if only for tonight,' he tried again, as if seeing she was weakening. 'Robin's place is air- conditioned,' he threw out slyly.
She burst out laughing. 'Sold! I was just thinking of an air-conditioned hotel room, it's hot here.'
'That's an understatement. I'm glad you changed your mind. Get a few things, bring a bathing suit, they have a nice pool, too.'
Rather excited for the first time in a long while, Lexy gathered a change of clothes, sleepwear and her bathing suit. She stuffed it all into her capacious denim bag, slung it on her shoulder, and was ready.
She was quiet on the taxi ride to the Frazer's home, watching the once familiar sights of Bridgetown; the lovely colorful flowers that flourished in the gardens, the bright primary colors in the clothes worn by natives and tourists alike. Even the houses themselves were dressed up by English standards. Pinks, yellows and blues looked festive and foreign. She gazed her fill, enjoying the experience. Tomorrow she’d head for town for all the activity. Today she’d enjoy the quiet residential area.
They drew up before a dazzling white villa, a low wall encircling and enclosing the garden. Riotous red-and- pink geraniums grew profusely, contrasting with the stark whiteness of the stucco. Ornate black wrought-iron grills covered the windows. The villa sat on a small rise, overlooking the sea.
Before Dominic could pay the cab driver, the front door flew open and a young woman dashed out and over to him, hugging his arm, reaching up to give him a kiss on the cheek. Lexy stood back and watched, bemused.
'Oh, it's so good to see you, Dom; we've been waiting ages! Honestly, we thought you'd never come. Won't Robin be delighted when he gets home and finds you’re here? I didn't call him to tell him, what a fun surprise, don't you think he'll be surprised? I know he will! I can't wait to see his face.'
As she pa
used to draw breath, Dominic skillfully interrupted and introduced Lexy to his scatterbrained sister-in-law, Sarah. She was of average height, an inch or two taller than Lexy, with corn-colored hair in plaits. She welcomed Lexy, her smile warm and friendly, and she laughed at Dominic's description of her.
'Isn't he funny? But it's because he's a writer, you know, and they’re so frightfully clever. Robin's not, thank God. He's a perfect lamb and I love him to pieces, but he's not a bit clever and doesn't make you feel stupid or silly or anything.' She shot a telling look to her brother-in-law, but did not pause. 'Come in now, come in. I know you're dead tired and want to freshen up. I don't want any napping now, though. You don't feel like a nap do you? No, good. Do take a shower if you like, or whatever. Would you prefer to swim, the pool's around the side.'
'Yes,' Dominic said firmly. 'Lexy has a swimsuit and I know is dying to cool off. Just show her where to change and I'll meet you ladies at the pool.' Dominic sketched a salute and disappeared down the hall.
'Good idea, I love to swim, too. I think the yellow bedroom is ready; you can have that one, Lexy. That's a pretty name, Lexy. Is it short for something?'
'Alexis.'
'Umm, nice. Here is your room. Towels and things in the bath across the hall. Come out when you are ready, see you then.' Sarah gave her brief directions to find the back yard and pool then bounded away.
Lexy closed the door with relief. She knew now where Dominic found his prototype of the gusher. Sarah seemed nice, but talked so rapidly and so incessantly. Oh, well, one would never feel an outsider in this house, her warm welcome had been sincere. Idly she wondered if Dominic had been clever and hurtful at Sarah's expense, but from the little she knew about him, he didn't seem the type, From his talk on the boat she thought him genuinely fond of his brother's wife, but she’d get a better feel for things when she had observed them together for longer. She wondered what Robin was like, not being clever and all. Suddenly she giggled—the evening should prove entertaining.
Lexy brought a large white bath towel with her to the pool, unsure if there would be any towels there. She ventured on to the tiled patio and glanced around. Except for the large tubs of geraniums flanking the sparkling pool, and the lounge chairs drawn up near its edge, the place was empty. She paused for a moment, enjoying the fantastic panoramic view from the terrace, down the colorful countryside to the azure water. Off to the far right the town of Bridgetown could be seen, the white buildings gleaming and bright in the distance. There was still no sign of anyone from the house. Shrugging, Lexy dropped her towel on a chair and dived into the inviting water.
Bliss! She leisurely swam to the end before surfacing. Floating on her back she reveled in the almost sensual pleasure that the water gave. Her hot sticky skin was caressed with the balmy chlorinated water, cooling down now to the pleasant temperature of the pool.
A wave of water, almost submerging her, announced Dominic's arrival. She trod water, shaking the drops from her eyes, trying to glare at him, but too pleased to have any effect.
'Isn't it grand!' she called.
They swam together, trying out different strokes and racing once or twice. Finally, relaxing and floating, each reluctant to leave the coolness. They heard voices and looked over to see Sarah coming out, carrying a tray of drinks, and followed by a tall man in a swimsuit. He helped Sarah with the tray, and then took a flying leap into the pool, almost landing on Dominic. During the ensuing water fight, Lexy prudently removed herself from the pool and joined Sarah, tying a towel around her sarong-fashion.
Sarah was laughing. 'That's Robin, I supposed you guessed. He was surprised when he saw Dominic, that's why we took so long to get out here. They had to talk a while, then Robin still had to change. Would you like a drink? I brought lemonade. Dominic said you liked lemonade. I hope it's not too sweet. I do hate sweet-sweet lemonade, but if it's too tart let me know—we can add sugar. Much easier to add sugar than try to get rid of it, don't you think?'
Sarah rambled on, only needing an occasional acknowledgment to keep going. Lexy sat back in her chair and watched the brothers fighting in the water, watched as they gave up and finally left the pool.
Robin Frazer was as large as his brother, rather better looking, though his eyes were not the remarkable blue of Dominic's. His hair, too, was different, lighter, not yet flecked with gray, nor worn so long. He greeted Lexy warmly, welcoming her to his home, inviting her to stay as long as Dominic did.
She smiled and replied politely to the warm invitation of the young Frazer’s, but did not let herself become too caught up with them. Just in time, she reminded herself she must watch against relaxing her guard, must keep herself aloof from warm friendships, any commitments. They ended sooner or later, with hurt and pain. She replied politely, but reservedly. She must watch herself.
They grilled steaks out of doors and ate, still in their swimsuits. The talk was easy and fun. Lexy was amused to notice early on that Sarah was not as talkative with her husband around. She deferred to him on many subjects and hung on his every word when he spoke. Touched by her obvious devotion, Lexy cynically wondered how long it would last. Catching Dominic's eye on her, she looked away quickly, hoping he hadn’t read her mind. She genuinely liked both Sarah and Robin and wished them many years of happy married life.
Lexy had no difficulty in keeping up her end of the conversation. She could easily converse on a number of topics, but skillfully avoided anything personal. When Sarah had asked some questions about England, Lexy passed it off as not having lived there for so long, she wouldn't have the best answer. In response to Sarah's puzzled expression, Dominic explained that Lexy was older than she looked and had left England a number of years ago.
Speculative glances were exchanged between the younger Frazer’s, but nothing was said, no questions asked aloud to their guests. Lexy appeared not to notice, although she had. There was nothing between Dominic and her. The tentative friendship they had was a start, and if in time–
She wrenched her thoughts back to the conversation at hand, keeping them firmly under control the rest of the evening.
Dominic rode into Bridgetown with Robin the next morning. He was going to pick up some paper, a new printer and other necessary supplies for the next few months. He told Sarah he wouldn’t be home for lunch, but some time in the early afternoon.
When he had gone, the two girls lingered over their coffee. Sarah was going into town herself later and was giving Lexy a ride in at that time.
'Robin and I discussed it last night,' she said when the men had departed. 'We are going to have a small party tonight, just a few friends and neighbors who know Dominic. Joey will want to come too; he's their cousin. Since the weather is so good, no rain tonight, we can have it outside. You'll like the people, Mary Hendricks is English too, so you can talk about home together and ...'
Lexy put her cup down and shook her head, awaiting a pause in Sarah's monologue to speak. 'I'm sorry, Sarah, but I won't be here tonight. I used to work here in Barbados and. . . and had planned to see some old friends again,' she lied, improvising rapidly. 'I'm not free tonight or tomorrow.'
'Oh, but you must come, Lexy. We especially wanted you to meet our friends.' Sarah was clearly disappointed.
'Thank you for asking me, I would like to, but I've made plans. It will be more fun without me. Everyone knowing everyone else and seeing Dominic again.'
'Yes,' doubtfully. 'Tomorrow night?'
'No, busy then, too. And we leave the next day,' Lexy said gently.
Sarah tried to persuade her to alter some of her plans, tried to persuade Lexy to stay a while longer with the Frazer’s, but Lexy held steadfast to her resolve, and seethed with impatience to be off, to gain the anonymity of the city. To lose herself for two days, escaping meetings and questions and explanations. She wanted to be on her own for a while, to be able to relax her guard and enjoy her limited time in Bridgetown. Outwardly she remained calm, pleasant and firm to Sarah's persuasions, but inwardly,
she screamed at every delay to departure.
At last, she stood before the large Cave Shepard department store on Broad Street, bidding her hostess farewell, thanking Sarah again for her kindnesses and hospitality. The car door slammed and Lexy was free. She looked around, conscious of the heat rising up from the pavement, reflected from the buildings. The slight breeze evident near Sarah's house was now blocked by the edifices between Lexy and the sea. It was still, sticky and hot; and would only get worse as the day progressed.
Lexy pushed open the doors of the Cave Shepard and entered the cool ground floor of the department store. The cold air chilled her damp skin, cooling her rapidly, uncomfortably. She moved briskly along the aisles, telling herself she would be fine in a few minutes. Idly she browsed through the lingerie counters and displays. She had plenty of money with her; Dominic had paid her yesterday. She wouldn't spend it all, though; she never spent all her salary, always saving something against the times when she was out of work. She had been flat broke once, and never wanted to be in such straits again. Today she’d find a bank and trade in some of the money for traveler’s checks. They were safe, available everywhere and negotiable everywhere. She didn't stay in one place long enough to have a bank account.
She found herself in the better dress department, and for a few minutes let her gaze wander over the lovely creations on display, even letting her imagination picture herself in one or two. Picturing herself dazzling Dominic, having him speechless with admiration. She shook her head, foolish dreams.
In the sportswear section she treated herself to a couple of new shirts and vainly to a pair of brief shorts, she knew her legs were good, and these showed them off to advantage. She hesitated over a bathing suit, but already owning three, she did not need another.
Her shopping completed for the morning, she slowly headed for the main door. She’d treat herself to a lavish lunch, with cream-filled pastries for dessert. Then she’d look for books. There would be plenty of time tomorrow to get the ship's supplies, fill the water tanks and unpack everything. She had nothing else to do to fill her time until they sailed.
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