Jetsetters

by S J Crabb

He glares at her angrily.

  “This isn’t over, Jo.”

  She smiles sweetly.

  “Apparently it is. Now off you go and leave me alone.”

  As he storms off, I feel sorry for him. I look at her with exasperation.

  “For goodness’ sake, Jo. I believe him. You can tell that the man is at his wit's end. He obviously adores you but if you push him like this, it could fast become the War of the Roses. Why don’t you accept that it was a mistake and get back to the loving relationship you had?”

  Her eyes fill with tears and I instantly feel bad. She says shakily.

  “I wish I could. I want to believe him more than anything, but he hurt me. When you love someone as much as I do him it’s hard to hear another woman’s name on his lips. What if you’re wrong and he is having an affair? He may secretly crave another and I’m just someone he is killing time with. I can’t let it go because he has destroyed my soul.”

  Rachel and Jenny look at me in total shock. This isn’t like Jo. She is usually tough and rational. Despite her no-nonsense approach, she is soft and kind. You couldn’t wish for a better friend and she is the true definition of loyalty. This must have shocked her to the core, and she is reacting the only way she knows how. I can see how wounded she is and my heart reaches out to her.

  Rachel puts her arm around her.

  “If it’s any consolation, I think Pete is hurting even more than you are. I agree with Becca. I think it was one of those things that happen that makes no sense. Pete adores you, it’s obvious. You should let it go and give him the benefit of the doubt.”

  Just for a moment, I think she is wavering and then I see the fire re-ignite in her eyes.

  “Where’s the fun in that? No, I fully intend on making him pay. Only when I have brought him to his knees, will I think about forgiveness. Come on, let’s go and grab our positions by the pool. I need to soak up the sun’s healing rays and distance myself from all thoughts of Pete and Margaret.”

  Sighing inside, I follow her out.

  ~*~*~*~*~

  Chapter 10

  “This is the life.”

  I nod and look around me at the paradise waiting.

  This place is amazing. The pool stretches out before us and appears to fall off the edge into the sea. There is nothing between the end of the pool and the beautiful bay before us. Palm trees sway in the gentle breeze and the opulent cushioned sunbeds line up around the cool, clear water. All in all, it looks like paradise.

  Rachel throws her towel down on the nearest one and sighs.

  “At last! I fully intend on spending the day on this bed with my book boyfriend. The only time I will put him down is to sip a colourful cocktail or dive into that amazing pool.”

  She reaches down and pulls her t-shirt over her head and shimmies out of her shorts. After a quick spray of suntan lotion, she dons her huge glasses and snaps open her Kindle. Jenny looks worried - as usual and squints up at the sun.

  “I’ve only got factor 50. Do you think I should grab an umbrella to keep the UV rays away? I mean, I freckle really easily which could develop into a mole. What if I am prone to melanoma and end up sick as a result? Maybe I should stay covered up.”

  I see Jo’s irritated glare and frown her a warning. Jenny has every right to fear cancer after seeing it’s devastating effects on her mum. Of course, she must feel worried.

  I look around and spy a table and chairs nearby.

  “I’ll help you drag those over here if you like. You can set up camp under the umbrella and we could use the table for our stuff.”

  She looks at me gratefully.

  “Thanks, Becca.”

  By the time we have secured Jenny in her shady haven, I notice Jo has stretched out looking like a supermodel. She wasn’t kidding when she said she was going to show Pete what he was missing. Her bikini alone looks expensive and hugs her curves like a second skin. Her hair gleams brightly and her toenails sparkle with an expensive pedicure. She is certainly attracting some admiring looks and I feel a little envious if I’m honest.

  Once everyone is settled, I sort myself out.

  I make sure that my towel is neatly secured on the sunbed with no creases. Then I line up my factor 30 and water bottle neatly on the table beside me, right next to the hydrating spray for my face and body and the hair protector spray. My Kindle is placed in front of them and I carefully wipe the smears from my sunglasses. After folding up my canvas bag, neatly, I set about liberally coating myself with sunscreen. Once I am sure that every inch of me is protected, I grab my floppy sunhat and shades and sit back on my sunbed and grab my Kindle. Not that I intend on reading even one word. From my vantage point I can see every inch of this pool area. I fully intend on hiding behind my shades and looking out for Luke for the whole day if necessary.

  After one hour of the hot intense sun, I am in serious need of a cooling dip in the pool. This is so frustrating. I wanted Luke to see me looking like a complete goddess when he emerged, taut and toned and desperately seeking me! However, there is still no sign of him and my irritability is off the scale. Jo stretches out with contentment beside me.

  “Is anyone up for a dip in the pool? I’m sweating buckets here.”

  We all spring from our beds like a Jack from a box. Looking glamourous is hard and after one hour I am beaten. We all jump into the pool and as I feel the cold, crystal water soothing my hot body, I feel my skin’s relief.

  We swim over to the edge of the pool and look out at the bay before us.

  “This view is breath-taking.”

  Rachel sighs dreamily and I nod in agreement.

  “It doesn’t get much better than this, does it?”

  Jenny smiles happily.

  “You know, for the first time since my mum died, I feel relaxed. Maybe this was just what I needed. To get away from the stress back at home and forget about it all for the week. It’s been so full on; my head has been permanently spinning since it happened. Maybe this week is the start of my new life and far from fearing it, I should welcome it and look forward rather than back.”

  Jo looks at her with misty eyes.

  “Well done, Jenny. That’s the attitude. You’re right. It’s good to leave the trials and tribulations of home back there and just concentrate on healing. I’m with you. I want to forget about the troubles at home and focus on mending my soul.”

  Rachel sighs heavily.

  “Me too.”

  We look at her in shock and Jo says, somewhat harshly.

  “But you’re living the dream. What have you got to worry about?”

  Rachel looks away and I see the shutters come up.

  “Nothing, forget I said anything.”

  I look at her and wonder what’s going on in her life. Surely, she should be living the dream. She’s a newlywed and her husband is a gorgeous Italian stallion. They have dated for a couple of years and he absolutely adores her. I wonder what’s going on?

  By lunchtime, there is still no sign of Luke. I feel strangely upset and unsettled. Surely, he would have emerged by now. This hotel may be big but everyone comes to the pool on their first day, don’t they?

  The pool area is busy but not busy enough that I wouldn’t be able to see him. I see that Pete and Barry have tucked themselves away from us on the opposite side of the pool. Every time Jo gets in the pool, Pete gets out and I feel frustrated at their childish behaviour. Jenny has calmed down and appears happier and Rachel has been reading for most of the day. Feeling disgruntled I decide to have a little sleep and rest my eyes. Laying on my front I drift off to sleep feeling the gentle caress of the sun’s rays on my back.

  I’m not sure how long I slept for before I hear a man’s voice saying loudly.

  “Found you.”

  I lift my head and am faced with the sight of a mans crowded set of white Speedos right in front of my face. With a start, I sit up and blink, trying to focus on the person standing at the top of my sunbed. As I raise my eyes my stomach lurches as I see
the gaze of First Class man, raking my near naked body with his predatory eyes.

  I shiver as he licks his lips and says in a low voice.

  “I was hoping to run into you. This is a happy coincidence. We can keep each other company.”

  I feel the startled gazes of my friends as they take in the scene and I’m lost for words. This can’t be happening.

  Quickly, I grab my sarong and drape it over my body and don’t miss the disappointment in his eyes.

  Shaking my head, I stutter.

  “Oh, yes, hi. What a coincidence. I’m sorry but I’m with my friends. Um, strictly a male free zone unless you count Marcus who is allowed as an honorary female.”

  I see Rachel stifling a giggle as the passenger looks surprised.

  “Four lovely ladies like you shouldn’t be on your own. How about you make me the exception to the rule?”

  I shake my head in horror.

  “No, sorry. We have strict rules about mixing with our passengers. It’s um against the laws of the airlines. In fact, we may even lose our jobs if we’re found out.”

  He looks shocked.

  “Really? That’s harsh. Well, I won’t tell if you won’t. How about I just sit over there and when you’re ready we can grab a drink somewhere private?”

  I feel the bile rising in my throat as I take in the sight of his skin-tight swimwear failing to disguise his interest. He is staring at me with such a look of pure lust that I feel violated.

  Jo speaks up abruptly.

  “Listen, back off. We are trying to enjoy a nice relaxing few days away from the stresses of work and men. If Becca wants to meet up with you she will. If she says no, then take the hint and do one.”

  We all look at her in shock and the passenger looks at us angrily.

  He turns on his heels and says bitterly.

  “Your loss. Bloody lesbians.”

  As he stomps off, I look at the others in shock.

  “Did that just really happen?”

  Rachel laughs out loud and wipes a tear from her eye.

  “Did you see what he was wearing? I haven’t seen anything like it since the seventies.”

  Jenny giggles.

  “Who wears white Speedos these days? The man was deluded if he ever thought that would interest you.”

  Jo snorts. “Pervert. What gives people like him the right to come and make a girl feel uncomfortable. Waking up with that thrust in your face was enough to put anyone off - even Marcus.”

  I shake my head.

  “I don’t know about that. Where is he by the way?”

  Jenny nods towards the cocktail bar on the other side of the pool.

  “He’s been propping that up for the last hour talking to the bartender. If I’m not mistaken, he’s been flirting his way through several Pina Coladas.”

  Looking over, I see Marcus laughing at something the dishy Mexican bartender is saying and I roll my eyes.

  “Typical Marcus.”

  Pulling my sarong tightly around me, I head off to find him.

  He sees me coming and smiles happily.

  “Becca, my darling. Come and grab a cocktail and tell me what’s happening.”

  I climb onto the stool beside him and smile at the rather hot guy behind the bar.

  “Just a pineapple juice please.”

  Marcus rolls his eyes.

  “You lightweight, Becca.”

  He takes a sip of his coloured drink and smiles happily.

  “Oh my god, Becca. This place is amazing. I’ve had so much fun already and planned our whole trip already with Elvis the concierge.”

  I look at him with interest.

  “Why, what have you planned?”

  He grins and taps his nose.

  “All in good time darling girl. Well, for starters, Elvis told me that the Great Ernesto is due to visit the hotel bar for a show.”

  I grin.

  “The Great Ernesto? Who’s he when he’s at home?”

  Marcus lowers his voice.

  “Apparently, he’s a hypnotist. A good one at that. Elvis told me it’s hilarious at what he can get people to do.”

  I look at him sharply.

  “And what are your plans?”

  He looks at me innocently.

  “Nothing. I just thought we would pay a visit and see for ourselves. After that, we can hit the English bar along the strip. They say it’s the place to be in Acapulco and the tequila shots never stop coming. If you want a great night out, that’s the place to start.”

  Laughing, I grab my drink and lower my voice.

  “Hey, you haven’t seen Luke anywhere have you?”

  Marcus grins and his eyes dance with amusement.

  “Dirty girl. All you want is an eyeful of that sex god in his next to nothing. Well, I’m with you on that. But to answer your question I haven’t had so much of a whiff that he’s in this hotel. Mark my words though, if he’s here I’ll soon sniff him out.”

  Rolling my eyes, I head back to the others trying to push down the feeling of pure desperation that’s beginning to consume me. Where is he?

  ~*~*~*~*~

  Chapter 11

  “A hypnotist! I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  We are all waiting in the lobby for the others to arrive and Jo looks at me with a bored expression.

  “Those acts are so lame. Full of an audience of planted people to give the impression that he is kosha. Sounds like a nightmare to me.”

  Shrugging, I look around the reception once again for Luke. This is starting to become a habit. I’m on edge all the time and it’s ruining this whole trip.

  Jo looks thoughtful.

  “It may be interesting in some ways though.”

  I groan inwardly. No prizes for guessing what’s on her mind. Poor Pete.

  Rachel and Jenny soon join us and Jenny looks worried.

  “I’m not sure we should be anywhere near a hypnotist. What if we get affected by his hypnotising rays? It could completely mess with our heads.”

  Jo rolls her eyes and Rachel grins.

  “It’s all pretend, Jenny. It’s just a show and done to entertain. We will be perfectly safe.”

  By the time the rest of the crew join us I’m feeling like offering myself up to be hypnotised. I need to erase every thought of Luke from my brain before I self-destruct.

  Marcus claps his hands.

  “Right then bitches. It’s time to step into the mystical, magical world of the unknown. What we will experience tonight will change our lives forever. Now, remember, what goes on in Acapulco stays in Acapulco. If any of you think you’re a horse or a rabbit by the end of the night, no photos on Instagram of Facebook. It will be our little secret.”

  Giggling, we all follow him into the Bar.

  The Bar is crowded, and it takes some doing to grab a table. Due to the size of our party we have to spread out, which is probably a good thing. There is a small stage at the end with a silver curtain and spotlights trained on a man getting his act together.

  We order some drinks and once again, I scan the room for a sighting of Luke. All I manage to see is the First-Class passenger, pressed against a poor unfortunate woman near the Bar. At least he’s moved on which fills me with considerable relief.

  Jo looks around and frowns as she sees Pete laughing with Caitlyn at another table. Rachel nudges me and pulls a face.

  “She’s a nightmare. She’s treated him so badly and yet still gets jealous when he talks to another woman. Even Caitlyn, who is married to a car mechanic from Weybridge and expecting her first baby.”

  I roll my eyes. “What are we going to do with her?”

  Rachel grins. “I’m sure they will work it out.”

  Before I’m tempted to ask what’s bothering her, we hear the shrill shriek of the microphone as the Great Ernesto taps it to test that it’s working. He clears his throat and shouts.

  “Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the unexplained. I am the great Ernesto and am here to show you the power
of the mind. What you will see will amaze you, dazzle you and change your lives forever. You will not believe your eyes and talk about it for eternity. Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be hypnotised.”

  Marcus claps his hands and looks excited.

  “Oh my god, this is so exciting. I hope he chooses me.”

  Jenny looks worried and Rachel giggles.

  “If Jo’s got any say in it, he’ll choose Pete.”

  Looking over, I see her looking thoughtful and Pete looking slightly nervous. This could be interesting.

  We watch as the great one points to a man in the second row and beckons him up. He then proceeds to look deeply into his eyes and swings some sort of medallion in front of his face.

  Jo snorts.

  “Oh, for goodness’ sake, how cliched. This is like some cheap show at a holiday camp.”

  She takes a swig of her wine and looks around with a bored expression.

  We all watch as the man starts clucking like a chicken and disappears off into the audience, strutting like he has wings. My heart sinks. Jo’s right, this show is lame.

  The next victim is a woman who is convinced into believing she’s an opera singer. That is fairly amusing as she can’t sing for toffee but believes she’s amazing. We’re all in fits as she sings at the top of her voice, completely out of tune as the man chicken struts around her.

  He then scans the crowd and picks another man to come forward who is skulking at the back.

  His friends start howling with laughter as the man is hypnotised into believing he is God's gift to women. We all watch as he sidles up to the nearest woman and starts flirting with her outrageously.

  I am now starting to enjoy myself watching these people make complete fools of themselves. Even if it is a hoax, it’s very funny.

  Then to our complete and utter amazement, he calls up his next victim and we watch in total shock as Jenny climbs onto the small stage.

  Rachel grabs my arm and Jo breathes in heavily.

  “Oh my God, what is she doing?”

  We watch as if frozen as Jenny cowers before him and whispers something in his ear. He nods and then addresses the audience.