“Ginny, make certain Rebecca here has a nice bungalow, love. Drinks are on the house. I’ll catch up with ya for a drink later, hey, Rebecca? We got a beach party and a dance on tonight if you’re interested.”
“Ta. Sounds beaut, mate.”
“Right then. Ta-ta. I’ll cop-u-later.”
“Gotcha.”
Skeet smiled at her cute-as-a-button self as she left the room. Phew, nice view - comin’ and goin’. Things are lookin’ up.
“Um, Skeet, mate, what about Bluey?” asked Ginny.
“Oh shit, yeah. Thanks, Ginny girl, I almost forgot about that.”
“Bloody men!”
“I heard that.”
“Tuff-shit.”
Skeet laughed, and headed out towards the Swamp to have a quiet word with Bluey.
* * *
Lucy and Charlie had a glorious time swimming with the dolphins. The afternoon was drawing to a close and they were under power and heading back to port.
Lucy was at the helm and Charlie was enjoying watching her deftly handle the boat. She was a special lady all right. But she’d made it very clear that this was the only place she’d be happy living. He couldn’t blame her - It was a great place - but his career was back in the States and he had a way to go before he’d be satisfied enough to call it quits. Dammit to hell. He had the sneaking suspicion that he was well on the way to falling in love with this woman. Shit! Now what the hell was he supposed to do?
“Charlie, there’s a beach party and dance on tonight. Do you want to go - with me, I mean?”
“I’d love to, Lucy. What time?”
“Beach party starts just before sundown - Bar-B-Q and sing-a-longs, usual deal. The dance will probably rev up about nine or ten.”
“What time will we make port?”
“Another ten minutes should do it.”
“Great. I’ll have time to shower and change. Pick you up around seven?”
“Deal.”
They made port in good time and drove back to the resort, chatting away happily. Charlie dropped Lucy off at her bungalow and headed back to his own, feeling vaguely discontent. She was not gonna get out of his damned system easily. He was at a loss about what the hell to do.
* * *
Lana and Jack heard about the beach party and decided to attend. People may as well get accustomed to seeing them together. They both thought that could be interesting.
Jack was singing happily to himself while he showered and dressed. He would pick his lady up around seven. God, he felt great.
* * *
Skeet entered the Swamp and spotted Bluey up at the bar talking to Mr. Guest. Oh fuck-a-duck, this wasn’t good. He walked over calmly and took a seat. “Evenin’, Ed, Bluey. How are ya, Bluey mate? Got a new job, I see.”
Bluey was very drunk. He swayed on the bar seat. “What do ya think, Skeet? Bloody woman fires a man for no bloody good reason. So Whadya reckon? Bad, hey?”
“How ‘bout we get you to your bungalow and talk about this tomorrow, mate, hey?”
“I wanna talk ‘bout it right now.”
“C’mon, Bluey, you're drunk as a skunk, mate. Ya don’t wanna make a fool of yourself in front of people, do ya?”
“Who you calling a bloody fool?”
Ed Guest decided wisely to remove himself from the general area.
Max the barman looked across at Skeet and gave him the nod. He had back-up if he needed it.
Bluey tried to stand up and passed out cold.
“Well,” said Max, “that sorted itself out nicely. Wanna hand getting him home, Skeet?”
“Ta, mate, that’d be bonzer.”
The two of them half-walked, half-dragged Bluey out to an empty buggy, and both helped him inside his bungalow. They dumped him on the bed, shook hands with each other and went their separate ways.
Skeet could only hope Bluey slept right through till morning and then he’d chuck him off the bloody place after making a call to the Zoo.
* * *
The beach party was under way when Lucy and Charlie arrived. Several people grinned in acknowledgement. The rumor mill had prepared them for this eventuality, so no big deal was made of it.
The young people found themselves a spot over near Vanessa Dayton, who was sitting talking comfortably with Kylie Andrews. Kylie, pulled Lucy aside for a moment and apologized for her earlier behavior, which surprised the hell out of Lucy but she was pleased and gave the girl a warm hug of appreciation.
The De La Cruz’s were sitting on their own and neither one of them looked happy.
The remaining guests and staffers were mainly gathered around the huge bonfire where the rich aromas of pig and beef on the spit blended with the perfume of the tropical night air.
A couple of the band members had guitars at the ready and had announced that they were taking requests.
Cyril lay happily back from the fire, enjoying being fussed over by a lovely lady named Rebecca.
Whoo-hoo, just wait till my mate Skeet sets eyes on you. You are much prettier than the tummy-tickler. Wonder where she got to. Ah well, tomorrow I get my surprise. So as long as the band play my song, all’s right with the world.
Skeet strolled over and gave Cyril his hello hug. “Glad you made it, Rebecca. Can I get ya a drink?”
Aww, you’ve already met. She’s cool, Skeet. I like this one.
“Thanks, Skeet, I’ll have a strawberry daiquiri. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Well that was different. A very ladylike selection. She sure is different from any croc handler I’ve ever met.
* * *
Lucy looked over at where Skeet was and noted the dainty little female sitting with Cyril. That’s different; she must introduce herself later. Right now she was leaning back in the circle of Charlie’s arms and had no intention of moving.
A sudden buzz of conversation erupted around he, and she turned to see Jack Starr and Lana Peters walk in hand-in-hand. Well, I’ll be damned. Phew, now that’s a power couple.
The conversation quieted a little and erupted into laughter as Jack bowed low in front of Lana and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her soundly.
“You are such a show-off,” she giggled when she recovered her breath.
“Only when I have something special to show, m’lady.”
“Kiss me again.”
He did - superbly.
* * *
The band started in to a medley of Beach Boy numbers that soon had the crowd singing along.
Charlie disentangled himself reluctantly from Lucy and went over to the outdoor bar. He spoke to Max and then walked casually across to the band. The band leader nodded and gave him the thumbs up and Charlie rejoined his lady.
“What are you up to?” asked Lucy.
“Oh, nothing.”
“Nothing? I don’t think so. You have a wicked gleam in your eye. Just the right eye. The left looks normal.”
He laughed in appreciation. Humor too. God, this woman got to him.
Charlie looked across at Max and nodded casually. Max hurried across with a magnum of Moët & Chandon, plus two chilled champagne glasses. He bowed low and returned to the bar in a fit of giggles.
“What?” asked Lucy.
Charlie opened the bottle with a wonderful single movement and poured Lucy a glass and one for himself. Then he gave the thumbs-up to the band. The band leader made the announcement. “Ladies and Gents, we have a special surprise lined up for your enjoyment, our very own 'Boy from Oz', Mr. Charlie Danvers.”
Charlie kissed Lucy’s upturned face and took the microphone to a hefty round of applause and fascination. Everyone sat watching and waiting. Charlie had a great voice - that they knew already - yet when he began a ripple of excitement washed over the crowd.
He walked slowly over to Lucy, leaned his wonderful body in low, and sang his heart out...
I've got you under my skin
I've got you deep in the heart of me
So deep in
my heart that you're really a part of me
I've got you under my skin
I'd tried so not to give in
I said to myself this affair never will go so well
But why should I try to resist when baby I know so well
I've got you under my skin
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear
Don't you know little fool
You never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
But each time that I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin
I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near
In spite of the warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats how it yells in my ear
Don't you know, little fool
You never can win
Why not use your mentality
Step up, wake up to reality
But each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop just before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin
Yes, I've got you under my skin
Lucy felt the tear well in her eyes and her heart fill. He was simply irresistible.
He finished to an enormous round of applause. He reached down for Lucy’s hand. She took it and he pulled her into his arms while the band played the music one more time.
* * *
Lana Peters grinned at Jack. “So do you sing, honey?”
“Trust me, you don’t want to hear it. Comes out like a cat caught in a blender.”
“Uh-huh, well I’ll just have to make you purr then, wont I?”
“You are a wanton woman.”
“Baby, wantin’ is totally correct. I’m wantin’ you bad.”
“I’m convinced. Shall we go?”
“Let’s.”
Chapter 24
The dance began around nine-thirty. Most people attended. Lana and Jack were missing. Lucy grinned when she saw them walk off together.
She was dancing up close and personal with Charlie when there was a commotion at the door. She turned in time to see Bluey hit one of the waiters who had attempted to stop him. The waiter dropped.
Charlie was about to take matters into his own hands, as were most of the males present.
“NO!” Lucy said it once and very loudly. “I will deal with this. Please, no interference.”
She slipped off her shoes and removed her belt, then walked across to Bluey.
Skeet looked at the situation, grinned at Rebecca, and said, ‘Watch this! We'd better sit on Cyril. He might get a little anxious.” Both he and Rebecca perched cowboy style on Cyril’s back.
Oi, what the …? What’s Bluey doin here? Why is he swayin’? The music's stopped. Can’t you two find seats anywhere else?
Lucy stood facing the belligerent drunk. “You are drunk. I want you to leave right now, Bluey. I will not be held responsible for what occurs if you do not. You have been warned.”
“What are you gonna do, bitch, fire me again?”
“I am asking you to leave, Bluey. Right now!”
“No,” and as he said it he swung at her.
Charlie headed over but Lucy moved so damned fast, nobody could believe it. She swept Bluey’s legs out from under him and kicked high in rapid succession. Bluey dropped to the floor. He looked up at her just before he passed out. “Fuck? What?”
“Karate. I warned you!”
People broke into spontaneous applause. “Way to go, Lucy!” was the general comment.
Skeet and Rebecca unseated themselves from Cyril’s back. “That was a close one. I didn’t think we’d hold him,” said Rebecca.
Did you see that? Did you see what Lucy did? My God, I’m proud to be an, um, friend of hers. That was sooo amazing, like the Force was with her. No, wrong movie – like … like … ‘Enter the Dragon’. Yeah, that’s the one. We’ll have to call her Lucy Lee from now on. Sigh! She’s my hero.
Charlie was standing there with his mouth open and his heart pounding. My God, if that bastard had hit her....
She walked back to him and he enfolded her in his arms. “Remind me never to make you mad, okay?”
“Deal,” she said. “Take me home, please, Charlie.”
* * *
“Lucy, are you awake, baby?”
“Mmm, I am now.”
“Lucy, I ... I’ll ask you after breakfast.”
“I hate it when somebody starts to say something and then stops. What already?”
“Not important. Well, it is but it’s the wrong time to do it.”
“Okay, what do you fancy for brekkie?”
“You.”
“I’ll see if I’m in.”
“You nut.”
“Yeah but I’m so good in a boat.”
Charlie looked at her and he knew, deep in his guts, he couldn’t go back home without her. What the hell was he going to do? I might ask Jack. He’s pretty smart about women, I hope.
Lucy was snuggling back down and very happy. This guy was so … so male. And then some.
* * *
The De La Cruz, bungalow was quiet, too quiet. Tony sat looking across at his wife. “What do you mean you wanna go home? We still got a couple of weeks to go, honey. People will think it’s odd if we leave now.”
“I don’t give a shit what people think or say, Tony. I want to leave. I don’t fit in. I never have. I want to go home.”
“You may not care, baby, but I have worked too damned hard to create the impression of undying love. I am NOT going to be made a fool of, especially with Lana Peters and the God-damned film crew being here. Do you hear what I’m saying?”
“Tony, I hear every word. I DON’T CARE! Do you hear what I am saying?”
“We’ll talk about this later. I am going for a walk.”
“Enjoy your damned walk. Say hello to your ex for me but don’t expect me to be here waiting like a good little girl when you get back.”
Tony looked at her and threw his hands in the air. Temperamental little thing. If he stayed longer, it would only get worse. She was so damned emotional, and young. Dammit, he needed a drink. “You stay right here. I don’t want my wife making a fool of me.”
“Why would I bother? You do that just fine on your own.” Karen stomped off to the bedroom and slammed the door, hard.
Tony shook his head and headed away from the bungalow, deciding that she would calm down better if he wasn’t around. She always did.
* * *
Lana and Jack wandered outside around lunch time, each of them relaxed and a little overwhelmed by their instinctive reaction to each other.
They shared such an enormous amount of themselves with the public, yet with each other they were just two very talented people who were falling more in love with each other by the day.
“This happiness stuff could take some getting used to, m’lady.”
“Yeah, I hear you. I been trying to tell myself that it’s just indigestion. So I was wrong, huh?”
“Oh yes, I definitely think it’s much more serious than indigestion.”
“More like heartburn?”
“You got that right, m’lady.”
“Whatever this is, Jack, I’m in no hurry to find a cure for it.” Lana looked deep into those eyes. “No hurry at all.”
“That’s good. Me neither. What do you fancy for lunch?”
She grinned at him and tugged his hand.
“Again?”
“What’s the matter, hon? Not up for it?”
He scooped the squealing woman up into his arms and they collapsed together giggling like a pair of teenagers onto the already decimated bed.
* * *
“So, Rebecca, introduce me to these pretty ladies,” said Skeet as he wa
lked across the grassed area to the enclosure.
Rebecca smiled up at him. “Happy to. This little lady on the left is Pebbles, 'cause she eats more than her fair share of ‘em. I know these guys do that to aid digestion, but this little girl likes ‘em almost as much as food. This little rascal is Sadie.”
“Sadie? How come Sadie?”
“She loves Barbra Streisand, and her favorite movie is Funny Girl, so Sadie, Sadie, married lady kinda stuck.”
“She likes movies and Streisand. I don’t suppose you know her favorite actor?”
“Hell yes, she gets positively starry-eyed over Al Pacino and we only whisper the name Brando if we want to get any rest from her grunting and carrying on. She has to see The Godfather at least once a week or she sulks.”
“You have got to be shittin’ me!”
“Not a chance. Why?”
“Just wait till she meets Cyril. Phew, talk about same interests. But I don’t know if similar interests are all it takes, I mean, you know, unless the spark's there.”
“Well how about we take the girls over and find out right now?”
“Okay, let’s do it. Do you need leads for the girls? Bluey is gone, you know, but I’ll be here.”
“Won’t need leads. They follow me anywhere. But I’m not sure about when they meet Cyril. We might need restraints then, so better have a couple of your other guys on hand.”
“Yeah, good idea. I’m not certain how he will react. He hasn’t had to deal with any other croc before, let alone a female.”
* * *
“Lucy, honey, I need to talk to you. Can we sit outside for a while?” Charlie asked softly.
Lucy had been expecting this, and hoping to avoid it. She knew he would be leaving, and had told herself right at the start that this was a short-term thing, so the feeling of despair that washed over her at his words was unwelcome. She was a big girl, sophisticated and worldly; she would be gracious and friendly, and watch him walk out of her life with a smile.
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