‘I did actually.’ I smiled. ‘I’ve decided to bite the bullet and go off on my travels to see the world.’
He cocked his head to the side and set his eyes on me. ‘I am impressed. It’s a brave decision.’
‘I’ve already told my sister, Jen. She wasn’t too happy about it at first, but she understands it’s something I have to do.’
‘Kudos to you.’ He clinked his beer bottle against mine. ‘I missed out, and you’re right, second chances don’t come around too often. Have you got anyone to travel with?’
‘No, I don’t know anyone in the position to just up and leave. Pete is going to travel too, so I’ll meet up with him when I can but plenty of people travel alone.’
‘Will it be safe?’ There was genuine concern in his eyes.
‘Yes, Dad, I’ll be safe,’ I teased.
‘Well, I don’t know, I’m just asking.’
‘I don’t suppose anything is truly safe, even sitting here now – look at what happened in Rome – yet here we are in the dark, deserted streets of Venice at probably more risk than we were on the Spanish Steps. Plenty of women travel alone – there are organizations, reputable tours and hostels and so on.’
‘It sounds like you’ve really thought about it.’ He leant forward and rested his chin on his hands.
‘I have, and it’s now or never.’
‘Well you’re a very brave and determined woman.’ Brave. I didn’t consider myself particularly brave.
‘Well, I’m determined, I know that much. I’ve promised myself now, and I don’t break promises.’
‘Was that an underlying dig at me for promising to get you gelato? You do know the night is still young, don’t you – and you have to let your dinner go down first!’ He gave me a smirk.
‘Ahh, you did promise, and no, it wasn’t,’ I said, snickering. ‘Do you know where it would be amazing to eat gelato?’
‘Alone in your cabin or somewhere else far away from me?’ He feigned a worried expression.
‘Ha, close, but no. I actually think you’re an okay Venetian companion … much better than that guy in Rome anyway.’ I smiled. ‘I was going to say St Mark’s Square. Seeing it in the day is fabulous, but seeing it at night, well, that’s something else.’
‘Ice cream in St Mark’s Square it is.’ It wasn’t difficult to find a gelateria even at night, and I was soon in possession of a rather delicious chocolate gelato that I’d promised myself in Rome. We ate them as we wandered the narrow streets, relying upon instinct to take us back to the square. It was all lit up and quite spectacular to see. A few people wandered around, and there were still people sitting outside the café bars, but the majority of the crowds were long gone.
We walked towards the brightly lit Basilica as it stood proudly at the top of the square. The Doge’s Palace nearby was also lit in a warm yellow glow, the lights emphasizing the intricacies of the magnificent gothic-style building. We stopped for a moment to take it in before approaching the waterfront, scraping the bottoms of our ice cream tubs as we did. Gondolas were moored for the night, ready to start all over again the following day.
Moonlight bounced off the water, striking the edge of Venice, only broken by the silhouettes of the mooring posts that stood tall in the water. I turned to Ben, to comment on how beautiful it was but when I turned, he was standing closer than I’d realized, already facing me. A compelling magnetism radiated from him. Our eyes locked and my chest felt light once more, anticipation filling my body. His expression was unreadable, but as his dark eyes regarded me, took me in, I felt exquisite, irresistible, like rich chocolate.
He took a small step forward so our bodies touched. The light from the moon highlighted half his face beautifully, and for the first time, I noticed how full his lips were. He placed a finger under my chin, lifting it gently, before leaning down to bring his warm lips to mine. I had the same feeling of electricity shooting through my chest as I did earlier. It started off a gentle kiss but deepened, his hot mouth wanting – and mine, yearning for more.
His hands found mine and he gently took them, entwining his fingers with my own. We broke away and I looked up at him, unsure of what was happening, willing him to tell me. He let go of one hand and wrapped his big arm around my shoulders, pulling me in to him tightly. I closed my eyes. It felt so safe and secure that I wanted to stay there for ever. He kissed the top of my head, and my heart melted. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect backdrop for a kiss like that.
When I lay on my bed that night I swear I was floating six inches above the mattress.
Chapter Seventeen
‘What’s with the smiling?’ Kristy asked as we mopped the reception area the next day.
‘Hmm?’ I said, blinking several times.
‘You, you’ve been grinning all day!’
‘Venice is just such a wonderful place,’ I replied dreamily.
Kristy wrinkled her brow. ‘You were there with honeymoon man, weren’t you?’ she hissed. My body tensed up.
‘I, er … okay, yes, I was,’ I whispered.
‘Well I hope you know what you’re doing. In a week’s time you’re going to be moping around and pining for him.’
‘I do know what I’m doing, and I won’t. My eyes are well and truly open, thank you very much.’ My eyes were closed, covered by a blanket of hazy warmth.
‘You’re still grinning,’ she whispered angrily. I relaxed my face and sure enough, my jaw ached. She flicked her mop at me before wandering off.
‘You’re turning into Marion,’ I hissed after her.
In the mess at lunchtime I saw Pete was in there, eating alone, so I grabbed some food and went over to sit with him.
‘Hello, you,’ I said as I sat down.
‘Hey, Hannah.’ He smiled wearily.
‘Long day?’
‘You could say that. Britney and I went out in Venice after the show last night. It was a late night.’ The corner of his mouth curled up into a half-smile.
‘Or an early morning.’ I winked. ‘So, not long now until you’re leaving for new horizons,’ I said, shovelling a forkful of noodles into my mouth.
‘No, there’s just one more week to go. It seems like I’ve come to the end all of a sudden.’
‘Have you booked flights and things?’ I asked.
‘Yes, they’re all done. I leave the ship in Venice, and then I’ll see a bit of France and Spain on the way to Amsterdam, have two nights there, and fly to Singapore.’ His face was lit up with excitement.
‘And Britney – is she okay with the idea now?’
‘Yes, we’re having fun together while we still can, but she’s cool. It’s just the way it is. There was no guarantee we’d make the same ship again if I decided to stay on board anyway. We’re going to keep in touch and see what happens.’
‘That’s a good attitude to have.’ I nodded. ‘I’ve started planning my trip too.’ I couldn’t help grinning. ‘I was thinking of heading straight to Thailand though. I just need to find the best deal on flights.’
‘That’s great. I’m going to head there too, but I’m going to see a bit of Malaysia first. I’d love to try and catch up with you out there though.’
‘Definitely! I’d track you down anyway,’ I joked.
‘You know,’ he said, leaning back in his chair, ‘Brit and I were heading to Caffè Aurora at about ten-thirty last night, and we saw this lady by the water in a floaty yellow dress.’ My heart started pounding in my chest. ‘She was kissing a tall, dark, handsome man in the moonlight, by the water near St Mark’s Square. It kind of looked as though they were auditioning to be on the La La Land promo poster or something.’ He raised an eyebrow.
‘It sounds, er … romantic,’ I croaked.
‘Oh it was romantic all right, but we couldn’t shake the feeling we knew these people. Then Britney realized she’d seen that woman’s shoes before.’
‘Uh hmm.’ I nodded as Pete glared at me. I’d borrowed Britney’s yellow wedges because they
matched my dress.
‘Okay, so I’m going to come out and say it. You and Ben?’ he whispered, but it still sounded like he was shouting.
‘Shhh, keep your voice down.’ I scowled at him. ‘We’ve been hanging around together a bit. Most days. I’ve been out at a couple of the ports with him, as friends. We really get on, and Venice just seemed to overcome us a little bit.’
‘I’m not here to judge. I was just surprised, is all. You’re an adult, and I’m sure you’re being careful enough not to get caught – you know the rules. Ben is a great guy. Hell, I’d date him myself if I was that way inclined, and I know Zac would. Just make sure you play it like Brit and me – no-strings fun!’ He pointed an index finger at me.
‘Okay, boss, thanks for the lecture.’ I shoved my noodles away. My appetite had all but gone. ‘Have you seen him? Ben, I mean?’ I asked tentatively.
‘He was at HIIT yesterday morning, but I didn’t run a class today. Look, I have to go,’ he suddenly announced. ‘But be careful.’ He stood up. I gave a ‘yes, captain’ salute, at which he just shook his head and left.
Later that evening I met everyone in the crew bar. It was busy, and there was a celebratory vibe; obviously Pete and I weren’t the only staff or crew members to have enjoyed Venice. I got a glass of wine from George at the bar. ‘Hi, George.’ I smiled, sipping the cool, crisp drink.
‘Hello, Hannah. Did you enjoy Venice?’ I eyed him suspiciously, wondering if he too had seen me. My heart rate increased slightly and I swallowed hard. ‘Because I did. Every time I have a day off in Venice, I come back on board so happy. Natural beauty is everywhere in the Caribbean, but man-made wonders like that – they’re something different.’ He smiled. I relaxed realizing his question was innocent.
‘I had a wonderful time too, George, thanks. I went out after work and had pizza and gelato.’ I smiled at the memory.
‘Ahh, you love Venice too,’ George said, pointing at my smiling face.
‘Yes, I do,’ I said, still smiling.
George narrowed his eyes. ‘Or is it a man putting that smile on your face?’
‘I er, no.’ I smiled politely and turned away before scurrying over to the others, who were all busy grilling Pete on his plans to travel the world. Even Britney looked enthusiastic, not at all upset at Pete for leaving. I was glad about that and it proved you could have an on-board romance.
‘What about you, Hannah? Have you made any plans yet?’ Zac asked.
‘I booked my flight to Bangkok.’ I squealed, bouncing up and down excitedly. I’d done it after work to prove to everyone that I was capable of no-strings fun.
‘Wow, that’s great,’ Zac said.
‘Awesome,’ said Pete.
‘I’m going to miss you, but you go for it,’ Britney said.
Kristy’s face dropped. ‘What is it?’ I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
‘I’m okay, it’s just … well, we’re all leaving soon and moving on. I’m going to miss you guys.’
‘Hey, we’ll have none of that talk yet okay,’ Pete chimed in. ‘We’re all together for another week yet; we can cry then, and besides – we’ll keep in touch!’ He wrapped us both in a hug before ruffling our hair. ‘Now let’s drink!’ he said, clanging his glass against Zac’s.
‘Well I actually have some news,’ Kristy suddenly announced.
‘What is it?’ I asked, as all eyes set upon her.
‘I decided not to go quit cruises. I fly to the Caribbean at the start of October to work on the Requiescence’s sister ship The Tranquillity … as, spa manager.’ She jumped up and down, clapping her hands together. There was a chorus of well dones.
‘Oh my God, I got The Tranquillity too! Britney beamed. ‘This is awesome, and well done you for getting a promotion.’
‘Oh my God! That’s amazing,’ Kristy squealed, penetrating my eardrums.
‘I’m home for six weeks then back on this baby when she returns to the Caribbean,’ Zac said excitedly. ‘We will definitely end up in the same ports so we can meet up,’ he said to Kristy and Brit. Everyone was happy and smiling at the new chapters we were about to embark upon. I was glad Kristy changed her mind about going home. We got a few more drinks in, and a few more, and then we were slightly merrier than we were allowed to be and it wasn’t long before the subject of Ben came up.
‘So, Hannah, you and Ben, huh?’ Britney slurred, winking as though she were being discreet. ‘He’s hot.’
‘Shh,’ I warned. ‘We kissed, end of story.’
‘You kissed!’ Kristy shrieked. I glanced at her, unsure of which one of them to deal with first.
‘Was he a good kisser?’ Zac asked eagerly.
‘Enough!’ I said loudly, panicking in case one of the other crew members heard. I gathered everyone in close and lowered my voice.
‘We met in St Mark’s Square in the evening and went for a walk around Venice. He took me on a gondola ride at dusk, and it felt like we were the only people around. He kissed me on the gondola.’ I paused to allow for the ahhhs. ‘Anyway, we got pizza and a beer, which we had on a bench, and we talked. Then we got gelato and walked the narrow streets under the moonlight before returning to St Mark’s Square. Then he kissed me again, by the water.’ I realized I was beaming as I spoke.
‘Ahh, I just got butterflies.’ Britney held her hand to her chest.
‘It sounds like a movie scene,’ Zac said dreamily.
Kristy looked at me disapprovingly.
‘I’ve booked my flight to Bangkok so I know this thing isn’t going anywhere,’ I responded to her look. ‘Anyway, you’re seeing that officer. You’ll be much more upset when you leave because that’s been going on for months.’ I gasped, clasping my hand over my mouth. Kristy shook her head and ran off. Everyone else stared at me with their jaws open.
I swallowed hard. ‘I, I didn’t mean –’ I cut myself off. I couldn’t wriggle my way out of that one.
‘Kristy has been seeing an officer?’ Pete asked, wide-eyed. I nodded.
‘Why did she keep it from us?’ Britney asked. ‘It’s not a big deal; it happens all the time.’
‘I don’t know. I found out by accident and she swore me to secrecy. I shouldn’t have brought it up – it’s the wine. Here.’ I thrust my glass into Zac’s hand. ‘I can’t even stand to drink any more. I’m going to go after her.’
Luckily I found her back at the cabin. She was lying on her bed, staring up at nothing in particular.
‘I’m sorry!’ I dived straight in. ‘I’ve had too much to drink. The others won’t say anything; it’s only between us.’ She rolled onto her side and propped her head up with her elbow.
‘I didn’t want anyone to know, and you promised me you’d keep it to yourself.’
‘I know I’m in the wrong here, and I shouldn’t have blurted it out, but what does it even matter? Britney said it happens all the time; it’s not a big deal. It’s not like any of us even know which officer it is anyway.’
She rolled onto her front and buried her head in her pillow. ‘He’s married.’ Her muffled voice came out quietly.
‘What did you say?’ I felt heat creep up my chest and down to my fingertips, which began to tremble.
She peered out and looked me in the eye, her own eyes red and teary.
I swallowed hard. ‘What did you say?’ I asked again, more assertively, my right hand balled into a fist. She still didn’t reply.
‘How could you?’ I stormed out of the cabin. I had to get some air. I didn’t go to the promenade deck; instead I went right to the top of the ship where it was quiet. I walked a full lap of the deck before sitting on a sun lounger. I couldn’t believe that after seeing how much hurt I’d encountered at the hands of an affair, she would go out and become the ‘other woman’ in someone else’s marriage.
I lay back and put my feet up. The fact that she’d lectured me about Ben was a joke. What right had she? I stared blankly at the sky for a moment, gazing at the hundreds of stars that twink
led in the deep dark sky.
‘It all started before I knew he was married.’ Kristy’s voice came from behind me. She walked over and took the lounger next to mine. ‘We’d had a few drinks in the bar one night. One thing led to another, and we ended up at his cabin. That happened a few times, and then before I knew it, we were arranging to meet up. He told me to keep it a secret because he wanted a promotion and didn’t want to appear distracted. He’s Italian, and his wife came on board for the day last week with his kids; she lives in Naples. He told me a few days before and that was the first time I knew anything about her, I swear.’
She lay back and looked up at the sky too. I saw moisture glisten in her eyes. I wondered if that’s why she’d been a little grumpy around that time. ‘I’d already applied for another job, but kept it to myself as I’d decided to go home after all of that. Now I think – why should I?’
‘I’m not saying it’s your fault, but now you do know he’s married, you should break it off. You don’t want to be that woman.’
‘I know, and I will. I’ve been planning to but I’m leaving soon and it’s all going to end anyway.’
‘Yes, but you should break it off with him and make sure he knows why.’ I sat up to look her in the eye. ‘Men like that need to know that most women don’t stand for that kind of thing.’
She nodded, her eyes tearing up.
‘You don’t love him do you?’ I asked cautiously.
She shook her head. ‘No, I don’t think so. I don’t know. Being on the ship confuses things.’
I let out a sigh. ‘You’re worth more than that. His wife deserves more than that. He’s playing you both.’
‘I’ll break it off,’ she said, nodding. ‘I’m going to see him soon, so I’ll do it then.’
‘Good!’
‘So what about you and Ben? I’m not buying this we enjoy each other’s company crap,’ she said, drying her eyes with the back of her hand.
‘Okay, between you and me, and probably the others if you want to pay me back and dish up my dirt, I do like him. But my eyes are wide open. It’s practically a holiday romance or fling or whatever, so I know it’s going to be over soon. And I won’t care because I’ll be preparing to travel the world.’
The Holiday Cruise Page 20