Thirteen
Life’s a beach!
Hey there, lovely fans! We’re now on the ocean blue, living the life of castaways on this rather snazzy little yacht. As the girls are not into camping or getting seasick in tiny sailing boats, we decided to split up. The girls opted for a cute little yacht. She’s (all boats are a ‘she’) called Yolanda and she’s fabulous, with a cabin for each one of us and a tiny shower and bathroom all to myself. The group consist of Maddy and me, Lucilla (fabulous Sophia Loren look-alike) and ML (Mystery Lady, as she wants to keep a low profile), plus hunky Captain Nico on the yacht, and Tony (cute Irish-Italian doctor) with HI (Hot Italian) on the sailing boat (which is called The Happy Adventure for some reason). Photos of all (except ML) to follow, but here’s one of my cabin and the gorgeous rear deck, where we take our meals and generally sit around chatting in the evenings. The boat has a living room (which, as you may not know, is a saloon on a yacht), but it’s too lovely outside to sit indoors. The galley kitchen is top-notch and I thought I’d have a go as it’s my turn to cook today. (Or I’ll chicken out and take everyone to a restaurant!) But right now it’s time for breakfast, and then I’ll slip into something more comfortable… Stay tuned!
Leanne uploaded the post on the blog and got up to join the others for breakfast. She laughed as she thought of the scene last night when Claudia had pulled a face because Nico was joining them for dinner. ‘But he’s staff,’ she had whispered to Leanne.
‘And who are you? Lady Muck?’ Leanne had whispered back. ‘He has to eat and he’s nice and we want him to join us. If that’s not okay with you, go and have your dinner in your cabin.’
Claudia had pinched her lips at this but demurred and ended up being charming and, after a few glasses of Croatian rosé, had turned even more flirtatious than before.
There was something still a little odd about her though. What could it be that had her so on edge? And why had she been so anxious to join them on this boat trip? It struck Leanne that she hadn’t Googled her husband’s name to find out the latest gossip about him. She sat down on her bed again and quickly searched for Oliver Wilde.
At first, she could only find his professional details and there was a Wikipedia page all about his early life. He was born in a small town in Yorkshire fifty-nine years ago. Went to university in London, where he studied journalism, etc. Then he had published his first book in the horror genre, which had become a bestseller. No Stephen King, he was nevertheless successful, two of his books having been bought by Hollywood and done well as movies. His latest screenplay had been nominated for an Oscar two years earlier.
Leanne scrolled to his personal life. Two previous marriages before he met Claudia Jones, widow of property tycoon Blake Jones and married her in Los Angeles eight years ago.
Okay. That was the biography. Leanne clicked back to Google and turned to the society pages. Lots of glam shots in various magazines of the two of them in fancy gear at premieres and swish parties. They had homes in Manhattan, the Hamptons and LA and commuted between them, preferring their villa in the Hamptons in the warmer months. Not much other gossip and no candid shots of Oliver with other women or any kind of rumour of that nature, even in the tabloids. He was quite handsome in a rough way, with thinning fair hair, a square jaw, a large nose and piercing grey eyes. Someone who took no prisoners, Leanne thought with a shiver, and tucked her phone into the pocket of her shorts. Time for breakfast and a little photo shoot with Carlo. They had spent the night at the marina of one of the many yacht clubs that dotted the islands, but were about to cast off and get going to their next destination, a quiet inlet on one of the outer islands. Carlo and Tony had already taken off, as the winds were favourable but might drop later.
Leanne put together the items they would use in the shoot. The garments were shapeless and drab, but with a nice natural feel to them once she put them on. She had been surprised how soft and comfortable the fabric felt, nearly like a second skin. If the designs had been better they would have no trouble marketing them. But she was determined to do her very best to make them sell. If only to impress Carlo.
* * *
Maddy decided to give Tom a call before breakfast. Sophie’s remark about the money had rattled her and she needed to hear from Tom if what she had said was true. Being an early riser, she knew he’d be up and already having breakfast before hitting the golf course.
He picked up at the first ring. ‘Maddy? What’s up?’
‘Nothing much. Just thought I’d call and see how things… are progressing.’
‘Things?’ he asked. ‘What things?’
‘Our separation, I mean. I was talking to Sophie recently and… she…’ Maddy paused, suddenly feeling angry. ‘You told her about us splitting up although I wanted to speak to her first as we agreed.’
‘Yeah, well… I just thought she should know. I haven’t told Darren yet. He’s on a camping trip somewhere in Donegal. But I’ll let you talk to him when he gets back.’
‘Thank you so much,’ Maddy said, her voice laced with irony. She knew the talk with her son might be awkward. He was very close to his father. ‘About what you told Sophie and our assets and all that…’
‘Yes?’
‘She said you thought I’d share everything with you. But…’ Maddy swallowed, wondering how to put it without looking greedy.
‘You’re worried I’ll grab your fun money?’ Tom said with a laugh. ‘All that lovely cash you won?’
‘Well…’
‘Don’t worry, pet,’ Tom soothed. ‘I have no designs on that. You’ve been very generous already. I’m so grateful. Do whatever you want with the rest. Blow it on shoes and handbags for all I care. But maybe you could put a little aside for a rainy day and for the kids if they decided to do something crazy, like buying property or getting married.’
‘Oh,’ Maddy said, taken aback by his warm tone. ‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you.’
‘You’re welcome, sweetheart. In any case, Claire tells me that divorce takes a long time in this country. We have to live apart for four years before we can even start. So that gives you plenty of time to live it up.’
‘Claire?’ Maddy asked.
‘Yes. You might remember her? She’s the secretary of the golf club in Lahinch. She’s a lawyer as well. We’re… dating.’
‘I see.’ Claire, Maddy thought, that was the woman Tom had been smooching with while away on a golf trip. Jacinta, her sister-in-law, had posted a photo of them on Facebook out of spite. Maddy couldn’t believe it when she’d seen it. It had been the final nail in the coffin of their marriage. ‘Great,’ she managed. ‘I’m glad you’re happy. Thanks for clearing things up.’
‘No problem. Was there anything else? We need to talk about the house and everything but that can wait.’
‘Yes,’ Maddy whispered, tears welling up. ‘Bye for now.’ She hung up without waiting for a reply and wiped her eyes with the edge of her t-shirt. No need to feel sad. They were both happier apart than together. But the word ‘divorce’ had triggered memories of their time together. More than twenty years and two lovely children. Lots of happy memories of being a family, bringing the children up and struggling to make ends meet. Maddy sighed and got up from the bed. She had to put it all behind her. She had so much to be happy about. Look forward, she told herself. This is the start of the rest of my life. And I’m the only one who can make it work.
* * *
The rocky shore of the little island looked like something from a Star Wars set, Leanne thought as she sat in the dinghy approaching the beach. White boulders with jagged edges rose from the beach strewn with sharp pebbles, and a few pine trees and dry shrubs provided the only greenery. High above them the sun shone from a cloudless blue sky, reflected in the still water, turning it turquoise near the shore.
Dressed in a shapeless white top with slashes down the front that threatened to expose her breasts, and her own shorts, she jumped out as soon as the water was knee-high.
&n
bsp; ‘Ouch,’ she yelped, as she stepped on a sharp stone. ‘The bottom is really rough here.’
‘I told you to put on the rubber shoes,’ Lucilla said. ‘But you thought they weren’t pretty enough. I brought them anyway.’ She handed Leanne a pair of black rubber bathing shoes.
‘Thanks. You were right,’ Leanne admitted, putting on the shoes while holding onto the edge of the dinghy. ‘I can see a sea urchin down there,’ she added, peering into the clear water. ‘So yeah, shoes it is, even if they look like toads.’
‘I have mine on already,’ Carlo announced, alighting from the dinghy. ‘Lucilla, please give me the bag with the clothes and get your camera ready. We have to take about five shots of each item and then pick the best one later. Okay, Leanne?’
Leanne nodded and waded ashore, stepping carefully on the sharp rocks that threatened to slice her rubber shoes in half. ‘Jaysus, this is lethal,’ she exclaimed. ‘How are we going to take shots here?’
‘I was thinking over there,’ Lucilla said, when she had pulled the dinghy onto the beach, pointing to a smooth rock further away. ‘Look at how it hangs over the blue water and the reflection. It’ll make a beautiful photo.’
Leanne followed her gaze and immediately saw what Lucilla meant. The rock was flat on top and would be the perfect platform for them to pose on. The screen of pine trees would provide a stunning background, and the deep blue water would offset the black and white clothes perfectly. Leanne dabbed her face with a paper towel, hoping it wouldn’t be too shiny. She didn’t bother wearing foundation as there would have been little point in the searing heat, it would just melt right off her. But Claudia had helped make up her eyes with a sexy smoky look, and they appeared even bigger and darker, a startling contrast to her almost white hair and golden skin.
They climbed up on the rock, Lucilla behind them. Carlo helped Leanne and Lucilla up the steepest part.
‘Okay,’ Lucilla called, her camera ready on a tripod. ‘I know what we should do. Leanne, sit with your legs over the edge and lean back slightly.’
‘Okay.’ Leanne sat down, her heart hammering as her legs dangled over the sharp edge of the cliff. She looked down at the water far below. ‘Gosh that’s a bit steep.’ She leaned back. ‘Like this?’
‘Yes, perfect,’ Lucilla said. ‘Carlo, sit behind her and bend your leg with your foot just off her back, so it looks like you’re about to kick her over the edge.’
Carlo laughed and sat down. ‘Like this?’
‘Ecco!’ Lucilla called and snapped away. ‘Looks good!’
Leanne relaxed. ‘Well, thank the Lord for that.’ She moved back a little but stayed there, looking down into the water below and laughed at herself and how she had ended up here. Secondary school teacher living with dreary mother in a North Dublin semi ends up modelling with sexy hunks in the Adriatic, she thought. What a surreal change of careers. But hey, it was just the summer holidays. She’d be back teaching before she knew it. Or… She looked at Carlo as he reached out his hand to help her up and Lucilla took another shot of them. Leanne felt sure the Instagram posts would be a hit. She was also writing a blogpost in her head – this was so much fun and she didn’t want it to stop. Deep in thought, she let Carlo pull her up.
‘That’s it,’ Lucilla called. ‘I think we have enough for the first few photos. After this, we’ll just take normal holiday snaps.’
Leanne smiled at Carlo. ‘Flirty shots,’ she whispered in his ear. ‘Can you manage that?’
‘I’ll do my best,’ he whispered back and nibbled her earlobe.
‘I said stop,’ Lucilla protested. ‘No more posing. But I got that one. Cute shot.’
‘Thanks,’ Leanne said with a chuckle. ‘Funny how photos turn out best when you’re not actually posing.’
Lucilla didn’t reply but gathered up her things and climbed down from the rock. They returned to the yacht in silence, Lucilla at the oars, dropping Carlo off at the sailing boat on the way.
Leanne watched as he climbed on board. ‘Nice butt,’ she said without thinking.
‘But what?’ Lucilla asked, as she pushed away from the sailing boat.
‘But it was very hot,’ Leanne replied, relieved her remark had been misunderstood. ‘Very hot indeed,’ she added, as Carlo’s trim behind disappeared over the railing. ‘And getting hotter.’
Lucilla stopped rowing and looked at Leanne with growing suspicion. ‘Take care, my dear. Remember what happened to Icarus.’
‘The guy who flew too close to the sun?’
‘Yes.’
Leanne met Lucilla’s gaze. ‘Was that a warning of some kind?’
Lucilla smiled sweetly. ‘No, just a bit of advice. In case you were becoming too dazzled –by the sunlight.’
* * *
Maddy was on the rear deck in her red bikini when they came back. ‘How about a swim?’ she asked. ‘You look like you need cooling off.’
‘In more ways than one,’ Leanne said with a laugh. ‘But yeah, a swim would be great. And why not up the fun a little? I saw snorkelling masks and flippers in a cupboard in the saloon. Maybe we could spot some marine wildlife in this little bay?’
‘Brilliant idea,’ Maddy said. ‘And Lucilla could take some shots for the blog.’
‘Yes!’ Leanne went to change into her bikini, picking a green one with a pattern of tiny fish. She reappeared minutes later as Maddy emerged from the saloon with two sets of snorkelling masks and flippers.
They donned the masks and Leanne handed her phone to Lucilla.
‘Okay,’ Lucilla said, aiming it at them. ‘Put the masks on your heads and then stand by the railing with your arms around each other.’ She stopped and lowered the phone. ‘Leanne, that’s a very small bikini. You’ll look nearly naked in the shot.’
‘So what?’ Leanne shot back. ‘Haven’t you heard? Naked is the new black.’
Lucilla laughed. ‘I know, but you have to consider your followers. They might not approve.’
‘Why wouldn’t they?’ Leanne asked. ‘I don’t think there are any nuns among our fans.’
‘How do we know?’ Maddy enquired. ‘There could be all kinds of people with high moral standards watching us.’
‘Yeah, sure. Maybe. And all kinds of pervs too.’ Leanne pulled up the bottoms of the bikini and adjusted the top across her bust to make it look less skimpy. ‘Better?’
‘Yes,’ Maddy replied. ‘Much better.’
Lucilla took the photos and they climbed down the ladder, sitting on the small deck at the rear to put on the flippers. Then they sank into the crystal-clear sea and swam off until they were nearer the shore where they put their heads underneath the water, floating and watching the shoals of rainbow-coloured fish swimming around the underwater rocks. Leanne was amazed at the beautiful sights in this silent, blue world. Yellow, blue and stripy fish of all shapes and sizes milled around the rocks and seaweed. Sometimes they swam up to investigate, peering at her through the mask or even nibbling at her fingers. She felt she could float there forever, weightless, lost in this soundless world of colour and light.
She stayed there, mesmerised, until Maddy tapped her on the shoulder. ‘Wow,’ she exclaimed as they came up, pushing their masks onto the top of their heads. ‘How utterly beautiful.’
‘I had no idea it was this wonderful down there,’ Leanne panted. ‘We must do this again.’
‘Absolutely. I wish I had an underwater camera. Then we could take shots of each other snorkelling.’
‘Would be nice, but I’ll paint a picture with my words, don’t worry,’ Leanne promised.
‘You will. You’re a very good writer,’ Maddy agreed. ‘But now my stomach is rumbling. I need food and maybe a siesta. This sleeping after lunch is growing on me.’
‘You’d better not make that a habit. It’d be a little awkward if you dropped off after the ham sambo at work in front of all the girls.’
‘Work,’ Maddy groaned. ‘Please don’t mention it. I don’t know how I’m going to get my
brain back into teaching mode again after living the champagne lifestyle.’
Leanne floated on her back. ‘You could always quit, of course. And then move in with Dad and the goats up in the mountains. While I take over the business and run it into the ground in six months.’
Maddy glanced at Leanne as they swam leisurely back to the yacht. ‘Run it into the ground? Why would you do that?’
‘Because I’m lousy at maths and money. That’s one little detail my dear old dad hasn’t thought of. I’d be the worst thing that ever happened to his firm.’
‘Why don’t you tell him?’
‘I will next time he tries to arm wrestle me into taking over.’
‘You should.’ Maddy ducked her head under water, then came up again, blinking. ‘Ugh. Very salty and stingy. So what are you going to do when we get back?’
Still on her back, Leanne kicked her legs, staring up at the sky. ‘I’m planning to do something new and exciting. A whole new career. It’s all going so well right now. The blogging, I mean. Why not build on that instead of letting it die?’
‘You should. I bet you’d make a real go of it.’ Maddy swam a few strokes. ‘But what about teaching? You signed a contract for another school year. And Carlo? Where does he fit into all of this?’
Leanne sighed and turned, joining Maddy in a breast stroke. ‘I can write in my spare time. And Carlo? Who knows? I haven’t got that far in my plans for him.’ She grinned at Maddy. ‘But hey, whatever. Isn’t life grand all the same?’
A Holiday to Remember: An absolutely hilarious romantic comedy set under the Italian sun Page 11