“Come on, Chrissie, the pool awaits.”
Christine looked up from her book and adjusted her position on the sun lounge. Frank towered over her looking relaxed and buff, wearing only his swimmers. How did he manage to look like he’d been on holiday for weeks? She was so pale. She’d plastered herself with sunscreen and had a towel draped over her legs, protection from the burning rays.
“I’m not going to swim this morning.” She’d put her bathers on then taken them off again as soon as she’d seen herself in the mirror. Now she wore a black shirt and skirt that hid the bulges.
“Are you feeling okay?” He bent closer. “You took the travel sickness tablet, didn’t you?”
She nodded. She’d taken the tablet first thing but she still hadn’t felt like eating at breakfast.
“What’s the plan for today?” Frank lowered himself to the empty lounge beside her and stretched out with his hands behind his head.
“I’m reading, Frank.”
“You can’t sit here all day.”
“Why not?” Christine gripped her book tightly. The rolling of the ship was barely detectable but it was beginning to irritate her and so was Frank. “You go have your swim. I think I’ll check out the shops later and I want to find Dad.” She’d looked for her father at breakfast. He hadn’t been in his room either. She’d been past three times and knocked. No sign of him at the coffee shop or here on the pool deck.
“I’m sure he’s capable of enjoying himself without us.”
Christine ignored Frank’s sarcasm. “I thought we could have lunch up at the buffet. There’s a movie on mid-afternoon then maybe we could go to the lounge where there’s a few games and entertainment and then we’ll have to get ready for dinner, perhaps go on after to see one of the shows.”
Frank sat up. “So, you do have a plan.”
Christine peered at him. His tone was accusatory.
“It’s only ideas. We don’t have to stick to anything.” She flung out her hands. “We’re on holidays.”
“My point exactly.”
“What’s your suggestion?” She couldn’t help the snappish way her question came out. The nagging nausea in the pit of her stomach wouldn’t let up. She’d have to take another travel sickness tablet. One hadn’t been enough.
He shrugged. “There’s a family golf challenge. Your dad might enjoy that.”
“Golf’s not my thing.”
“I don’t imagine it will be proper golf, Christine.” He stood now, the look in his eyes unreadable behind the sunglasses. “Then there’s a lesson on how to play the casino games later. I wouldn’t mind seeing how they do it here.”
She gave a snort. “Going to win our fortune?”
He flung his towel onto the sun lounge and strode off to the pool without another word.
Christine dug her fingers into the flesh at the base of her neck where the muscles felt suddenly tight. What had happened? They were barking at each other like they did at home. Frank had no idea how exhausted she was. The only reason she wanted to shop was because she’d seen a nice dress she might be able to buy for one of the formal nights. She only had one decent dress with her. Something new would give her a lift. Frank’s abrupt departure had been like a slap on the face.
A shadow fell across her legs. Christine looked up. The older woman from dinner was standing beside her, Ketty something.
The woman smiled, her eyes hidden behind big round sunglasses. “Hello, how are you enjoying the cruise so far?”
“What’s not to like about being waited on? You obviously enjoy it enough to keep doing it.”
“I do. During the sea days I have a few favourite spots around the ship I settle in to.” She lifted the book she held in her hand. “Have a good day. I hope I’ll see you at dinner tomorrow night.”
“Yes.” Christine nodded absently.
Ketty paused and Christine felt as if she was being summed up even though she couldn’t see the woman’s eyes. Instead of walking on Ketty leaned forward. “I’m sure you have tablets but the best thing for a queasy tummy is ginger ale. I swear by it.” Then with a fluttery wave she was gone.
Christine frowned. How did Ketty know how she was feeling? She hadn’t even admitted to Frank that she felt seasick. She’d said the tablets were only precautionary. She’d always thought seasickness was mind over matter. Her stomach churned. Anyway she was sure it was also Frank’s curt behaviour that made her feel off and she didn’t know what the cure for that was.
“Good morning, Princess.” A set of warm hands gripped her shoulders as her father bent to kiss her cheek. “Did you sleep well? Where’s Frank?”
“Swimming.”
“The water’s good but I came down early before there were too many about. I was just heading down for a coffee at that little shop near the dining room.”
“I’d love a coffee.” It was the last thing she felt like but she didn’t want to miss an opportunity to talk with him alone. “I’ll come with you.”
The lights in the theatre went up before Jim had the chance to slip away. He’d wanted to beat the crowd but he was already hemmed in by others making for the door. The presenter had been enthusiastic and the big screen full of picturesque scenes of Champagne Bay and Port Vila but he’d not taken in much more than that. He hadn’t planned to leave the ship at Champagne Bay anyway. The thought of sitting alone on such a beautiful beach brought back the cold dark feeling of loneliness.
His eyes narrowed against the brighter lights outside the theatre. Someone stopped in front of him.
“Good morning, Jim.”
He realised she was from his table and they’d met up again on the deck last night. He hadn’t recognised her behind the dark glasses.
“Hello…ahh…”
“Celia.”
People squeezed past them, chatting and joking.
Jim felt like an outsider in their midst. He stepped to one side. “Yes, Celia, sorry, I’m a bit lost in this crowd.”
“They can fit a lot of people in that theatre.”
“Yes.”
She glanced around.
“Don’t let me hold you up,” he said.
“Oh no, you’re not.” A frown creased her brow. “I was with a friend but I seem to have lost her.”
“I’ll let you keep looking.” Jim wanted to escape. He was embarrassed that Celia had helped him back from the rail the previous evening. The crush of people thinned. He turned to leave.
She placed a hand on his arm. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight?”
“I’ll be there.”
“I’m so glad. At least we’ll all know each other tonight. I find it nerve-racking meeting new people sometimes.”
“Hmm.” Jim gave a noncommittal response; the woman was babbling.
Suddenly she leaned against him and slipped her arm through his. “Oh, goodness. I’m a bit wobbly. You notice the ship moving more in the theatre, don’t you.”
“It’s because we’re at the front of the ship.” He looked down at her arm through his. It felt so strange to have another person’s touch. “I must get going.”
“Of course. I’m sorry.” She leaned closer. Her cheek was twitching beneath the rim of her glasses.
He extricated himself from her grip. “I’ll probably see you tonight then.”
He hoped Celia wasn’t going to be one of those people that clung to you at every turn. He moved away swiftly in case she tried to walk with him.
Celia watched Jim stride off. He couldn’t get away fast enough. What had she been thinking, trying out her moves on him? It was just that Maude had left during the presentation needing the toilet urgently and when the theatre lights had come up, Celia had felt exposed. If Ed was in the theatre somewhere and happened to notice her she wanted it to be with a man, and Jim was rather good-looking even if he was a bit sombre. She looked in the direction he’d headed and hoped he wasn’t going to spend all day shut in his cabin. Then she wondered what kind of cabin he had. Was there a balco
ny? Still, no point in her worrying about him. She didn’t imagine a man planning to jump to his death would bother to attend a tourist information session first.
Celia strolled along past a bar and the entrance to the atrium that looked down over the next few levels. It was all glass and marble, very grand looking. She checked the floor below before she made her way downstairs. Ed hadn’t ever been much of a shopper, so she hoped he wouldn’t still be around. A quick recon revealed no sign of him and she spent an idle hour wandering from boutique to boutique until she ended up in the jewellery shop. It was full of pretty sparkling items from rings to necklaces and jewels of every colour. She recognised several designer names and knew there’d be nothing she could afford.
Ed had always bought her jewellery. She sucked in a breath. After he left she had sold the lot. Ed hadn’t skimped on quality so she’d made a nice little amount from the sale. The only jewellery she wore now, besides her watch, was on her right hand and it had been her mother’s engagement ring.
She bent to examine the pendants more closely. Maybe there would be something at the lower end of the price scale. A piece of jewellery would be a special memento of her holiday, a new beginning of sorts.
“Can I help you, madam?”
Startled, Celia looked up into the perfectly made-up face of the shop assistant.
“I was just looking at the pendants.”
“Any in particular?” The young woman unlocked the drawer and slid the tray of pretty necklaces out.
“Oh.” Celia hadn’t seen anything she’d taken a real fancy to although one of the silver necklaces had a teardrop-shaped pendant with a sparkling white and blue starfish hanging from it. “That one.” She pointed.
“Perfect choice. It’s white gold with blue sapphires and diamonds.”
Celia hesitated as the girl lifted the chain and laid the pendant across her hand. Just the mention of the gems made her think this would be out of her price range.
“It’s very pretty.”
“Would you like to try it on?”
“Oh, no. That’s all right. I’m in a bit of a hurry. Perhaps later.” Celia’s words tumbled out but curiosity got the better of her. “How much is it?”
The girl twisted the tiny tag with the tips of her polished fingernails. “One thousand four hundred and fifty dollars.” Her brightly painted lips turned up in a smile.
“Lovely.” Celia tried not to swallow her tongue as she gulped. “I’ll call back.”
“Take one of these.” The assistant offered a slip of paper. “There’s a shopping spotlight show in fifteen minutes in the theatre. You’ll hear all about the best of onboard shopping and everyone who attends will receive a pendant.”
Celia let out a sigh of relief as the young woman turned away to serve another couple around the counter from her. A man stood slightly behind a woman who was tapping on the glass of the counter.
“I do like that one,” she said and Celia realised they were her dinner companions, Christine and her father, Bernard. Celia felt her cheeks heat at the name she’d made up for him, Bedazzling Bernard, and the moves she’d practised in the mirror.
“How much?” Bernard asked the assistant.
Celia lingered, wanting to see their reaction. The two of them were so intent on the jewellery they didn’t notice her anyway.
“That’s a good choice,” the assistant said as she drew the pendant out. “It’s rose gold with diamonds set in the heart.”
“How much?” Bernard asked again as the assistant placed the pendant around Christine’s neck.
“It’s almost half price. It was over twelve hundred dollars but it’s on special this cruise for six hundred and ninety-five.”
Christine leaned forward into the mirror. “It’s beautiful, Dad.”
Celia caught a glimpse of the pained expression on Bernard’s face. She decided now would not be a good time to speak with him. She’d planned to spin him a yarn about wanting to be seen on the arm of a good-looking man. Surely she could play up to his ego. She wasn’t going to tell him about Ed being aboard, she’d fluff over that bit. In a way she was glad he was with Christine. Celia needed more time to think and she would have to put her proposal to him when he was alone.
“Our shopping spotlight is about to begin.” A young man addressed those present. His natty suit made him stand out from the casually dressed passengers. “Anyone who wants to be part of this fun-filled event should make their way to the theatre now.” He glanced Celia’s way, his smile charming and infectious.
Celia set off immediately, leaving Bernard and Christine to their deliberations. She may not end up with one of the beautiful pendants on display but at least she would have a memento of some description.
Seven
“My wardrobe is so much better these days thanks to you, Ketty.” Josie lifted her champagne cocktail in a salute. “Now if only you could conjure me up a man like you did last cruise it would be perfect.”
Ketty raised her glass of gin and tonic. “I didn’t conjure him up. He was alone at breakfast and looking for company, all I did was introduce you.” Ketty chuckled and looked beyond the rail of the ship to the sparkling green of the Coral Sea all around them, a brilliant contrast to the vivid blue of the sky. It was a glorious day for cruising. She felt so alive, free from concern and full of anticipation for the journey ahead. She’d run into Josie after lunch and they’d brought their afternoon drink to this secluded spot tucked away on one of the back decks where the sun lounges were often empty.
“I’m sure you sprinkled some Ketty magic on us.” Josie popped the strawberry from the edge of her glass into her mouth.
“I’m sorry it didn’t last much beyond the cruise.”
“Oh well.” Josie turned to Ketty as she swallowed. “And what about you? No man?”
“No, and I’m not looking.”
“Why on earth not? You’re a beautiful woman, only a little older than me. You’ve had a few men in your life.” Josie leaned a little closer. “Don’t you miss the companionship, the intimacy… the sex?”
Ketty concentrated on the view again. Sex hadn’t been on her agenda for a few years now but sometimes, when she was alone at night in her apartment above the shop with only Patch for company, she did wish there was someone to share the events of the day with, a glass of wine, a meal. It had been several years since she’d had that kind of relationship. She shook her head. “You say the funniest things. Work keeps me busy and I enjoy the company I find when I’m cruising, male or female. That’s enough for me.” She had told herself that so many times over the years she actually said it with conviction.
“How is Ketty Clift Couture?”
Ketty gave a guilty thought to Judith and the others back in Sydney for the first time that day. “A little quiet.”
“But you make the most beautiful clothing. I’m staying over in Sydney for a few days when we return and had planned to call in.”
“I’m sure things will pick up again.”
“You have regular customers.”
“Yes, but not enough new ones.”
“I do wish you were in Brisbane. I would be a regular for sure.”
“I know you would.” Trouble was, one more customer wasn’t enough. Ketty needed a flood of customers, a miracle upturn if she was to save her business and the livelihoods of the women who depended on it. “And I’d want you to bring all your friends.”
A small frown wrinkled Josie’s brow. “Oh, I’m sorry Ketty. It’s more than a slight slump, isn’t it? You’re worried about your business.” She jerked forward and grabbed Ketty’s wrist. “You should take your business online. Then I could buy from you whenever I wanted.”
Ketty did an inward eyeroll. She already had a shop full of ready-mades. They were prototype garments or made to use up surplus fabric. A few sold from time to time but most of her customers came to her to have something made specially for them. “My clothes are individually designed and made to fit. I make sure my clients
not only look exquisite but also feel special. That has to be done in person.”
“But you have my measurements and they haven’t changed.” Josie sat back again. “I’m quite definite about that. I could email you a picture of the design.”
“Email me?” Ketty shook her head. With emails there were none of the small nuances of face-to-face conversation. This was all getting too complicated. She wished she hadn’t said anything.
Perhaps it was the second gin and tonic that had loosened her tongue. She put on a brave face. She wasn’t going to make the mistake of telling Josie her troubles like she had Judith. And as for dealing with customers online – how could she maintain that personal touch that made her clothes unique? She shuddered.
“I have things to work out when I get home.” She fixed Josie with a piercing look. “For now my job is to find a man.”
Josie opened her mouth.
Ketty wagged a finger and cut her off. “Not for me, for you.”
“Perhaps I’m glad you’re not looking for yourself. You might steal the limelight.”
“Never from you, my dear Josie.” Ketty glanced at the strikingly beautiful woman who sat beside her. Today she was wearing a peach-coloured day dress that deepened the olive brown of her skin and caressed her figure without clinging to the rounded contours Ketty knew lay beneath the fabric. Her face was made up even though Ketty guessed she’d spent part of her day in the pool, and her hair was swept back in a casual roll that accentuated her high cheekbones.
Josie glanced at her watch. “I’d better go. I have to meet my brother.” She stood and looked down on Ketty. “Now there’s a thought.”
Ketty sat up. “No pairing me up with your brother either.”
“Good heavens, no. I wouldn’t wish him on you at the moment. He’s such a sad sack, not like himself at all.” She pulled a pleading look. “I thought perhaps you should meet him. Maybe he would benefit from some Ketty magic.”
“I’m sure your brother is a very nice man but—”
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