They each had a mouthful of wine left in their glasses. He raised his.
“Here’s to you, Celia Braxton. A kind, generous and courageous person. Good luck.”
Celia’s cheeks felt warm. Other than Ketty she couldn’t remember the last time someone had spoken so supportively to her.
Bernard put a guiding arm around Josie as they made their way out of the intimate Italian restaurant.
“I enjoyed that so much,” she said. “The food was delicious and,” she smiled at him, “it was just the two of us.”
“I enjoyed it too.” Bernard slipped his arm around her waist. He loved the way she fitted snugly against his body. It was getting late but he didn’t want to say goodnight.
“Fancy a nightcap?” he asked.
“I’d actually like one of those non-alcoholic mojitos.”
“It’s called a nojito. I fancy something sweet myself. Let’s go to the bar up on deck.”
Josie nestled against him while they waited for the lift. He thought about tomorrow and dinner with Christine. It almost felt like a wasted opportunity. He’d much rather spend his time with Josie. Perhaps he could wriggle out of it.
Up on the pool deck they were greeted by party music and the enveloping warmth of the tropical night.
They found a table for two and Bernard shifted his chair beside Josie so they had a view of the dance floor. He caught the eye of a waiter, ordered their drinks then draped his arm around Josie’s shoulders and looked out over the pool where a young couple were still swimming. Bernard didn’t want to call it a night. He was keen to see more of her. Very keen, and he got the feeling she felt the same way but he wasn’t a hundred per cent sure.
Their drinks came and they both took big mouthfuls.
“That’s good,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed tonight.” Josie’s eyes sparkled, reflecting the flashing disco lights. “Just you and me.”
“I like being with you.”
She traced a finger down his cheek and the electric sensation it caused surged through him.
He captured her hand in his. “I’d like to spend some alone time with you.”
She glanced around, a smirk on her face. “There aren’t many people here.”
“I mean somewhere with only the two of us.” He leaned across the table and murmured in her ear. “Completely alone.”
Josie’s eyes shone. “I’m sharing a cabin with my brother.”
“I’m not.” He kissed her.
“Shall we take our drinks?”
Bernard smiled. He took his glass in one hand and her hand in his other. “This way.”
The corridor to his room was totally empty but he couldn’t help the sigh of relief as he closed his cabin door behind them. No sign of Christine.
“A queen bed.” Josie turned back to look at him. “Not two singles?”
“I asked for it. I hate single beds.”
“And two chocolates?”
“The steward is doing her bit for me.” Bernard winked. “Don’t feel too special. She’s given me two every night so far.”
Josie stepped out of her shoes and into his arms.
“What about Leo?” he asked. “Won’t he wonder where you are?”
She smiled up at him. “I already told him not to expect me home tonight.”
Bernard’s chest swelled. “Is that so?” He bent his head to meet her lips and this time their kiss was long and slow.
Christine smiled at Frank as he passed her a cocktail in a long tall glass. It was the colour of ginger ale with enough fruit protruding from the top to start a shop. He slid into the spa beside her. After their dinner at the buffet they’d gone back to their room but, just when she thought the night was theirs, the pain in her back had come back in earnest and she couldn’t relax. Frank had been the one to suggest they sit in the spa to help her loosen up.
She adjusted the large chunk of pineapple to reach the straw poking out from among the fruit. “Yum, this is good. Refreshing with a bit of a bite.” She took another sip. “What is it?”
“Drink of the day. Some kind of punch. It’s got dark rum and pineapple juice and a mix of other things.”
Christine slid her tongue around her lips. “Pretty sure there’s grenadine in there too and it’s even got kiwi fruit.”
Frank tried it. “Mmm. Perfect cruise drink. We’ll be nice and relaxed.” He grinned at her, leaned in and as he kissed her his hands slid over her breasts. “We’ve got to do some making up for lost time.”
“Not in a public spa,” she hissed and pushed him away.
He grinned. “Not many here to see us.”
He was right about that. They were the only two in this spa. A group of four younger people occupied another and a few more sat at the bar but other than that they had the place almost to themselves. She leaned back and closed her eyes. Her back wasn’t too bad but she wasn’t taking any chances.
“We could have a spa like this.”
Christine’s eyes shot open. She smiled. She had hoped for a chance to bring up her new ideas for improving their home. If Frank was keen on a spa it might be enough to swing him to her way of thinking. “It could fit with our renovations.”
He sat up straight. “No way. I meant if we bought somewhere else.”
“I love our home. We’ve made it special together, it’s where every important family event has taken place.”
“We’d still have those memories and we’d make new ones at the next place.”
“We’re not moving, Frank.”
“We could even get a pool,” he persisted.
“I told you, Frank, no.”
“That’s just it, you told me.” He glared at her. “This is important to me, Christine. Why can’t we at least discuss it?”
“We could but I won’t be changing my mind.” She looked away and took another sip of her drink, fighting back the tears. She couldn’t make him understand how lost she’d felt after her mother had died. She’d loved her mum even though they’d had their differences. The family home had been her solace and then her dad had sold it. If it hadn’t been for Frank she’d have lost her way completely. When they bought their own place they both put all their energy into it and she vowed her children would never be uprooted from their only home.
“Damn it, Christine, we’re a partnership, not a dictatorship.”
“Something you only remember when it suits you, Frank. Most of the time you sit back and I have to make the decisions or we would get nowhere.” She stabbed at the ice in her glass with the straw. This was not how she’d imagined the conversation going at all. She had to calm things down. She took a moment to drain her drink and place the empty glass on the edge of the spa then she drew in a breath and gave him a smile. “I think dictatorship is a harsh term, don’t you? You said yourself we’re a team. It’s swings and roundabouts and I don’t want to argue.”
He set down his glass beside hers, then leaned back, arms folded against his chest.
She would leave any reference to renovations until she’d spoken with her dad again. All she could do now was try to distract him. “Let’s not spoil this lovely night with an argument. Please, Frank.”
He turned to look at her. His brown eyes were troubled but still sparkling in the light from the lanterns swinging overhead.
“We should head back to our room,” she said. “I’m ready for a shower.”
She leaned in and kissed him. His lips were firm beneath hers then they softened as he responded. His hands swept her body. She pulled back. His gaze was full of desire leaving her in no doubt what he was planning once they were back in their room. She sometimes forgot how easy it was to sway Frank. But her back was giving her curry now in spite of the spa. Bugger, another missed opportunity.
“My back, Frank.” She lifted her hand. “Can you help me out?”
He stepped out of the spa ahead of her and offered his hand, the scowl back on his face. “I think I’ll have another drink.”
�
��Please yourself.” She turned away desperately hoping he’d follow.
“Which clearly means I can’t,” he muttered.
At the entrance she paused and looked back.
Several people were gathered around the bar. The murmur of their voices drifted on the warm breeze. Frank was headed to join them.
Celia walked through the bar outside the theatre. She had looked in all the bars and lounges and this was her last stop before giving up and going to bed. There were several groups of people either at the bar or seated in the plush sofas at low wooden tables but no sign of Maude and the group she spent most her time with. Celia felt a mix of relief and disappointment. She had worked herself up to talking directly with Maude and now she’d have to wait until tomorrow. Unless perhaps Maude had returned to their room in the time Celia had been looking.
Movement in the far corner caught her eye. She hadn’t noticed the couple in the little nook before because the seats had been turned with their high backs to the room. She moved closer. A burst of sharp snorting laughter confirmed Maude’s presence.
Celia sucked in a breath and stepped around the chairs. Maude and Pete looked up in surprise, their heads were close together and Pete had his hand on Maude’s leg. He snatched it away and they drew apart.
“Hello, Celia.” Pete grinned and looked past her. “On your own again?”
Maude tugged at her dress, which had ridden up well past her knees. “There you are,” she said as if she’d been the one searching for Celia. “Some of the others are going to the rock star show.”
“We’re going to join them soon.” Pete’s grin widened. “Are you coming?”
“No.” Her response was sharper than she’d intended. “Thank you.” Celia looked directly at Maude. “I need to have a quick word with you…alone.”
Pete gave Maude a nudge and a wink.
Maude looked up at her. “We’ll catch up later.”
“Now please, Maude. I won’t keep you long.”
“I’ve been evicted.” Pete pulled a mock pout and stood. “Have my seat, Celia. I have to slip off to the gents anyway. I’ll get us another drink on my way back, Maude.”
“Thanks.” Maude gave him a coquettish smile, fluttering eyelids and all.
Celia gritted her teeth as Pete winked back.
“Sit.” Maude patted the empty chair next to her.
The wine swirled in Celia’s stomach. She’d hoped the wine over dinner, and then one more after her deck walk with Jim, would give her courage but instead she felt nauseous as she took Pete’s seat.
“What’s so urgent?” Maude said.
Celia perched on the edge of the soft chair and turned her knees towards Maude. Everything she wanted to say sounded mean. She wasn’t sure how to start.
“If this is about Nigel, don’t worry. He didn’t ask after you and tonight after dinner he found another woman to talk to. You’re off the hook.”
“It’s not about Nigel, although I’m glad he’s found some other company.” Celia also thought he hadn’t waited too long before finding someone else but she really didn’t care.
“What then?”
“It’s about you and me.”
Maude gave her a puzzled look.
Celia pressed on before her courage left her altogether. “We’re friends but we have quite different tastes, wouldn’t you say?”
“Are we talking men here?”
Celia looked down and smoothed the wrinkles in her trousers. “In general. You’re obviously having a good time with Pete and Anne—” Celia emphasised her name “—and the others and it’s kind of you to include me but I sometimes have my own plans.”
“Reading a book or walking the deck is not a plan, Celia. It’s a cop out. You need to—”
“You don’t know what I need, Maude.” Celia lifted her shoulders and looked Maude in the eye. “That’s for me to decide, not you, and I’d prefer it if you didn’t expect me to do everything you do. It’s fun to do some things together but don’t suppose that I’m going to join you every minute of the day.”
“Well, you haven’t, have you?” Maude sat back and folded her arms.
“And that’s okay, isn’t it? We don’t have to do everything together. I’ve made a few friends of my own.”
“So you don’t want me to include you in my plans?”
“It’s not that.” Celia fought desperately for the right words. She didn’t want to upset her friend but she had to make herself clear. She imagined Ketty sitting on her shoulder. “We should discuss our plans. You might want to do something I suggest sometimes.”
“Trivia and shopping.” Maude rolled her eyes.
“Each to their own.” Celia stood her ground. “I want to be able to do my own thing without upsetting you.”
“I don’t get upset.”
“Good.” Celia nodded her head, relieved now. “I’ve made friends at my table too. We’ve done a few things together. So from now on you and I suggest things to do and if we want to go our different ways then that’s okay.”
“I don’t know what you’re going on about, Celia. It’s always been okay.”
Celia smiled and nodded. Maude didn’t get it but from now on Celia would have to stand her ground. She was about to say goodnight when Maude shot forward in her chair.
“You’ve found a man, haven’t you? That’s what this is about.” Maude nodded, her face wide with a knowing grin. “Who is he? Someone from your table?”
Celia gaped at her.
“Can’t be the buff bald guy. I’ve seen him drinking with a flashy blonde.” Maude’s eyes widened and she jabbed one short finger in the air. “It’s the other one. The guy with the brooding sad face.”
Celia frowned. “Jim?”
Maude gave her a playful tap. “You’re a sly one.”
“What’s going on?” Pete came round the chair carrying two drinks. “I’m sorry, Celia, I should have got you something. I can go back.”
“No.” Celia shot to her feet, nearly colliding with him. “I’m leaving now.” Her cheeks were warm again. She glanced at Maude. “I’ll see you later.”
“Maybe.” Maude winked.
“Goodnight.”
Celia spun on her heel and hurried away, her conversation with her friend going around and around in her head. She was quite sure now Maude hadn’t got the gist of anything she’d been trying to say and instead had put two and two together and come up with six. The thought of Jim as anything more than a friendly table companion was simply ludicrous.
Twenty-two
Day Six – At Anchor, Lifou, New Caledonia
The sound of knocking on his door woke Bernard from a deep sleep. He peered through slitted eyes at the light filtering into the room from around the curtains and tried to remember where he was. The knock came again.
“Dad?”
He sat bolt upright as his memory flooded back. He glanced at the bed beside him. It was empty. Then he realised he could hear the shower. Josie must be in the bathroom. He swung his legs to the edge of the bed and sat waiting to regain his equilibrium. If Christine could hear the sounds of the shower through the door she would hopefully think it was him.
The knock didn’t come again. He picked up his watch. It was not quite eight o’clock. No doubt she was wanting him to go to breakfast with her but dinner tonight would be enough.
He stood up, stretched, drew back the curtains and couldn’t help but smile as he recalled last night with Josie. He dragged on his shorts and opened the balcony door. The warmth of the tropical day greeted him. He felt like a new man.
“Good morning.”
He turned. Josie stood outside the bathroom door wearing his robe. He smiled, crossed the space between them, took her in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. He pressed his face to her neck. “Mmmm. Don’t you smell good?”
“Much better for a shower.” She eased away from him and crossed to her neat pile of clothes where she slipped on her underwear, completely unperturbed by his e
yes devouring her. “I need to head back to my room for some fresh things.” She gave him a wicked smile. “Shall we have breakfast later?”
“I’d like to spend the day with you.” He lowered himself to the bed. “I’ve promised to have dinner with Christine tonight… just the two of us.”
“That’s okay, Bernie.” She slipped her dress over her head. “She’s your only daughter and you don’t see each other often. I get she wants to have you to herself at some stage.”
He reached for her hand and pulled her gently down beside him. “I told you Christine has not been very accepting of my past relationships.”
“And I told you.” She patted his nose with her finger. “I can take care of myself.”
Bernard couldn’t raise a smile.
She escaped his wandering hands and stood to look in the mirror. He watched her drag her fingers through her hair and apply some lipstick from her purse knowing he would do whatever it took to keep seeing her.
Her gaze shifted to meet his in the mirror. “I’d better check in on Leo.”
“Shall we meet in half an hour?”
She glanced at her watch. “I might need longer than that. Can we make it nine?” She bent down and kissed his cheek.
He stood up, pulled her close and kissed her. “Sounds like a plan.”
“I’ll meet you downstairs where they gather for the tender.” She brushed her fingers down his cheek and let herself out, leaving Bernard with a warm tingling feeling coursing through his body. Josie was one hell of a woman. Now he was wishing neither of them had family on this cruise with them.
A knock sounded on Ketty’s door. She berated herself for the lift in her spirits as she imagined Leo at the door even though they’d agreed to meet later, on the island.
“Coming.”
She got up from her seat on the balcony where she had been watching the scenery as the ship had anchored off Lifou. This island was high on her list of favourites in this region. There was a lot of cloud cover but she’d enjoyed small bursts of early morning sunshine as she ate the breakfast that had been delivered to her room.
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