Jim smiled at Celia who once again looked away quickly, a pink tinge deepened the colour of her cheeks.
“Oh look,” she said. “There’s Christine from our table.”
Jim shifted his gaze to a woman standing below them on the beach. “So it is.”
“She’s on her own,” Ketty said. “Perhaps we should—”
“No, she’s not.” Celia nodded in the direction Christine was facing along the beach. “That’s Frank coming, isn’t it? I recognise his shirt.”
They watched as Frank arrived in front of Christine whose hands were now on her hips.
“I wonder what Frank has done wrong now?” Ketty mused.
“It looks like he’s getting a tongue lashing,” Jim said.
“She can be very brusque,” Celia said.
“I think she’s simply got a case of no-filter mouth.”
“Do you?” Ketty turned her piercing look on Jim. “You see, I think she’s quite calculated with what she says. And when someone is deliberately hurtful or antagonistic I find there’s usually an underlying reason.” She looked back to where Frank and Christine were now moving off along the beach. “Something’s bothering that young woman and I can’t put my finger on it.”
“You’re very kind, Ketty.” Jim didn’t find Christine a particularly nice person.
“At the moment all I feel is weary.” She put a second rolled-up towel behind her back. “I was awake very early this morning and I’ve come prepared to snooze. What are you two going to do?”
Jim glanced across at Celia. “Do you fancy a walk up to this church? Then we could come back for a swim.”
“I’m not going near the water,” Celia said. “Not after yesterday.”
“A walk on the beach then,” Jim said.
“As long as you’ll be all right here on your own, Ketty.”
“Me and half the ship, you mean.” Ketty waved her hand with a flourish. “I’m perfectly fine.” She glanced at her watch. “Anyway, I’m meeting Leo in half an hour.”
Jim rose to his feet and held out his hand to help Celia up. She looked at it a moment as if it might bite her then accepted his offer.
“We shouldn’t be long,” she said.
Ketty had already lowered her hat over her eyes. “Take all the time you like. Just make sure you’re back before the last tender leaves.”
“We’ll be back long before that,” Celia said.
Jim smiled as they walked away. “Ketty is amusing. I wish I had half of her spark.”
“But you do, Jim,” Celia said. “I know you’re finding it difficult at the moment but I think there’s a cheerful man within. You’ll find him again eventually.”
They’d stopped and Celia was looking at him earnestly.
“I’ve been in the doldrums so long I’d forgotten how to smile. You and Ketty have helped me to find it.”
“Oh…well…let’s do this walk, shall we?”
Jim had to suppress a laugh as she almost tripped in her hurry to move ahead.
Christine watched from her position on the beach as Frank ducked under the water again. He was some distance from shore, and several other people were snorkelling nearby, but even so she was edgy with him being out there by himself. She was cross with him as well, which didn’t help her mood.
She’d been asleep when he’d eventually returned to their room last night but she’d been woken by his fumbling about and then kept awake by his snoring. This morning he’d been a bit seedy but behaving as if nothing had happened. When they’d come over to the island they’d lost each other and she’d spent fifteen minutes looking for him, eventually tracking him down on the beach. He’d wanted to go off exploring but she’d said her back hurt and told him how terrible he looked and his drinking better not ruin their day, to which he’d had a dig about her drinking.
He was swimming towards her now, shortening the distance between them with his easy strokes, then he stopped, saw her watching and waved. She waved back. Frank was never one to stay angry for long. She tried hard to swallow her own resentment. He stood in the shallow water and walked slowly out towards her. Her eyes drank him in and a different fire started to build, warming the pit of her stomach and moving lower. Frank’s usually short hair had been left to grow over the summer. It dripped with water as he swept it back from his face, his jaw still covered in the shadow of his overnight stubble. It was hard to stay cross with him when he looked so desirable. And annoying to think it was already day six. They were halfway through the cruise and had barely more than kissed each other.
“Feel better?” she asked as he reached for his towel.
“Much.” He rubbed himself all over, spread the towel on the sand beside her then he stretched out on his stomach, rolled to his side and propped himself up on one elbow. “It was beautiful in the water. You should go in.”
“I can’t be bothered.”
“You would cool off.” He trailed a finger down her arm.
His touch made her shiver. “I don’t want to swim on my own.”
“I’ll come with you.” He leaned in and kissed her shoulder. His lips were cool on her sun-warmed skin.
“You’ve just been in.”
“I’ll go again.” He nuzzled her neck.
It felt so good. She groaned. Why couldn’t they be like this in the privacy of their cabin instead of on a beach they were sharing with a thousand other people? A dull ache radiated between her hips as she leaned against him. And why of all times did she have to have hurt her back?
He stopped suddenly and got to his feet, reaching for her hand. “Come on.”
“My back.”
“A swim will be good for you.”
She let him help her to her feet then she slipped off the floaty short caftan she’d worn over her bathers. Frank’s eyes devoured her as if she were naked.
“We’re not alone you know, Frank.”
He let out a low growl. “Do we care?”
Then he winked and her legs went to jelly. How she loved it when Frank acted like she was hot. She glanced down and all she could see were black rolls trapped inside her sculpted control bathers.
He took her hand and started pulling her towards the water.
“Wait,” she cried but he towed her with him. She shambled forward over the rocky bottom, the water deepening quickly. She toppled and went under with a splash then came up gasping for breath. She was about to complain even though her back hadn’t so much as twinged but his lips pressed to hers and this time they were warm. He took her hand and led her out deeper then wrapped his body around hers.
“Frank.” Her protest was lost as his mouth closed over hers again. She groaned.
He slid around behind her and drew her body against his.
“Hello.” A couple swam past them. “Beautiful in, isn’t it.”
She nodded. Frank’s hands were massaging her breasts under the water, while a few metres away a family snorkelled past. She gripped his hands.
“Frank, stop,” she hissed.
He laughed, let her go and ducked under the water, swimming away. When he came up he was grinning.
Christine couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this playful. “You’re obviously feeling a lot better.”
He swam back to her, his eyes glazed with desire. “No matter what happens, we are having an early night tonight, babe.”
“We could have had one last night if you hadn’t stayed out drinking.”
His smile slipped away. She was immediately sorry she’d snapped.
“You have a bad back, remember?” He looked at her pointedly.
Her mouth fell open. “Are you suggesting I’m making it up? It comes and goes you know but the pain is a lot less now.”
He shrugged. “Tonight’s the night then.” He smiled but there was no mirth in it.
“I’m having dinner with Dad,” she said. “I’ll try not to be late.”
Frank made no comment. He stared at her a moment, looked away then back at h
er again and this time his look was rigid with determination. The warm day receded and she felt a chill wriggle down her spine.
“I’m going to apply for that job as soon as we get back.”
That wasn’t what she’d expected. “What job?”
“The one I told you about the other day.”
“Oh.” She’d pushed it to the back of her mind hoping he’d given up on the idea.
He glared at her. “Head of garbage, remember?”
She remembered the argument. Opened her mouth to protest. She’d apologised already for that.
“I need another dip,” he said, gave her a mock salute and sank under the water, kicking with his feet so that water splashed in her face.
“Frank!” She brushed at her eyes.
He came up a few metres on and swam away with long steady strokes. Where was the Romeo he’d been only a few minutes before?
She watched him a moment then turned for the beach but a small niggle of fear wormed inside her. Nothing was going to plan with Frank. She took a deep calming breath as she reached the shore. The cruise might be half over but there was still time. Once she had this dinner with her father and got their money sorted she was sure Frank would come round. They’d turn their current home into something from the home magazines and perhaps he wouldn’t want to change jobs. Not that she minded if he did, as long as they could stay in their home. She thought of it now. The roses would be in full bloom and if she opened her bedroom window, their delicious scent would waft through. She and Frank had painstakingly rubbed back and painted each section of the five-panelled bay window with its leadlight glass. It wasn’t a huge room but if they built a walk-in robe and en suite off the side, it would be perfect. She picked up her towel. After dinner with her father she’d bring drinks to the cabin and she and Frank would celebrate and make up for lost time.
“Excuse me.”
Celia looked around. An older woman was beckoning her from the lookout.
“Would you mind taking a photo of Harold and I with the ship behind, please dear?”
“Of course.” Celia took the camera the woman held out. She lifted it up and peered at the screen. It was a great picture. There was a vivid green tree behind the man and the sea behind the woman with their ship just over her shoulder. Celia snapped a couple of shots.
“I hope one of them will be all right.” She handed the camera back.
“Thank you. Would you like one of you with your husband?”
Celia stiffened. “Oh…no…” She shook her head. “We’re not—”
“I’ve got my phone.” Jim cut her off. “We can use that.” He drew his phone from his pocket and prepared it for the woman, who was smiling kindly. Then he stepped up to the rail and looked expectantly at Celia. He was taller than her, thin but not reedy. His arms and chest filled out the t-shirt he was wearing very nicely. “Celia?”
Both Jim and the woman were looking at her expectantly. Celia moved to stand next to him trying hard not to touch him, but his arm reached around her shoulders and drew her close.
“What a lovely couple,” the woman gushed. “Smile, dear.”
Celia tried but all she could think of was the warm arm resting across her shoulders. She held herself rigid but her stomach felt like a herd of butterflies had erupted inside her. It had been a long time ago she’d last felt like that.
“There you are.” The woman handed back Jim’s phone. “I hope I’ve got you in the picture. I’m not so good with phones, I’m afraid.”
“Thank you,” he said as the woman took Harold’s arm and moved on.
Celia turned back to the view but her eyes didn’t take in the ship at anchor in the bay. She was conscious of the quick drop away of his arm and his shuffle away from her.
“Sorry to go along with that woman assuming we were a couple,” Jim said. “It seemed easier.”
“Yes.” She risked a sideways glance. He was leaning stiffly on the rail, staring forward.
He turned to look at her. His face was full of anguish. “I hope it didn’t bother you when I put my arm around you. No point in explaining we hardly know each other.”
“No.” Celia looked out to sea again; her mind in turmoil. He was obviously regretting the moment of intimacy that had hit her like a bolt. She had long forgotten that warm rush of adrenalin. She’d realised in that moment when Jim’s arm had slipped around her that she liked him very much. Maude and Ketty had both been right. He was a lovely man, decent and kind and what she felt for him was more than friendship. Ed’s rejection had all but destroyed her self-esteem and left her terribly hurt. After her confession to Ketty the other night, Celia had realised she didn’t care about him anymore and she truly could move on. But it was different for Jim. He was still deep in grief and she could tell by his look he was embarrassed.
He walked further away. “I’m glad Ketty suggested we come up here.”
“You are?” Celia gripped the rough wooden rail that edged the viewing platform.
“Don’t you think the view was worth it?”
“Oh…yes.” She focused on the panorama before her. Stupidly she’d hoped he was going to say because of her company.
The warmth that his touch had brought ebbed away, dampened by regret. She knew she had to swallow any feelings for him other than friendship. Even if he, by some wild chance, felt something for her, he wasn’t in the right space to reciprocate. How ironic that she had rejected Nigel only to find a man who would no doubt reject her. She shook her head. Unrequited love at her age.
“What do you think about Ketty and this Leo bloke?”
“Leo?” Celia was still struggling with thoughts of Jim.
“He’s making a play for her.”
“A play?” Celia tried to concentrate on what he was saying.
“Perhaps that’s the wrong term but he’s laying on the charm with her.”
“They knew each other a long time ago.”
“I gathered that. When he appeared at our table that first night Ketty was shocked.”
“Was she? I don’t remember. I suppose it would have been a big surprise. They had been lovers—” She clamped her hand to her mouth. “Oh damn! Please don’t say anything. Ketty confided in me.”
“Of course I wouldn’t. It’s just that Ketty’s been very kind to me and I wouldn’t like to see her hurt.”
“She seems quite happy to get to know him again.” Celia thought about Ketty’s self-assurance. “You think Leo would upset her?”
“I don’t know. It’s a feeling I have about him, something I can’t quite put my finger on.”
“I’m sure Ketty will manage him.” She gave Jim a worried look. “Please don’t say anything.”
“Of course not.” Jim inclined his head towards her. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”
There was nothing more than reassurance in his look but Celia’s heart thudded in her chest regardless. She turned away and fanned herself with her hand. “It’s quite humid, isn’t it?”
“Shall we head down then? We could paddle in the water if you don’t want to swim.” His serious look was replaced with a grin. “I’ll be on snake watch.”
“Good idea.” Celia turned, stepping quickly forward. In her hurry she missed her footing on the edge of the viewing platform. Just as she thought she was going to repeat her awful tumble aboard ship, a strong arm steadied her. She looked down at Jim’s hand grasping her elbow.
“Careful.”
She glanced up, the heat in her cheeks so strong now she could act as a lighthouse for this look-out point.
“You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?”
“No.”
“I’m glad. I was wondering how I was going to carry you down that mountain if you’d turned your ankle.” He grimaced. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t meaning that you’re too heavy, more that I’m not as fit as…I used to…be.” His words dwindled to a stop.
Celia turned away. “We should go.” She moved ahead and took the lead back
down the steep path. The journey would give her time to compose herself. The last thing she needed was to make more of a fool of herself than she already had.
Ketty was grateful for the seat Leo had found for them in the shade of one of the thatched shelters. The day was humid and she was feeling it. In front of them a group of islanders in bright red sarongs and headdresses were preparing to act out a welcome ceremony. They were all ages, shapes and sizes, and being directed by one older woman, her grass headpiece wobbling wildly from side to side as she moved her ample arms.
Leo arrived back with ice creams.
“I didn’t expect to be able to buy ice cream on the beach at Lifou,” he said as he removed the wrapper from hers and then his.
Ketty could have unwrapped her own but she let him do it. She took a bite. “Mmm, thank you. This is exactly what I felt like.”
“Can’t remember the last time I bought an ice cream.”
“Really? I love ice cream. It’s a staple in my freezer.” Ice cream had always been a favourite. They’d eaten it together. He’d obviously forgotten.
“My freezer’s a bit depleted these days. I’m not very good at managing for one.” His look was glum.
Ketty felt a flick of annoyance at that. She was used to living alone. He’d said there’d been no one serious since Marjorie but she wondered about that now. He was sounding like one of those men who was accustomed to being looked after. She took another bite of her ice cream and decided to change the subject. “You mentioned earlier you were going to set up a new financial planning practice when you get home.”
He sucked in a breath, groaning as he let it out. “Yes.”
“You don’t want to?”
“Yes and no. At my age and in my line of business I imagined I’d be financially well off, not starting again from scratch.”
“Oh.” Ketty understood the sentiment and felt the reemergence of anxiety for her own business.
“Marjorie took me to the cleaners after we split and the kids needed money.”
“Kids?” She’d known he’d had at least one child.
“Well, they’re adults now. Three of them.”
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