Page 25 of The Cruise Club
‘Don’t be daft, you’ll be brilliant, and I want to hear all about your illustrious career. I also meant to ask if you found your bracelet?’
‘No, sadly I didn’t, and let’s save my career for another day.’ Theo waved the subject away. ‘I’m more interested in you right now.’
Carmen wasn’t sure if she should confide in Theo, but as she took another sip of champagne, she decided to give it a shot. They seemed to get along, and she desperately wanted to discuss her feelings. ‘I admire Ruskin for his writing,’ Carmen began, ‘and he inspires me.’
‘But you’ve still got writer’s block?’
‘After Ruskin’s talk, I felt inspired to write and my writer’s block lifted for a short while.’
Theo’s gaze softened. ‘But it’s more than admiration, isn’t it?’
Carmen bit her lip. ‘I’m not sure.’
‘Does your stomach flutter and your heart race when he’s near?’
‘Oh hell,’ Carmen slumped. Theo had figured it out.
‘Are you tongue-tied and unsure of what to say? Does the smell of his cologne intoxicate you?’
‘All right, all right,’ Carmen held up her hand. ‘You’ve clearly been there.’
‘Got the T-shirt.’ Theo nodded. ‘I had all those feelings every time Ruari stepped into a room or walked beside me.’
‘But what am I to do? Ruskin would never look at someone like me, and if I’m honest, I’m not sure I’d want him to.’
‘Why on earth not?’
‘Because I am a plain Jane at heart, stuck with my mother in a time-warp of a house. My life is nothing like his.’ Carmen’s voice was quiet.
‘It was all mapped out for me long ago, and writing is my only escape.’ Carmen explained the betrayal by her childhood sweetheart that had destroyed her trust and shaped her life.
Theo reached out his hand to encircle Carmen’s. ‘It’s never too late to change your life,’ he said. ‘Look at the change you’ve made in your appearance, was that so hard?’
Carmen shrugged. ‘Surprisingly, no, it’s as though meeting Fran was meant to be and I simply let her help me.’
‘No matter what obstacles there are in life…’ Theo’s voice was warm and sincere. ‘Love can surprise you. Even when you think it’s out of reach. You can be the heroine of your own story if you allow yourself to be.’
She stared at Theo.
‘The world is your oyster, Carmen; it’s up to you to go out and find your pearl.’
‘I’m so glad I met you,’ she said, grateful for his kindness.
‘Me too, my darling girl, can we be friends?’
‘Absolutely. Can I have another drink, please?’
‘CARMEN!’ Betty screeched. ‘Are you going to sit daydreaming all morning?’ She pushed her empty plate to one side and wiped at her chin with a napkin.
Suddenly back in the real world with Betty, Carmen winced and sat up. Reaching out, she popped two painkillers and swallowed them down.
‘We’ll miss our excursion if you don’t wake up, and I need my hat and bag.
And don’t think I want to be seen with you in that fancy get-up,’ Betty added.
Her eyes were icy as she stared at her daughter who was wearing a floaty jumpsuit with shoe-string straps.
‘Mutton dressed as lamb; you look ridiculous.’
Carmen sighed. Earlier she’d endeavoured to replicate the beautician’s makeup and had found her beautifully cut hair easy to style. Now, as she stood, she felt her resolve harden.
‘Sorry, Mum,’ Carmen said brightly and moved to collect Betty’s things.
‘I haven’t time to change, and besides, I rather like what I’m wearing.
’ Carmen ran her fingers over the peach-coloured jumpsuit and marvelled at Fran’s choice of daywear.
It felt luxurious and cool, and she couldn’t wait to show it off.
Betty’s eyes narrowed, but Carmen busied herself. Moments later, she opened the door and pushed Betty into the corridor.
‘I hope the sea is calm today,’ Betty chuntered and held her cane aloft. ‘A boat trip is a silly idea, but I’ll have to go along with it.’
‘It will be lovely, Mum,’ Carmen said cheerfully.
Her headache, thankfully, had begun to lift and a few minutes later, they prepared to disembark. She hadn’t mentioned to Betty that the boat trip was to the island of Spinalonga – a place Carmen couldn’t wait to visit.
‘Good morning, ladies,’ Peter called out. He blinked in surprise when he saw Carmen. ‘May I say how wonderful you look this morning?’ Peter smiled. ‘This cruise is working its magic.’
‘Thank you,’ Carmen said. Unused to compliments, she felt her cheeks redden.
‘I hope there’s a luncheon buffet on board,’ Betty grumbled, ‘and a shady place for me to sit.’
Carmen caught Peter’s eye and shrugged. ‘I’m sure I can find somewhere suitable,’ she said as she pushed Betty onto the quayside.
As she caught a glimpse of the sun on the water, Carmen relaxed.
She’d enjoyed the shopping trip with Fran and had a wonderful evening with Theo.
A peculiar feeling swept over her, and she realised she was more assured and making new friends.
Fran was like a rock and so kind, and Theo a confidante, someone who truly listened.
Carmen hoped their connection wouldn’t fade after the cruise when everyday life resumed.
For the first time in as long as she could remember, Carmen felt almost ready for whatever might come next, and she mustn’t let Betty’s negativity creep into her writing or newfound friendships.
Returning home might not be as daunting as Carmen feared.