Page 42 of The Cruise Club

Now on her way to the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Carmen couldn’t help but think about Betty’s words as Theo led her through an alley.

Had love blossomed for her mother on the Diamond Star ?

Betty surely hadn’t been searching for it, but love seemed to have appeared in the most unlikely of places for a woman of Betty’s sharp demeanour, which could deter even the most devoted admirer – though that wasn’t the side of her nature that she showed to Holden.

‘Mum has undergone a transformation,’ Carmen said to Theo as they stopped beside an arched entrance where a jar of fresh flowers sat on a small table, beside two metal chairs.

‘Then that’s two of you, and the magic of this Mediterranean cruise is helping both mother and daughter.’ He smiled. ‘But look, I want to show you something.’

He took Carmen’s hand and guided her into a contemporary art studio and large open space.

‘What is this?’ Carmen asked as she stared at a variety of eclectic paintings and souvenirs.

Theo looked around with a contemplative smile, ‘I came to Ibiza in the 1970s when the island was a magnet for artists, writers and musicians, since the 1960s. The relaxed pace made it a perfect refuge for carefree young wanderers.’

‘Were you a carefree young wanderer?’ Carmen asked.

‘I’d taken time out, after finishing college, and together with a friend we bought an old VW caravanette and drove through Europe.

Finding Ibiza was like finding the holy grail.

’ Theo picked up a silver pendant. ‘It was a haven for countercultural youth during the 1960s and 70s and I’d read a book called The Drifters by James Michener, and it had become a bit of a bible for me,’ he explained.

‘In the story, a group of young people from all over the world came together here. It was one of the key settings that Michener wrote about and greatly influenced me. I wanted to see what Ibiza was like.’

‘Did it meet your expectations?’

‘God, yes, it was anything and everything. We lived in a commune that summer and led a very bohemian life.’

‘How lucky you were to experience something so different,’ Carmen said, thinking of her repetitive days behind the counter in the family hardware shop.

‘I eventually came home, to my parents’ relief, and remember my father tearing the Afghan jacket off my back and ripping up my cheesecloth shirts then removing the cowbell from my neck,’ Theo laughed.

‘He handed me a chef’s jacket and told me he’d found me an apprenticeship in a restaurant, and that was the end of my hippie era. ’

Carmen stared at a framed, black-and-white image of a couple, signed Traspas y Tozejano and dated Ibiza 1976.

‘That was the couple who owned this gallery,’ Theo said as he watched Carmen study the photo of the handsome bearded young man beside an attractive girl.

‘Did you know them?’ she asked and stared at the suntanned girl in minuscule white shorts with a bandeau top and legs that seemed to go on forever.

‘Yes, I met them, and they were generous, charismatic figures.’ Theo looked around. ‘I understand they still live here and run this gallery, which shows their commitment to the island’s cultural scene.’

Still holding the silver pendant in his hand, Theo sought out an assistant and paid for it. As he stepped out of the gallery and into the sunshine in the alley, he handed the gift to Carmen.

‘What’s this?’ she asked with surprise as she stared at the smooth polished disc. At its centre, she traced a symbol with her fingers.

‘The design of a rising sun represents new beginnings and the promise of brighter days,’ Theo said, ‘while the open hand signifies support. It’s most appropriate.’

‘B… but it’s lovely, I couldn’t possibly accept…’

‘Shush,’ Theo tutted and, taking the pendant, fastened it around Carmen’s neck. ‘There, it suits you.’ He grinned. ‘And it will remind you of this holiday,’ he added.

‘And of our friendship,’ Carmen said. ‘Thank you, Theo.’

A little while later, they stepped out of the cathedral, which was a peaceful and cool escape from the fierce sun.

They’d admired the beautiful artwork, and Carmen was fascinated by the focal point of the high altar, which showcased intricate woodwork and religious symbols of saints and mythological creatures.

‘Shall we find somewhere to have a drink and a bite to eat?’ Theo asked.

They stood by a honey-coloured stone wall and stared out at the view. ‘Look, there’s our ship.’ Carmen pointed towards the harbour, where the Diamond Star was berthed.

For a moment, Carmen thought of Ruskin. Was he still on the ship, and had he read her note and missed her at the workshop and morning mentoring session?

Carmen thought that Ruskin was probably relieved that he didn’t have to devote any more time to helping with her novel, and now that his workshops were over, he was, no doubt, thoroughly enjoying the cruise.

She remembered that he loved swimming and imagined him on nearby Talamanca beach, which she could see close by.

The waters were ideal for a dip where the calm, clear sea stretched out to the island of Formentera in the distance.

‘Penny for your thoughts?’ Theo asked.

‘Oh, nothing…’

‘You’re thinking of Ruskin, I can tell.’

‘How on earth…’

‘It’s the Irish gypsy in me.’ Theo laughed. ‘I have psychic powers.’

‘If I’m being truthful, I was wondering what he might be doing?’

‘Oh, Carmen, when will you ease up on yourself and let go a little?’ Theo shook his head. ‘The man told me that he is divorced and not in a relationship, so what have you got to lose?’ Theo omitted to add that Ruskin had also told him that he had no intention of being in a relationship.

‘But he isn’t very nice to me.’ Carmen’s excuse sounded lame, even to herself.

‘He was all over you when you had a drink with him in the piano bar, until you stood up and left. It’s only in a classroom environment that he pushes you – can’t you see that he wants the best for your writing?’

‘Well, I sent him a note saying I didn’t want any more tuition and would enjoy the time I had left enjoying the cruise.’

Theo took Carmen’s arm and began to march her through the cobbled, zigzagging alleyways until they found a bar overlooking the central plaza.

They’d almost finished a carafe of sangria and several plates of tapas when Theo looked up and saw Ruskin sitting at a café on the opposite side of the square.

‘It’s a sign, now’s your chance!’ Theo said excitedly. ‘Go over and offer to buy him a drink in return for help with your novel.’

Carmen hesitated as she listened to Theo, her mind swirling with unspoken thoughts.

Would Ruskin notice her if she walked by his table, and more importantly, would he make his excuses and leave if she offered to buy him a drink?

As Carmen studied Ruskin, she could see that he was lost in thought, seemingly miles away from the buzzing atmosphere all around.

The afternoon sun caught his face, highlighting the charm that Carmen found so appealing and as Carmen heard Theo ask her what she had to lose, she suddenly felt a sense of excitement, and with her nerves softened by the sangria, she grabbed the sides of her chair and stood.

‘Atta girl!’ Theo grinned. ‘Go for it!’

‘Do I look all right?’ Carmen asked, reaching out to tidy her hair.

‘You look beautiful. Sun-kissed and sexy in your gorgeous outfit.’

‘Okay, here goes.’

Carmen’s heart pounded as she stepped into the open plaza, each footfall heavier than the last. She rubbed her clammy palms against the fabric of her sundress and whispered a prayer that Ruskin wouldn’t turn her away.

Rehearsing her words, she felt a knot of fear in her stomach.

What if he says no and laughs at the suggestion of sharing a drink with me?

But Theo’s encouraging words drummed in her ears and urged her forward.

Carmen was behind Ruskin and close enough to catch the leathery scent of his cologne. Her voice felt trapped, and she forced herself to swallow her fear. But just as Carmen was about to step forward into Ruskin’s vision and ask her question, a woman hurried through the crowd to his table.

‘Darling, darling!’ the woman called out. ‘I’ve missed you so much!’

Carmen froze. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched the woman embrace Ruskin with unguarded joy, her laughter ringing out.

Her sun-kissed hair fell in loose waves, streaked with silver, and she’d tucked a red hibiscus behind one ear.

A flowing off-the-shoulder dress, patterned with embroidery, displayed deeply tanned skin, and huge, heavy amber beads were draped around her neck.

The woman epitomised the island’s soul, and as Carmen stared at the timeless beauty, she suddenly felt frumpy and old.

Carmen quickly looked away. Tears dampened the corner of her eyes as she began the agonising walk back to Theo.

No wonder Ruskin never noticed her furtive glances! Or her quiet attempts to be near him. He had a partner! A bitter inner voice told her that she’d been foolish and suddenly she felt stupid and hurt for letting her heart chase something so clearly out of reach.

As she reached the café, Theo was waiting. ‘Come here, sweetheart,’ he called out.

Theo’s face bore the pain she felt as he stood with his arms outstretched, and as he embraced and stroked her softly, Carmen buried her head into his shoulder and whispered, ‘At least I know now that there’s no hope…’