by M J Hardy
He looks at me sharply. “Why don’t you settle in and change into something more suitable. I’ll grab us a couple of drinks and we can sit out here for a bit. I’m expecting a call from Paris that I need to take and then it will be time for your massage.”
I nod and turn to leave and he says quickly, “Happy, darling?”
Sighing inside, I turn and smile weakly. “Of course, darling, thank you.”
He nods and lifts his phone and as I walk away, I wonder how much longer I can do this.
Chapter 5
Emma
This place is amazing. I actually can’t believe I’m here at all and all because I commented on a Facebook ad.
I’m the last to check in and the receptionist smiles her welcome. “Miss Stone, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Call me Emma.” I smile warmly.
“This is absolutely gorgeous; I can’t believe I’m here.”
The woman nods. “It certainly is, I’m privileged to be part of the launch.”
She consults her screen and as she taps away, I look around me in awe. Things like this don’t happen to me. Emma Stone, the girl who never seems to catch a break. When I left school, I had zero qualifications because my parents dragged me halfway across the world just before my exams. My father got a job in Nigeria and it was decided that we would all go and enjoy the experience that living in another country brings. By the time we returned home, I had to enrol in college just to take my exams, which didn’t go well. Subsequently, I left with no qualifications and resorted to working in a factory until I made the break and set up my own baking business.
Emma’s cakes was born out of my rented kitchen and now I supply several farm shops and cater for corporate functions. Things could be better and money is tight, so I was ecstatic when I won this. Finally, I can relax for a week and recharge my exhausted batteries.
“Here you are, the president's suite. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
She hands me the keys that hang from a white fluffy keyring and my business brain looks with disapproval at an item that will need replacing by the end of the week. Whoever thought white would be a good idea needs their head examining because after the sun cream, sticky fingers and general day-to-day dirt, this will soon look way past its best?
However, as my fingers curl around the soft fabric, I sigh with contentment. Perfect.
Thanking the receptionist, I head to the elevator after being assured my suitcase is in my room already and I feel an inner glow settling around me. This is relaxation at its finest and if only I could enjoy holidays like this always.
The fact I’m on my own is no hardship. I have my kindle and that’s all I need, really. Maybe the odd conversation would be nice and Evelyn looks the sort who would appreciate that. I’m not sure why, but there’s something sad about her. She disguises it well under a blank icy gaze, but I see it in her eyes. I’m not sure what she has to be sad about because her husband looks like a movie star and couldn’t be more attentive if he tried. If only I met a man like that, I would be rich in so many ways.
I locate my room and as I step inside, I gasp with delight. President’s suite is right because this room could house a small family. A huge four poster bed stands to one side in a room that is larger than my apartment at home. The view from the bifold doors takes my breath away and as I step out onto a large balcony, I could be in heaven. The view is outstanding and I spy the comfortable sun lounger with glee. Wow, this is paradise at its finest and I can’t wait to explore.
Inside the room, sitting on a silver tray, is a frosted glass holding a brightly coloured cocktail with a small envelope nestling beside it. Intrigued, I lift it and tear it open, revealing a hand written card.
Welcome to Lotus Lake Resort and Spa.
We hope you enjoy your all-inclusive complimentary stay with us.
Call 505 for anything you need, night or day, and make sure you take advantage of all our facilities to make your stay memorable.
Well, that’s one five-star review guaranteed already. I couldn’t fault a thing if I tried.
Squealing with pleasure, I jump onto the bed and wave my legs and arms in the air in delight, as I sink into a glorious mattress that moulds around my body like a lover’s embrace. I could get used to this and I’m already dreading going home - but I’m here now.
After a while, I quickly jump up and claim the record for changing into a bikini. I don’t even unpack, I haven’t time for that and grabbing my sarong and sunscreen, I head down to find the pool. I absolutely cannot waste a minute of this break and have to pinch myself that this is real at all.
As I walk through the hotel, I look in admiration and delight at the majestic interior. Amazing art lines my route, and the cool marble makes everything serene and calm. I could almost be alone because there is no one else around and once again I congratulate myself on being chosen at all.
By the time I discover the huge natural swimming pool, I am in love with this place. The pool itself looks to be carved from rock, and I adore the waterfall that spills into it from the side. It’s designed to resemble a blue lagoon, and as the water sparkles, it beckons me inside like the call of the sirens.
Dropping my sarong and bag onto a luxurious white day bed, I dive straight into the crystal waters. If perfection exists, it’s this place because as I leisurely swim around the lagoon, I have never been so happy. The sun shines overhead and the silence is highlighted by the fact I can hear my own breathing. There is no annoying piped music, no screaming children, no irritating people shouting and disturbing the peace, just me and every dream I ever had.
By the time I drag myself over to my day bed and lie on the soft white cushion that welcomes me to paradise, I can’t keep the huge smile from my face.
After applying sunscreen, I lie back and close my eyes to sleep off the journey and just let the gentle breeze caress my body as I drift in and out of consciousness.
I suppose I must have been asleep because when I open my eyes and sit up, I’m no longer alone.
I see a couple sitting on the opposite side of the pool and look at them with interest. The woman looks to be in her late thirties and the man a little older. They are laughing with a waiter who carries a huge silver tray, loaded with more brightly coloured cocktails, and I watch them help themselves and settle back with contentment.
The waiter heads my way and smiles.
“Good afternoon, can I tempt you with a Lotus cocktail?”
“You certainly can, what’s in it?” I almost can’t wait to sample one and he says pleasantly, “Fresh raspberries mixed with honey, apple cider vinegar, dressed with mint leaves and topped up with cool sparkling water and crushed ice.”
“That sounds amazing, thank you.”
He hands me the cocktail and I say with interest. “Do you know how many people are booked in; it seems deserted?”
“After this week we are full madam. This week only invited guests are allowed, just a small group to test out the facilities.”
“Lucky me.”
I smile and he laughs. “Yes, lucky you.”
He heads off and I sip my drink and love the sweet taste of summer. This certainly beats the rain-soaked pavements of home and I feel a little smug as I picture my friends and family back home battling with the February weather.
Sighing with contentment, I reach for my kindle and start as I mean to go on. A drink in one hand, a slushy romance in the other and the sun kissing my skin, bringing with it a healthy glow. Yes, how lucky am I?
Chapter 6
Chloe
John is already snoring beside me, and I laugh to myself. He must be exhausted. I’m tempted to give into the exhaustion myself that travelling long haul brings, but I don’t want to miss a second of this.
Aside from an attractive woman lounging on the other side of the pool, we have this heavenly place to ourselves and just thinking of the week ahead makes me giddy with excitement. When the message came through that I had won this trip, I
was ecstatic. Finally, some good luck for a change and I’m hoping the romantic setting and never-ending drinks will make John do something I’ve been waiting on for the past ten years - propose.
I steal a look at my boyfriend and hate the fact he’s not my husband. When you’re in your thirties and still have a boyfriend, it’s a little embarrassing. The fact we have two children and a mortgage disagrees, but it’s not official. It was just never the right time to splash out on the expense of a wedding and maybe this will light the romantic flame and put a rocket beneath my partner.
As I cover my body in sunscreen, I make a vow to drop enough hints, and by the time we return to the rainy streets of home, we will have set the date.
My phone rings and when I see the screen, my heart sinks. Already; surely they should be in bed by now. Taking a deep breath, I answer it and expect the worst.
“Hey, darling, can’t you sleep?”
“Mummy, why did you go? I hate gran, she made me wash up after tea, why couldn’t we come too?”
Measuring my response, I say calmly, “Because the trip was only for two, you know that, we discussed it.”
Ava, my daughter, is fourteen and at a very challenging point in her life. Nothing I say is right, and John can’t even breathe near her without fear of an argument.
“What about Sasha, is she ok?”
“Who cares, she’s probably sexting her boyfriend.”
“Ava, don’t talk like that!”
I’m shocked because even the thought of my eldest daughter having a boyfriend has seriously messed with my mind. Sasha is sixteen and at the age where she thinks she’s on the shelf if she doesn’t have a boyfriend. She looks more like twenty and I’m seriously worried about her because all she does is watch influencers and strive to be just like them. I’d hate to know what she does with her time and just turn a blind eye in the hope that ignorance is bliss. Usually, Ava tells me anyway as she tells tales on her sister because they don’t get along. They never have.
“When are you coming home?”
Ava whines into the phone and I say slightly irritably, “Seven days, you know that. Anyway, you should be in bed right now, not phoning me after just a few hours.”
“It’s not my fault you’ve abandoned us. You should be here, not half way across the world. Gran just doesn’t understand me like you do and she’s already annoying me.”
“Is she there, can I have a word?”
“No, she went to sleep hours ago, in front of the television. Then she woke up and made us go to bed, and all I can hear is her snoring from your bedroom. Honestly, mum, I’m in hell here.”
Biting back a sigh, I say calmly, “It won’t be long. Why don’t you call Gabby and ask her to come and meet up tomorrow, maybe go and watch a film or something?”
“Maybe.”
There’s an awkward silence and I lower my voice. “Listen, darling, I know it’s difficult for you, but a week is no time at all. Just try to cope as best you can and enjoy spending time with gran. It’s not as if you see her a lot these days and she loves you so much she has probably been marking the days off her calendar.”
“I suppose.”
“Well, get some sleep and I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.”
“Bye.”
She cuts the call and John says sharply, “It’s started then.”
“So it would appear.” Sighing, I place my phone in my bag and turn to face him. “I thought she’d at least wait until tomorrow.”
“Put it on silent, she only winds you up because you let her. If she can’t get through, she’ll soon stop trying.”
“I can’t ignore her calls.” I stare at him with a hint of disapproval. “She’s at an impressionable age, she needs me.”
“Just stop, Chloe.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop pandering to her. Just cut the apron strings and let her figure it out, you’re not doing her any favours.”
His criticism stings, and I turn away. Despite what he says, I only do what I think is in my daughter’s best interests and his constant bitching about them only makes me dislike him, and not for the first time, I feel a bitter taste in my mouth towards him. John is a good man, strong, capable and loyal. Perhaps a little too safe, but after what happened to me, it’s what I need the most.
Before I met him, I had a very traumatic experience, and it’s taken me a long time to get over it - if I ever have. I suppose that’s why I try so hard with my own daughters, and him if I’m honest because even though he doesn’t light the flame to my soul, he’s everything to me and I will die trying to make this work.
Settling back, I pull on my shades and steal little glances at the lady opposite. She’s an attractive woman, maybe a few years younger than us, early thirties perhaps; I’m not so sure these days. People have a habit of looking younger than they are, and part of me is jealous that she’s apparently on her own. Solitary bliss, how lovely that would be. A week of alone time and sunbathing, with good looking waiters to bring me cocktails. Now that truly is paradise.
The sun beats down and heats my pale skin, and I seriously hope this sunscreen is up to the job. I can’t remember the last time we had a break just the two of us and part of me was hoping we would be enjoying the moment in our hotel room like I’m guessing the frisky couple who fell out of the elevator are probably doing right now.
They had obviously been kissing in the lift because the woman’s hair was messed up and she blushed when she saw us. I didn’t miss that she adjusted her dress and the handsome man beside her smirked as we allowed them to pass.
As soon as the door closed, we heard laughter and John rolled his eyes and shook his head but I was so jealous of that woman. The man with her may have been cocky, probably due to the fact he was so handsome, and he certainly knew it. I’m lucky if we are intimate once a week these days, and I miss that first flush of love that makes everything exciting. I wonder if they’re married, or on an illicit getaway.
John sits up and groans. “I’m sweating buckets here; I’m going for a dip. You coming?”
“Ok, lovely.”
We head towards the pool and without waiting, John dives in and starts swimming to the other side and I sigh. Typical.
I just dip my body in and lean back, allowing the cool calm water to cleanse the heat from my body and my attention is drawn to a man on his own who has settled down on a lounger a short distance away. He looks to be in his late sixties, maybe even older, and as he looks around, he catches my eye and gives me a light smile before looking away.
The woman opposite is engrossed in her kindle and as John swims up to me, a little water splashes in my eye. “Do you know when we eat? I’m starving and just need food and my bed.”
I can tell he’s tired which is not surprising after the long day we’ve had and I shrug, “I’m not sure, I think around 7, we still have a couple of hours though, maybe you should order a snack here.”
“Yeah, maybe I will and then skip the main meal.” He runs his fingers through his wet hair and sighs. “You know, I think I’ll do that, you don’t mind, do you? I’m not sure I can wait until then, I’m dead on my feet here.”
“No, it’s fine, I think I’ll stay up for dinner though, if you don’t mind.”
“Suit yourself.” He heaves himself out of the pool and plods back to the sun lounger and rings the little bell on the side that every guest has.
Once again, I look at the man opposite and feel a shiver pass through me. There’s something really odd about him and I can’t put my finger on what it is.
Chapter 7
Kim
Jack grabs his key card and smiles as I lie in bed, reeling from the last hour. “Just off to the gym, darling.”
“I don’t know how you have the energy.”
He winks. “I told you, holidays make me horny and now I’m keen to check out the gym.”
He drops a light kiss on my cheek and whispers, “I’ve got a good feeling about this week.”
/> “Me too.” I stare at him with adoration and I know he loves every minute of it as he grins cockily and heads off. Feeling ungrateful, I sigh to myself. Why can’t I have it all? I have most things I want, except for one thing - a family.
Seeing the family at the airport reinforced the fact I want my own so hard it hurts. If only we could have our own family, my life would be complete. Maybe this week will the best time to broach the subject. Catch him when he’s relaxed and more agreeable; this could be the perfect time.
Deciding to take a cleansing shower, I allow the hot, steamy water to soothe my worries away. I could get used to this life. Thinking about the rich couple from the plane, I’m guessing this is their life 24/7 and I wonder what that feels like. To have everything and not worry about money with a husband that dotes on you and makes sure that everything is ok in your world.
Her husband was everything I want Jack to be and more. It strikes me that they don’t appear to have any children. Then again, maybe they do and they were left behind, with a nanny. Mind you, that woman’s figure doesn’t look as if she even has food inside her, let alone a baby. No, I’m guessing she’s childless, so at least we have that in common.
I wrap myself in a soft white robe and drift over to the balcony. As I lean on the edge, I gaze out at an image that I normally see on my computer screen. White sandy beach, turquoise waves, and a bright blue sky. The sun beats down on me and without thinking, I shift the robe from my shoulders, loving the way the gentle breeze caresses my heated skin.
Feeling decidedly wicked, I shrug off the robe and stretch out on the sun lounger, hoping this is as private as I think it is. It’s as if I’m on the edge of paradise and I close my eyes, immersing myself in relaxation.
A gentle knock on the door makes me sit up and reach for my robe. I know Jack took the key so it can’t be him, surely.
