by Suzy K Quinn
‘Can’t they all? Were you okay? You weren’t sitting here worrying?’
I redden at the thought of what Marc and I were doing. ‘Oh … no. I hardly worried at all, actually. I was too busy … uh, sleeping.’
‘Where’s Marc?’ Tanya asks.
‘Actually, I’m not sure,’ I admit. ‘I fell asleep and … I don’t see him in the suite.’
‘He’s probably out buying you diamonds or something. But listen – if you’re missing male company, I have good news. A very fine man is on his way down here as we speak. A man I think you might be pleased to see.’
‘Who?’ I ask.
Tanya is grinning from ear-to-ear now. ‘Don’t you want to have a few guesses?’
‘What man will I be pleased to see?’ I say, still confused.
There’s a jaunty knock at the door.
‘Here he is,’ says Tanya, still grinning.
A voice calls through the wood: ‘Morning campers!’
Laughing, I pull the door open. ‘Tom!’
‘Ahoy there, shipmates!’ Tom wheels into the suite, wearing a shirt with puffy sleeves, a leather waistcoat and a pirate hat. Three takeaway coffees sit on his lap, held firm in a cardboard holder.
It’s so good to see my old friend from Ivy College – and also good to know he and Tanya are still going strong. Even after months together, Tom obviously cares enough to give her a personal send off.
‘Good lord!’ Tom looks around the suite in wonder. ‘Panoramic sea view. Sundeck with pool. Bathroom bigger than my bedroom back at Ivy College. Yes, this is Mr Blackwell’s room, all right. Sophia, I hope you and Marc are making good use of the space.’
Tom wiggles his eyebrows at me.
‘Tom!’ Tanya shouts. ‘Think of the little one. You can’t be talking like that in front of Ivy.’
‘Oh, she’s too young to understand what I’m saying,’ says Tom, waving a dismissive hand. ‘And it would be a crying shame not to have any hanky-panky in such a beautiful room. Right Sophia?’
‘It’s good to see you Tom.’ I lean down to kiss his cheek.
Ivy’s head drops as I lean forward, and Tom reaches up for her. ‘Let’s have a cuddle with this little one. She’s growing so fast. I swear, she changes every time I see her.’
Tom cradles Ivy in his arms, and she looks up at him, her eyes calm and happy.
I guess she knows when someone loves her.
‘There, there little one.’ Tom turns her to the panoramic window. ‘I think you’re going to enjoy your time at sea.’
The ship horn sounds and engines begin to churn.
‘Tom,’ I say, my voice urgent. ‘The engines are starting.’
‘I hear them too, my love.’ Tom gazes down at Ivy. ‘My legs may be crap, but I’m not deaf.’
‘Shouldn’t you be heading for dry land?’ I say.
Tom snorts. ‘Certainly not! Hasn’t Tanya told you?’
‘Told me what?’ I ask.
‘I am staying onboard with you fine ladies,’ Tom announces in his booming voice. ‘Yes – that’s right. I will be joining you both on the seven seas.’
‘You’re coming with us?’ I squeak.
‘Indeed.’ Tom smiles. ‘I’ve been a little bit cunning. You see, I have a part in the movie.’
33
‘Well there’s no need to stare at me like that,’ says Tom. ‘I’m not that bad an actor.’
‘I’m sorry.’ I snap my mouth closed. ‘It’s just …’ I shake my head. ‘This is a bit of a shock. I mean, you don’t even know Nadia. And—’
‘Ah ha!’ Tom kisses Ivy’s head. ‘But I know Marc. And when I found out my beloved was setting sail for months on end, I had a little word in his ear. He got me an audition. Just a small role, you understand. And lo and behold, I got the part. I’m tickled pink about it. Best of all, I get to travel with this beautiful lady.’
He gives Tanya a soppy smile, which she returns – before she remembers herself and looks serious.
‘You don’t mind, do you Soph?’ Tanya asks, with a nervous twiddle of her fingers.
‘Mind?’ I laugh. ‘I think it’s fantastic. And Tom – you’re not a bad actor at all. You’re a great actor, in fact.’
‘Nadia offered Tanya a part too,’ says Tom. ‘But the silly thing turned it down.’
‘You did?’ I ask Tanya. ‘They offered you a role in the movie?’
‘I wasn’t interested,’ she replies. ‘Not while I have little Ivy to look after. She’ll keep me busy. Anyway, I’m not movie ready. Tom’s been on stage since nursery school. But me – I have a lot more to learn.’
I think of Marc’s words. A lot to learn …
‘Darling, you’re a fabulous actress,’ Tom insists. ‘You have to dive in at some point. It’s always going to be frightening.’
‘One day,’ says Tanya. ‘But not yet. I just know I’m not ready. Anyway. They only offered me the part because Marc Blackwell put me forward. It hardly seems fair.’
Tom bounces Ivy on his knee. ‘Life is all about who you know. Especially in the movies.’
‘Parts should be won on merit,’ says Tanya.
‘And you do have merit, my love,’ Tom replies. ‘But so do thousands of other actresses. And if there are thousands who can play a part equally well, how does one decide? Surely doing a friend a favour is no terrible thing.’
‘I don’t agree with it,’ says Tanya, pushing her black-rimmed glasses up her nose. ‘I’m here to look after Ivy. And I’d need a heck of a lot more training before I star in a movie. Slow and steady, that’s my motto.’
We’re so deep in conversation that I don’t notice Marc in the doorway. But suddenly his voice booms, ‘I only wish Sophia shared that sentiment.’
Marc leans against the doorframe, looking perfect as usual. Black suit, white shirt, dark hair – and blue eyes that are beautiful, dangerous and edgy all at once.
‘Good to see you both. Tom. Tanya.’ Marc stalks into the suite.
‘Good to see you too, sir,’ says Tom.
‘Hello Mr Blackwell,’ Tanya mumbles, pushing hair behind her ears.
‘I see Ivy is still fond of you Tom,’ says Marc, taking Ivy from his lap. ‘Let’s hope she hasn’t forgotten who her father is.’
Ivy blinks up at Marc, then closes her eyes as he holds her against his chest.
‘We should be going,’ says Tanya, throwing warning glances at Tom. ‘Unpack and all of that.’
‘But we were just catching up,’ Tom protests. ‘And I had a beautiful baby to cuddle.’
‘Come on Tom. Let’s get going.’ Tanya grabs his wheelchair and pushes him towards the door.
‘This is quite unbelievable,’ says Tom. ‘Not even married yet, and you are literally pushing me around. There are breaks on this thing, you know Tanya. And I’m not afraid to use them.’
Tanya laughs, waving as she wheels Tom out the door. ‘See you later.’
‘Marc?’ I ask. ‘Where did you go?’
‘I took a walk around the ship,’ he replies. ‘Checked the safety procedures. Security. That sort of thing.’
‘Oh.’
But Marc looks distracted.
‘Did you bump into anyone interesting?’ I ask.
He doesn’t answer my question. Instead he says, ‘The staff inform me we’ll be having lunch shortly. On the grand dining deck. A chance to meet the UK cast.’
‘Shame Nadia’s not onboard yet,’ I say.
‘Yes,’ says Marc, holding Ivy tight to his chest. ‘A great pity. Especially since there are those onboard I’d rather not see.’
‘Please tell me you’re not talking about Benjamin Van Rosen.’
‘No.’ Marc sways Ivy back and forth. ‘He’ll board with Nadia.’
‘We’ll all be working together soon, Marc. You should give him a chance.’
‘I’ve already given him a chance.’ Marc strokes Ivy’s little fingers.
‘So who is onboard you’d rather not see?’
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nbsp; 34
‘I think Ivy would like to see the water,’ Marc announces, sliding the panoramic glass apart.
He strolls onto the large sun deck, holding Ivy so she can see waves bouncing against the ship.
I follow him, feeling bright spring sunshine on my face.
‘Well?’ I ask Marc. ‘Aren’t you going to answer me?’
‘Not right now.’
‘This is ridiculous,’ I insist. ‘Whoever you’re talking about … well I’m going to work it out soon, aren’t I? When we all have lunch together.’
‘Not necessarily,’ says Marc.
‘Why not?’
‘He shouldn’t be … Christ.’ Marc checks his watch. ‘I’m taking another walk before lunch.’
‘Another one?’ I ask.
‘Another one.’
‘How about we come with you?’ I offer. ‘Ivy can sleep in her stroller.’
‘Best not.’ Marc kisses Ivy on the head, then me on the cheek. ‘I’ll meet you at lunch.’
Bewildered and more than a little bit stung, I clutch Ivy to my chest.
‘What’s wrong with Daddy?’ I whisper. ‘Shall we find out? What do you think?’
Marc obviously wants to be alone. But we’re supposed to be a family. A team. Whatever is bothering him, he should talk to me about it.
‘Come on Ivy,’ I decide. ‘Let’s go after him.’
I head outside, pushing Ivy’s stroller over thick carpet.
We travel down cream-coloured corridors with bright art on the walls, and then out onto the main deck. Actually, I should say one of the main decks, because there are eight more of them below.
This ship is amazing. Dozens of restaurants, swimming pools, coffee stands and champagne bars. Real palm trees sway in pots as the ship pulls out to sea.
I don’t find Marc on deck.
But I find someone else.
35
Jen is leaning over a railing, her face pale.
‘Hey Jen!’ I wave to her.
A dull-eyed Jen turns around. ‘Soph. Hey.’
She wears a white trouser suit, nautically-striped t-shirt and headscarf-bandana with anchors all over it. The look would be amazing, if Jen didn’t look so ill.
‘Are you okay?’ I ask.
‘Sea sick.’ Jen turns back to the rail. ‘It’s better if I watch the water.’
‘When did you board?’ I ask.
‘Just as the engines started up.’ Jen stares glassy-eyed at the water. ‘We nearly missed the boat. Bloody Leo. And then, if making us late wasn’t enough, Leo took off his shoes in the cabin and the smell and the motion together made me throw up.’
‘Is your cabin nice?’ I ask.
‘It was beautiful. Before Leo arrived. Now it looks like a teenager’s bedroom.’
‘Have you seen Marc?’ I look along the enormous deck.
‘No. Why?’ Jen asks.
‘Just … I’m looking for him.’ I push the stroller back and forth over the bumpy, wood floor.
‘What happened?’ Jen asks. ‘You two are usually inseparable.’
‘Something’s up. But he’s not talking to me about it.’
‘Count your blessings.’ Jen looks out to sea. ‘Leo talks way too much. Speak of the devil …’
The tall, muscular bulk of Leo Falkirk swaggers towards us, dirty blond hair tucked behind his ears.
He’s tanned as usual, with twinkling eyes and white teeth, and wears a loose surfer vest and baggy flowery shorts.
‘Well look who we have here!’ Leo bellows. ‘Sophia Blackwell.’ He throws an arm around my shoulder. ‘All okay in married land?’
‘Oh, you know.’ I try for a smile. ‘Up and down.’
Leo throws an arm around Jen’s shoulder too. ‘I know all about that. We’re up and down, up and down every damn day. Aren’t we sweetheart?’
‘Leo.’ Jen puts a hand to her mouth. ‘You’re arm is too warm. It’s making me feel sick.’
Leo shrugs and drops his hand. ‘Can’t do anything right.’ He turns to me. ‘Hey – where’s Prince Charming?’
‘I don’t know,’ I reply.
‘You don’t know? How about that. I’ll bet Marc knows where you are, though. He keeps you on a pretty short leash.’
‘If you have something to say to me, Falkirk,’ says Marc, appearing behind us, arms crossed, ‘say it to my face.’
‘Where did you spring from?’ Leo looks around. ‘Oh I get it. Vampires can turn invisible. Right?’
‘Leo.’ Jen’s voice is full of warning.
‘Take your arm off my wife,’ Marc growls.
Leo lifts his arm from my shoulder. ‘Jeez. I’m marrying her best friend. Relax already. Hey – is it lunchtime yet? I’m starved.’
‘God Leo, show some respect,’ Jen hisses, steering Leo away. ‘We’ll see you down there, Soph. You two have a nice talk, okay? Byeee!’
I wait until Jen and Leo are below deck, then turn to Marc. ‘You have a lot of explaining to do,’ I tell him.
‘He had his arm around you,’ Marc growls. ‘It wasn’t appropriate.’
‘What is up with you?’ I snap.
‘You know what’s up with me, where Leo is concerned.’
‘Oh, come on.’ I shake my head. ‘There’s more to this.’
‘Now isn’t the time.’
‘Fine. If that’s how you want to be, we’ll see you later.’ I push the stroller along the deck.
‘Sophia—’
I turn back. ‘I mean it Marc. Come find us when you’re in a better mood.’
36
Furious, I push Ivy back to our suite and dress for lunch, choosing a loose, v-necked silk dress, brown belt and gladiator sandals.
Ivy lays on the bed, pulling soft duvet into her mouth and watching me.
As I’m tying my hair with a navy ribbon, I hear soft knocking at the door.
‘Soph?’ Tanya calls out. ‘Are you decent? Can I come in?’
‘Of course,’ I shout back.
Tanya pushes open the door and lets out a low wolf whistle. ‘Wowzers. You’re looking pretty hot for a new mother.’
‘Thanks.’ I smooth the dress. ‘I’m more comfortable in jeans. But … I thought I should dress up.’
‘Where’s Ivy?’ Tanya asks.
‘On the bed.’ I point.
‘How about I look after her while you go to lunch?’ Tanya offers.
‘What about your lunch?’ I say.
‘Already had it. Well. A late breakfast really. Brunch, to use Tom’s word. Posh git. I don’t want to eat with all those famous people anyway.’
‘Tanya—’
‘It’s fine. Really. Ivy should be asleep by now anyway. Let me look after her. It’s what I’m here for. You’re supposed to be working. Right? So go meet the cast and let me take care of the baby.’
I manage a smile, but it’s a weary one. ‘Fine. Okay. As long as you’re happy.’
‘I’m more than happy,’ Tanya insists. ‘Off you go, Soph. Knock ’em dead.’
The dining hall is on the very top deck, and takes up the front of the ship. There are glass windbreaks and a canvas canopy for bad weather, but the tables are essentially in the warm open air.
Jen and Leo have a table already, near the cocktail bar. Leo is knocking back a beer, while Jen sips from a champagne glass.
Where’s Marc? Why isn’t he here already?
A suited waiter appears, a bright-white napkin folded over his arm. ‘Ms Sophia Blackwell?’
‘Yes?’ I say, a little taken aback that he knows my name.
‘Allow me to show you to your table, madam. Your husband is waiting.’
‘Oh. Okay.’
So Marc is here already. Where?
The waiter leads me around glass windbreaks, to a dark-haired man with his back to me.
‘Um …’ I blink in surprise.
I’m about to tell the waiter there’s been a mistake. That this isn’t my husband. Marc would never wear a pink shirt. But then t
he dark-haired man turns, and I clamp my mouth shut.
‘Everything okay Miss?’ the waiter asks.
Oh god.
‘Yes … thanks.’ I take a chair opposite the man, feeling a little dazed.
‘Would you care for a drink, Mrs Blackwell?’ the waiter asks, tapping a pen on his pad. ‘A cocktail? Your husband is enjoying a Virgin Sea Breeze. Perhaps you’d like to join him?’
I want to laugh at the word, husband.
‘Yes, sure,’ I say, barely aware of my words.
‘Very good madam.’
As the waiter strides away, I lean forward and hiss at the man across the table, ‘Is this some kind of joke? What are you doing here?’
37
Michael sits across from me, grinning as he butters a bread roll.
Marc’s brother.
He wears a dark blue suit and pink shirt, his brown hair loose and windswept.
‘Is that any way to greet your brother-in-law?’
Michael looks so like Marc that I’m not surprised he had the waiter fooled. But I would know Marc anywhere.
It all makes sense now. Marc’s dark mood, and his strange comments earlier.
‘I thought Ivy would be with you.’ Michael looks disappointed. ‘What – is she sleeping or something?’
‘Never mind that,’ I snap. ‘Does Marc know you’ve taken his place at lunch?’
‘Not yet.’ Michaels takes a mouthful of buttered roll. ‘God, he nearly killed me when he found out I was onboard.’
‘What are you doing here? You shouldn’t even be on this ship.’
‘I know! Funny, isn’t it?’ He chews his bread.
‘It’s not funny at all,’ I say. ‘What happens when Marc turns up?’
‘He won’t.’ Michael pops the last of the roll into his mouth. ‘Not for a while. I sent him to the other side of the boat. He’s waiting for you there. By the time he works it out, I’ll be long gone.’
‘Michael!’ I pull my chair closer to the table.
‘Look, he’s furious with me anyway, so why not have some fun? What are little brothers for? Bread?’ He grabs the last bread roll from the basket and drops it on my side plate.
‘He really is going to kill you—’ I snap my mouth closed as the waiter appears and places a bright-blue cocktail on my glass coaster.
