The Summer Flings Travel Club

by Aimee Duffy

  She jumped off the bed, running to the ensuite to make sure she didn’t look as awful as she felt, but Elle’s defence stopped her half way there.

  ‘I don’t think you realise it’s none of your business. If you hadn’t noticed, we’re fine. We could have gotten a taxi back last night, but since you were stalking Ciara’s every move, I called you because I knew if I didn’t, you’d lose your shit.’

  No, no, no, no, no. That wasn’t how she felt about the conversation. It was her who reached out to Zack first!

  ‘When are you ever going to grow up and act even a little bit responsibly? You could have all been raped!’

  She’d never heard Zack shout before. His anger was just as impressive – and terrifying – as Elle’s. And she couldn’t argue with his logic. They could have been raped.

  ‘Will you two keep it down, Ciara’s trying to sleep!’ Gem butted in, but she sounded nervous and Ciara remembered when she stopped her from getting in the middle of them in LA.

  ‘No point, he’s leaving anyway,’ Elle said. ‘You talk about me being responsible? Why don’t you go back to London and do the right thing. This stalking stuff is getting creepy and pathetic.’

  Bugger how she looked, she wasn’t having Elle make Zack feel bad for their fling, not when she was the one who’d asked for it. She bolted through to the living room, just in time to hear the front door slam shut.

  ‘Elle, why did you say that?’ she asked, horrified that he’d left thinking god knew what.

  Elle’s cheeks were red and she had fire back in her eyes. ‘Because it’s true. He has shit he needs to deal with back home, and you’re better off without him Ciara.’

  ‘Isn’t that for me to decide?’ she asked, her own temper paying a visit. ‘All he’s done is get us out of trouble. He doesn’t deserve to be abused for it.’

  Her friend’s anger seemed to melt and there was no mistaking the pity in her eyes. ‘This has gone past just a fling for you, hasn’t it?’

  Speechless, she looked to Gem for help but there was pity in her expression too. What the hell were they keeping from her? But then, if it wasn’t bad, like really, really bad, they’d have told her. Wouldn’t they?

  Ciara slumped down on one of the sofas, not caring at this second that she might put a dent in the precious looking silk cushions. She was exhausted again, both physically and emotionally.

  ‘I really like him, but I know what it is and so does he.’ It was all she had without worrying them that she was going to hurt him, or vice versa, since they seemed to feel sorry for her, not Zack.

  ‘And what is it?’ Elle asked in a softer voice.

  Feck, she was going to make her spell it out. ‘It’s just a bit of fun with the first man in ages that doesn’t make me feel like a slut for only wanting something short. He understands a lot that most people don’t, like why I have a hard time accepting gifts that cost an arm and a leg. Honestly, Elle. It’s not like I’m going to fall in love. I’d get bored by then, you know that.’

  Elle didn’t look convinced, neither did Gem. ‘And what if he does, Ciara? I might hate him right now, but you don’t. Could you hurt someone you cared about like that?’

  She could, it was in her genes. But she didn’t want to, and Elle knew that too.

  ‘I wouldn’t if I could help it, but if you both thought for one minute that Zack could fall in love with me, you both wouldn’t be looking like I’m the one who’s going to end up heartbroken, would you?’ She stared at them both and each of them lowered their eyes. ‘So if it’s me you’re worried about, don’t be. I’d rather spend time with him while I can and deal with the rest later.’

  ‘I wish you wouldn’t.’

  It was all Elle said and made her think twice about darting into her room and grabbing her phone. Anger and a flat out refusal were what Elle was famous for. This dejection with a request? She wondered again what they were hiding from her, but it was obviously something Zack didn’t want her to know, or he’d have told her already.

  She rubbed her eyes, thinking this was a topic she was never going to win and with Zack’s sudden departure without even seeing if she was okay, she guessed it was her who was into him more.

  ‘I need food, and more coffee,’ she grumbled.

  ‘I know a little café that does the best croissants ever. We can get showered and go there if you like?’ Gem suggested.

  She smiled, thankful for the break in the topic of impending broken hearts. ‘Sounds good to me. Elle?’

  Elle’s smile was genuine and not forced at all. ‘I should have known croissants would cheer you up.’

  But as they all headed to get showered and dressed, Elle stopped her just outside her room. ‘I really don’t want whatever’s happening with Zack and you to drive a wedge between us. I love you Ciara, and don’t want to see you get hurt. Or him, believe it or not.’

  ‘I don’t want that either. The idea of giving him up and never seeing him again is like being told I can never have mint ice cream again.’ Bad example. Her cheeks flushed remembering the way Zack had shown her how it could be enjoyed in Miami.

  Elle sighed. ‘I get that, I really do. And for what it’s worth, I think he feels the same.’

  ‘What are you saying?’ she asked, not daring to hope.

  Her friend’s smile was sad. ‘I’m saying… be careful. And be happy. Both of you.’

  Ciara’s throat got so thick she didn’t have words. Instead she pulled Elle into a massive hug.

  ‘You really need a shower, Ciara,’ she said and laughed.

  Pulling away, she wrinkled her nose. ‘I really do. I’ll see you in a bit.’

  Or a few hours, if they were waiting for Elle to get ready…

  Skipping back into the room, she was about to go for the shower but her phone caught her eye. Changing direction, she went for the bed and picked up the mobile. No missed calls, no texts, and the hurt was instant. But then Elle had called him a stalker and thrown him out saying they didn’t need him.

  As she scrolled to his number, she wondered if she was being selfish, or if whatever they weren’t telling her was a deal breaker to the way she felt for him. Either way, she couldn’t leave things the way they were. She’d dragged him out of his bed twice now to come and help them and, if nothing else, she had to thank him for that and let him know she was sorry.

  Taking a deep breath, she hit call and brought the phone to her ear. It rang and rang and rang until an automated voice asked her to leave a message. After the beep, she did.

  ‘Hi, it’s me. I wanted to thank you for last night. For everything, really. And I’m sorry for coming between you and Elle. I’ll understand if you don’t want anything else to do with me.’ She had to stop and clear her throat since her voice got too thick. ‘I just want you to know that I meant what I said last night. I want to see you again, to extend our fling, but I know I’ve gone and fecked that up.’

  The beep cut her off before she could ramble on. Her mood was as gloomy as it had been when she left Miami. She had a feeling this really was the end. In his shoes, she didn’t think she’d have the patience to put up with all their drama and couldn’t blame him for bailing while he still could.

  But she wasn’t about to ruin the next destination for her friends, since she’d made a right mess of Paris. Nope. She was going to grow lady balls and save the moping for when she got home. After all, this was their last summer together and she was determined to make it their best ever.

  Santorini

  Chapter Eleven

  ‘That had to be the most embarrassing journey ever,’ Elle complained, tugging at the tee-shirt Gem designed.

  Ciara grinned at her friend’s mortified expression. ‘I think they’re cute.’

  ‘See? Someone appreciates my talents,’ Gem said.

  The printed tee-shirts were white, tight fitting, had deep ‘v’ necks with ‘Geeks go Greek’ printed across their busts in a groovy, neon pink font.

  ‘Thank god we’re here. N
ow I can get into my bikini,’ Elle said, pointing along the dirt road they were being driven down by the Muir’s driver.

  After seeing the Land Rover waiting for them at the airport, Ciara had worried that the next of the Muir’s properties was going to be some shack in the middle of nowhere or something, but she hadn’t been prepared for this.

  The house – again, if she could call it that – which Elle pointed to, was massive. It seemed to have six levels, each one backing up on the mountain like a staircase and ending with a huge raised patio over the beach. There was a hot tub, swimming pool and a stone area centred by the biggest dining table she’d ever seen.

  Looked like Santorini was going to be another luxury trip.

  ‘Wow, is that your granddad’s yacht?’ Gem asked as they got closer.

  To the side there was a pier stretching into the clear blue sea, a boat with more multi-levels, a group of jet skis hooked to a buoy further out, and a shed that could fit ten dorm rooms, easily.

  ‘That’s a yacht?’ Ciara asked. It looked more like a ship to her.

  ‘Yes, but don’t get any ideas. I haven’t a clue how to sail it even if I’d go near the sea.’ Elle shuddered. ‘The water’s disgusting.’

  It looked gorgeous to Ciara – all blue, clear and shimmering in the sun. She couldn’t wait to go for a dip.

  ‘Anyway, I have so many treatments and massages booked that we won’t even need to leave the house,’ Elle said.

  The thing was huge, no doubt about it. But, still. Ciara didn’t want to be cooped up in the thing for over a week. ‘Why don’t we hire a car and see more of the island?’

  ‘I’m not doing anything until I get this tee-shirt off and catch some sun,’ Elle protested.

  Gem scowled at her. ‘I’ll come with you, Ciara. Just as soon as I’ve unpacked.’

  The driver pulled into a triple garage where she saw that the Land Rover wasn’t the only thing they had here. Quad bikes and a Porsche filled the other spots and she wondered if they were Zack’s, since the way Elle spoke of her granddad made her think he was a bit old to be zooming about on them. No way were they Elle’s – she wouldn’t want to risk messing up her hair.

  More staff appeared from the house, all speaking Greek with one another and Ciara didn’t even try to guess what they were saying. Unsurprisingly, Elle knew and dished out some orders fluently, then their cases were taken into the house.

  ‘Why don’t we leave exploring until tomorrow?’ Elle asked, instead of demanding like she usually did. She was getting good at the tactful stuff. ‘There’s a restaurant not far from here and they put on really good shows at night.’

  Ciara barely heard. She’d switched her phone on the second they got off the plane and ever since had checked it every two seconds. It had been almost two days since she left Zack the voicemail and she hadn’t heard from him since.

  Still nothing. She tried to tell herself that didn’t matter. She was in a beautiful place with lots of exotic flowers, strong sunlight, a pretty beach and the potential for some serious fun.

  She wasn’t going to let it matter. This was about enjoying time with her friends, not pining over someone who obviously didn’t want her.

  ‘Sounds fun to me. You in, Ciara?’ Gem asked.

  ‘Yes. Fun.’ When they both looked at her funny, she tried to remember what they were asking her. Right, restaurant with a show. ‘Really, it sounds good. I’m starving.’

  They laughed and headed for the house.

  ‘I’ll ask them to make us a light lunch and we can go later. I had massages and pedicures booked for after the flight.’

  By the time she’d unpacked, there was no missed call flashing on her phone and even during lunch when Gem told Elle they were going for a bike ride round the town with their Geeks Gone Greek tee-shirts and there had been loud refusals, there was still no missed calls or messages on her phone.

  She’d tried to be discreet, but during a languorous foot and temple massage with them, Elle caught Ciara’s mobile screen lighting up and sighed.

  Elle said, ‘He’s not going to come, not after what I said to him in Paris. Believe it or not, he’s even more stubborn than me.’

  Ciara nodded, trying to keep her expression blank and obviously failing because Elle took her hand and squeezed.

  ‘You’re miserable, aren’t you?’ Elle asked.

  ‘Don’t be daft,’ she protested but it sounded weak.

  Gem peeled the cucumber slices from her eyes and pinned her with a ‘mmhmm’ look.

  ‘Really,’ Ciara said, glaring at them both. She handed Elle her phone. ‘You keep hold of that and I’ll stop obsessing. Promise.’

  Elle gaped at her like she’d just handed her a kidney. ‘You’re giving me your phone?’

  ‘If my da calls I’ll speak to him but no one else ever does and it will stop me checking it every two seconds.’

  Thankfully, she’d been wise enough to delete the sexting. And sensible enough to delete Zack’s number, just in case.

  Gem frowned. ‘Ciara, it’s your phone.’

  She rolled her eyes. ‘Exactly. It’s not my arm or my leg, just a piece of plastic that wasn’t affordable till I was sixteen. People did used to live without them, you know.’

  ‘Cavemen,’ Elle grumbled. ‘Jesus maybe. But this is the 21st century!’

  For all their smarts, when it came to history they were clueless. ‘Believe it or not, even last century people got by without mobiles. And TV.’

  Her friends shuddered. Drama queens.

  Elle shook off the horror first then dived straight into Ciara’s phone, nosing like a pro.

  ‘There’s nothing incriminating there, you know,’ Ciara said.

  ‘Good, I don’t want to have to bleach my eyes before dinner. God your 4G is slow.’ Elle had zero patience with technology and soon switched it to standby.

  Ciara didn’t want the gaping horror back on their faces, so didn’t mention her phone barely had 3G. Instead she lay back and enjoyed the temple massage. The women Elle hired to give them the works over the next ten days definitely knew what they were doing. But she’d get bored of this soon. Lying around and being pampered was nice, just not for her.

  And the down side of all this relaxing was she had too much time to think about things she shouldn’t. Zack, the fact there was nothing waiting for her back home work wise – unlike her friends she lacked ambition and had spent her summers in England instead of hunting for internships, and on top of all that, she’d put on so much weight munching down on croissants in Paris that most of her trousers were tighter than her skin.

  She groaned, but it had nothing to do with the fingers at her temples moving in relaxing circles – she wasn’t relaxed at all.

  ‘Enough with the sex noises, Ciara. It’s disturbing,’ Elle said and Gem laughed.

  ‘Ha. Ha. Actually, I was thinking about how fat my arse has gotten since Paris.’ At least in LA and Miami she’d had Zack to help her work out.

  ‘You can always order a salad you know,’ Gem said.

  ‘And miss the chance to try proper Greek food? I don’t think so.’ Ciara sighed. ‘But maybe I should do a few laps in the pool before we go.’

  She sat up and thanked the masseuse, determined to go for a swim. After all, her friends still had pedicures to go and if she knew Elle, manicures too.

  ‘You’re insane. I’d rather starve than work myself into a sweat,’ Elle griped, then reset the cucumber back over her eyes.

  ‘To each her own,’ Ciara said, then got off the massage table. Elle really hadn’t been kidding when she said Greece would be about pampering and relaxation before they hit the next crazy stop on their destination.

  ***

  The bedroom door swung open just as Ciara was wriggling into her favourite pair of white linen trousers.

  Elle barged in, looking more like a glamour puss than she ever could. ‘You’re never allowed to moan about the length of time I take to get ready again.’

 
‘I’m having a wardrobe disaster,’ Ciara said, then had an idea. She lay on the bed, sucked in her stomach and gave her trousers a heave. Finally, they buttoned.

  Elle bit her lip. ‘Um, Ciara. I don’t think you’ll want to wear those.’

  She sat up, feeling the squeeze around her hips and bum, and had to agree. But she loved these trousers and hadn’t had a chance to wear them yet. She saw this as motivation, if nothing else.

  ‘It’s too late for that now, we have reservations. My top hides how much they choke me anyway.’ She pulled on a loose fitting flowery smock that came down to her hips, grabbed her bag and slipped on her gold flip flops.

  Elle pressed her lips together and her eyes watered like she was trying to stop herself from laughing.

  Ciara gritted her teeth. ‘Don’t you dare, Elle. I mean it. I feel crap enough as it is!’

  Having gorgeous, skinny friends was a curse. She stormed past Elle, through the massive corridor and down two flights of stairs until they were at the ‘ground’ level. Or at least the level with the cars.

  ‘Just don’t reach up and you’ll be fine,’ Elle said from behind her.

  ‘What took you so long?’ Gem asked. She was tapping her pink flip flops against the gravel. ‘It’s usually Elle we have to drag out kicking and screaming.’

  ‘My trousers shrunk and my arse got bigger. Can we go now?’ Her cheeks flared with irritation and a lot of mortification. So much for all the exercise she’d done.

  ‘I really think you should get changed,’ Elle said, tugging on her arm. ‘You have dresses—’

  ‘No way,’ Gem butted in, grabbing her other arm. ‘I’m starving. We’re leaving now.’

  Elle might be bossy but Gem was fierce when she wanted to be. Winning the tug of war, her friend probably gave her a bangle of bruises round her wrists but she didn’t argue much. She was starved too.

  On the way, Elle kept looking at her stomach and irritation flared again. ‘Stop looking at me like an alien is going to burst out of there. It’s fat, nothing else.’

  ‘It’s not that I’m looking at. Your trousers. There… Um… very tight.’ Elle’s cheeks scored pink and she was back to pressing her lips together.