by S J Crabb
I nod in agreement. “Have you noticed there are lots of women? They’re not stupid, are they? I mean, adrift on the ocean waves with a ship full of hot guys. It may be worth putting up with the cramped conditions if it means getting up close and cramped with some of these.”
We start to giggle like schoolgirls and Luke rolls his eyes.
“Come on, we’ll head back and you can grab some food and drinks.”
By the time we re-join the party I almost feel as if I could go on Mastermind with my newfound knowledge. One thing I have learned is that it’s most definitely not a sailor’s life for me.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 24
It’s such a relief to get outside in the fresh air. We stand huddled together and look around with interest. Luke takes my hand and smiles. “So, what do you think?”
I look at him with excited eyes.
“I think this is a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget, thanks to you.”
He laughs. “You’re easily pleased.”
Rachel grins.
“I’m with Becca on this one. There aren’t many people who get to do things like this. I never thought I would.”
Mark smiles at her and a little dart of worry pierces my heart. Surely Rachel will remember she is a married woman, even with all of this temptation on board. I watch as she laughs at something he says and catch Jo’s eye. She just shrugs and looks over to Pete who is chatting with another group of people. I watch her eyes narrow as she sees Pete laughing with a glamorous woman. Barry heads over and she pounces on him immediately.
“Who’s that woman shamelessly flirting with Pete?”
Barry looks over and then shrugs nonchalantly.
“I think she’s the British governor’s secretary. I believe her name is Margaret.”
Jo’s face is a picture as we all dissolve into hysterics. Barry snorts.
“You should see your face, Jo. No, I think her name’s Verity. She was just happy to chat with some other British people. Apparently, it’s quite lonely living as an ex-pat.”
Jo just glares at the chatting couple and if looks could kill, they would both be in a watery grave by now.
I see Marcus holding court among a bunch of officers and smile at the excitement on his face. He is loving every minute of this and I’m sure we will hear of nothing else for months. At least he can tick another uniform off his Village People list.
Jenny and Flynn are chatting with another group and I feel happy that we are all having such a lovely civilised time.
As Mark guides Rachel over to another group nearby I whisper to Luke.
“I’m not sure we should leave Rachel with all this temptation. She’s vulnerable at the moment and liable to do something she may regret.”
He looks thoughtful. “Maybe she needs to cut loose for the evening to remember what’s important in her life. Sometimes the grass looks greener until you start running through it. Then you look back and see that grass is better than the one you’re in now. She may realise her husband is all she wants and this will just cement her decision.”
Jo interrupts. “Or it may just show her what she’s been missing out on. Mark my words, it will end in disaster. Becca’s right, we need to keep our eye on Rachel tonight and save her from herself.”
I watch as her eyes flick back over towards Pete and see the tears welling in her eyes. I sigh irritably. There’s another one I need to keep my eye on. This is getting ridiculous.
As the evening wears on we have the time of our life. Soft music plays in the warm balmy breeze and the motion of the waves rocking the boat gives off a sense of peace and calm. All around is the soft rumble of conversation and lots of laughter and clinking of glasses. Luke and I mingle with many officers and I enjoy listening to their nautical banter and comparisons about life on and below the ocean waves.
I notice that Rachel and Mark have struck up quite the friendship and worry about my friend’s decisions in life.
It must be one hour later that I notice Jo looking a little green. I head over and whisper,
“Are you ok, Jo?”
She looks at me with a miserable expression and looks towards Pete who is still laughing with his glamorous companion. “I think he’s just given me my answer, don’t you? I knew he wasn’t to be trusted.”
Shaking my head, I smile at her gently.
“He’s just being friendly. I’ve seen the way his eyes have followed you all evening. He has had one eye on you the whole time. You really should give him a break and make up. It’s obvious you’re both hurting.”
She just smiles sadly and once again looks a little odd. Feeling worried, I whisper,
“Shall I get you a glass of water? It’s quite hot out here and you look in need of it.”
She nods gratefully. “Yes, you’re right. It’s ok though, I’ll just head over and grab one from the waiter.”
She walks away unsteadily and then before I can even move to follow I watch almost in slow motion as she falls gracefully to the deck.
I scream, “Jo!” and all eyes turn to her. As I rush over I am joined by half the ship’s crew as they surround my friend, who has passed out quite spectacularly in full view of everyone. Pushing my way through the gathering crowd I see an officer kneeling beside her. He looks up and says seriously,
“Back away everyone. She’s fainted. She may have hit her head so we can’t be too careful.”
By now Rachel and Jenny have pushed their way through accompanied by a distraught looking Pete. He crouches down beside her and takes her hand in his.
“Jo, it’s Pete, please say something. It’s ok sweetheart, I’m here.”
The officer looks at him. “Do you know if she has taken anything, or on any medication that I should know about?”
Pete shakes his head in confusion.
“What are you talking about? Of course not. She’s just fainted, probably due to the heat and the motion of the boat.”
The officer looks at him sternly. “That may be the case but we have to establish the facts first before moving her. I may need to call an ambulance and they will need to know everything.”
I look at Rachel and Jenny and see the same worry etched on their faces as on mine. I wonder if I should say anything about her suspected condition.
She appears to be still out cold, and the officer looks worried. As I make my decision, so apparently do my friends because simultaneously we all blurt out, “She may be pregnant.”
Pete looks up in total shock. “Since when?”
The officer looks even more concerned and calls out to some nearby officers. “She needs to get inside out of the heat.”
We look on in shock as Jo is lifted carefully into the arms of a burly sailor and carried off to safety. Pete races after them looking as if he may also faint at any moment.
The three of us follow, accompanied by Luke, Flynn, and Mark.
I feel extremely worried that I have blurted out Jo’s secret in front of her Majesties Navy and Pete. This may not go down well at all.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 25
Jo is taken to the ship’s medical room and we wait in the officer’s mess. Pete stayed with her and the rest of us look at each other with worried expressions.
Rachel shakes her head. “I hope we haven’t blurted something out we shouldn’t have.”
Jenny nods miserably. “She’s going to be so mad at us. I thought I was the only one who knew because she told me not to tell anyone.”
I nod in agreement. “Me too.”
Rachel agrees. “Me too.”
Luke laughs softly.
“It would appear the only one she didn’t tell was the possible father to be.”
Rachel looks worried.
“Poor Pete. That must have come as quite a shock.
We all nod and fall silent as we think about the sparks that about to fly.
Mark looks at us reassuringly. “She’ll be fine. It happens all the time. People aren�
��t used to the motion onboard a ship and what with the temperature, I’m just surprised she was the only one. That’s all it will be and you will laugh about it tomorrow.”
Rachel smiles at him. “Yes, you’re probably right. You must be regretting inviting such a group of landlubbers on board.”
I watch as he throws her that look - you know the look of the interested, and my anxiety levels reach code red. Then he says. “Why don’t you all come back tomorrow night? We have an officer’s party here in the mess and you would certainly make it more fun than the usual ones we have.”
Rachel looks at him, her eyes shining. “Are you serious? That would be amazing.”
Jenny and Flynn nod in agreement and I look at Luke with trepidation. Shrugging, he just smiles. “Thanks, I’m sure everyone would love it. What time does it all kick off?”
“Come around 9 pm. It’s not much, just a few drinks and some music. We’re here for a few days so we may as well have some fun.”
As he says it he turns to Rachel, and she smiles at him with a smile that has no business being directed by a married woman. This is not looking good for Lorenzo.
It must be half an hour later that the ship’s doctor comes in and updates us on Jo’s condition. He smiles at our worried faces.
“Your friend will be fine. She just fainted as we thought and didn’t hurt anything on the way down. I’m not sure about the ship though.”
We laugh politely but my anxiety is overpowering my mind as to what is going on in there now. Jenny says hesitantly.
“Is… um… Pete still with her?”
The doctor smiles.
“Yes, I believe they are having quite some conversation in there. I thought I’d best leave them to it. It would appear they have some matters to sort out.”
Luke takes my hand and says, “Come on, let’s give them some privacy. I think there may still be a few glasses of champagne left upstairs.”
We follow him back to the party but I’m sure I’m not the only one who dreads what will happen when Jo catches up with us.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully. I just enjoy spending time with Luke on board this impressive vessel and try to burn the memories into my mind for posterity. If this all ends in a few days’ time I will need to call on them to get me through life. How can anything ever top meeting this dream guy and experiencing the ultimate trip of a lifetime? I try to ignore the little voice inside me shouting that I’m heading for a very big fall from a great height when this bubble bursts.
Shortly before we leave, Jo and Pete re-surface from the sick bay. My heart lifts as I see them walking hand in hand with extremely happy smiles on their faces. They head over and the three of us look at Jo guiltily.
I say somewhat nervously, “Are you ok, Jo? I’m so sorry we blurted out your… um… condition.”
She surprises me by just laughing happily.
“Think nothing of it. It had to come out sometime and what better way than that. I’m not going to lie, the thought of all those hot sailors coming to my rescue is a dream come true.”
Pete frowns and Jo giggles and kisses him on the cheek, saying, “But there was nobody I would rather wake up to than this gorgeous man of mine.”
Rachel looks confused. “That bump on your head must have either knocked some sense into you or erased your memory. What did we miss?”
Jo laughs.
“When I came round and saw Pete gazing at me with so much love, I knew that he was mine. I may have been annoyed with him but that doesn’t matter anymore. It’s his face that I want to see every day for the rest of my life because despite what has happened, I love him. We talked, and I told him of my worries and insecurities.”
Pete nods and looks at her fondly.
“She should have said something earlier. As if I want anyone else when all I ever want is here holding my hand. The thought that we may become three is the best news I have ever had.”
He kisses her lightly on the lips and then pulls away and drops to one knee before us all. I gasp, as I reach for Luke’s hand. Oh my God, this is so happening right before my eyes and those of the Queen’s men.
We all stand watching what we know is going to happen, in complete silence. Pete looks at Jo adoringly and says softly.
“I love you, Jo. You are my girl and always have been. You are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. The one I want to love and protect and devote my life to making you happy. There is no room left in my heart for anyone else because you fill it so completely. Please, will you marry me Jo, and make me the happiest man alive?”
There is silence as the whole ship watches the spectacle. All around us is a sea of white uniforms and speechless guests. Everyone holds their breath as a huge smile breaks out over Jo’s face accompanied by a whole lot of tears. Nodding furiously, she shouts loudly, “Yes, I’ll marry you. Of course, I will.”
Then they are hugging and kissing as loud cheers break out all around the ship. The music starts up again and we all surge towards the couple to congratulate them. As I hug my friend, I feel the tears spilling down my cheeks. “Congratulations, Jo. I know you will both have a long and happy life together.”
I watch as Rachel squeezes her tightly and note the tears in her eyes. Jenny shrieks and dances up and down on the spot as Pete shakes hands with everyone that he can.
I look at Luke and he smiles at me and my heart melts. What I wouldn’t give to end up with him. How lucky would I be if that ever happened? The trouble is, the moment of truth is fast approaching and it’s scaring the hell out of me. How will I bear to say goodbye to the man who has captured my heart?
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 26
Luke and I are fairly subdued as we head back to the Love Palace. I’m not sure why but seeing his life up close and personal brought it all home a bit. When this week is over, it will be hard to say goodbye. We have only known each other for a few days but I feel as if I have known him a lifetime. They say this happens in books and films but I never thought it would happen to me. It’s going to be hard going back to Malcolm and the realities of my lonely life. Maybe we will become pen pals and just reminisce about the one thing we have in common - Mexico. Then the letters will become less frequent and the whole glorious dream will fizzle out.
Once we are back to our rooms Luke looks at me with a lost expression. Pulling me towards him, he whispers,
“Please stay with me tonight, Becca. I’m just conscious that we only have a few more days and tonight has brought it home. I’m due to return to work soon and may be away for some time.”
He looks at me nervously.
“I can’t ask you to wait for me, that would be selfish. A beautiful woman like you could have her pick of the guys who must hang around you all of the time.”
Gosh, Luke doesn’t know me at all. Tequila certainly messes with the head. He smiles anxiously.
“When we get home, can I still see you whenever I can?”
He smiles and his eyes twinkle as I hold my breath. Something is happening here and my heart is racing as I swallow hard. He cups my face in his hands and the look he throws me would melt an iceberg.
“I suppose what I’m trying to say is, will you be my girlfriend, Becca? I’ve wanted to ask you that all week but thought you would think I’m some sort of madman for rushing in so quickly. But I know deep down that you are the one for me.”
Tears spring to my eyes as we stand in the hallway of the Emporio and I nod slowly. “Well, I knew as soon as you walked onboard the aircraft, so I win.”
Luke laughs and then without any further delay, kisses me so passionately I think I will burst. This is what I’ve been waiting for all my life - him. The trouble is, I am destined to be like Elizabeth Swan on Pirates of the Caribbean and wait for my Will Turner to return every ten years. It will be worth the wait though. I know in my heart that I can cope with a long-distance relationship as long as Luke is at the end of it.
Waking up in the Love Palace the n
ext morning feels different. Now I am officially allowed to be in Luke’s bed because we are - a couple! Maybe we will become like those super cool couples who finish each other’s sentences and wear matching sweatshirts. Ok, maybe that’s not so cool, but the thought of introducing my boyfriend to my family is the best feeling I’ve ever had. Gosh, Kieran is nothing like Luke, my sister will be so jealous. I’ll be able to show him off at family parties and everyone will envy me. He will only have eyes for me, though and I will glance around with smug satisfaction at the jealous, envious, looks thrown my way. Oh, I hope there’s a school reunion. Imagine their faces when I rock up with Luke on my arm. Matthew Billingshurst will seem like Quasimodo next to Luke.
As I plot out the tour of my past to showcase my new boyfriend, the man himself stirs beside me. Quickly, I glance in the mirror above the bed, checking that I look like a sex siren and not my usual mess. His arm reaches out and pulls me close and he whispers, “Morning sexy. I like waking up with you.”
Trying not to giggle stupidly; I mean, sexy? Me? I just smile in my new mysterious way.
“Did you sleep well?”
He nuzzles my neck and pure happiness consumes me. “Hm, did you?”
“I did actually. I never thought sleeping on water would be so restful. I may have to invest in one of these for myself when I get home.”
Luke looks into my eyes and my heart almost stops. Sexy morning Luke is totally irresistible. His sleepy eyes look sexy and the designer stubble on his chin makes me want him to rub it all over my body like one giant exfoliator. He smiles.
“When we get home, I still have a week before I’m due back. If you have any days off and fancy it, would you like to come home with me and meet my parents?”
Oh. My. God! Meet the parents! This is serious. I smile at him with excitement.
“Of course, I would love to meet your family. Won’t they be surprised though? I mean, in less than a week you’ve gone on a honeymoon and returned with a stranger. It may well send them over the edge after what happened with your brother.”
