by C. K. Martin
The boat was small and its owner was someone she recognised from the town. Not that he did any talking, other than a gruff hola before he disappeared into the cockpit to pull them out of the harbour. It was his niece, fluent enough in both English and German, who was playing the role of tour guide.
Hayley watched as Kate effortlessly extracted information from her, including the detail of the familial relationship between the two. There was something about Kate’s laid back, friendly manner that made people respond in kind. She needed to remember that the next time she felt the urge to open up any more than she already had.
The tour company, if it could be called anything so grand, had been running since the end of the previous main season, but she’d never heard of them. If the captain of the boat was the man behind the venture, she suspected he had even less marketing skills than she did. He would need to get the word out more if he hoped to compete with the big boats in Playa de Guayedra.
Then again, wasn’t that what people like Kate were for?
She watched behind her reflective sunglasses as Kate chatted away, using her hands for emphasis. The big camera she had used at the park had been replaced by a smaller model. One that, Hayley assumed, was water resistant. She had no idea how much cameras were worth these days, but Kate’s other equipment seemed too expensive to risk ruining during an encounter with the sea.
As she stared at Kate, she felt the familiar creep of lust that happened when she looked at her for too long. It was driving her insane, but her only way of dealing with it so far had been to occupy her hands and mind with something else. Serving behind the bar, leaving the room, those were tactics she had fallen back on.
On a boat, thighs pressed next to each other as it rocked backwards and forwards, there was nowhere to run.
Hayley swallowed, trying not to stare too hard at Kate’s tanned, toned legs against her own skin. They were the colour of brown sugar and just as sweet. Damn it, this was nothing short of torture.
She looked away, determined to distract herself. There were only two other couples on the boat and a family with two children under ten. The children were staring at the screens of either phones or portable game devices. The trip was wasted on them. They had no interest in the boat itself, or the view over the ocean as they clipped along. She presumed, should the dolphins actually appear, that they would look up, but she wasn’t confident enough to bet on it. The parents weren’t talking to each other either.
So much for family holidays together. Was that how they were these days?
For a second she remembered her own childhood at the beach with her mother and father in Devon, but she pushed the thought away before it could take hold. When she remembered her early life, even the good times, it could send her into a downward spiral that would last for hours. It wasn’t fair to do that today, not when Kate had gone to so much trouble for them to have a nice day out. Ice cream cones and mini pots of shrimp were a part of her past and she needed to stay fully in the present.
It was actually nice, having a few empty seats on the boat. It wasn’t that big to begin with. Kate had managed to discover that at maximum capacity, it could take twenty people. Hayley was convinced not everyone would get a seat if that happened. As it was, she could get close to Kate, without having to get close to anyone else.
Kate finished the conversation and their erstwhile tour guide left to speak to her uncle. As she disappeared out of view, Kate turned to Hayley with a smile. ‘See, this is nice, isn’t it?’
‘It is. I’m not sure I’d enjoy it as much in high season though.’
‘Nor me. I try to do the more mainstream activities when no one else is around. You get so much more out of it that way. The tour guides can actually take the time to speak to you. It’s usually cheaper too. Always need to be budget conscious when you’re travelling.’
‘Plus you made yourself a little friend.’ Hayley nodded in the direction of the cockpit.
‘Jealous?’ Kate poked her in the side with her elbow.
‘Not at all. You’re a free agent.’ It was good to put the reminder out there, for her own benefit more than Kate’s. Even as she said it, she knew it sounded more like a challenge than a warning. A statement she wanted Kate to deny.
Kate didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, she just cocked her head to one side slightly, as if amused. ‘If I want to write a really good article, then I have to give more than just my opinion. People want to know the background story, especially when something is promoted as a more humane alternative. There have been lots of scams over the years. So yes, I like to get a good story from those involved.’
‘And did you?’
‘Yes. I think so. When it comes to tourists, most people want to cut corners and make a quick buck.’
‘I think trying to get twenty people on a boat this size is cutting corners.’
‘I agree. That was why I asked her about it. Twenty is the legal allowance. Peppi told me they never plan to take more than fifteen.’
‘Peppi huh?’ Hayley couldn’t help but tease again. ‘Do you get on first name terms with everyone you meet?’
‘Only the interesting ones, Hayley.’ The jibe came straight back and Hayley couldn’t help but laugh.
‘Okay, you win. Anything else interesting that we didn’t get during the spiel at the beginning?’
‘Other than this is her uncle’s boat and he’s been spotting dolphins for forty years. He’s a fisherman by trade and he’s been going out into these waters since he was a boy.’
‘It all sounds very romantic.’
‘That’s what sells the story. Anyway, he knows how the dolphins in these waters behave. He doesn’t believe in using technology to track them down. He prefers to use his experience. Honestly, I think he wouldn’t know how to use it if he wanted to, but that doesn’t matter I guess. Peppi has been going out on the water with him and her father since she was a little girl. She wasn’t as into the fishing side of things as they were though.’
‘If you write your article in the way you’ve just told it to me, then perhaps you might actually have a shot at convincing people to take this option over the other ones.’
‘Do you really think so?’
‘I do. It’s got a feel-good vibe to it. When people are planning holidays, they want to feel good.’
‘Exactly. Besides, it really is the right thing to do. I mean, look at the size of this boat. Back in Cairns, I’ve seen catamarans carry four hundred people over the Great Barrier Reef, destroying it in the process. All in the name of making the highest profit per head count. If I can show people there are alternatives, better options, then I will.’
‘Does your recommendation depend on whether or not we actually see any dolphins?’
‘I’m not going to lie, it would help. I have three criteria that need to be satisfied.’ Kate had returned to serious work mode. Hayley couldn’t help but find it attractive.
‘And they are?’
‘Firstly, the dolphins. Like you say, they really are a big part of a dolphin watching trip. Can’t pretend otherwise. Secondly, the food. If the food is good, then that can be a selling point in itself. The bigger operators offer plenty of free booze, but it’s crappy quality. If the food is good and traditionally Spanish, then it adds to the authenticity of the local experience.’
‘You could be one of those sales girls who cons people into going on these trips.’
‘I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.’
‘Neither am I,’ mused Hayley. Regardless, she was riveted by the words coming out of Kate’s mouth. Or was she just entranced by the way her lips moved? She cleared her throat and forced herself to focus. ‘And what was the third thing?’
‘Peppi.’
‘Excuse me?’ Hayley almost choked on the thought.
‘She has to be engaging. Interesting. Don’t get me wrong, she’s been great to chat to this morning. But that was just one-on-one and I was doing most of the talking. When we get furth
er out to sea, she has to make the journey exciting. That’s a real skill.’
‘A skill? Isn’t that stretching it a bit?’
‘Think about it. Look around you. Being on a boat trip is nothing like being a conventional tour guide in a city. There are no landmarks to refer to. No trees or historical buildings. You have blue sky above and blue sea all around. That’s pretty damn hard to make interesting if the dolphins decide not to come out and play. Water, water, more water.’ She shrugged and Hayley knew she had a point. It was easy for her to be happy just looking at Kate, but for other people, they wouldn’t have quite the same requirements.
‘How’s she doing so far?’
‘Only a five out of ten. Maybe a six. But you can bet I’ll be keeping my eye on her.’ Kate gave the side of her nose a playful tap. ‘I’m a ruthless investigator when it comes to these things.’
‘I’m sure you are.’
As if on cue, Peppi poked her head out of the downstairs area where she had been hiding away and clapped her hands together to get their attention. ‘Everybody, the food is ready downstairs. Do not worry about missing the dolphins. If any appear, the captain will let me know and we can return to the deck. There are also viewing windows downstairs for your pleasure.’ She then repeated the message in German and Spanish, even though Hayley was sure that Peppi and her uncle were the only actual Spaniards onboard.
When Kate stood up and held out her hand, Hayley took it, allowing herself to be pulled up. It felt like a familiar, intimate gesture, and one that lasted for a fraction too long once she was already on her feet.
Hayley steadied herself against the movement of the boat, something made more difficult by the weakening of her knees that came with Kate’s touch. She followed her into the saloon and wondered if Peppi would meet with the required standard to jump the score from her current five-maybe-six ranking.
She knew Kate would be assessing food for flavour and apparent quality. She, on the other hand, was assessing it for tricks of the trade. She knew all about how to make pre-packaged food appear homemade. It had been an early tactic back when she was learning the ropes and doing everything in a single day was beyond her reach. Hotels in the area watered down the drinks to make the alcohol last longer, masking the lack of spirits with sweet syrups instead. It was done everywhere, but Kate had sold her on the promise of something more from this tour. It had to stand out above the competition.
Kate’s plate was already full. How did that girl stay in shape when she ate so much and sat in front of her computer all day?
She nodded when Kate gestured to a table with a great window view and walked over. She put her plate down and then snagged them both a drink while Hayley continued to fill her plate.
‘Cheers’ Kate said, raising her glass once they were both seated.
‘What are we toasting to?’
‘To a nice day,’ Kate paused for a second. ‘And to seeing dolphins. I really hope we do.’
‘Me too,’ replied Hayley, surprised to find that it was true. Despite her general dismissiveness about the whole experience, now they were here she could feel the excitement begin to build.
‘But first we need to eat. Take notes. I’ll be quizzing you later…’
#
Lunch wasn’t quite finished when the boat began to slow and turn. Kate was on her feet, grabbing her hand and moving towards the front of the boat.
‘What’s the matter?’ Hayley asked, as Peppi called up to her uncle. For some reason, panic was her first response. Sudden movement when they were in the middle of the ocean with only miles of water around and below them was not something she particularly felt comfortable with.
‘He’s spotted something.’ She let go of Hayley’s hand to brace herself against the sides of the boat with both hands, leaning out over the water. An image of her falling overboard flashed through Hayley’s mind, making her move forward against her own volition. Since when had she cared so much? Since when had she wanted to hold someone close and keep them safe? ‘There.’ Kate pointed across the water and gave her the excuse to push the feelings away. It also gave her the excuse to stand close enough for the anxiety to disappear.
‘Where am I - oh,’ Hayley’s eyes scanned the water and then saw what Kate had spotted just moments before. Three dolphins, moving through the water in perfect harmony, no more than a boats length away from them.
‘Aren’t they beautiful?’ Kate’s question was rhetorical, little more than a whisper of wonder. They had been joined by the other tourists now and Peppi explained that the smaller one was a calf, probably less than a year old. The clear turquoise of the ocean shimmered over their bodies as they moved with grace above and below the surface. One took the lead, dipping in and out of the white tips of the waves created by the boat. It played in their slipstream, sometimes just coming to the surface, before breaking away with a power and speed that was mesmerising.
As the captain steered the boat, moving faster again to keep up with them, Peppi disappeared to work the sails, commandeering one of the other couples to help her. ‘We’re going to do as much as we can under sail,’ Kate explained. ‘I’ve seen it before. We get to move faster, but without pushing the engines and making too much noise. Plus, those who get to help really feel like they’ve had an immersive experience.’
The thrust of the boat made the waves from its sides bigger and Hayley was amazed to see it drew the dolphins closer, rather than scaring them away. Instead, they frolicked and surfed in their wake, fighting the force with sheer muscular strength.
It was as if they knew why they were there and had decided to play along with the humans and their toys. She could finally understand why sailors had always seen them as good luck charms. As friends in the middle of an ocean that was dark and unpredictable.
Hayley decided dolphins were her new favourite animal. Perhaps it was time to get another tattoo. A design to stand alongside the old one, marking the passage of time. A symbol of the new chapter of happiness in her life. A dolphin felt like freedom.
Don’t get too careless, a voice warned her. The freedom she felt could disappear as quickly as the water below could swallow her whole.
Kate stood at her side, one hand holding the rail as the other pointed out another movement in the water to Hayley. Other dolphins from the pod came close or drew away as they stood there. She moved comfortably with the thrust of the boat, at times her whole body pressed against the length of Hayley’s as it pushed them together. She wondered if the other passengers thought they were a couple and her cheeks warmed with pleasure at the thought they might. If she was anyone else, if she was a normal person, she would have been thrilled and proud to have people believe that someone as perfect as Kate could be her girlfriend.
She turned her head and smiled at the unabashed joy in Kate’s eyes. It cost her nothing to witness this moment. It was two people having a fun day together and that was no sin.
No, the voice warned her again, it wasn’t a sin.
Just the start of a slippery slope that led directly to damnation.
#
Hayley checked her watch, surprised by how quickly the time had flown once they’d found the dolphins. They could have watched them for hours. When Peppi had asked if anyone had to get back to the harbour for the time stated on the promotional flyer, it had been a universal no. At that point, the whole thing took on a more informal air. Now, she realised, they were going to be back at least two hours later than she had expected. Time made no sense when she was with Kate, no matter what they were doing.
Peppi served more drinks and the exhausted tourists settled back into their original groups. The wind was cooler now, stronger as they changed direction and headed back inland as the day rounded to a close. Kate pushed their bodies closer together and Hayley didn’t move away.
‘So,’ asked Kate, ‘have you had a good day after all?’
‘Yes.’ Despite her natural inclination to fight and deny it, it felt better just to be honest. Besi
des, she was still buzzing from the experience. ‘It was amazing.’
‘It was for me too. I’m really glad you agreed to come with me,’
‘Me too. You’re very persuasive Miss Lanthorn. And as annoying as it is, I’m also grateful.’
‘I know I can come on strong when I believe in something. That’s just who I am. I don’t regret it in the slightest. This was a great day out. The planet never stops being amazing.’
‘I love how you don’t have a cynical bone in your body.’ Hayley took a sip of her drink. She’d opted to stick with a no alcohol approach. As the temptation of Kate remained strong, she knew it was the right thing to do.
‘Is that what you think?’
‘Why, do you believe you can be cynical? Because I saw how happy you were earlier. And the other day. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you anything other than, how can I put it? Relentlessly cheerful.’
‘I am a little,’ Kate laughed. It was a sound that resonated in Hayley’s heart. ‘But that doesn’t mean I can’t be cynical. I am, about a lot of things.’
‘Such as?’
‘Would you believe me if I said relationships?’
‘Definitely not.’ Hayley answered immediately. It was clear Kate had pursued this thing - whatever it was - between them, in a relentless way. She was playing the long game, despite her transient status. She had not been sceptical about the possibility of them having a relationship, Hayley was sure of that.
‘Well, you’re wrong. I don’t trust people easily. I try to do things regardless, otherwise I would still be back in Australia living a safe life. I take moderate risks. But when it comes to other people, especially romantically, I don’t give my heart away.’ In the dusk, it sounded like a confession.
‘Ever?’
‘Not for a long time.’ Kate gave a slightly wistful smile and Hayley knew then she was telling the truth. The surface of openness and her outgoing nature made Kate appear unguarded. It was easy to assume that extended to every area of life, not just the plants and creatures she was so passionate about. ‘Not since I left home.’
