by Maggie Brown
Eleanor looked over her shoulder to see Carol hunched over, her hands on her knees, breathing hard. She said more kindly, “We’re nearly there. It’s just around the next bend.”
When Carol gazed up at her, all traces of her usual arrogance had vanished. She looked vulnerable and subdued. “Thank God. I’m stuffed.”
“Me too. A long cool drink will be good.”
When a few metres on, the gardens appeared at the side of the road, Carol gave a whoop. On top of the stairs, Eleanor glanced at the slim gold watch on her wrist. Two o’clock. No wonder she felt drained—they had been going solidly for six hours.
After icy drinks, they plunged into the cool water. Eleanor thought she had never felt anything quite so wonderful. From Carol’s groans of pleasure, nor had she. Afterward, as she nibbled on the last of a snack at a poolside table, she studied her agent. She definitely was an attractive woman, more so now that she was not so perfectly made up. With her looks, intelligence, and money, she was an excellent catch. But as much as Eleanor knew this, her friend had never inspired one ounce of passion, or even tickled her libido.
In a way, she envied people who could be happy with a variety of partners. It had never been like that for her.
She was brought out of her musings, realizing she had been staring when Carol caught her gaze with a quizzical, “What?”
“Believe it or not, I was thinking what a wonderful catch you are. Smart, beautiful, rich. You’ll make someone a terrific partner one day.”
“But not you. Is that what you’re saying?”
Eleanor gave a wry smile. “I am. I’m not attracted to you and I don’t know why.”
“So,” said Carol sadly. “Now our defences are down, this is the frank conversation we should have had months ago.”
“Yes it is. It’s not because you’re not attractive. You are. I’m my own worst enemy. Very few women have ever interested me.”
“And I don’t…not even a tiny bit?”
Eleanor reached over to pat her hand. “I’m sorry. I love you as a friend but that’s all. Our friendship is very valuable to me and I wouldn’t like to lose it.”
“You won’t. I guess it’s time I faced facts and moved on. I’m not getting any younger.” She watched her intently over her coffee cup as she continued, “You like Sophie, don’t you? You’re different when you’re with her. I’ve never seen you react with anyone like that.”
Eleanor felt her face heat. “I know. She does something to me that I haven’t felt in years.”
“Well, be careful. You’ve been sick and at a needy stage of your life. Take it easy with her until you’re sure.”
Eleanor smiled, though still reluctant to acknowledge to Carol the real depth of her feelings for Sophie. “I doubt it’ll go anywhere, but it is nice to think I’m not so…well…oblivious to my hormones.”
Carol chuckled. “You’ve never been a frozen princess, just goddamn fussy. Come on. Let’s go back for a nap.”
“Okay. If we want to go out to dinner again, we’ll have to have a rest. I’ll find someone to drive us back to the buggy. I’ve had enough walking for one day.”
“Ha! Look who’s talking. You ruined my expensive sandals on that shitty bush walk I’ll have you know.”
“That’ll teach you for going for glamour rather than practicality.” Eleanor rose from the table. “Wait here. I won’t be a minute.”
Chapter Nineteen
“Have you picked out a dress for the premiere?”
Eleanor smiled at Carol over the dining table, distant thunder adding to the cosiness of the restaurant. “I bought a red one from the Donna Karan collection in New York a few months ago. At least I’m back to my normal weight and won’t look like a refugee.” She glanced around when Marcello approached. “Shall we order?”
Eleanor perused the menu, determined to indulge tonight. She felt like celebrating. Their talk had cleared the air and they were back to their easy friendship of old times. It was a load off her mind that they had reached an understanding. She had been serious when she said she didn’t want to lose Carol’s friendship, for not only was she always there as a confidante, she was also indispensible in Eleanor’s professional life.
She studied Marcello as he took their order. He was certainly the perfect waiter: discreet, quiet, and attentive. She wondered why he had not given them the intimate setting that he had when she had brought Sophie. Had he guessed then they had been on a date and not just two friends having dinner? Were they that transparent? She shrugged it off with a blush—so much for secrets.
They had finished the entrees and were halfway through the main course when Deirdre appeared at their table. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Eleanor, but I need to speak to you privately if I may,” she murmured.
Eleanor looked at her in surprise. Deirdre’s usual cool confidence was replaced by a worried frown. Goosebumps prickled her skin. She nodded and rose quickly. “Of course… Excuse me, Carol.”
She followed her through the dining tables, then crossed the hallway in her wake. As they progressed to the office, Eleanor’s heart began to flutter. Whatever had happened must be important for her to be interrupted during dinner? Apprehension was gnawing at her by the time she took a seat at the desk.
Deirdre’s fingers moved restlessly over the polished top as she said in a strained voice, “We’ve some news that’s rather worrying. Doug’s fishing boat is well overdue. The last communication with him was late this afternoon when he radioed he was answering a distress call.”
Eleanor stared at her. “And you think something’s happened to him?”
“They were answering a mayday, but running into the centre of this very nasty storm. Nothing has been heard from any of them since.”
“They?”
“Sophie’s with him, Eleanor.”
“Oh dear God!” Eleanor closed her eyes, swallowing back the surge of nausea. She clamped her hands on her knees to force herself to speak calmly. “Is anyone looking for them?”
“The coast guard has been alerted, but it’s impossible to do anything until the storm passes. We’re only on the edge of it here, but according to the weather bureau there are gale force winds further north.”
Eleanor felt the tremor again, this time up her spine. Fear and anguish roiled inside her. “Do…do you think they’ll be all right?”
“Doug’s an experienced sailor. He knows these islands and will find a safe place to anchor for the night.” Though Deirdre spoke with authority, Eleanor caught her unease. “The search will begin at first light if they haven’t radioed in before then.”
“What about the boat they were helping?”
“According to the coast guard, it was a small yacht. A rental. The crew, a man and his wife, were fishing on the reef. As the distress signal was sent out in the late afternoon, our vessel was the only one left in the vicinity. Everyone else had come in because of the weather warning and they were lucky Doug hadn’t left for home.”
“Then it’s a waiting game until morning.”
Deirdre grimaced. “Yes. I’m sorry to be the bearer of such tidings, for I know you value Sophie highly. We’ve become very fond of her here as well. She’s always so cheery when she pops in for supplies, and she even helped Giovanni in the kitchen last night. Now finish your meal—I’ll keep you updated once there’s news.”
If only it were that simple, thought Eleanor. If only she was just a valued employee. But she wasn’t, she was so much more. She stood up quickly as a wave of nausea hit. “I’ve lost my appetite.”
Deirdre reached over to clasp her hand firmly. “It’s started to rain, so you’ll have to stay here until it’s over. Go back to your friend and finish your meal. It won’t do any good to worry.”
Eleanor nearly replied fiercely that of course she was going to worry, that she was going to be off her head until there was news. But she held her tongue with a weak smile before she trudged out the door.
Carol looked at her with a frow
n when she sat down heavily in the chair. “What is it Ellie? From the look of you, it’s something serious.”
“Sophie went out with Doug on a fishing trip and they haven’t returned,” said Eleanor, forcing the words out.
“How long overdue are they?”
“They were due home hours ago. They answered a distress call from a boat on the reef, and neither has been heard from since. There was a severe storm coming toward that area. I guess we have the tail end of it here. The last communication with them was about seven o’clock.”
“Doug’s a fisherman isn’t he? He’s sure to know what to do. Do you want to go home?”
“It’s pouring. We’ll have to sit here until the weather clears.” Eleanor pushed her plate away. “I can’t eat any more.”
On cue, Marcello appeared. “Would you like to see the dessert menu, ladies?”
“A cup of coffee for me. What about you Carol?”
“Coffee will be fine.”
Marcello cleared his throat. “We’ve all heard about the missing boat, Ms. Godwin. I wouldn’t worry too much…Doug is an excellent sailor. He’ll take good care of Sophie.”
“I’m sure he will, Marcello,” Eleanor replied, pushing back the anxiety that was threatening to derail her. “It’s going to be a long night though.”
“Then I suggest you stay and listen to the piano. The time will go much quicker.”
After an hour of music, Eleanor wished they had braved the weather and just gone home. The cheery tunes got on her nerves, the love songs depressed her. After a while, the notes seem to merge into each other until she felt like screaming. It must have been noticeable, for at one stage Carol said irritably, “For heaven’s sake stop fidgeting.”
“I can’t help it,” she whispered back.
“Relax.”
“Okay, I’ll try.”
Finally, to her relief, the pianist rose to put away his music. When they arrived home after midnight, Eleanor went straight to the terrace to stare out over the ocean. Though the rain had cleared, the night sky was still shrouded in clouds, which would make it easy to detect a light out to sea. Carol’s attempts at placating her only made her more agitated, until, exasperated, Carol marched out with a sleeping tablet. “Take it,” she ordered sternly.
Eleanor shook her head stubbornly. “Not yet. I want to sit out here for a while.”
“Swallow it, Ellie. You’re going to make yourself sick. Have some faith Doug will get them back safely.”
This time Eleanor didn’t argue. She was right. If she didn’t get some sleep, she’d be good for nothing in the morning. Once she swallowed the tablet, Carol took her arm and propelled her up the stairs to her room.
“You’re a damn mess. I wish they had waited to tell you bad news until they actually had some,” snapped Carol.
“She’s my employee, Carol.”
“So? It was still premature. They’re probably anchored off an island somewhere drinking grog. You told me the old codger was as tough as nails.”
Eleanor couldn’t help but chuckle. Carol was a realist, always so practical. “He is. If anyone can get them out of trouble, he can. Now I’d better get into bed before the sedative hits me. I never take anything to sleep.”
She only had enough time to settle under the covers, before her eyes had drooped shut.
The phone ringing on the bedside table brought Eleanor awake with a jerk. Lost for a second, the memories came flooding back as her mind cleared. Sophie! She flicked a look at the clock. Twenty past eight. Damn! She’d slept in. After a fumble, she managed to bring the receiver to her ear. “Eleanor Godwin speaking.”
“Deirdre here. I have some news.”
Eleanor clutched the phone tighter. “Yes?”
“The coast guard helicopter has sighted our fishing boat. They’re on their way in, but there’s no sign of the other vessel. They presume it must have sunk, but the radio on the Doug’s trawler isn’t working so they can’t be sure.”
“How…how many people can they see on board?”
“Four…all accounted for.”
Eleanor sagged back onto the pillows, a long breath sighed out. “How long before they get here?”
“An hour or so. I’ll get Lisa to bring Sophie to your place when they dock.”
“I’ll drive down.”
“It’ll be best if you could wait at home. Our medic will want to check them over and I don’t know the condition of the two passengers. It’ll be very busy on the wharf for a while.”
Eleanor leapt out of bed, keen to tell her news. With a spring in her step, she ran down the stairs to the kitchen. At the table with a bowl of cereal, Carol grunted in surprise when Eleanor flung her arms around her shoulders. “They’re all right. Deirdre rang with the news they were on their way back.”
“I told you all your worrying was for nothing.”
“I know, but it’s more difficult when your emotions are involved. You tend not to think too rationally.”
“Umm…” said Carol. “Then all the more reason to step back a few paces. You’ve only known the woman for a little while, so go cautiously. Don’t jump in boots and all into a commitment until you know her properly or understand what she wants.”
“Leave it be. We’ve been through this.”
“I’m looking out for you as a friend now. You could get hurt here. You understand that.”
“Yes.” Though it hadn’t been a question, Eleanor answered all the same. “I realize that.”
“Good, then come and have some breakfast and tell me about your next script. It sounded exciting when I read the synopsis.”
As they talked through one cup of coffee to the next, Eleanor kept an ear open for the sound of footsteps on the pebbles in the courtyard. When eventually the door flung open two hours later, she was already halfway down the hallway. The sight of Sophie standing on the threshold took her breath away. She looked tired, grimy, and rumpled, but Eleanor thought she had never seen anyone so beautiful. Without another thought, she pulled her into a firm embrace, registering the arms around her were equally as tight. The urge to kiss her was so powerful that she automatically bent her head, but at the last moment, she noticed Lisa standing behind Sophie so she deftly diverted her lips to peck her on the cheek.
With a small cough, she gave Sophie a lingering stroke on the shoulder before she slipped out of the embrace. “Hi, Lisa,” she said brightly and focused back on Sophie. “Well, you gave us quite a scare. How are you?”
Sophie answered with a strained smile, “Okay I guess. Dirty, sore, relieved it’s over. I really need to have a shower badly, so I better get cleaned up before I tell you all about it.” She looked at Lisa. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you later to collect my gear.”
Eleanor watched her disappear down the corridor before she turned back to Lisa. “Would you like a cup of something? We’ve been saturating ourselves with coffee while we’ve been waiting, so another one won’t hurt.”
“A quick coffee would be great. I have to get back to the kitchen to prepare lunch shortly.”
Eleanor waited while Lisa filled them in, then leaving Carol to show her out, hurried to the back unit. She rapped on the door, and when the “come in” came from within, she pushed it open. Dressed in fresh clothes, Sophie stood in front of the mirror brushing her hair. Eleanor didn’t hesitate, nor could she have stopped herself even if she had wanted to. In quick strides, she closed the distance between them, this time with no barriers to stop her. With eager fingers, she framed Sophie’s face as she leaned in for a kiss. Sophie dropped the brush and met her halfway, her mouth just as urgently seeking hers. Eleanor felt her nerves melt away as their lips moulded together in a rush of emotion.
She didn’t know how long they rocked together in the kiss, but when they eventually separated she was, quite literally, breathless. “Oh Sophie, I was so worried. If anything had happened to you…” She left the sentence hang, unsure how to put her feelings into words. As she pulled Sophie back
into a long hug, Carol’s words of warning drummed through her mind, even though she tried ruthlessly to silence them. Reluctantly, with a final squeeze, she stepped back until they no longer touched. It took more of an effort than she imagined possible to let her go.
Sophie closed her eyes as if struggling to deal with the situation. When she opened them, Eleanor could see they were filled with unshed tears. It took much more willpower this time for her to step back further, but she managed it somehow. “You look worn out, Soph, so go to bed. I can look after our meals today.”
Sophie didn’t say a word, merely gazed at her with an expression Eleanor could not read. As she left to go back upstairs, Eleanor tried to digest what had just happened. The kiss should have been only a kiss, yet it hadn’t been. It had felt like a declaration of something important. In the end, she was forced to admit, though everything seemed back to normal, it wasn’t.
Chapter Twenty
Eleanor, dressed in a long shimmering silver gown, looked every bit the superstar as she walked down the stairs—alluring, elegant, a little distant.
“You look great,” said Sophie as she self-consciously brushed at her cream slacks and teal top. Damn! Next to Eleanor’s fabulous dress, her outfit sucked. “Ready to go?”
“As I’ll ever be. You drive tonight. I need to compose myself before the recital.”
Over a week had passed since Carol had left. It was hard to believe they had been on the island a month and a half, and this was going to be their biggest night since they arrived. Eleanor was going to perform. Excited, Sophie followed her out the door. The poetry night, Eurydice’s signature event, usually brought many notable people to the island, but according to Lisa, because Eleanor was the star, the limited places were in very high demand. To accommodate the influx, some visitors were housed for the night on a hired luxury yacht at the pier, and there were quite a few privately owned smaller vessels anchored nearby. From their vantage point on the terrace, Eleanor and Sophie had watched the larger grand yacht arrive at noon. An impressive sight as it sailed gracefully into the bay.
