‘Well, he had his own business and he’s quite young, so I thought that was good,’ Emily replied.
Lily was almost lost for words. She took a sip of water while she thought of a response.
She felt sorry for Jimmy. Emily obviously did too; she smiled apologetically at Jimmy but he didn’t seem to be looking her way. Lily couldn’t blame him.
‘What made you apply for the competition?’ Lily asked, willing Emily to stop being such a bitch.
‘Well, we wanted to go somewhere in the Caribbean, and we saw the resort in the magazine, and well, really we thought that we had to come here. I mean, it’s so romantic and exclusive, so we decided to try to win the competition and we said that if we didn’t win, we’d come here anyway.’ Emily smiled; Lily wanted to hit her.
‘Is that right, Jimmy?’ Lily asked, feeling desperately that it wasn’t. Jimmy nodded, but he looked sad. Lily wanted to hug him and tell him that he could do better. Although if she did that, Anne-Marie would probably kill her.
‘And how is the holiday living up to your expectations?’ Lily asked, putting on a fake smile.
‘Oh, the resort is so perfect, and so upmarket. It’s really—what’s the word?—really elegant. And the other guests are also so amazing. I really feel at home here,’ Emily replied.
Lily willed Jimmy to speak. To tell Emily that she was a shallow harlot and he was going to find someone else who was more deserving of him. Although Jimmy could sometimes seem a bit serious, Lily thought he was warm-hearted and had a lot going for him. If he learnt how to control his blushing, and sorted out his dress sense, he’d be a great catch. And she would put money on the fact that he was a much fuller person when Emily wasn’t around.
‘Lily, can I interject here?’ Jimmy said.
Lily looked at him hopefully. ‘Sure.’ She braced herself.
‘As I said before, Emily is the most beautiful girl in the world. I love her with all my heart. Em, I do. And this holiday, this setting is perfect.’
‘I’m glad you think so,’ Lily answered, a little scared about what might be about to happen.
‘No, you don’t understand.’ He was almost shouting as he stood up. Then to Emily and Lily’s surprise, he cleared his throat, dropped to one knee and held out a box.
‘Emily, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me and you are my one true love. Will you do me the great honour of being my wife?’ He was red, and flushed, but also evidently proud of himself.
Was he insane? Lily was expecting him to tell Emily to get lost and dig gold somewhere else, but this...? Anne-Marie would be delighted, but Emily looked anything but. Lily fought the urge to rugby tackle Jimmy to the ground. Instead she watched as Emily took the box from him.
‘May I?’ She opened it. Jimmy knelt immobile as Emily looked at the ring. Lily leant in to get a closer look as well. It was pretty: a square-cut diamond set in gold with two smaller diamonds either side. Jimmy had taste in jewellery, if not in women.
‘Emily?’ Lily prompted, thinking that Jimmy would either fall over, or have very bruised knees if she didn’t answer him soon. She also couldn’t believe that she was examining the ring so thoroughly before answering. Actually she could; Emily was a horrible girl. Poor Jimmy looked on the verge of tears.
‘Yes!’ she exclaimed at last, and Jimmy let out a very relieved smile, while Emily looked like she’d been sentenced to death.
‘How wonderful that we are going to have these as our official engagement photographs,’ Jimmy said, as they walked back up the beach. Emily nodded; Jimmy took her hand. He was the happiest man in the world. Now he knew what people meant when they said that. At times in the interview he felt that she was being cold, but only because he hadn’t proposed. Her reaction when he did told him everything. She’d looked at the ring for ages, which told him that he’d picked well. She was emotional, as if she was fighting back tears, which is why it had taken her a while to answer him. But answer him she had, and now they were getting married. He couldn’t believe it.
‘Why have you taken your ring off?’ Jimmy asked, noticing her put it straight back in the box when the photographer had finished, and feeling hurt. As they made their way to the photographer he’d been on cloud nine. Now he’d sunk to cloud one or two. Something was wrong on what should have been a joyous occasion and he didn’t know what it was, but it scared him. When the photographer was taking the photos, Emily had had trouble looking at Jimmy. When the photographer had asked them to kiss, she’d given him a peck and was reluctant when they were asked to re-do it with more passion. She seemed distant, almost repulsed by him. She was behaving very strangely.
Emily was his first serious girlfriend and he adored her. It wasn’t just her looks, but she made him laugh and she was fun, always planning things. Learning to surf, eating out, and not just English food—she had opened a new world for him and he realised that without her he was really quite dull.
‘It’s a bit big, and I’m worried about losing it,’ she lied.
‘But you said earlier it was a perfect fit.’ Jimmy had been telling himself all holiday that he needed to act like a man. Hence the proposal. But what if that wasn’t enough? What more could he do?
‘Well, it is, but not quite perfect. Oh, Jimmy, I was trying to spare you. I need a tiny alteration and really that’s not your fault. I would never forgive myself if I lost it. Now, we need to wait for the others at the bar, so why don’t I just go and put this in the safe and meet you there?’
Jimmy watched his fiancée go and he wondered why, despite the fact that the woman he loved had agreed to marry him, he was feeling so unhappy all of a sudden.
*
‘So, Tim, how would describe your perfect romantic date with Thea?’ Lily asked, looking at the blond couple. They had arrived hand in hand, looking every inch the perfect pair. They were so damn good-looking, Lily reflected, as if they were made for each other. However, the interview wasn’t proving easy. Tim looked amused every time she spoke and Thea appeared petrified. Lily couldn’t figure these two out. Mind you, after Jimmy and Emily...
‘Well, it would begin with champagne, of course,’ Tim smiled. ‘Then I would take her for dinner, in a restaurant like the one you have here. Fine food, fine wine and such a perfect setting. Then we would take a romantic stroll, ideally on the beach here, and we would end the evening by sitting in one of your wonderful love seats and talking about our love.’ He beamed widely.
‘Really? That does sound wonderful.’ Lily wanted to tell him that he sounded like Anne-Marie, but she held her tongue. He was obviously insane.
‘Tim is very romantic,’ Thea added pointedly, looking at Lily.
‘I can see that. So, what in your opinion is the best thing about The Love Resort?’
‘For me, personally, it’s being with the one I love, so very, very much, in an idyllic place. Our love can’t fail to flourish here, no one’s could.’
Well, Lily thought, Tim was a writer. Perhaps he could be a romantic novelist, although Lily had a sneaking suspicion he was quoting the Guest Handbook to her. She stifled a giggle. This was just too perfect and too awful at the same time.
‘Thea, what do you think?’ She tried to assume a reassuring face, as Thea looked lost.
‘I think the setting is wonderful, beautiful, and that’s really great. Really.’
Thea was evidently tired. Lily wondered what was going on. It was obvious from his behaviour that Tim was a bit of a handful, so perhaps that was it. Perhaps she was worn out from trying to keep up with him.
‘Thea, would you say this holiday has improved your relationship?’ Lily asked. Thea’s expression was horrified. Lily smiled encouragingly, wondering what it was with this pair.
‘It has brought us closer together. I think that Tim’s right. A relationship benefits from this resort.’ Lily didn’t believe her; but then she was pretty certain that Thea didn’t believe herself.
‘Lily, you see, I’m a writer.’ Tim leant in close.
‘A tortured soul. I need beauty around me to exist. Without it I would die.’ He swept his arms around to emphasise his point. Lily couldn’t believe what she was hearing; and by the look on her face nor could Thea. ‘I see myself as a bit like Anne-Marie in that way. So, that’s why I have the most beautiful girlfriend in the world and also why I appreciate this setting so much. A man surrounded by this kind of beauty cannot help but be inspired.’ With that he leant over, grabbed Thea and kissed her hard on the mouth. It was unclear who was the most shocked, Lily herself or Thea. Lily couldn’t wait to tell Anne-Marie. This interview was turning out to be incredibly interesting.
*
‘Tim, why did you say all that shit?’ Thea hissed as they sat, legs entwined on the love seat. Having got over the shock, she was angry with him. She felt that he was making a fool out of her.
‘You told me that I was ruining the holiday for you, so I tried to put things right. Why can I never win with you?’
‘Because you go too far.’
‘SMILE,’ the photographer shouted. They smiled.
‘What do you mean?’ Tim asked through his smile.
‘With the drink, with the romance, with everything. You can’t just be a normal boyfriend; you have to be something out of one of her novels.’
‘Thea, have I made you very angry?’ Tim asked.
Thea detected the fear in his voice and it cut her up as it always did. But why did he have to say what he did? It was so over the top; Lily’s face had showed that. But on the other hand, she knew that was who he was. He wasn’t a simple character, which was why his novel was taking so long. That, and because he drank a bit. He was a writer, a creative, tortured soul, and Thea was the only one who understood him. Wasn’t she? As the camera flashed again, Tim looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
‘Oh, Tim, anger has nothing to do with it.’ As a hole opened up in her and a great sadness washed over her, Thea realised she had no energy for anger. She wasn’t sure if she had the energy for anything any more.
*
‘So, Lee, how do you find the entertainment at the resort?’
Lily poured another glass of water. Lee and Carla had looked a bit distant when they arrived for their interview and as her efforts at small talk had failed, Lily decided to get straight on with it. She tried not to sound harsh, but she didn’t like Lee. He kept giving her looks, as if he had X-ray vision. She hoped he didn’t.
‘Oh, it’s very good.’ Lee looked at Lily then at Carla.
‘Carla?’ Lily liked Carla. Well, she felt sorry for her. The other night, when she’d been sobbing her heart out, she’d been pretty incoherent but what was clear was that she really loved Lee. Lily decided that both Carla and Jimmy needed to get lessons in who not to fall in love with, although it seemed for both of them it was too late.
‘Well, it’s fun and romantic, all rolled into one really.’ Romantic? At a guess, Lee was the most unromantic man in the resort. He was certainly the antithesis of Tim.
‘If you had to sum up your time here so far, what would you say?’
Lily studied the two blank faces in front of her and wondered what on earth was going on. They were as clueless as if she’d asked them how to build a nuclear bomb. Lee was monosyllabic, although generally he was only talkative when he had more of an audience. Carla’s features swung from pretty and smiling, to murderous. Lily sat back and waited for someone to speak.
‘I would say that it has been fun, and very sunny. And the food is delicious, so all good,’ Lee said.
‘And romantic,’ Carla hissed, again in a way that told Lily that it was anything but. Carla obviously hadn’t forgiven him for the other night and Lily was glad. She didn’t know how she put up with him, although by the looks of it she wasn’t doing. Had she not known better, Lily would conclude that The Love Resort was ruining relationships. She willed someone to speak.
‘Of course, romantic,’ he added. ‘I feel privileged to be here with Carla, I definitely do. She’s a top bird and I really, really love her.’ He smiled triumphantly. Lily decided not to push. Carla looked as if she wanted to hit him. Lily wondered if she should just make the interview up. After all, it would be easier than trying to get anything out of these two. Just as she was about to wrap it up, Carla cleared her throat.
‘Lee and I haven’t been out of university long and so we really built our love on a student foundation. It’s very different. We go to bars and clubs, but not really to restaurants. This feels very grown-up—which is, of course, wonderful for us. Lee is about to go to law school and I’m going to train as a journalist.’ She beamed triumphantly; Lee was obviously totally confused. ‘So, we are about to enter the grown-up world and this romantic interlude has certainly given us a taste for that.’
‘Lovely,’ Lily said, finally seeing some passion in Carla, and thankful that she had something she could use. ‘Finally, tell me how you feel your relationship has benefited from being here. Lee?’
‘We’ve grown closer. Much closer.’
‘Fantastic. Carla?’
‘I think we’ve seen ourselves for who we are and the foundations of our relationship, the ones we built before we came here, have been strengthened, and enhanced by the magic of The Love Resort.’ Carla looked at Lee with determination in her eyes. What she was saying was true. Lily wondered if there was hope for these two after all.
‘Wow, Carla, you have a great way with words. Good luck with the journalism,’ Lily said.
*
‘Look Carla, I’m really sorry,’ Lee said, as he tried to catch her up. Carla had given him the silent treatment throughout the photographs and still was doing, as they made their way to meet the others.
At first she’d been too angry to speak, now she wanted to scream at him.
‘I can’t believe you. I asked you to make a bit more effort, that’s all, so we could enjoy the holiday, but you just made a fool out of me again. Those answers you gave were so lame.’ Carla glared at him. He wasn’t even trying. After the other night, after dancing with Emily, he’d promised her that things would be better, that he’d be the boyfriend she wanted him to be. Well, that hadn’t really lasted. Carla couldn’t remember having ever been so angry with him.
‘Carla, stop a minute.’ He put his hands on her shoulders. ‘I can’t do the romantic thing. You’ve always known that. So, why are you surprised by my behaviour? I am sorry, but I can’t be who I’m not.’
Carla looked at him. She felt winded. She did know him, and she loved him for who he was, and he was right, she shouldn’t have expected him to behave like a romantic; she knew he wasn’t. What was she doing? Her anger deflated.
‘I’m sorry. Look, Lee, we’ve still got a fair way to go on this holiday, so how about we try to enjoy ourselves and I’ll be more relaxed?’ She smiled at him warmly. She had to take his feelings into account; she had to make this holiday work.
‘Deal, babes,’ he agreed, and slung an arm around her shoulder as they walked off.
*
‘Hi, guys, did you have your photos taken yet?’ Thea asked as they arrived at the bar where Jimmy and Emily were sitting.
‘Yes, on the beach,’ Emily replied.
‘We had to sit in one of the love seats. It was a bit cheesy,’ Thea explained.
‘It was tackiness personified,’ Tim elaborated, and then ordered drinks.
‘We got engaged,’ Jimmy blurted out. He didn’t know why, but he wanted the others to know. He wanted to see how Emily reacted to what they’d say and he wanted his relationship back. He felt childish but part of him wanted them to know that she was his. Unless she told him otherwise.
‘My God, you did?’ Tim patted Jimmy on the back.
‘Wow, congratulations,’ Thea offered.
‘Thank you, but, Jimmy, I did ask you to keep it quiet. You see,’ Emily said, turning to look at him, ‘I wanted my parents to be the first to know.’
‘Never mind,’ Tim said. ‘I don’t have a clue who your parents
are, so I’m not going to let it slip. Right, this calls for a celebration. Barman, champagne over here, please.’
Jimmy tried to keep himself calm. She wouldn’t wear the ring and she didn’t want anyone to know. He tried to tell himself that it was perfectly reasonable for her to want her folks to be the first to know, but he didn’t quite believe it. He didn’t know what to believe right now, apart from the fact that he was beginning to feel like an utter fool.
He had always been a bit blind when it came to Emily, but his eyes were being slowly, reluctantly opened. She wasn’t acting like someone who had just got engaged, she was acting like someone who didn’t want to be engaged. But before they left they’d talked about marriage. In fact, Jimmy recalled, it was Emily who brought the subject up. She said that the resort would be a perfect setting for a proposal. Which is why he’d bought the ring. As he thought about this he felt sad. He hadn’t even come up with that idea himself. It had been hers. They’d often talked about plans for the future. Emily had pointed out houses she liked, and venues for weddings. She’d even told him how many children she wanted (three). He felt sick with fear, and something else he couldn’t identify. She was behaving badly, and he had no idea what to do.
Lee and Carla arrived, looking thunderous.
‘We need to do the photographs first,’ the photographer told them as Tim tried to get them to have a drink. ‘Now can you all go and stand by the fence?’ They obediently made their way to the rose-covered fence and lined up.
‘No, that’s no good. You look like an army. Right. Men at the back, women in front. In front of your own boyfriend, of course,’ the photographer instructed.
‘Or in someone’s case, their fiancée,’ Tim quipped.
‘What?’ Carla asked, looking at Thea.
‘Oh God, not us, no, Jimmy and Emily.’
‘What?’ Lee asked, as Emily turned red. Carla and Jimmy both looked at the floor.
‘Can you all look at the camera?’ The photographer snapped, and as he took the photograph they all did, but only Tim smiled.
The Love Resort Page 17
