by C. Fonseca
“Do you need a hand with your gear?” the chopper pilot asked.
“Thanks.” Eleanor stashed her camera into her backpack, collected her jacket, and hopped out of the cabin. Lifting her face to the welcoming salty sea breeze, she inhaled deeply.
The pilot reached in behind the seat in the rear and extracted Eleanor’s compact travel bag. The adventure was about to begin.
After Serina and Eleanor made hasty introductions, the journalist walked her to a thatched-roof bungalow at the far end of the resort. “Most of the media crews are on and off the island today, but as sponsors of the event, we’ve scored these digs. Lucky us. I hope you don’t mind bunking in with me,” Serina said, opening the door to reveal a decent-sized room with two double beds, a couple of armchairs, bar fridge, and coffee-making facilities. “As you can tell from the mess on my side, your bed’s on the right. Not bad, huh?”
Eleanor did a full circle and grinned. “I think this will do nicely.” She placed her gear on the luggage table beside what was to be her bed. Sharing a bungalow with a stranger was not expected, but no problem. They’d both be busy doing their jobs, and the accommodation was more than adequate. A place to shower, dress, and crash for the next couple of nights.
“I’d better get myself going. I’m buzzing.” Serina handed Eleanor a manila folder and a set of keys. “Everything you need to know is in here.”
Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “You’re from Manchester? You’ve come a long way.”
“Yep, I’m a proper Manc.” She winked. “I was following a story in Indonesia when the call came through. It’s mint scoring this assignment.” Serina walked over to the mirror, tousled her hair with both hands, and straightened her shirt collar. “You’re an Aussie, but you don’t sound it.”
“I flatted in London for over a decade.”
“But you’re home now?”
“Yes, for now, based in Melbourne. My family is there,” Eleanor said.
“That’s nice, love. Oh well, with the magazine spreading its wings all over the globe and with your experience, there’ll be plenty of opportunities here if you want them.”
Eleanor nodded. Maybe Serina had a point. The guilt Eleanor had suffered after her aunt’s death had set her on a quest to tell stories about things that mattered all over the planet. Serina’s assertion that Eleanor could base herself in Melbourne was quite a gear shift, though not an entirely unwelcome one.
Serina pointed to the folder in Eleanor’s hands. “We both need to read through the guidelines and protocols for our interview with the Indigenous communities.”
“Thanks. I’ll definitely make time to do that.”
“I’ll leave you to sort yourself out, then.” Serina grabbed her leather notebook and recording device from the coffee table. “Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, your ex is on the island. I interviewed her earlier today.”
Eleanor did a double take. The keys slid off the top of the folder, onto the wooden floor. Clang. “What?” She scooped them up. “Who did you interview?”
“Mia Conti. Hey, I know, right? Mia was surprised as well when I told her you were here replacing the scheduled shutterbug.” Her thin pencil-line eyebrows furrowed. “It won’t be an issue, will it? I mean, she seemed thrilled about the chance to catch up.”
Not an issue, no. Maybe a little awkward that Eleanor hadn’t known Mia would be here, but she smiled at the thought of seeing her again. It would be fun. Mia’s presence shouldn’t surprise Eleanor. Her ex-girlfriend was a fierce campaigner on environmental issues. With her roots in Far North Queensland, of course she’d want to be part of saving the reef. “No, not at all. Do you know where I can find her?”
“Yeah. She’s staying in a luxurious beachfront bungalow. Garden terrace with maximum privacy,” Serina said. “Dylan organised your ID card. It’s in the folder. You’ll need it to get past the security guards near the celebs’ sleeping quarters. See you later.” She raced out the door.
Eleanor blinked, slightly baffled at Serina’s sudden exit. Serina seemed pretty laid-back, though. She’d be easy to get on with.
After quickly reading over the brief, Eleanor’s curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to visit her ex-girlfriend before her appointment with the director. She peered at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, deciding a quick wash and tidy up was in order. She washed her face, brushed her teeth and changed into a clean shirt.
Eleanor fastened the ID to her shirt collar, slung the Leica over her shoulder, picked up her camera bag, and stepped into the sunshine. After just thirty minutes in the relative cool of the bungalow, the sultry heat outside enveloped her like a heavy blanket. Keeping in the shade beneath the palm grove canopy, she strolled along the shale pathway flanked on the right by the seashore. Half a dozen black nodding terns nested in the sea grass and some kind of egret—Helen would have identified it in a heartbeat—sunbathed nearby.
Nobody was paying her to take photos of the local bird life, but what the heck? The egret’s snowy white plumage made a dramatic silhouette against the intense blue of the calm sea, drawing Eleanor’s hands straight to her camera. The egret turned to face her, and Eleanor snapped. The bird stared back, unfazed by Eleanor as she crept closer.
“Excuse me, Miss, I’ll need to see your identification.”
Eleanor looked up with a start.
The security officer stood over her, his huge bulk providing much needed shade, and glanced at the card on her collar. “You’re good to go, Ms Heysen. But sorry, no cameras.” He held out his hand.
She smiled and flipped over the ID card. “That’s going to make life difficult. I am an official photographer for the event.”
He grinned. “I see your point. Where are you heading?”
“I’m looking for Mia Conti’s accommodation.”
“I don’t know why you’re bothering with these feathered birds if you’re on your way to visit Ms Conti,” he said with a smirk. “Her bungalow is right on the beach, just behind those trees. I spotted her on the terrace.”
“Thanks for your help.”
“No problem,” he called after her. “Have a good day, Miss.”
Eleanor tread warily into the private garden, hoping Mia wouldn’t object to an unannounced visitor. She set her camera bag on the wooden deck and glanced around, looking for Mia. Ahh. She’d recognise that very shapely behind anywhere. “Security told me you were out on the terrace. They failed to mention I’d find you on your hands and knees, crawling in the dirt under a bush.”
“Shush…it’s a diplodactylus vittatus.” Mia glanced sideways at Eleanor, and her smile widened. Scrambling to her feet, she said, “It’s you! I wondered how long it would take ’till you came looking.” She grasped Eleanor’s hands and pulled her into a fierce hug.
“Making friends with the wildlife, are you?” Eleanor could only mumble with her face squashed against Mia’s shoulder, enveloped in her warm, familiar scent.
Mia held her at arm’s length. “Imagine my delight when Serina told me you were here. You’re a sight for sore eyes.” She caressed Eleanor’s cheek with the back of her hand. “God, you look well. Tremendous in fact.”
Eleanor covered Mia’s hand with hers and smiled. Mia was always such a charmer. “Yes, the surprise was mutual,” she said. “You look…what can I say…pretty fantastic. Even with mud and grass stains on your white trousers.” Eleanor picked out a sticky purply-blue flower that was caught in Mia’s auburn hair, tossing it over her shoulder.
“Oh, shadup.” Mia laughed heartily, combing her fingers through her stylish bob. “I spotted a couple of wood gecko scurrying under the native plumbago and was trying to get a quick look-see. One of the little darlings is still there if you want to take a peek.”
Eleanor took a couple of hasty steps backwards. “I’ll pass on that, thanks.”
“How could I forget? You are not fond of amphibians and
creepy crawlies.” Mia clutched Eleanor’s hand and pulled her onto the deck. “You’ll stay for a few minutes to chat, won’t you? I know we’ll be around each other for the next couple of days, but there’ll be lots of other people. It would be sweet to catch up privately. Or are you working now?”
“I am here to work, as you know.” Eleanor pointed to her camera bag. “There’s time for a quick chat, though, if you don’t mind me taking a few pictures. My brief for the rest of this morning is to check in with the director and get lots of shots of guests interacting naturally.” She made quotation marks in the air. “Pity I didn’t get a shot of you crawling about in the dirt.”
Mia lightly thumped Eleanor’s shoulder, pushing her into a cane armchair and taking the one opposite. “Sit. You. I don’t think a picture of my butt would aid the cause, do you? And yes, you can take a few shots. That’s why we’re here after all, for the publicity. Anyway, you’ve always made me look super.”
“Not like that’s a difficult task.” It was true. Not only was Mia attractive, she was extremely driven, intelligent, and surprisingly humble. It was a shame she and Eleanor hadn’t worked out, but after two years of juggling timetables and demanding careers, what had broken the camel’s back, though, was Mia’s big break in Hollywood.
Mia shrugged and gave her a genuine smile. “Thank you. You’re so endearing, Eleanor. Not to mention all your other qualities.” She winked mischievously. “Has anyone lassoed you yet?”
Eleanor met Mia’s amused gaze. “No. You’re the one who’s been snagged—by a Californian farmer, no less. Sorry I couldn’t make it to your wedding. Congratulations.” She briefly closed her eyes, recalling the stab of regret that surfaced when she’d received the invitation, and she’d wished for a moment that she and Mia had tried harder to make their relationship work. The moment had passed quickly, though, replaced by happiness that Mia had been able to move on with someone else.
“Thank you. Stephanie manages a community garden in the Hollywood Hills. She loves getting her hands dirty, supplying the local restaurants with fresh organic produce.” Mia sat back, looking thoughtful. “As far as being captured…it’s true… I am blissfully happy. Steph keeps me grounded.”
And that’s what had been missing in Mia and Eleanor’s relationship. Back then, neither of them had been ready to settle. They’d never even shared a home or been able to find enough time for each other. But now Eleanor’s circumstances had changed, and she too wanted someone special in her life. Out of the blue, she recalled the hunger in Alexa’s eyes just before she’d kissed Eleanor in the library study-room and nearly brought her to her knees.
Mia sat forward in her chair. “It’s early days yet, but I have to tell you. Steph is pregnant. We’re expecting the stork to arrive in five and a half months.” Her voice bubbled with excitement.
“Motherhood,” Eleanor exclaimed. “That’s a big step, Mia. Congratulations.”
A warm glow of contentment radiated from Mia, and Eleanor wondered if she would ever find the same happiness.
“It sure is.” Mia squeezed her knee. “I heard about Harold. I’m so sorry, but it’s grand he’s on the mend. Having you there must be a blessing. Coming home seems to be good for you, too.” She frowned. “I caught you on the Ian Sinclair Show last month. You looked exhausted, El. Now that you’re back in Oz, are you planning to stay?”
Eleanor raised her shoulders in a half shrug. Mia wasn’t the only person to tell her how well she looked since her return to Australia, and she did feel re-energized. “I really don’t know. I have to admit though, I’m tired of the constant travel.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Yeah.” Eleanor tilted her head to one side. “I know this may sound crazy, but I could stay in Melbourne, if there were enough projects that interested me.”
“Like this one. There are plenty of causes to support in the region.”
“I need to start giving it some thought. Mum would be keen for me to stick around; Dad, too.” Eleanor pushed her hands through her hair. “Actually, if it was possible, I could handle basing myself closer to home.” Her mind sparked with possibilities as realisation washed over her.
“Lots to think about.” Mia’s neatly shaped eyebrows lifted. “How is dear Sarah?”
Eleanor couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes. “Working harder than ever since Dad’s illness, as you can imagine.”
“Don’t be hard on her. The firm is her family legacy, isn’t it? Her responsibility. It can’t be easy,” Mia said in a calm voice.
Those were almost the same words Alexa had used on the train. “Someone else told me that lately.” Eleanor was unable to hide her silly grin.
“Oh? What kind of someone?” Mia gazed at her quizzically. “Have you met someone of interest?” Her eyes twinkled.
“What makes you think that?” Eleanor stared into the sky-blue eyes that were boring into hers, although it must have been obvious from the blush that went right to her ears.
“I knew it,” Mia said with a chuckle. “I’m an actor and very good at reading people…especially you. Who is she?”
“A new friend.” Eleanor licked her lips, recalling the feel of Alexa’s mouth against hers. She gave her head a little shake, not wanting to dwell on sexy thoughts of Alexa now. “But I can’t just sit here all day.” Reaching for her camera bag, she pulled out the Leica M10 and looped the strap over her neck, pushing all thoughts of Alexa from her mind. She primed the 50 Lux, which was her perfect in-between wide angle and portrait lens. “I have to record lots of behind the scenes action during the filming. You’re not the only famous name on the island you know, and I have a lot to cover.”
Mia pointed her finger at Eleanor. “Don’t think you can hide behind your camera. A new friend, huh? Eleanor Heysen, your cheeks are bright red.”
“It’s true; she is a friend.” Eleanor squirmed at the accusation. She didn’t want to tell anyone about what was going on between her and Alexa until she’d figured it out for herself.
“You’re going to have to tell me more. I’m not leaving the island until you do.” Mia winked.
Eleanor laughed. “Come on, Mia. Showtime,” she said, firing off a series of playful portraits. With hands on hips, Mia struck a provocative pose, looking incongruous in her grass-stained pants and smoothly tanned bare feet.
Mia pursed her lips. “Hey. These photos aren’t going to be featured in the magazine, are they?”
“Nope. Don’t worry. Consider these my warm-up shots,” Eleanor said, pointing the camera in Mia’s direction again.
Mia scrunched her nose and stuck out her tongue.
Eleanor pressed and held the shutter button in burst mode. “Yep. They’ll be on the front page, I expect.” She peeked over the camera, caught Mia’s eye, and they both started to giggle.
“Now, stop goofing around and let me do my work.” Eleanor glanced around and pointed to the patch of grass. “I want to change the angle of my next shot. Why don’t you sit cross-legged right here, so I can photograph you with the palm grove leading down to the golden sand and the stunning colours of the coral reef behind you?”
Mia gave her a blinding smile and said, “Now that we’ve re-connected, you must promise to stay in touch.”
“I will, Mia. I’d really like that.” Eleanor returned her smile.
Chapter 20
Plucking the plum blossom from the roof
That kiss in the Library. Damn. It was all Alexa could think of lately. She knew if they’d been somewhere more appropriate and she’d had time, things would have escalated, fast.
Recalling the power of the kiss still made her knees wobble. Everything had got hot and steamy until Alexa came to her senses. What had she been thinking—making out in her workplace?
A quick glance around the open plan office confirmed that Alexa’s colleagues had left for their lunch break. S
he signed into her Instagram account.
With an exasperated sigh, she located the Save the Reef campaign that had been all over the news for days. She was still slightly amazed that photographs of Eleanor were on social media, and that she had even appeared fleetingly on the Current Affairs program last night.
Alexa peered at her computer screen. Why did Eleanor have to be standing practically on top of her ex-girlfriend in every frame? Eleanor’s shoulders and finely muscled arms were bare, and her sun-kissed skin glowed as she stood intimately close to Mia Conti on the deck of the Ecotourism catamaran. Eleanor’s figure-hugging black tank top and the loose white shorts sitting low on her hips were unnecessarily revealing, according to Alexa. “Humph,” she snorted, digging her nails into her palm. Fuck. They did make a stunning couple. Wasn’t Eleanor there to work?
Mia was gorgeous, of course, in a summery, mini orange playsuit with a plunging V-neckline. At the next image, Alexa winced, wishing she hadn’t already seen this publicity group shot where Mia had her arm proprietorially around Eleanor’s midriff, but she’d managed to come across it at least ten times already. Mia’s wide smile displayed her perfectly even, pearly white teeth. She and Eleanor were having way too much fun together.
Alexa and Eleanor weren’t even dating, and yet here Alexa was, incensed because the woman she’d kissed twice was spending time with her ex-girlfriend in a sultry, tropical paradise. Why had Alexa allowed Eleanor to get under her skin? Was there something going on between Eleanor and Mia? Is this ugly feeling jealousy?
Alexa enjoyed light and casual dalliances, steering clear of women who had expectations she couldn’t fulfil. Pinching her lips together, she drummed her fingers on the desk. Let’s face it, she already had expectations of Eleanor, which was hardly fair. Alexa twirled a lock of hair around her finger and glared at the damn picture again. Eleanor may not even want to continue what they’d only just started when she returned from Love Island.
With a squeak and a clunk, Jac rolled an office chair to Alexa’s desk and plopped down beside her before Alexa had a chance to toggle away from the Ecotourism page. Blast. Jac was bound to ask questions, and Alexa didn’t want to talk about Eleanor or the strange discontent that was gnawing at her insides.
