Table For Eight

by Tricia Stringer

  By the time she opened the bathroom door again Christine was feeling much more positive. The shower had been restorative. She’d used some of the face scrub she’d been given a few Christmases ago and the new lavender body wash she’d brought with her. When she’d stepped out of the water she’d spent time blow-drying her hair and applying some light make-up. She felt ready to fall into Frank’s arms; they’d make love and then they’d be ready for breakfast and plan their day.

  She stared around the cabin in dismay. Frank was gone. The clothes he’d dropped on the floor last night were still where he’d left them. She crossed to the balcony but the curtains were drawn. She tugged them open; the space was empty barring the furniture. Frank hadn’t bothered to wait for her.

  A strange prickly sensation deepened in her chest. It was hard to put a finger on how she felt. Sad, on edge, as if things were spinning out of control. It was such an unusual sensation for her. She’d always felt in charge of everything in her life, from her marriage and children, to her work. She took a deep breath then swallowed to disperse the uncertainty. If things weren’t going the way she wanted she needed a new plan, that was all, and making up with her husband was a start. If Frank had already gone to breakfast she would join him.

  She strode across the room to the bench where she’d left her jewellery. Frank’s watch had been dropped on top of her things, scattering them. She retrieved one gold hoop earring from the floor and put both in her ears then looked for the new pendant her father had bought her. She hadn’t wanted to wear it to the beach yesterday and hadn’t thought to put it on last night. It was nowhere among the other jewellery scattered on the bench. She rummaged in the bag she kept chains and earrings in but it wasn’t there either.

  Swearing under her breath, she began to search the room, trying to remember where she’d put it when she’d taken it off two nights ago but her memory of that night was foggy. Frank’s shoes and clothes were scattered across the floor. She picked up his shirt and pressed it to her nose, drawing in the scent of him. She had a small pang of guilt at her anger over his excessive alcohol intake when she’d done the same herself only the night before. She plonked down on the unmade bed. At least she hadn’t made a scene like he had.

  Ketty stepped out of the bathroom to find the bed empty. Through the open curtain she could see Celia on the balcony, leaning on the rail, taking in the view, her crumpled beige dress partly covered by Ketty’s blue pashmina, the black lace neatly folded on the chair. The ship had been approaching the wharf at Port Vila when Ketty had peeped around the curtain before taking her shower.

  Now she straightened the bed covers. It had been strange to wake up and find someone else in her bed. She smiled. Celia wouldn’t be her choice of partner. Immediately Ketty thought of Leo and for a moment she wondered what she would do if meeting him again lead to something intimate. She felt anxious at the thought and yet there was an unbidden surge of anticipation. Her mind and her body were pulling in opposite directions.

  Celia turned and saw her through the glass, waved and moved to the door.

  “Stay out there if you like,” Ketty said.

  “I should go. Maude will wonder where I am.”

  “Carlos was going to get a message to her. He called in last night to see how you were.”

  “The maître d’? That was kind of him.” Celia shook her head. “He must think I’m a klutz.”

  “I’ve known Carlos for years and, believe me, in his work he’s seen many things. He takes it all in his stride.”

  “The others from our table saw it all.” Celia closed her eyes and groaned.

  “No more of that. It was an accident.” Ketty switched on the kettle. “I’ll make us some tea. Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a baby as they say, although mine never slept that deeply.”

  Ketty set out the cups she’d rinsed the night before. “How’s your face?”

  “A bit tender. I looked in the mirror while you were in the shower. There’s a shadow of a bruise.”

  “You should ice it again, now. I think they say to keep icing for twenty-four hours.” Ketty took out the pack and handed it to Celia. “Sit down a moment. Enjoy the view.”

  Celia turned back and beyond her Ketty could see the lush green of a small island nestled in the sheltered turquoise blue water of the harbour. A ripple of expectation wiggled over her. She had previously enjoyed the relaxed lifestyle of Vanuatu and the welcome smiles of the people, especially the women she visited at the craft centres, but now her anticipation had a sharper edge to it. There had been no chance to organise anything with Leo and she wondered what today would bring.

  There was a sharp knock on the door. The peephole revealed Josie on the other side.

  “Ketty, I’m calling to see if you know how Celia is.” Josie was in as soon as Ketty opened the door. “Oh, you’re here. No adverse effects from last night?” She made her way to Celia who was standing in the balcony doorway. “That bruise will be a beauty.”

  Celia’s hand went to her cheek.

  “What a gorgeous wrap. The colour suits you so well.”

  “I love what you’re wearing.” Celia said. “I never feel brave enough to wear such vibrant colours.”

  “You should. That blue brings out the colour of your eyes.”

  Ketty followed her visitor across the cabin. “You’re both wearing colours that favour your natural complexions.” Ketty studied the bright watermelon pink of Josie’s sleeveless blouse, tucked into a skirt that flowed in soft folds to her knees. The skirt fabric was deep green and patterned with bright pink and orange hibiscus flowers. “I like your skirt, Josie.”

  “I found it in a little boutique near home. Thought it would be good for cruising. You could so easily make this kind of thing, Ketty, and sell it online. Standard sizing, no fittings needed.” Josie tugged at the fabric then turned to Celia. “Has Ketty given you a makeover yet? She’s the queen of style. I would never wear a shirt tucked in at the waist until she convinced me it looked all right.”

  Ketty was still pondering Josie’s mention of selling online when she realised Celia was studying her with a questioning look.

  “Josie had a great body under the big shirts and shapeless dresses she wore.” Ketty waved her hands through the air to give the impression of a curvaceous figure. “I encouraged her to make more of her assets.”

  “Ketty’s polite way of saying I’m ‘well rounded’.” Josie laughed.

  “I simply made a few suggestions when we cruised together last, that’s all.” She gave a small shake of her head. “I was making tea. Would you like a cup?”

  Josie glanced at her watch. “I’m meeting Bernie and Leo for breakfast. We’re going to plan our Port Vila excursions. That’s the other reason for my visit, to see if you’d like to join us. You too, Celia. Ketty, we’re keen to hear from you the best places to visit.” She stepped out onto the balcony beside Celia. “I’ve certainly got time for tea though. Isn’t it a glorious day?”

  Celia and Josie chatted about Port Vila while Ketty made the tea, reflecting on Josie’s remarks about making skirts like hers. Earlier, while she’d showered, Ketty’s thoughts had inevitably turned to home and business and the women who depended on her. She’d decided that instead of trying to keep the worry of it at bay she should embrace it. Without actually being in the thick of the day to day, she could give her mind free rein to ask the ‘what if’ questions. Change was needed. The kind her accountant was suggesting was unpalatable but Josie’s idea might have some merit. At least the ready-made skirts part. Could it be possible to sell them online? She’d resisted it for so long, clinging to her mantra of making sure each client got the personal treatment. Perhaps there was room for both in her business and yet selling online still felt so foreign to her.

  She handed out the cups and dragged the stool outside, eager now to go ashore. Port Vila was the perfect place to find fabric that might suit the ideas turning over in her head. And once she’d finished her
jobs this morning she looked forward to meeting the others for lunch and seeing what panned out from there.

  Celia let herself back into her little cabin, which seemed even smaller after Ketty’s room. Maude’s usual morning tune sounded beyond the bathroom door. Celia sat on the end of her bed to take off her shoes. She’d been surprised to find herself still in Ketty’s room when she woke this morning and then after Josie’s arrival they’d settled on the balcony, enjoyed a cup of tea and talked about their sons. Josie had three, two of whom were a similar age to Celia’s two, and Ketty had talked about her nephew who she said she claimed as her surrogate son. It had been such a peaceful start to the day, chatting as they contemplated the aquamarine water. The company and the surrounding tropical paradise had been so relaxing.

  Celia looked around the little cabin she shared with Maude. You had no idea of the passing scenery from in here.

  The bathroom door opened and Maude stepped out, a towel barely covering her naked body.

  “You’re back.” Her eyebrows wiggled up and down and then she leaned closer. “What happened to your face? I hope your lover boy isn’t responsible for that.”

  Celia put a hand to her cheek. “There’s no man, Maude. I had a bit of a fall last night and banged my face.”

  Maude gave her a sceptical look. “I didn’t know what to think when I found a note in the door on ship’s letterhead saying you were in good hands but wouldn’t be back to your stateroom for the night.”

  “Ketty took me back to her room after I fell.” Celia waved the icepack she’d brought back with her. “I needed to ice my cheek. We had a cuppa and a chat and then I was suddenly very tired. I slept in her room.” Celia put the pack in the freezer of the little fridge and picked up her brush from the bench.

  Maude sat on the edge of her bed watching Celia brush her hair. “You missed a great dance party again last night. Are you sure you haven’t got a man hidden away somewhere?”

  “Definitely no man hiding. I tripped on the bottom step straight after dinner and Ketty kindly looked after me.” Celia put down the brush and leaned in to take another look at her bruised cheek.

  “What about your disappearing act yesterday from the beach? You went off with Ketty then. You’re not turning, are you?”

  Celia glanced at Maude in the mirror. “Turning?”

  “You know, batting for the other side like Beryl and Dot at bowls. Not that I care one way or the other but Nigel will be disappointed.”

  Celia shook her head and opened the cupboard to find her robe. “I am not batting for anyone, male or female. Ketty has been very kind to me, as a friend. Now I’m going to have a shower before I go down for breakfast.”

  “You’d best be quick. We don’t have long before we go.”

  Celia paused at the bathroom door. “Go where?”

  “Celia, I do wonder if you take in anything I say. We discussed it over our pre-dinner wine last night, remember? The six of us are sharing a water taxi into town.”

  “Us?”

  “Perhaps you hit your head last night as well. Pete and the rest of his group, remember? Except Anne, of course.”

  Celia swallowed her sigh. “Yes, I remember.” She turned to look at Maude, face to face. “Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that Pete comes with us instead of staying with his wife?”

  “Not at all.” Maude stood and began rummaging for her clothes. “Pete and Anne have got one of the cruise ship tours of the island booked for a few days’ time. She hopes to be a bit more mobile by then and the travel will all be by bus so she can stay put if she needs.” Maude sniffed and lifted her chin. “Anne wants Pete to enjoy himself. The way you keep disappearing poor Nigel is glad Pete’s part of the group. And Bob and Freda, of course.”

  “About Nigel—”

  “The poor guy is desperate to get to know you a bit better. And he’s quite a catch.”

  “Why don’t you get to know him better?”

  “I told you he’s a bit quiet for my taste and anyway, it’s you he’s smitten with.”

  Celia grimaced. “I wish he wasn’t.”

  “Don’t you like him?”

  “No…well, yes but—”

  “Oh, for goodness sake, Celia. Just chill. Now hurry and have your shower and make sure you bring everything you need when you come down for breakfast. We’re leaving straight after.”

  Celia shut herself in the bathroom and began to undress. She’d left Ketty’s room this morning feeling as if a huge weight had lifted from her shoulders. She hoped she wouldn’t run into Ed now. She wasn’t so sure he hadn’t recognised her last night as Ketty had suggested. Celia had convinced herself she didn’t care anymore but she was feeling fragile and not in the right frame of mind to come across Ed face to face.

  Now she felt uneasy. In her relief at sharing her troubles with Ketty she’d forgotten all about today’s proposed outing. It was arranged so she would go, but she was feeling quite determined she wouldn’t let Maude rope her into any future plans she wasn’t comfortable with. Celia peered at herself in the mirror. Perhaps Ketty was right, she could be her own person and stand on her own two feet. She’d done it when she’d left Adelaide after the divorce without realising it.

  “What are you doing?”

  Christine sat back on her heels in surprise at Frank’s voice behind her. She hadn’t heard the cabin door open. “I’m looking for the pendant Dad gave me. It’s missing.” She took in his tousled hair and crumpled t-shirt. He looked like he’d just got out of bed. “Surely you didn’t go down to breakfast like that?”

  “I didn’t go to breakfast. I needed the toilet urgently and you were in the bathroom.” Frank picked up his watch and began to rummage in the tumble of jewellery on the bench. “It must be here somewhere.”

  “What?” Christine staggered up from the floor where she’d been searching under the bed.

  “The pendant.”

  “It’s not there, not anywhere. I think it’s been stolen.”

  Frank frowned at her. “Who would steal it?”

  “That maid is often hanging out in the corridor when I pop back to the room. She can come and go from here whenever she likes.”

  “Maria?” He shook his head. “She’s lovely. Very helpful.”

  “There’s a shifty look about her.”

  Once more Frank shook his head.

  “Don’t look at me like that, Frank. The necklace is missing and she’s the one with opportunity.”

  “It could be caught up in something. Maria was out in the corridor when I came back. We should ask her to keep an eye out when she’s cleaning. She might find it.” He pulled the sheet back from the bed.

  “I’ve looked there.” Christine threw up her hands. “I’ve looked everywhere.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it will turn up.”

  “It’s a special gift and worth a lot of money. How can I not worry about it?”

  “Steady up, Chrissie. It’s got to be here somewhere. I’ll ask Maria if she’s seen it and to keep an eye out.”

  “All right but if she knows nothing I’m going to report it.”

  He reached for her hand. “I’m sorry about last night.”

  His look was contrite. She met him halfway with a small smile.

  “I’d had too much to drink and behaved badly.” He hugged her against him. “I think we both need to go easy on the drinks, hey?”

  Christine drew in a deep breath and recoiled at his stale man smell. He had overdone it far more than her but she wasn’t going to spoil his apology with a contradiction. “Have your shower, Frank, and we’ll get some breakfast. I’m looking forward to checking out Port Vila.” She eased out of his arms and took in his bleary eyes and stubble-covered chin. “I’ll go down now and have a look for Dad while I wait for you. Meet you in twenty minutes?”

  He nodded.

  She gave the bench one last inspection, slipped on her lanyard and let herself out into the corridor. There was a trolley loaded with
sheets and towels a bit further down but no sign of Maria. Christine’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t trust the smiling maid one bit.

  “Are you expecting someone?” Josie’s bright eyes locked on Bernard. They were in the ship’s coffee lounge enjoying a cup before they set off for their day in Port Vila.

  He shook his head.

  “You keep looking over your shoulder as if you’re about to be arrested.” She took a sip of her coffee and looked at him over her cup. “I assume you’re not.”

  “Going to be arrested?”

  She gave a wry smile.

  “My slate is clean.” He sighed. “Except where Christine is concerned.”

  “Really, Bernie. I don’t mind if she and Frank join us. Leo’s coming, why not them?”

  “I want to enjoy myself. It’s hard to relax when Christine’s around. You don’t know her very well.”

  “But I know you.” She put her hand over his, resting on the table. “You’re a real man, not someone easily cowed by your daughter of all people.”

  He lifted her hand and pressed it to his lips. “Are you calling me a wimp?”

  She laughed and slid her hand from his, resting her back against the chair. “I haven’t decided yet.”

  Bernard let out a soft growl. “My room or yours?”

  She threw her head back this time and her laugh was throaty. “Slow down, cowboy.”

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked.

  “Shouldn’t you check what Christine’s doing?”

  “Better she and Frank have the day together. They’ve got a few issues to sort out that don’t involve me.”

  “I’m happy if you are. And here comes Leo.”