by Carrie Stone
Moments later, the door opens and Tilly strides in looking a little worse for wear.
‘Hey, you missed the best hour. A few more of my colleagues joined us and we had a right laugh. Plus, there’s this new – very cute – Australian guy, just arrived a few days ago. Anyway, we exchanged numbers.’
I watch as Tilly kicks off her shoes and disappears into the bedroom, pulling off her dress as she goes. ‘That was fast work,’ I call out. ‘What’s he like then?’
She pads back into the room, face animated. ‘Well, he’s quite tall and buff. He’s got really dark eyes and complexion. He looks like he could be Asian. He said he was from Perth.’ She bites on her bottom lip.
I suddenly think back to my introduction to Spencer earlier. ‘So, Spencer… I wasn’t expecting him to be American.’
She looks at me oddly. ‘Why not? He’s blatantly a Yank.’ I watch as she goes to the kitchen and pours herself some water.
‘I don’t know, I just thought he looked British.’
‘Well, funnily enough, he said the same about you – that you weren’t what he expected.’
She saunters back into the room as I feel my pulse quicken in unexpected excitement. Spencer spoke about me after I left?
‘God, Cullen is such a hottie. I wonder if he’s going to be yet another asshole?’ Tilly looks pensive as she considers it. ‘He came across so down to earth, he was even wearing surf stuff.’
My thoughts still on Spencer, I fail to register her comment until a few seconds later. ‘Hang on, is Cullen the Aussie guy? And surf stuff? What job does he do?’
‘Yes, and yes. He’s a kitchen porter. Passing through on a cruise ship headed for the Caribbean.’
I try not to let my face betray me as I simply say, ‘Oh OK.’ I do wonder about Tilly, she always seems to go for the men that aren’t materially on her level and usually not an intellectual match either. Not that it’s a bad thing but knowing that she’s fiercely ambitious, expects the finer things in life and stimulating conversation, I somehow can’t see a kitchen porter living up to those expectations long-term. But maybe I’m being harsh, he might be all of those things and more. If not, I hope she decides to one day date an equally ambitious man and see how it works out…
I change the subject, thinking of Spencer again. ‘So how long have you known Spencer and Jools?’
She sits down sideways on the chair adjacent to me, crossing her long, tanned legs over the edge. ‘Years, since I got here. Jools and I used to work together before he moved across to Anderson Granger. He introduced me to Spence and well, it’s so small here, I guess we just ended up always hanging out at the same places. He’s a sweetheart.’
Intrigue suddenly gets the better of me. ‘Have you ever had a thing with him?’
Tilly looks at me in shock. ‘With Jools? Gosh, no way. He’d do my absolute head—’
I cut her off, slightly irritated. ‘Obviously I didn’t mean Jools, I know he’s definitely not your type. Spencer, I mean.’
‘Oh Spence.’ She suddenly looks at me curiously. ‘Why? Are you interested in him?’
I feel heat creep into my face. For some reason I’m suddenly embarrassed, as if I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t.
‘Oh my gosh, you like him, don’t you!’ She’s smiling broadly at me and shaking her head in disbelief. ‘I just can’t believe that of all the people I’ve introduced you to, he’s the one you’re interested in. Mr cauliflower ear.’ She laughs and throws her head back. ‘How funny.’
Crossing my arms across my chest, I smile at her jest. ‘Well, I’m pleased you think it’s funny. So, have you or not?’
She splutters dramatically. ‘Bleurgh, Spence? Of course not! He’s like a baby brother. He’s also a bit pathetic. You might as well date a wet sponge.’
‘Don’t be so mean. He came across as really manly to me. And I assume he plays rugby so surely that means he’s a bit rough and ready.’
‘Yeah rough and ready for a soft play centre.’ She finds herself hilarious and I have to wait until she finishes laughing to continue. ‘In seriousness, he’s a good guy. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. Just may be a bit too dull for you, in my opinion. But feel free to go ahead. I got the impression he liked you, so I doubt you’ll have to wait long for him to seek you out. You are fresh meat on this island.’
‘OK, that’s good to know.’ Unable to hide my delight, I feel the beginnings of a smile playing on my lips. I may have made a vow to concentrate on myself but there’s no harm in having a crush, especially on someone that Tilly says is a good guy. I’m perfectly aware that love isn’t the answer to my ultimate happiness right now, it’s more about personal fulfilment. Even if someone does happen to appear, I’m no longer foolish enough to let it distract me from the main thing I came here for; creating a new life and finding that passion I’ve been missing.
Two hours later and with midnight drawing in, after dissecting every word that Cullen had said to Tilly, we finally decide to call it a night.
I drift quickly into sleep, feeling a warm, happy serenity at how my life has changed in such a short space of time.
Chapter 7
‘I found that lesson observation particularly enjoyable, which isn’t something I say often.’
To say that I’m surprised by the formidable Mr Trott’s comment is an understatement. It’s already the end of my first working week at Bermuda International School and I’d been dreading today, even though deep down I knew it’d be fine. It was mainly the thought of Jerome Trott observing me whilst I taught that was off-putting. Especially given what I had garnered of his reputation as a stern disciplinarian with the students.
He walks beside me out of the classroom and to the staff room staircase. ‘That lesson on photosynthesis was a refreshing way of teaching such a core part of the curriculum. I’m going to plagiarise that idea for use with my own class.’ He gives me a knowing wink and offers out his hand to shake mine. ‘Well done, I’m sure we’ll be very happy having you as Mrs Outbridge’s cover.’
Unable to hide my delight, I thank him profusely before we part ways. It’s already lunchtime and with a spring in my step, I take the chance to slip off to the canteen, discreetly messaging Tilly on the way.
‘Total triumph. Let’s celebrate later! X’
It’s only a few seconds later that I receive a reply.
‘Fab, well done! Already invited Spence and Jools to join us out for drinks later. Didn’t think you’d object… haha. PS Cullen will be there too! x’
Smiling to myself, I skip the long queue of children waiting patiently outside the dinner hall and head to the door of the canteen. There’s something to be said for such an efficient system that serves teachers separately from the children. I look at the array of healthy options before me and with pleasant surprise notice that a wahoo fish sandwich is amongst them. I may be new to the island but since Tilly’s introduction to the famous Bermudian fish sandwich, I can’t stop myself from devouring them – even if it does mean that very shortly my bikini bottoms won’t fit my hips.
I grab a table in the corner and setting down my food and books, I realise that working at this school has been an absolute eye opener. The children are the most polite, thoughtful and compassionate bunch that I’ve ever had the pleasure of teaching and it’s a far cry from the system I’ve been used to in the UK. There’s more student focus and rather than just wanting to be spoonfed, the children seem to genuinely want to learn. It’s good to finally be part of a school that lives up to its vision of being an integral part of the community. And I like the fact that it’s a non-profit organisation that gives back in scholarships to disadvantaged children. We all want to be a part of something that is truly making a difference, not just a cog in a wheel. And finally, I feel as though I am.
In fact, in just less than five days, my passion for teaching has begun to creep back. This new start is making me feel much more motivated and inspired. Beginning with my journey every mor
ning into school, where I walk parallel with the crystal blue sea, its distinct salty tang mixed into the breeze alongside the smell of sweet blossom. I get to pass by gently waving palm trees with the sun beating down on me and I’m regularly greeted with the smiles of passers-by. It’s uplifting and cheering to have so many warm ‘Good morning’ greetings, which seem to be a custom here. By the time I arrive at work, I’m already in a much more positive frame of mind than I’ve ever experienced during my journeys into school in the UK – which usually had me fired up on road rage and wanting to run every red light.
Even once I’m onsite, there’s the good-natured energy of the school itself – set in grounds of lush, green plantation – which makes being there an absolute delight. My classes are much smaller, the views from my lab window are jaw-droppingly beautiful and the children appear engaged and interested in my lessons. Even more encouraging, the other teachers are warm and friendly. Most importantly, there’s an overall spirit of purpose and being part of a team. I finally feel like I’m valued and needed, something that has escaped me for so long. I’ve been waking up wanting to go to work – not dreading it, as I once did.
It’s in that moment that I know for certain there is no way I ever want to return to my old life or my old comprehensive school. My thirst for life is returning with a passion and force I haven’t experienced since being fresh out of teacher training.
The question is, how do I keep it? After all, a week has passed already so six months will surely fly by.
*
‘You don’t think it’s too much?’ I ask, fluffing my curls in the mirror. It was mad to think I’d be able to tame my hair what with the humidity, so I’ve resorted to allowing the frizz a life of its own.
‘You look lovely. Stop fussing and drink some of this.’ Tilly passes me a light caramel coloured drink and I sniff it cautiously. ‘What the hell is it?’
‘A dark and stormy – surely you’ve had one by now, you’ve been here nearly two weeks.’ She pushes past me and reaches for her lipstick. ‘Get with the Bermuda programme, girl’.
‘Oh yeah, I’ve seen this advertised in places.’ I hesitantly bring the glass to my lips and with a small sip decide that the ginger rum concoction is rather nice. ‘So, you don’t think my dress is a bit too revealing?’
‘No, I’ve told you a thousand times it looks good!’ She shoots me daggers as she sprays herself with enough hair lacquer to poison a small city. ‘Stop being so conservative. You never used to be this covered up anyway.’
She’s got a point there. I was always one to try out new fashion and wear things that might have been considered a little out there at times, but that was pre-Jay. There’s a lot of difference between showing both boob and leg at twenty-three years old versus thirty-three. Still, it’s only my cleavage on show tonight as my dress sits a moderate length past my thighs. There’s a part of me that wonders if it’s because I haven’t really been into the pub and club culture these past years. Nevertheless, I’m making up for it now. It’s just a good job I know when to stop with my drinking and go onto water, something that Tilly seems to have no grasp of lately…
‘Taxi’s here, are you all set?’
I look around for my bag, popping my lipstick into it as I watch Tilly rush around looking for hers. ‘Are we heading straight there?’
She joins me by the street door, keys in hand. ‘Yes, the queue can get quite long otherwise. Better we get to the front, so we’re guaranteed to get in. Plus, Spence and the others will undoubtedly be there already.’
We get in the taxi and I feel my stomach fluttering. It’s been just over a week since I met Spencer and yet I’m already looking forward to seeing him again. The booze cruise we’re about to go on is apparently well known for its fun Friday evening party. I try not to let my nerves get the better of me and marvel that it’s just as well I’ve found my sea legs – two hours on a boat out at evening sea whilst drinking wouldn’t have been my first choice of fun two weeks ago. Still, it’s been so nice to let my hair down and welcome a bit of a party lifestyle, if only for a short time. It may not be the exact dream I had of living abroad and travelling, the one where I spent more of my free time exploring the natural surroundings on offer and immersed myself into the local culture. However, that dream isn’t unachievable; it’s all here for the taking and I have every intention of doing so. Yes, it’s been a different kind of fun having these glamorous nights out, sipping cocktails on boats but I know the expiry date is fast approaching as the novelty is already beginning to wear off for me. However, for now it still beats those dreary UK nights sat alone, doing after-hours marking to make ends meet.
The sun is just starting to go down as we arrive at the dock. The crowd is already heaving and as I turn to pay the taxi driver, I notice a tall man bounding in our direction. He’s dressed in cream chinos and a white shirt and his skin is a deep coffee colour.
‘Hi, you made it.’ Next to me, Tilly reaches up and the man leans in and kisses her passionately on the lips.
‘Yes, doll. Wouldn’t miss hanging out with you for the world.’ His Aussie accent confirms my assumption. So, this is Cullen. He leans in again to kiss her; it’s a little over the top for a man that’s only met her twice and hasn’t been in contact since…
I zip up my purse and shield my eyes from the sun as I turn to face him fully. His large liquid chocolate eyes and long, thick lashes frame a perfectly symmetrical face that instantly has me swooning. He’s absolutely gorgeous. I can totally understand what Tilly first saw in him. She can even marginally be forgiven for the fact that despite having met over a week ago, he’s only invited her out once for dinner and it resulted in Tilly paying the bill. Clearly, he makes up for his less than chivalrous ways in good looks. Still, if it were me – with my new no-time-wasting attitude towards those charming, sweet talking men – he’d have been long gone.
I’m suddenly thankful there isn’t any chance of me making that mistake anymore when it comes to the Cullens of this world. These days, there isn’t any room in my life for such bullshit. No, I’d much rather wait for the right man to come along. Of course, I’m well aware there’s no such thing as a Mr Perfect but at least I’m aspiring to get involved with someone that meets me on my level; a man secure in himself and that shares my vision.
However, I don’t think it’s quite the right time yet for that to occur.
A little voice in my mind wonders what if I’m wrong. What if someone did happen to appear? And I instantly know that the only way that’d work and progress, is if it were on my terms.
‘There’s Spence and the others,’ Tilly suddenly says, pointing to the right of the dock where a group of loud, boisterous men are playfully goading one another. I make out Spencer and am relieved to see that he’s on the outskirts of the group staring into his phone.
Spencer looks up as we approach and greets me with a huge smile. ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ I catch his eyes briefly flit up and down my body. ‘It’s really nice to see you again.’
I stand aside as Tilly says hello to everyone and introduces Cullen. ‘Oh, the boat’s pulling in now. Let’s get nearer to the front.’ She takes Cullen’s hand and Spencer discreetly raises an eyebrow in my direction. I make a move to follow them as Spencer lightly touches my arm, stopping me in my tracks.
‘I was wondering, do you fancy grabbing a drink across the road instead of the boat? It can get a bit full on there – especially with the rugby boys.’ He winces as a loud roar comes from behind us, proving his point.
Taken aback by his offer, I glance at Tilly and notice she’s already a way ahead, Cullen’s arm around her shoulder. My mind is made up for me. It’s not like she’ll even care anyway. ‘Sure, that’d be lovely.’
I watch as his eyes dance at my words, their unique icy blueness taking my breath away.
‘We’ll go to Mulligans then. I’d like to get to know more about you.’ He looks at me intently and I feel myself bubbling with delight.
�
�I’d be happy to oblige.’ Grinning, I push a stray curl behind my ear and catch him giving me the once over for a second time. ‘Just give me a moment to go and warn Tilly that I’m coming with you instead.’
‘Sure, go ahead.’
I walk away with a spring in my step, feeling his eyes on my every move. Tilly seems to sense something is up because as I approach she turns to me with a subtle, knowing smirk.
‘He’s asked you out, hasn’t he?’
‘Well, he’s asked me to Mulligans with him for a drink instead of this.’ I nod my head at the boat. ‘Do you mind?’ I glance at Cullen who suddenly seems to be more interested in the crowd of women across from him.
‘Of course not. Go have fun, the boat comes back to dock in two and half hours or so. I’ll message you then and see where you’re at.’
‘OK, I’ll see you later then.’ I turn to walk away.
‘Unless you’re off already having mad sex with Spence,’ Tilly calls out after me, loud enough for one of Spencer’s rugby group to overhear.
Shooting her daggers and ignoring the ‘Oi, oi, get in there, Spencer boy’ choruses behind me, I’m thankful to see that Spencer has already walked up to the crossing. He waves at me in the distance and I fasten my pace to join him.
Mulligans is pretty empty as we take seats at the far corner of the bar.
I feel slightly self-conscious as I look around and realise I’m wildly overdressed for the carpeted wooden venue. Discreetly pulling at my dress, I try to avoid my boobs from being more on show than they already are. I notice a small smile on Spencer’s lips as he signals to the barman and catches my effort to conceal my modesty.
‘Tilly tells me you’re a teacher?’ He angles himself to face me, his knees brushing against mine on the bar stools and I feel a charge ripple through me.
‘Yes, I’m a secondary school science teacher – I’m over at BIS on a maternity cover.’ Before I can continue, the barman appears and we order our drinks.
