Rick fetched two milks mixed with Coca Cola. Forget an ‘our tune’, we had an ‘our drink’. We sat on the sofa. He opened his laptop. Our shoulders brushed and again we kissed.
‘That was… passable,’ he said as we parted, eyes crinkling. I could have stared into them all day. They made me want to throw off the shackles of responsibility that had always tied me down. My skin flushed. My heart thumped against my chest as if telling me to wake up – as if it were rapping the following advice…
… this is what it should feel like when you’re with a man. From the off you shouldn’t be telling yourself to give it time or that all relationships need work. The chemistry should be there from the instant you meet – that first look, that first word, that first touch… you shouldn’t be able to stop thinking about him any more easily than I should stop pumping blood…
‘Yes. Very satisfactory,’ I said and sipped my drink. I put it down and tightened my ponytail. ‘I’m not sure Chatty would have been impressed though. If he could have seen he’d probably want to give you a few tips.’ I took another mouthful.
He chuckled. I did too and my drink spluttered down my top. I wasn’t bothered. I hadn’t even smoothed down my hair before entering the house and after years of grooming it felt refreshing. They said the mirror didn’t lie, but that wasn’t true – depending on your mood it could make you stride like a catwalk model, or skulk, hiding your face under a hood. Reality came from the inside, not a sheet of mirror. Perhaps when I got back to England, I’d remove one or two of the mirrors around the flat.
Chatty hopped up and down excitedly before settling on my lap, leaning against my chest, his little face staring upwards even though he had no sight. I spoke to him for a few moments. Said how handsome he was. Scratched behind his ears. When I glanced up Rick was staring.
‘I think I’ve got competition.’
Cue belly laughs again.
‘Yes. Sorry. Unless you can learn to whistle out-of-tune, you stand no chance with him.’
Rick scribbled whilst I analysed each website page and how user-friendly it was; before I knew it the afternoon flew by.
‘Your tips are amazing.’ He consulted his notebook. ‘It’s obvious now – the amount of information on each page does need reducing, for clarity. I have to stop being afraid of white space. Plus there aren’t nearly enough photos. I’ve been thinking about it since you first came up with the concept – I’ll definitely incorporate an image of Chatty as the face of our brand. As for your idea of running a blog with all the latest news – I can’t believe I never thought of that. Volunteers can guest post and keep former ones up to date with news of the new enclosures and benefits of the work they did. I could offer them a slight discount if they did.’
‘That will build a community of people who have worked here in the past and keep them involved after they’ve left. You stand more of a chance, that way, of them continuing to talk about Seagrass Island with people they meet. In terms of advertising you can’t beat word of mouth commendations. Customers at Best Travel often tell us they heard about us through a friend, business associate or relative. Perhaps you could reach out to influencers in the conservation space, inviting them to come out to the island. I’m sure that would pay dividends.’
Rick listened to every word.
‘And don’t forget what I said about the design being mobile phone friendly – your current model isn’t quite. I can fix that. In fact, I can make all the changes I’ve suggested. It won’t take long. Plus I’d suggest expanding, a little, on how exactly the money is spent. I understand, now, why staying here is so expensive but potential volunteers may not. I’d explain in more detail about how you hope your work will benefit other islands too.’
‘Cheers, Sarah. I so appreciate all this.’
‘I’m not totally selfless. Hopefully all this will mean I get to spend more time with Chatty.’
Rick yawned. Chatty heard, jumped over to him and slipped his paw into Rick’s mouth. He pulled the monkey’s hand away.
‘Be careful what you wish for! It’s a miracle that I’m still alive, what with all the germs Chatty must deposit on me each day doing his little tricks. Come on, little chap – let’s go and see Jackie.’
‘There is something, actually, I’d like to do that is selfless – and I need your help. Benedikt and Jonas – I’ll go and get them now to take a look at your piano and guitar. I don’t suppose… do you have a bottle of wine and any snacks?’
He shrugged. ‘I’ve got beers. There’s a family-sized packet of crisps. Malik comes over one evening a week and we need them to fuel compiling the weekly shopping list together – that’s our excuse, anyway. Why?’
‘I just thought the lads deserved a treat – seeing as they are doing you a favour.’
‘Sarah. You just rubbed your nose. Don’t you know, that’s a classic giveaway for when someone’s lying?’ He pulled a comical face but his tone had sounded serious.
‘Honesty’s really important to you, isn’t it? And of course it should be,’ I added hastily.
Breaking eye contact, he stroked Chatty’s dark back. ‘Yes. I was let down once. Badly.’
Up and down his hand went. The monkey gave an appreciative squeak. Rick remained silent. I didn’t like to pry.
‘Just between us… I think they fancy each other. They just need a shove in the right direction.’
He looked up. ‘Ah… I thought so! Now and then I’ve seen them stealing looks at each other and Benedikt doesn’t seem to like you and Jonas getting friendly.’
‘You’ve noticed too?’
‘What else do they need? Candles, music…?’ Rick smiled and pretended to play an air violin.
‘No. With the piano and guitar they should be providing the latter themselves. Just some privacy, I guess. That’s hard to find, amongst the shacks. And this house is a gorgeous setting.’
‘No worries. We all need a hand in the romance department – unless you are totally enchanting, like me.’
‘Don’t kid yourself,’ I said but nevertheless blushed.
Rick took my hand. His tone turned serious. ‘This… this… whatever it is between us…’
‘We don’t need to label it, do we?’
‘No.’ He squeezed my fingers.
Thank goodness because I found the whole dating scene confusing. Love Island kept me reasonably up to date – along with Amy’s input. There was casual dating, dating exclusively, officially being boyfriend and girlfriend… but it was best to keep this simple, especially as I’d been going home in three weeks.
‘I just want you to know…’ He cleared his throat. ‘I’m not like some holiday rep who goes for a different woman out of every new bunch of arrivals. In fact, this is the first…’
‘Whatever it is,’ I chipped in helpfully.
‘Yes. The first whatever it is with any volunteer. I like you Sarah. You’ve got guts. And family is important to you. I can tell by the way you’ve spoken about your late mum and it’s obvious how much you care for Amy. It’s like me. My brother, Lee, drives me to distraction but I’d be there for him, like a shot, if he had an emergency. And I’ve worked my guts out getting this house restored partly because I’ll never forget the hurt on Gran’s face, when she saw it crushed, and I’d do anything to make her happy. She’s given my parents, Lee and me so much. I love her to bits.’ He grinned. ‘And there are other things about you I just can’t ignore… such as coming to this conservation project with such a unique dress sense. You had me at that Audrey Hepburn hat.’ He gave me a little push and went to stand up.
Before I could reply Chatty gave a series of impatient whistles and squeaks and bared his teeth against Rick’s shirt. His dinner time was looming.
‘Oh wait… I had another idea I wanted to run past you – about how you could raise more money to keep the island in your family. You see…’
But Rick was already on his feet. ‘Can it wait? I bet it’s great but…’ He rolled his eyes. ‘His lordship, here, is hungry.�
��
‘It won’t take long.’ I clenched my hands together, adrenaline running through me. It was an ambitious project but could turn Seagrass Island around.
‘Why rush?’ he said. ‘Time’s a bit tight now. How about later? I really look forward to it.’
‘Oh…’ My face dropped. ‘Okay…’
He glanced at me. Looked at his watch. ‘Go on, then. I suppose I’ve got five minutes.’
I sat upright again, an adrenaline surge returning. ‘I’ll try to sum it up.’ I shuffled to get more comfortable as he sat down again. ‘I believe you should turn this place into a luxury getaway destination.’
Silence.
‘You mean have strangers stay in our house?’ he asked eventually.
‘No.’ I leant forwards. ‘In the beach huts. Each can accommodate a couple. You could take individual bookings or small groups. This location is stunning. The beach wouldn’t take long to tidy up. Malik could run weekly boat trips. Your family’s chef could do the catering. Seagrass Conservation could still run and guests might like to visit the animal enclosures. That could be an added attraction.’
‘That would mean never living in our home again.’
‘You might not anyway, if you have to sell up. And actually, with this plan, not that much would change. You and your family would have your own bedrooms in the house and could cherry-pick guests. Plus once things are up and running you wouldn’t need to rent out the huts all summer long. I’ve looked at luxury stays on other Virgin Islands. The amounts people are prepared to pay are astronomical and you’d soon be raking in thousands and—’
Rick held up his hand. ‘Sarah. No. Loud guests upsetting the animals? Music at all hours? Litter? The whole thing would be an act of lunacy.’
I blinked several times. ‘But Rick, this could be the answer to all your problems.’
‘I’m sorry, Sarah. There’s no point discussing it.’ His face hardened as he stood up. ‘I appreciate the thought you’ve put into this. It would probably suit anywhere else. But I’ve seen the damage tourists have done to the natural world.’
‘It wouldn’t be like that.’
‘With all due respect, I think I know more about this subject than you.’ He gave an exasperated sigh.
‘Rick, it’s just… I know about hotels and—’
‘Let’s not argue,’ he said, voice tight. ‘Bring Jonas and Benedikt up to the house at around six. I must Skype my gran, after finding Jackie to confirm that everything is in place for the sports day tomorrow. I’ll see how that injured parrot is doing that your sister found and brought back.’ His tone softened. ‘Jackie’s already said she’ll be sorry to see her leave – she’s become a real asset handling the animals if they need any medication.’
‘Didn’t she hold an iguana a couple of days ago?’ I asked, going along with the game of forgetting we’d just had a disagreement.
‘Yes. Jackie managed to get a syringe full of antibiotics into its mouth whilst your sister held it firmly, whispering to calm it and stroking the sides of its throat. They can get quite frantic under such situations but Jackie said Amy took it all in her stride. Right. See you later. And thanks again for your idea. I just don’t think it would work.’
We both managed a smile, though I could tell we both forced them.
Dragging my feet, I headed back to the shacks. I told Amy what Jackie and Rick had said about her and the animals. Mum would have been so proud. She, too, had adored animals and plants. I imagined the chats they would have had and the trips to parks and zoos – whereas Mum and I would have gone shopping.
At five to six I found Benedikt and Jonas and we headed up to the house. Jonas teased me about being quiet for once. I muttered an excuse about feeling tired. When we got there, Rick rushed out, phone in his hand.
‘Bit of an emergency. The ill iguana has taken a turn for the worse. I’m on my way there and am just dialling the vets… Could you do me a favour, Sarah? I’ve left my laptop in the beach hut nearest to the house, on the right. I thought my chat with Gran might overrun past six, so set myself up in there. Would you mind bringing it in? That way I’ll remember to charge it overnight. Oh, and by the way, lads,’ he called as he disappeared down the path. Us three went into the house. ‘As a thanks for you looking at the instruments I’ve left out some beer and crisps. Take as long as you like. I’ve a feeling I’ll be out most of the evening.’
He came back whilst Jonas and Benedikt eagerly went over to the drinks. I went outside again to meet him. His fingers brushed against my arm.
‘Thanks again, Sarah… for all your help.’
‘You really don’t like the hotel idea?’
He pursed his lips.
‘Okay. I know when I’m beaten,’ I said.
‘I… I’m really glad Amy swapped your holiday at the last minute. Your other thoughts, about the website, have been brilliant. It’s ironic that, for someone not overly interested in conservation, your input might make a real difference.
I held his hand, feeling like a teenager, despite a note of wariness that had crept in, at the way he’d so quickly dismissed my hotel idea.
‘Your boss is lucky to have you,’ he said.
I cleared my throat, nodded and thanked Rick for the compliment, wishing I could tell him the truth. Instead I let him go, went into the house and crossed the living room.
‘Have fun,’ I said to Jonas and Benedikt and headed out the back. A noise attracted me to the beach hut on the right. I went over, walked onto its decking surround and climbed the wide staircase, swatting a fly out of my face. I pushed the door open after admiring a rust-coloured lizard clinging to the wood, above the door, as if it were a splat toy that had been thrown. A gust of cool air blew through the room. A door to my left was ajar and revealed the bathroom. I went to the right. The noise was a sharp voice coming from Rick’s laptop, on top of a glass coffee table, in front of a wicker armchair.
‘Rick? I can’t hang on forever and we need to sort this out. I agree with Lee, it’s now or never to make some big decisions and I won’t be put off any longer.’
This didn’t sound good. Perhaps I should let her know Rick had gone. I sat down, not sure what to do.
25
Tentatively I pulled up the screen. A tanned face stared back, distinct with its wrinkles and bright lipstick, and topped with a colourful turban. She looked rather like a fortune teller you might see at a fair. Large glasses with a leopard print frame jumped out at the screen. I envied her flamboyant dress sense.
‘Um… hello… I’m a friend of Rick’s… he’s had to dash off.’
‘Hello there, dear.’ The voice lost its edge. ‘I didn’t catch everything he said.’ She sighed. ‘Oh, how very like Rick. And how annoying. Is he coming back soon?’
‘I’m afraid not. One of the iguanas is ill. He must have thought you’d heard him say that.’
‘I could recognise the style of a shoe by the sound of its heel on the pavement when I was younger.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘But whilst old age supposedly brings wisdom, it takes away your hearing and sight.’ She fanned herself. ‘What’s the heat like, dear? It’s been over thirty degrees here in London and great for topping up my tan.’
‘Your climate is similar to here, then,’ I said. ‘Just without the mosquitoes and tarantulas.’
Her smile revealed perfect dentures. ‘I’m Margot.’ She shuffled back comfortably into her seat, wearing a voluminous purple and green kaftan. ‘Are you one of Rick’s volunteers?’
His? That made it sound as if the conservation work wasn’t a family project.
‘I’m Sarah,’ I said, still perched on the end of my seat, the tinkling of piano keys wafted towards me by the breeze. ‘Yes. I’ve been here just over a week.’
‘Are there many volunteers?’ she asked. ‘Rick said all the shacks were full and he was really pleased how things were going.’
‘Um… yes,’ I said in a high-pitched voice, sounding a bit like Chatty.
S
he studied me. Leant forwards. One painted eyebrow raised, her face filled the screen. ‘Or is my grandson doing his usual and blurring the truth because he doesn’t want to worry his old gran?’
‘No… there are lots of keen volunteers about,’ I said brightly.
‘Is every shack full?’
‘I haven’t seen inside them all.’
‘You say you’re a friend of Rick’s? If you are up at the house you must know each other quite well. I’m assuming he’s told you about how… how it’s proved to be quite a challenge, funding the rebuild of our home.’ Margot slumped back into her chair, looking every one of her years for a second. She sipped a glass of water. Her voice broke. ‘It’s such a worry. Rick means well but these plans of his… what with the company struggling and unable to find any way out of…’ She took another mouthful and sat more upright and readjusted her turban. ‘Tell me about yourself. Where do you work back home?’
‘In a hotel.’
She stared out of the screen for a moment. ‘Your smooth skin suggests you cleanse well and usually wear makeup and though polish-free, your nails look strong and well looked-after. Your long hair – well, the end of your ponytail, draped forwards over one shoulder – hasn’t a split end in sight, according to my glasses. I’m guessing you work on reception – or have done at some stage.’
‘I’m impressed. Yes. Now I’m in management and looking to move upwards. I love Best Travel…’
‘I sense a but.’
‘But… it’s not stretching me anymore.’
‘Never spend one decade doing the same as the previous one – that’s always been my motto. And have you got a five-year plan?’ she asked.
‘What? Um, no…’
‘You should have. Draw one up tonight. Don’t wait until you get back to England. And reassess at the end of each year how much progress you have made… Has your salary increased? Have you been given more responsibility? Set yourself targets and analyse why – if it’s the case – you haven’t met them.’
Oh.
This was new.
This felt nice.
The Summer Island Swap Page 17
