Page 7 of Dance Dirty With Me

“Robbie, no! I said I wanted to look at the stars.” My sister’s voice reaches me a second before I see her storming along an adjacent path heading back towards our cabin.

“I should go after her,” I say, but Nicola links her arm tightly through mine.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

I can’t get away unless I physically push her away, and I can’timagine that would go down well. I don’t want to ruin my dad’s friendship with Max.

We walk as far as the wooden decking where the boats are moored, and I sincerely hope she doesn’t suggest a moonlight boat ride. I doubt I could row one in daylight, never mind the dark. I sit on a bench looking out over the water and she settles next to me. I try boring Nicola with facts, some of the subjects I’ll be studying at uni next month.

“I don’t have to worry about all that.” She smiles in what I assume is supposed to be a charming way but comes across as extremely condescending instead. “I have three holiday resorts and there are more planned.”

I look away, not sure how I’m supposed to respond to that statement.

“Are you hungry?” she asks out of the blue.

“Sure.” I shrug. I’m not really, but anything’s better than sitting here longer. We walk slowly back towards the dining halls while Nicola tells me more of her—or rather, her grandfather’s—plans for the resorts, which I only half listen to.

She opens a back door and ushers me in, as if it’s some sort of privilege, and we walk through the large kitchen. I hear a noise and wonder if there’s a possibility of rats. I keep my eyes on the floor, wondering if Nicola’s one of those people who are likely to run a mile if they see a rodent. I doubt it. She’d probably square up to it and tell it that it didn’t fit in with her plans. I catch a glimpse of brightly coloured material and lean down to peer between the preparation tables. I see Penny curled up and sobbing quietly. I have no idea what the matter is, but I can’t let Nicola see her. She doesn’t strike me as the empathic type.

“I really think I should go check on Lisa,” I say loudly, hoping it masks the sound of Penny. I steer Nicola through the kitchen and back out the door.

I start walking determinedly towards my cabin, but as soon as I’m out of sight of Nicola I double back. I need to find Johnny as soon as possible. I enter the ballroom, and it’s busy, with couples dancing and hundreds of guests sitting at the tables and standing around watching. I weave my way through the throng, trying to see if I can spot him. If I can’t find him here, I’ll have to brave the staff quarters.

Eventually I catch sight of him on the dance floor, dancing with the smart-looking older lady I’d seen him dance with on the first day. She’s clinging on to him tightly and looking like she’s enjoying every moment. I hover at the edge of the dance floor, not sure about cutting in and disturbing him. Then I see Billy off to one side watching, and I go to explain to him instead. He has no concerns going up to Johnny, and within seconds he’s striding off the dance floor. As they pass, Billy beckons me to follow him.

“What’s he doing here?” Johnny says sharply as we cross the distance between the ballroom and the dining hall.

“He can keep a lookout in case Max’s granddaughter comes sniffing around.”

Johnny doesn’t stop, so I assume he doesn’t disapprove, but he looks far from happy. When we reach the door, he enters, and Billy stops me.

“The problem is, Penny found out she’s pregnant.”

I gather Penny in my arms and lift her up, letting her sob on my shoulder. She’d seemed so strong earlier, but I guess the reality is sinking in. I carry her back to her cabin and lay her on her bed, then finding a blanket I cover her and tuck her in. I smooth her hair back from her face, pleased she seems to have stopped crying for now.

Billy holds out a glass of water, and I twist round to take it off him and pass it to Penny. I see the kid hovering near the door.

“Billy, are you going to invite half the resort as an audience to our problems?”

Billy looks over at him and then back at me.

“I already told Baby what’s going on.”

“Billy, when are you gonna learn to keep your mouth shut? Now everyone’s gonna know.” I ignore the name he called the kid. Who calls a grown-up guy Baby?

“Whatcha going to do about it?” the kid asks, and starts to walk across the room with a frown on his face. I’m fed up of that look from people who think they’re better than me.

“That’s it?” I stand in front of him, facing him down. “You think this is my problem?”

“Billy, how could you?” Penny calls out. “I don’t need the whole park knowing I got knocked up by Robbie.”

“Robbie?” Baby swivels to look at Penny, the shock evident on his face. I suppose he’s one of those who think Robbie’s some sort of golden boy. He’s just like everyone else. I turn away.

Billy steps up to him. “We can get a doctor, a backstreet abortionist, but it costs a ton.”

“A hundred quid!” The kid goes almost white. It is a lot of money, but that’s what you have to pay. “Can’t you just go to a doctor? It’s legal now, isn’t it?” he asks, as if it’s that easy.

Penny gives an exasperated groan.

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