Page 29 of The Cruise

‘Who would you like her to be?’

Selwyn didn’t reply. He was fascinated.

‘Some people think it is crude, a poor representation of a female.’

‘I love it.’

‘Maybe it’s the woman ofyourdreams?’

‘I’ll take it.’

‘Don’t you want to know the price?’

‘Not really, I don’t want the price to influence me.’

‘I think you will cherish this work more than I.’

Selwyn handed the artist his credit card. ‘Please wrap her carefully,’ he said and tapped his pin number into the card machine without looking at the amount.

‘Look after her,’ the artist said, and they bumped fists again.

‘I will,’ Selwyn assured the man.

He walked back to the ship with the package tucked under his arm. Selwyn wondered what on earth he’d just spent but didn’t care. He knew Flo would have hated the extravagance. A substantial amount of her wages went to the church, with a percentage of Selwyn’s salary. Flo had insisted on it, and Selwyn was convinced that his wife’s wish had been to pave her path to eternity with her generosity and ensure a comfortable afterlife.

What would Pastor Gregory have to say about Selwyn’s indulgence? He remembered that the Pastor had been against Selwyn holidaying on the cruise and had recommended a more religious retreat. So far, the only religion Selwyn had encountered during his ‘retreat’ was wining, dining, and dancing, and now a frivolous expenditure.

As Selwyn reached the pier, he dipped his hand into a pocket and took out his plastic pouch. Opening it slowly, he shook it and watched a handful of ashes fall to the sea’s surface. ‘Here’s to many more impulsive acquisitions, my dear Flo,’ Selwyn whispered.

Feeling jaunty, Selwyn decided to search for a water taxi. He’d head over to Grande Anse Beach. After all, there was bound to be a bar and maybe a restaurant serving local fare. Setting off again, Selwyn looked forward to finding a relaxing setting where he could think about his painting and dream away the rest of the day.

* * *

Anne, Kath, and Jane sat on the upper deck of theDiamond Starunderneath a canopy that offered plenty of shade. Adjacent to the poolside bar, the seating area was comfortable, with large sofas and generous reclining chairs. As passengers returned from their day in Grenada, many found seats alongside the three friends. They began to relax, recounting tales of their experiences whilst touring the island.

Jane sipped a glass of iced water and cooled her perspiring face with her fan. Her feet had swollen, and she’d slipped out of her trainers. ‘My toes are like trotters,’ she said as she wiggled her puffy digits. ‘Thank goodness we took the sightseeing train and didn’t climb all those steps to Fort George.’

‘It was well worth a visit,’ Kath said. ‘I thought it was so interesting with all the old cannons and plaques pointing out important landmarks.’

‘There was a wonderful view of the town and harbour,’ Anne chipped in.

‘I liked the House of Chocolate the best,’ Jane said. She reached into her bag to retrieve a chocolate bar and popped a square into her mouth, ‘Organic chocolate is divine. Help yourselves.’ Jane placed the bar on a low table and closed her eyes. She smiled as rich, smooth chocolate melted on her tongue.

‘Wasn’t it a lovely place, a sort of mini-museum and café.’ Kath took a square of chocolate and nibbled thoughtfully. ‘The chocolate and peanut butter brownie shake was delicious.’

‘Chocolate for some is like water to a plant,’ Anne said and helped herself to the chocolate.

‘It’s good for you.’ Jane opened her eyes. ‘Chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants and can lower cholesterol. Some say it can even prevent memory decline.’ She took another piece. ‘Kath, eat up.’

‘You’re very knowledgeable about food,’ Kath replied.

‘I had to be, it was my job, but I eat too much.’ Jane patted her belly.

‘Let’s not worry about our waistlines while we’re on holiday.’ Anne touched the slim belt looping through her shorts.

‘Remind me where my waist is?’ Jane finished her chocolate and scrunched the wrapper into a ball.

Anne smiled. ‘Don’t worry about it, you look great and we’ll send out a search party when the cruise is over.’

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