Page 69 of The Cruise

Through the mist and frosted glass, Jane watched Kath go. She took Kath’s Jo Malone pear and freesia body wash and stroked it over her skin.

‘Don’t worry, my dear friend,’ she whispered. ‘I’m more than all right.’

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Kath and Anne stared, open-mouthed when Jane told them that the passengers in the helicopter that got into difficulty were, in fact, herself and Selwyn. Hardly containing her excitement, Jane spoke about her day.

Anne went straight to the bar to pour herself a drink. ‘You’re in love?’ she asked, glancing at Kath to ensure she’d heard Jane correctly. ‘But you were furious this morning when Kath insisted that you accept Selwyn’s invitation. I’d go so far as to say that you were practically stamping your feet and throwing a tantrum.’ Anne poured prosecco. ‘Yet, here you are, only hours later, all loved up and girly.’ Anne smiled and punched the air. ‘You didn’t even like Selwyn, and now you’re smouldering with passion.’

‘I am overjoyed for you,’ Kath said. ‘Subconsciously you’ve felt drawn to Selwyn, but it took a day of braving new experiences to realise it.’

‘Having a near-fatal experience probably sealed the deal.’ Anne laughed.

‘Yes, that’s exactly what I told Selwyn,’ Jane agreed. ‘Isn’t it odd how these things work out?’

‘Well, I think it’s wonderful.’ Anne hugged Jane. ‘So, what are your plans?

‘We’re having dinner in the Atrium Restaurant. It’s very posh, and I haven’t a clue what to wear.’

‘Oh, how exciting!’ Anne clapped her hands.

‘This calls for action.’ Kath crossed the room and picked up the telephone. ‘Hello, reception?’ she said, ‘we have a special occasion in Hibiscus. I’d like you to send the stylist from the ship’s boutique with a selection of evening wear for a larger lady.’ Kath looked up and smiled at Jane. ‘Could you also ask Philippe, from the salon, to come to our suite if he’s free?’

‘Excellent,’ Anne said. ‘Now let’s get some makeup on that face.’ She reached into her handbag. ‘Cinderella has finally met her Prince Charming.’

Together, they helped Jane prepare for her dinner date. From several stunning gowns, Jane selected a dress that fitted perfectly over her bust, then fell to the floor in soft flowing layers. A cowl collar, trimmed with silver beading, covered the tops of her arms and showed a flattering cleavage. Philippe had worked magic, adding a pretty hair band and coiling Jane’s braids into a chignon at the base of her neck.

‘My goodness, so elegant,’ Philippe exclaimed as he studied his handiwork, ‘I hope he’s worth it.’

Kath smiled. Philippe’s fee for the consultation was exorbitant, but Jane had no qualms and tipped handsomely. Anne was like a teenager, applying makeup and insisting Jane borrow her silver droplet earrings. Kath was touched to see that Jane wore her turtle necklace, which was perfect against the deep navy colour of her dress.

As they watched Jane leave Hibiscus, Kath and Anne linked arms and wondered if their friend would return that night. ‘We won’t wait up,’ they called out as Jane disappeared from view.

* * *

Jane stood by the lift and took a deep breath. Her heart was pounding as she carefully lifted the hem of her dress and stepped in.

‘Which floor?’ a man asked.

‘The Marquee Deck, please,’ Jane replied.

‘Must be a special occasion.’ A woman accompanying the man studied Jane’s appearance. ‘You look stunning.’ The woman smiled.

‘Yes, it is, thank you,’ Jane mumbled as the lift reached the next floor, and the couple got out. The doors closed, and Jane realised that she was surrounded by mirrors. Nervously she turned to study her reflection.

What would Selwyn say when he saw her so styled, with makeup and wearing such an expensive gown? Jane bit her lip and tilted her head. Would he think that she’d overdone it?

But as she stared, she could hardly believe her eyes, and Jane had to admit that the woman was right. Shedidlook stunning! Her friends had worked magic, and she felt like Cinderella going to the ball. Crossing her fingers, Jane stepped into the Atrium and followed signs for the restaurant.

‘Madam,’ the manager said and gave a slight bow, ‘your table is this way.’

The candlelit restaurant was adorned with festive swags, lit with a thousand tiny lights. In the centre of the room, a massive Christmas tree decorated with crystal ornaments glowed as Jane was guided to a discreet booth where Selwyn was waiting.

Jane stopped and, blinking rapidly, held her breath. But her fears suddenly melted away as she stared into Selwyn’s eyes.

‘Wow,’ Selwyn breathed and reached out to take her hand and guide her into the booth. ‘You look so beautiful.’

Selwyn wore his dinner suit and the red bow tie that matched his silk cummerbund, and Jane thought that he looked like a movie star, handsome and sophisticated. As he leaned in and kissed Jane on her lips, she caught his now familiar spicy smell, felt the softness of his skin, and the butterflies in her tummy began to tango.

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