Page 83 of The Cruise

‘Of course,’ Dicky said.

He looked at his watch and sighed. He was running late for rehearsals. As Dicky watched Anne walk away, he felt a lump in his throat and his shoulders slumped. Time had run out and the comedian wasn’t laughing. This time the joke was on him.

* * *

As many passengers spent their final few hours on an island tour of Barbados, others headed off on catamaran trips or snorkelling adventures.

For the group who’d met at dinner on the first night, a beach day was agreed upon, and Kath, Anne, Jane, and Selwyn climbed into a people carrier with Bridgette. Keen to join the group, Harold and Nancy came along too. The Boatyard Resort in Carlisle Bay promised entertainment, and they could see inflatables on the water and happy hour at the bar as they turned into the parking area and gazed across the sandy beach.

‘I’m first on the water-slide,’ Jane said as they disembarked and settled in cabanas within feet of the turquoise sea. ‘Where’s Dicky?’ she asked as Anne slipped out of her sundress.

‘He’s rehearsing for the show tonight,’ Anne said as she sat on a soft mattress.

‘You spent most of the night with him.’ Jane began to untie her sarong. ‘Are you all right?’

Anne sighed. ‘He wants to spend some time with me when we get back.’

Kath and Jane exchanged anxious glances.

‘He wants to see if we could make a go of things.’ Anne shook her head. ‘But it’s never going to work. I’ll be up to my ears in packing boxes with Barry badgering me from the Costas to sort everything out as completion day looms.’

‘So, what will Dicky do?’ Jane asked.

‘Probably head off to Benidorm. He wants to do cabaret there.’

Jane turned, distracted by Selwyn tugging her hand, and together they set off for the sea.

‘Are you sure you should be thinking about Dicky?’ Kath stretched out beside Anne, lowering her hat over her face.

‘Probably not, but he’s fun, and I like him, and God knows, I could do with some fun.’ Anne noticed her friend fumbling about, searching for her sunglasses. They peeked out of her bag, and Anne placed them beside Kath.

‘Does he have a wife at home?’

‘He did have, but he’s left her,andhe’s got no money.’

‘Somehow, I’m not surprised but I’m delighted that he’s being honest with you,’ Kath said and patted Anne’s hand.

‘But what about you?’ Anne asked. ‘What does life in Garstang hold for you in the coming months?’

‘I’m not sure.’ Kath was thoughtful. ‘Hugh and Harry will be shocked when they see my new appearance. I don’t think they’ll like it.’

‘To hell with them, it’s your time now.’

Anne secretly thought Kath should do what she could while her memory still allowed. The confused story she’d told them about Jim’s death was obviously dementia. Anne worried that the onset might be sooner than they realised.

But their worries were forgotten when Harold and Nancy came into view, wearing matching beachwear of tropical shorts, shirts and Panamas and carrying a tray loaded with cocktails.

‘Happy hour,’ Harold sang as he handed them out. ‘These are called Set the New Year On Fire!’

‘We’re up for that,’ Anne said and handed one to Kath.

Bridgette appeared wearing her poppy-printed skirted swimsuit, disappointed that Barbados banned nude sunbathing. ‘It’s so silly,’ she said, ‘there should be a separate section of the beach for naturists.’ Seeing the drinks, she reached out. ‘I need one of these,’ she muttered.

‘Relax, it’s happy hour, you’ve got two,’ Nancy thrust another into Bridgette’s hand.

The group sat happily in the sunshine, watching Jane and Selwyn frolic in the water, riding giant flamingos, and shooting down slides.

‘Just look at her.’ Kath smiled.

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