Page 14 of The Cruise Club

‘I was listening to my audiobook,’ the man said. ‘I’m terribly sorry. Are you all right?’ he asked and held out a hand.

Carmen felt firm steadying fingers circle her own as she wobbled to her feet. But her heart almost stopped when she looked up at the stranger. Panic surged as Carmen stood face-to-face with Ruskin Reeve. Her cheeks flushed as shestruggled to find her voice in the shock of the encounter with her hero.

‘It was m… my fault,’ Carmen muttered as she pulled her clammy hands away. ‘I wasn’t looking where I was going.’

‘No, it wasmyfault entirely. I realise I was accidentally running in the wrong direction, and will no doubt get a telling-off if I keep going.’

‘Oh…’ Carmen was tongue-tied, momentarily stumped that her hero had made the same mistake as her.

‘Are you sure you’re all right?’ Ruskin asked.

‘I’m fine, really.’

‘Well, if you’re sure?’

‘Yes, quite sure, thank you.’

‘I hope you enjoy the rest of your run.’

Ruskin’s smile was like a burst of sunlight, and Carmen felt her heart flutter. It wasn’t just the curve of his lips but the way his blue piercing eyes softly crinkled at the corners. She watched him replace his earbuds, and with a courteous nod, move swiftly away.

‘Good grief,’ Carmen muttered. Pinching herself to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming, she set off again and soon got into her stride.

It was a most unexpected start to her day.

The Deck Café was busy as passengers gathered for breakfast, many eyes bleary thanks to a late night. Outside, under the shade of vast canopies, gentle conversation mingled with the distant call of seagulls swooping gracefully around theship, their white and grey wings catching the morning light as they glided above.

‘These birds are a bit different to the gulls we get at home,’ Fran commented to Sid as she buttered a croissant and popped a chunk into her mouth. Dressed in a flowing kaftan in vivid shades of orange and yellow, she wore a wide-brimmed hat with a flower pinned to one side.

‘Aye, the Blackpool birds would have whipped your breakfast right out of your hand,’ Sid laughed as he tucked into bacon and eggs. ‘Today’s excursion looks like it’s going to be good,’ he added as he studied a copy of theDiamond Star Daily Newsand read out loud to Fran.

The Diamond Star Daily News

Today’s Excursion: The ancient village of Maxos

north of Argostoli, on a peninsula surrounded by the Ionian Sea, the charming village of Maxos, described as the jewel in the Ionian Crown, nestles at the end of a long and twisting road. Visitors are invited to relax on the beach, find Venetian buildings and dine in quaint tavernas. Your daytime excursion will leave you with many lasting memories.

Limited places available.

‘It’s a good job we booked early,’ Fran said as she licked butter from her lips and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. ‘Peter said the trip was full. Oh look, here’s Carmen and her mum.’ Fran held up her hand to wave and together with Sid, helped Carmen negotiate Betty’s wheelchair to a place at the table.

‘Did you sleep well?’ Fran asked as Carmen sat down, ‘You had a very long day yesterday.’

‘Blissfully, thank you, my room is lovely,’ Carmen replied.

‘I was up all night and didn’t get a wink,’ Betty grumbled. She demanded attention from a passing server. Insisting that she couldn’t go to the buffet table as her arthritis was playing up, Betty ordered lightly poached eggs, tea and two slices of toast.

Fran and Carmen exchanged glances.

‘I’m going to grab another croissant.’ Fran pushed back her chair. ‘Carmen, why don’t you come with me.’

As they moved through the room, Fran, a vibrant splash of colour, traded pleasantries with other passengers. At the same time, Carmen, feeling dull in khaki shorts and shirt, hovered behind.

‘Fill your boots,’ Fran said as Carmen stared at the sumptuous buffet table. With a blend of Mediterranean and traditional breakfast staples, fresh fruit and newly baked bread sat alongside pastries and Greek delicacies. ‘Why not try a slice of spanakopita,’ Fran suggested, sliding a slice of spinach and feta pie onto Carmen’s plate. ‘It’s delicious,’ she added, helping herself.

‘Goodness, there’s so much choice,’ Carmen said. Her plate was full of mouth-watering concoctions as she stood beside Fran, who was ordering coffee. ‘I’ll need new clothes if my waistline expands during the cruise.’

Reaching for sugar, Fran studied Carmen and thought a few new outfits might brighten her appearance. So far, she’d only seen Carmen wearing the drabbest of colours in clothes that had seen better days.

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