Page 15 of The Cruise Club

‘We can soon sort that out,’ Fran said, gently patting Carmen’s arm. ‘There’s a boutique on the ship, and I must confess that I treated myself as soon as we came onboard.’ Fran smoothed her kaftan over her generous hips. ‘You’d look lovely in something like this, and there will be shops and boutiques on the islands, I’m sure we can find something similar for you.’

Carmen stared at Fran. She was like a tropical sunset on legs and Carmen knew she’d never have the confidence to wear such an outfit.

‘Don’t look so worried, I know I’m a peacock, and you don’t have to dress like me.’ Fran added two sugars and stirred her coffee. ‘Tell me something,’ Fran lowered her voice, ‘is your mum a bit difficult?’

Carmen sighed. ‘Where do I begin?’ she asked. ‘Mum is very bossy. She used to rule the roost when Dad was alive and likes to dominate me.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Fran frowned. ‘When did Dad die?’

‘He passed away a few years ago. We had a hardware shop.’ Carmen was thoughtful. ‘I used to work alongside him, and a lady called Marion helped too, she was a bookkeeper, and I liked her. Marion was very kind to me.’ She gave a shrug. ‘I miss Dad terribly. He was the only person who gave me any confidence. Mum just knocks it out of me.’

‘I imagine your mum misses him, too.’ Fran gave an understanding nod.

‘You’d hardly think so, she turns everything into a national emergency and has me running around after her.’ Carmen paused. ‘That’s the only way I can keep inshape.’ She smiled and thought of her feeble attempt at a jog earlier.

‘You have a lovely figure and you’re an attractive woman.’ Fran resisted the urge to give Carmen a cuddle. She was like a tightly wound spring. Nervous and sad.

Carmen took a step back. No one had ever commented on her figure or described her as attractive, even on the rare occasion that she’d had a boyfriend.

‘What’s wrong?’ Fran asked. ‘You can confide in me, I’m good at keeping a secret.’

Carmen sighed. ‘I thought that this cruise would be a lovely holiday all by myself, but Mum gate-crashed my booking.’

‘Then why don’t we find you a bit of “me-time”.’ Fran’s tone was bright. ‘The cruise offers lots of activities, and I noticed a group called the Golden Oldies Gang. We could see if we can involve Betty?’

‘That would be as difficult as teaching a cat to swim.’ Carmen shook her head. ‘Mum never mixes these days and insists on tagging along with anything I do.’

Fran noticed that Carmen’s shoulders had begun to relax and had an inkling that she was winning her over. ‘Don’t worry,’ Fran reassured with a conspiratorial wink, ‘we can sort it out. Are you going on the excursion to Maxos today?’

‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it, though Mum is coming too.’

‘We can chat more then, perhaps over a nice cool drink and a bite to eat.’

Carmen looked at Fran and for a moment, sensed that she had an ally. Fran’s eyes were soft, and her expressionwarm. Beyond her garish makeup and flamboyant clothes, Fran appeared to genuinely care. Perhaps Carmen’s holiday wouldn’t be ruined after all.

‘Thank you,’ Carmen said, ‘you’re very kind.’

‘Aw, don’t go thanking me,’ Fran chuckled, ‘but we should get back. I have a feeling that Betty is chewing Sid’s ear off.’

Carmen gripped her plate and hurried to keep up with Fran. ‘Oh dear,’ she muttered as she saw Betty lift her cane and prod Sid’s foot, ‘I think you might be right.’

Chapter Nine

Ready for their first excursion, Carmen and Betty made their way along the quay, where Peter assisted them into a minibus, one of three waiting vehicles.

‘Be careful with my wheelchair!’ Betty told their driver as she hoisted herself onto the steps and flopped on a seat at the front.

Carmen followed and reluctantly sat beside her. Next came Fran and Sid, followed by Don, Debbie and four more passengers.

After ensuring that everyone was comfortable, Peter joined them. ‘Good morning,’ he said as the minibus chugged into life, ‘what a beautiful day you have for your visit to the magical village of Maxos.’

‘It would be a better day if the air-conditioning worked,’ Betty grumbled. She sat with her bag on her lap, arms folded, face grim.

‘The air will cool as soon as we commence the journey.’ Peter smiled sympathetically. ‘Today, we’re travelling norththrough the island of Kefalonia. Make sure you take in as much of the island’s beauty as possible.’

‘Everywhere is so dry,’ Betty interrupted. ‘Just look, it’s all so parched, the ground is as cracked as my poor heels.’

Unperturbed, Peter continued, ‘Please, sit back and enjoy the drive, which will take us through some of the island’s most striking landscapes. Look out for olive groves and vineyards.’

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