Page 21 of The Cruise Club

‘Well, that’s the author on the beach.’

‘My goodness, I’m sure Sid will want his autograph, he loves reading detective novels.’

‘Ruskin is going to host a talk and is running workshops.’ Carmen grinned. ‘I can’t wait.’

‘That’s nice. Do you like detective novels?’

‘Actually, I am an author, too.’ Carmen lowered her head. She felt embarrassed to admit her career, fearing Fran would probe and want to learn more.

‘Really?’ Fran clapped her hands. ‘But that’s fantastic, what do you write?’

‘I’ve only written one novel, and it’s calledThe Rainbow Sleuth.’

Fran reached for her wine and called out, ‘Oi, Sid! Have you heard ofThe Rainbow Sleuth?’

Sid turned, pleased to be diverted from Neeta, who’d edged her chair closer. ‘Yes, it’s a cosy crime mystery that came out a few months ago. I read it on my Kindle.’

‘You’ll be interested to know that our girl here,’ Fran wrapped an arm around Carmen, ‘is the author. Isn’t she clever!’

‘I’ll say.’ Sid grinned. ‘I hope there’s another book coming out soon. It’s going to make a cracking series.’ He raised hisbeer to Carmen. ‘Well done, lass, now we can say that we’ve met someone famous.’

‘I’m not famous,’ Carmen insisted. Suddenly embarrassed, she removed her glasses. ‘Ruskin Reeve is the celebrity you must meet.’

‘So why areyouso keen to meet him?’ Fran asked as she lifted a dish of keftedes and spooned a meatball onto her plate.

‘I’m hoping I’ll gain some inspiration.’ Carmen sighed. ‘I’ve got writer’s block and I can’t seem to write a word, but my publisher has given me a deadline, and there’s not a prayer that I’m going to make it.’

‘Now, don’t worry your pretty head about little things like deadlines,’ Fran rattled on. ‘A good holiday will soon sort all that out, with all the inspiration you’re going to get during the cruise.’

‘I hope you’re right.’ Carmen frowned.

‘Of course I am, and Sid and I will help. You need a good plot for your rainbow sleuth and some interesting characters?’

‘If only…’

But Fran patted Carmen’s arm. ‘Don’t worry,’ she said reassuringly and tore a slice of pita, dipping it into a bowl of tzatziki.

A writer, how interesting!Fran thought and turned her gaze to Betty, who’d heaved herself out of her chair and was now gripping Spiros’s hands to shuffle across the cobbles.

Spiros, who’d been handing out complimentary shots of ouzo, supported Betty with care and guided her movements to the lively Greek music, causing Fran to smile as shewatched the two strangers, generations apart, sharing a moment of connection.

‘Your mum’s a dark horse,’ Fran whispered to Carmen, ‘and not as infirm as she’d like us to believe. Will she be doing cartwheels next?’

‘You never know…’ Carmen set down her glass and sighed.

‘A couple of drinks and a handsome Greek, and she’s away.’ Fran chuckled.

After another round of ouzo, Sid rose out of his chair. Sensing that Neeta, who was squiffy, was about to grab his hands and encourage him to dance too, he moved swiftly to Fran’s side.

‘May I have the pleasure?’ Sid asked and held out his hands.

‘The pleasure’s all mine, sweetheart,’ Fran said and rose to her feet.

After a few too many shots, everyone was glowing as the liquorice-sweet liquor took hold, and they surrendered to the infectious rhythm of the music. Spiros’s mother came out of the kitchen with his sister, who beckoned Jimmy over, and they joined in too. Forming a wobbly line in the middle of the taverna, guests draped their arms over each other’s shoulders and, with mixed steps and much laughter, attempted the sharp kicks of the dance. Don threw his leg too high and almost tipped over, while Fran fell against Colin as the music got faster. Sid, who couldn’t escape from Neeta, looked away as her breasts, barely contained in her top, bounced in a rhythm of their own, the halter straps straining gallantly.

‘SQUID!’ they all called out as the music ended and they stumbled back to their seats.

‘More oooozo!’ Betty held up her glass. She’d abandoned her wheelchair and, staggering, held onto Carmen’s shoulder.

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