Page 31 of The Cruise Club

‘Not a chance. All my life she’s been a constant shadow, trailing in my wake and bossing me about. Making friends or forming a relationship is almost impossible.’

‘Well, that’s a pity. Surely you have some time of your own to write?’

‘Rarely. I live with Betty, unfortunately, and if I threaten to do my work, she suddenly becomes ill and incapable butconscious enough to warn me that if I don’t pull my weight, she’ll leave her estate to a cats’ conservation charity.’

‘Does she like cats?’

‘Hates them.’

‘Meow, that’s tricky,’ Theo mused.

They continued their conversation, even joking about the perils of having an elderly dependent parent, with Theo confiding that Ruari’s father had been demanding. Carmen noticed that Theo’s fingers stroked an expensive gold bracelet, in a slim simple design.

‘Was that a gift?’ she gently asked.

‘How perceptive,’ Theo said. ‘It was a present from Ruari, I wear it all the time, especially during appearances.’

‘Appearances?’ Carmen looked puzzled.

‘I’m a guest speaker on the ship, here to give a talk.’

‘How exciting! What are your subjects?’

‘Well, as a chef who has cooked here and there, I ramble on about my travels.’

‘I’m so stupid!’ Carmen burst out. ‘What must you think of me? You’re the famous Theo, fromMcCarthy’s Kitchen Adventures, I’m so sorry I should have known. And to think that I have two of your wonderful cookery books too!’

‘Please don’t stress, there’s no reason why you should know me and these days, I’m considerably more rotund than my last television series.’ Theo smiled kindly and patted his belly.

Carmen was enjoying Theo’s company and wanted to ask much more but realised that she’d been away from Betty for over two hours. ‘I’m so sorry, but I must check on Mum,’ she said. She was about to thank Theo for the drinks and saygoodbye, when Ruskin appeared, wearing a monogrammed towelling gown that gaped to reveal swimming shorts. Carmen watched as he stopped and stared at Theo.

‘Theo McCarthy,’ Ruskin began, ‘I’m not in the habit of sending my audience to sleep.’

‘Ah, I’m sorry about that.’ Theo grinned.

‘Rest assured, I will find a front-row seat for your session and return the favour.’

‘Ah, Ruskin, I was away with the fairies. I am beyond apologetic, but you have a fan right here. This lady thought you were outstanding.’

Horrified that Ruskin might see her old swimsuit, Carmen wrapped her robe tighter.

‘I hope you enjoyed my talk?’ Ruskin turned to Carmen.

‘Y… yes,’ she stammered. The sun was bright, and as Carmen held her hand to her brow, she was conscious that her damp, untamed hair frizzed wildly around her hot and now flustered face. ‘It was fascinating,’ she added.

Carmen wanted to tell Ruskin it was the most motivating and inspirational dialogue she’d heard in years. Within minutes of him uttering his closing statements, she’d rushed to her cabin to write. But Ruskin, showing no desire to spend time in her company, turned away before she could summon the courage and find the right words. Flinging his gown to one side, he dived neatly into the pool and began precise repetitious strokes as he pounded up and down.

Carmen picked up her bag and as she turned, she saw Peter pacing across the deck. He held up his hand and waved.

‘There you are,’ Peter said, almost breathless in hishaste, ‘I’m sorry to disturb you, but your mother has guest services on speed dial and insists that she’s unable to move. I need your help to assist her.’ Peter shrugged and appeared apologetic.

Carmen sighed. ‘Of course,’ she replied. There was no doubt in her mind that Peter knew that Betty was a malingerer and made Carmen’s life difficult.

‘Sorry to dash,’ Carmen said to Theo.

‘The cat is in her cabin, and the mouse can’t come out to play,’ Theo said. ‘Til we meet again.’

‘Meow.’ Carmen smiled.

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