Page 32 of The Cruise Club

At last, she had an ally.

Chapter Fourteen

The following morning theDiamond Star, having sailed through the night, docked in the ancient port of Rhodes. Passengers who’d risen early enjoyed stunning views as dawn rose over the island’s coastline with its rocky cliffs and sparkling beaches. During breakfast, the guest services team made announcements reminding everyone of the disembarkation process and to have all necessary identification with them.

At a corner table, close to the buffet, Fran and Sid sat in the Deck Café. As Fran polished off her second slice of toast and Sid licked fried egg from his fork, they discussed the previous evening. Led by Melody Moon, theDiamond Starentertainment team had performed an enjoyable song and dance performance from theJersey Boysshow.

‘I thought it was a bit left field for Melody,’ Sid said as he cut into a slice of bacon, ‘but her rendition of “Walk Like a Man” was brilliant.’

‘It was,’ Fran agreed and buttered more toast, adding peach jam with care. ‘Dicky Delaney could have put moreinto “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, he hardly glanced at Melody during the number.’

‘My favourite was “Big Girls Don’t Cry”,’ Sid smiled, ‘and Melody is a big girl.’

‘I think she’s marvellous, especially her outfits. Which reminds me,’ Fran was thoughtful, ‘I asked Carmen if she’d like a shopping trip today.’

‘There’ll be some fancy shops in Rhodes.’

‘New clothes might lift her spirits,’ Fran said, ‘and you know how I love to browse.’

Sid smiled. He knew all too well that their savings pot of euros was about to take a hit, but he’d never begrudge Fran. His wife worked hard, and she deserved every luxury on this holiday. ‘Can you handle Betty tagging along?’ he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Fran reached out to stroke Sid’s arm. ‘The most important thing is to help Carmen come out of her shell, and I think that a few lovely outfits would give her the confidence she needs.’

Brushing sticky toast crumbs from his shirt, Sid said, ‘I’ll help with Betty.’ He studied Fran’s face. ‘You’ve taken quite a shine to Carmen.’

‘Betty dominates her daughter’s life,’ Fran said as she sipped her coffee. ‘Carmen lives under her mother’s thumb, and Betty has an invisible string that reels Carmen in every time she attempts to escape.’

‘The old ladycanbe difficult,’ Sid agreed.

‘Controlling for sure, it seems to be in her nature, and it’s drained any confidence Carmen might have had when her dad was alive.’

‘Perhaps Betty is worried that Carmen will move away if she finds new friends, leaving her alone,’ Sid reasoned.

Impressed, Fran stared at her husband. Sid had probably hit the nail on the head. Carmen was an unpaid carer.

‘We all deserve a good life and to fulfil our dreams.’ Fran nodded. ‘Just look at us – we always dreamed of owning a fancy restaurant andourdreams have come true.’

Sid grinned. ‘Aye, we’ve come a long way from selling candyfloss on the Golden Mile in Blackpool.’

‘Folk flock from all over the north to dine with us, and our waiting list is long.’

‘Who would ever have imagined it?’ Sid chuckled.

‘I know it’s none of my business,’ Fran lowered her voice, ‘but Carmen needs time to fulfil her passion and write more novels, and I think she could use a friend or two.’

Sid pushed his empty plate away. His wife was kind and had a heart of gold. ‘Perhaps this cruise will sort things out for her,’ he said.

‘I do hope so.’

‘Isn’t that Dicky Delaney?’ Sid turned his head and pointed to a man standing by the coffee machine, programming a double espresso.

‘Aye, he looks a bit rough this morning. He must have had a late night.’ Fran watched Dicky as he drank his coffee. A tall man joined him, and they lowered their heads, deep in conversation.

‘I think that’s Theo McCarthy,’ Fran said and leaned forward to get a better look.

‘My goodness, I do believe it is!’ Excited, Sid sat up.

Admiring Theo’s dark skin and well-groomed salt andpepper hair, Fran said, ‘He’s still a handsome man, despite the extra bit of weight that he carries these days.’

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