Page 40 of The Cruise Club

Carmen realised that Ruskin had no memory of sitting beside her on the bench where the old man sold his honey.

‘I know that the Venetians took control in the fifteenth century,’ she said, taking another drink, ‘and I was interested to see remains of many of their buildings, but most of the structures were lost during the earthquake of 1953.’

‘Yes, that’s true, it was devastating,’ Ruskin nodded, ‘but thank goodness the village was rebuilt and is now a tourist destination, providing employment.’

‘I’m sure the locals will be pleased when the season ends and the cruise ships sail away,’ Carmen said with a tense smile. She held out her empty glass as Ruskin topped it up.

Could he really have no memory of their brief conversation on the bench? Did a new hairstyle and outfit create a creature Ruskin didn’t recognise? Or had the impression she’d left been so fleeting he’d cast it aside? Clearly, Ruskin didn’t remember Carmen from the pool either when he’d briefly stopped to speak to Theo.

‘Did you visit the fort?’ Ruskin asked.

‘Unfortunately, no, but others from our party climbed the steep path and said how wonderful the view was.’

‘It was built to protect the village from pirates and invaders.’

‘It’s not stopping invaders today – thousands of tourists must visit during summer.’ Carmen felt Ruskin’s eyes watching her closely.

Oh, Lord!Should she finish her drink and make her excuses? Carmen was sure he had no idea who he was talking to, but the moment he did, their conversation would end. Ruskin wouldn’t want anything to do with the silly woman in the frumpy clothes, who wandered about pushing her nagging mother in a wheelchair.

‘Would you like Maxos to be tourist-free?’ Ruskin asked.

‘Perhaps I would. I can’t imagine a more perfect place to live and work.’

Carmen remembered the gorgeous three-storey villa she’d noticed near the horseshoe-shaped beach. Villa Galini. Galini meant tranquillity and the villa would be her dream home.

‘Work?’ Ruskin raised an eyebrow. ‘What is it that you do?’

Carmen blinked. Rats! She hadn’t meant to blurt that out. Now she’d have to explain herself, and her cover, rapidly melting like ice, would be blown.

‘Oh, this and that.’

Carmen took a long sip of the champagne. She felt Ruskin’s piercing blue eyes bore into her. As the butterflies in her stomach danced wildly, she looked around, praying for a diversion. What was happening to her, was it the champagne? Each tilt of Ruskin’s head or even the way he held his drink seemed to pull her in deeper, igniting a spark she never knew she had. She’d come on the cruise to be inspired, not to fall for a man who had no interest in her.

To her relief, Carmen saw Theo come into the bar. He perched near the piano and ordered a cocktail.Now’s your chance!Carmen thought and finishing her drink, she rose unsteadily.

‘Thank you for the champagne,’ Carmen said. She felt like Cinderella as the clock struck twelve. ‘But there’s someone I need to speak to. Please excuse me.’

With as much confidence as she could muster, Carmen gripped her clutch to her chest and trying not to wobble, quickly walked away. As she moved through the crowded tables, she realised guests were clapping along to the song the pianist was playing. Some were singing ‘I want to break free!’

Carmen remembered the Queen number.

If only Icouldbreak free…she thought, and taking a deep breath, Carmen approached Theo.

He was staring at a half-empty glass of Santorini Sunrise when Carmen appeared alongside. ‘Would you mind if I joined you?’ she asked.

Hoping that Ruskin wasn’t watching, Carmen was desperate to talk to someone, and Theo seemed the ideal confidante. She saw the surprise on Theo’s face when he turned.

‘Well, yes, but a beautiful woman shouldn’t build her hopes up,’ he said. ‘I’m as gay as a rainbow at a pride parade.’

‘Perfect,’ Carmen said, ‘you’re exactly what I need.’

‘I’m sorry?’ Theo looked bemused.

Carmen touched his arm and leaned in close. ‘Theo, it’s me, Carmen,’ she said.

Theo looked at his drink and then back at Carmen. ‘Jaysus,’ he said, ‘what have you done?’

Carmen felt slighted but Theo shook his head before she had time to say anything.

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