Page 76 of The Cruise Club

‘Mum has undergone a transformation,’ Carmen said to Theo as they stopped beside an arched entrance where a jar of fresh flowers sat on a small table, beside two metal chairs.

‘Then that’s two of you, and the magic of this Mediterranean cruise is helping both mother and daughter.’ He smiled. ‘But look, I want to show you something.’

He took Carmen’s hand and guided her into a contemporary art studio and large open space.

‘What is this?’ Carmen asked as she stared at a variety of eclectic paintings and souvenirs.

Theo looked around with a contemplative smile, ‘I came to Ibiza in the 1970s when the island was a magnet for artists, writers and musicians, since the 1960s. The relaxed pace made it a perfect refuge for carefree young wanderers.’

‘Were you a carefree young wanderer?’ Carmen asked.

‘I’d taken time out, after finishing college, and together with a friend we bought an old VW caravanette and drove through Europe. Finding Ibiza was like finding the holy grail.’ Theo picked up a silver pendant. ‘It was a haven for countercultural youth during the 1960s and 70s and I’d read a book calledThe Driftersby James Michener, and it had become a bit of a bible for me,’ he explained. ‘In the story, a group of young people from all over the world came together here. It was one of the key settings that Michener wrote about and greatly influenced me. I wanted to see what Ibiza was like.’

‘Did it meet your expectations?’

‘God, yes, it was anything and everything. We lived in a commune that summer and led a very bohemian life.’

‘How lucky you were to experience something so different,’ Carmen said, thinking of her repetitive days behind the counter in the family hardware shop.

‘I eventually came home, to my parents’ relief, and remember my father tearing the Afghan jacket off my back and ripping up my cheesecloth shirts then removing the cowbell from my neck,’ Theo laughed. ‘He handed me a chef’s jacket and told me he’d found me an apprenticeship in a restaurant, and that was the end of my hippie era.’

Carmen stared at a framed, black-and-white image of a couple, signedTraspas y Tozejanoand dated Ibiza 1976.

‘That was the couple who owned this gallery,’ Theo said as he watched Carmen study the photo of the handsome bearded young man beside an attractive girl.

‘Did you know them?’ she asked and stared at the suntanned girl in minuscule white shorts with a bandeau top and legs that seemed to go on forever.

‘Yes, I met them, and they were generous, charismatic figures.’ Theo looked around. ‘I understand they still live here and run this gallery, which shows their commitment to the island’s cultural scene.’

Still holding the silver pendant in his hand, Theo sought out an assistant and paid for it. As he stepped out of the gallery and into the sunshine in the alley, he handed the gift to Carmen.

‘What’s this?’ she asked with surprise as she stared at the smooth polished disc. At its centre, she traced a symbol with her fingers.

‘The design of a rising sun represents new beginnings and the promise of brighter days,’ Theo said, ‘while the open hand signifies support. It’s most appropriate.’

‘B… but it’s lovely, I couldn’t possibly accept…’

‘Shush,’ Theo tutted and, taking the pendant, fastened it around Carmen’s neck. ‘There, it suits you.’ He grinned. ‘And it will remind you of this holiday,’ he added.

‘And of our friendship,’ Carmen said. ‘Thank you, Theo.’

A little while later, they stepped out of the cathedral, which was a peaceful and cool escape from the fierce sun. They’d admired the beautiful artwork, and Carmenwas fascinated by the focal point of the high altar, which showcased intricate woodwork and religious symbols of saints and mythological creatures.

‘Shall we find somewhere to have a drink and a bite to eat?’ Theo asked.

They stood by a honey-coloured stone wall and stared out at the view. ‘Look, there’s our ship.’ Carmen pointed towards the harbour, where theDiamond Starwas berthed.

For a moment, Carmen thought of Ruskin. Was he still on the ship, and had he read her note and missed her at the workshop and morning mentoring session? Carmen thought that Ruskin was probably relieved that he didn’t have to devote any more time to helping with her novel, and now that his workshops were over, he was, no doubt, thoroughly enjoying the cruise. She remembered that he loved swimming and imagined him on nearby Talamanca beach, which she could see close by. The waters were ideal for a dip where the calm, clear sea stretched out to the island of Formentera in the distance.

‘Penny for your thoughts?’ Theo asked.

‘Oh, nothing…’

‘You’re thinking of Ruskin, I can tell.’

‘How on earth…’

‘It’s the Irish gypsy in me.’ Theo laughed. ‘I have psychic powers.’

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