Page 91 of The Cruise Club

‘Oh, I’ve no doubt my agent has me work lined up for months. Clive considers my talent to be the best on his books.’

Dicky thought of Clive. His agent hadn’t contacted him, and Dicky knew that there wasn’t any work coming his way. Clive had moved onto pastures new with younger, edgier comedians who fitted the bill for the larger cruise ships with more youthful audiences. Their appeal meant bigger fees and a healthier cut for Clive.

Dicky shrugged and diverted his attention to the call sheet. ‘But right now, we’ve a show to deliver, so let’s focus on giving the guests a grand spectacle and a last night they’ll never forget.’

Chapter Thirty-Seven

As darkness descended, passengers gathered on the decks of theDiamond Staras the ship’s horn signalled its departure. Spanish music played for the sail-away, and many held glasses of champagne as the ship left the harbourside, where the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean caught the city’s lights and bathed Cartagena’s historic skyline in the twilight. Under a canopy of twinkling stars, they passed a lighthouse, and as the port lights faded in the distance theDiamond Starset course for Malaga.

‘I’m going to miss this,’ Fran whispered to Sid. She felt wistful that their cruise was nearing the end of its voyage.

‘It’s not an ending, lass. Don’t be sad,’ Sid replied, his arm around her shoulder. ‘This is the start of something special for us, and we’ll have many cruising days ahead.’ He kissed her cheek, then stood back to admire his wife. ‘I have to say I have the most beautiful woman on my arm tonight.’

The kaleidoscope of colour that Fran wore was perfect with her glitzy jewellery, and the long flowing lines flattered her full figure. Fran had swept her hair into a toweringtopknot and fastened it with a sparkling clip that was as bold and bright as her makeup.

‘Get away with you,’ Fran laughed and punched Sid’s arm playfully. But as Fran smoothed the fabric of her colourful kaftan, she felt good. This cruise had been the perfect tonic to refresh her tired bones.

A few feet away from Fran, Don and Debbie stood with Colin and Neeta. The men were smart in their dinner suits, and Debbie wore a long, sapphire blue tunic with beadwork at the neck. Neeta, meanwhile, carried a pineapple-shaped clutch and turned heads in a skimpy dress adorned with a lively tropical pattern.

To Debbie’s dismay, Don watched Neeta’s hemline sway in the breeze, and he grinned salaciously when her tanned thighs were revealed. With her back ramrod straight, Debbie shook her head and began to stride away.

‘Eh, up! Come on love, I’m only admirin’ the craftsmanship on Neeta’s crutch, I mean clutch…’ He turned to Colin and winked.

On the promenade deck, Theo, handsome in a midnight-blue jacket, formal trousers and a loud checkered waistcoat, pushed Betty along in her chair. ‘What a wonderful evening,’ he said, gazing at the stars.

‘I’m cold,’ Betty grumbled, ‘why on earth are we out here when we could be inside in the warm restaurant?’

A little further behind, Ruskin and Carmen fell into step. ‘Don’t worry, Mum. We’re on our way,’ Carmen said, frustration etched across her face. She hoped that Betty wouldn’t spoil the evening and, holding onto Ruskin’s arm, took a slow, deep breath.

‘You look amazing,’ Ruskin whispered and squeezed Carmen’s arm. ‘That colour is fabulous on you.’

Carmen’s tension eased. ‘Thank you,’ she said, glancing at Ruskin and wondering how she was strolling along with this man on her arm. Tall and poised, Ruskin’s dinner suit was perfectly tailored, the satin lapels catching the light. His chiselled features softened when his blue eyes caught her own, and his cologne’s scent was almost overwhelming.

The rich colour of Carmen’s scarlet dress enhanced her sun-kissed skin, and she knew she’d never look better. How clever Fran had been to find this gorgeous garment. Carmen’s hair was swept to one side in a soft updo, and a few strands fell lightly onto her shoulders. Carmen had treated herself to sparkling earrings from the onboard jeweller, and as she caught her reflection in a window, they caught the evening light.

Carmen watched as Theo gripped the handles of Betty’s chair and carefully manoeuvred her through a doorway. Carmen crossed her fingers, hoping that her mother’s grumblings wouldn’t continue.

The past days aboard the cruise had stirred something deep within Carmen, nurturing plans that felt like new fresh shoots. After a magical day with Ruskin, Carmen was sure there was more for her in life. No matter what happened with him, shehadto gently escape her mother’s shadow and find a new path. But as she stared up at the sky, she smiled. Tonight was the final chapter of this unforgettable cruise, and she was determined that she would enjoy every moment.

Ruskin followed the group through the ship and intothe Terrace Restaurant, where the dining room had been transformed. The baby grand now sat at the entrance, and the pianist played familiar melodies as everyone found their seats. White linen covered the tables, and candles flickered above elegant floral arrangements where subdued lighting added a romantic air to the night.

Ruskin stood beside Carmen as everyone took their place. Her scarlet dress caught the glow, and for a moment, everything faded as he watched her. The dining room was impressive, but it paled compared to the transformation of the woman he’d encountered at the beginning of the cruise. Ruskin’s feelings for Carmen were complex, and he couldn’t explain why he was drawn to her. All he knew was that he wanted to be with her and thought about her all the time. Seeing Carmen come into her own was exhilarating, and her transformation mirrored his unexpected feelings, making his heart sing and his whole being feel lighter. He knew that he’d emerged from the aftermath of his divorce and felt optimistic and excited that he might find happiness in whatever time they carved out for each other.

As he sat with this varied group of people, Ruskin wasn’t sure where things might lead with Carmen, but one thing was sure. He didn’t want it to end with this cruise.

Dinner was a delight, and guests enjoyed a starter of gazpacho followed by seared scallops with a saffron sauce. Betty couldn’t understand why anyone would want to eat a cold soup and pushed her plate away. However, her eyes soon lit up as a wine waiter topped up her glass and when a filet mignon with truffle jus was placed before her, sheheartily tucked in. A chocolate fondant with pistachio cream followed and the meal ended with a magnificent selection of cheese.

Don commented as each course arrived and as a server offered more jus with his steak, he said that he’d prefer a jug full of gravy. In between a course he asked, ‘What’s this intermezzo nonsense? If I wanted to cleanse my palate I’d use a tube of toothpaste.’

Debbie’s expression hardened as she glared at her husband and shaking her head, looked away.

At the end of the meal, as everyone departed to make their way to the Neptune Theatre, Colin and Neeta invited them all to a party in their suite when the evening’s entertainment had concluded. Betty, now walking beside Theo, looked up in surprise and called out. ‘One of your upside-down pineapple parties? Not for me. Pineapples belong in a fruit salad, not in whatever plans you lot have.’

Ruskin studied Neeta as she grinned at Betty and shrugged her shoulders. Her tan had deepened and offset the silver jewellery that sparkled on her skin. Noticing his stare, Neeta appeared surprisingly self-conscious, and her hands flew to her head to loosen her hair, ruffling her blonde locks around her ears.

Ruskin reached for Carmen’s hand as they took their seats beside Theo and Betty with Fran, Sid, Don and Debbie in the row behind. Their murmur of excited conversation filled the air. When colourful lights sparkled across the stage and the band began to play, the room was hushed and after the opening medley, Peter appeared.

‘Good evening, everyone,’ he began, ‘welcome to ourgrand finale for the last night of your unforgettable cruise. I can hardly believe that this is our final night together, but before I introduce you to tonight’s show, on behalf of Captain Bellwood and the entire crew of theDiamond Starwe want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone for choosing to sail with us.’

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