Page 55 of Holiday Cheese and Capers
At the tablebeside Bayard and Exandra’s, Jasper and Wren presented a stark contrast. They sat pressed up so closely against each other that they practically formed a seal. Jasper’s arm was draped around Wren’s shoulders. Her hand seemed glued to his knee. They shared a plate of pastries, feeding each other bites and laughing at private jokes. Wren had her camera out, taking selfies together, completely unconcerned with who might see or judge them.
“Would you look at the two of them?” Exandra muttered to Bayard, watching the young couple with envy. “Not a care in the world. No thought about what happens when this cruise ends. No worries about jobs or logistics or?—”
“Reality,” Bayard finished. “Yes. It must be nice to be so young and optimistic.”
“Reckless,” Exandra said halfheartedly.
Bayard watched Jasper kiss Wren’s temple, watched the way she closed her eyes and melted into him, completely comfortable with their public display of affection. “Maybe,” he said. “Or maybe they just know something that we’ve forgotten in our old age.”
Exandra opened her mouth to say something, but Minerva and Zephyr chose that moment to approach.
“Good morning!” Minerva said brightly. “May we join you?”
“Actually—” Exandra started.
“That would be lovely,” Bayard said at the same time.
They looked at each other awkwardly.
Minerva and Zephyr sat down anyway, pretending not to notice the tension.
“Did you two enjoy the canyoning activity yesterday?” Zephyr asked innocently.
“It was fine,” Exandra said quickly.
“Very educational,” Bayard added. “That gorge is a geological marvel.”
“Mmm hmmmm.” Minerva sipped her tea, her expression carefully neutral. “And did you ever have that talk we suggested?”
Both of them suddenly found their breakfast plates riveting.
“We discussed some things,” Bayard said carefully.
“Cleared up a few misunderstandings,” Exandra added.
“I see.” Minerva exchanged a look with Zephyr. “And are you both feeling... clearer about things now?”
“Crystal clear,” Exandra said, her voice tight.
“Absolutely,” Bayard agreed, sounding miserable.
Fred, who’d been dozing in his carrier beside Bayard’s chair, opened one eye, and quacked skeptically.
“Well,” Zephyr said, standing up abruptly and pulling Minerva by the sleeve, “we really should let you two finish breakfast and prep. I can’t believe we’re already arriving in Italy this morning for the final stop on our tour!”
“The Parma region should be spectacular!” Minerva reluctantly followed Zephyr’s lead, pushing back her chair with a scrape. She collected her dishes as he pointed to a free table in the corner, away from the group.
“We’ll see you two later,” Zephyr said.
After they left, Bayard and Exandra sat in silence for a long moment.
“We really need to talk about what happened,” Bayard said.
“I know.” Exandra sighed.
“But not here.” Bayard used his thumb to wipe some jam off Exandra’s chin and she shivered, biting her lip and closing her eyes.
“No. Not here.” she agreed. “Maybe… somewhere more private?”
