Dudes Down Under (16 page)

*  *  *

“
Yo, Tris. You here, buddy?”

“
Morning, my friend. Don’t you look a happy boy? What have you been up to? I know that look. Who is she?”

“
Forget it, Tris, it’s not like that, not this time.”

“
You are shitting me. Did you? Man, what happened? Did you tell her how you feel about her?”

“
No, the lady would run a mile if she knew that. Not yet, okay? She’s coming parasailing with us, if she doesn’t chicken out, that is.”

“
Ah, a woman after my own heart. I’ll sit and keep her company happily, if she chickens out, that is. You know how nervous I am about this, buddy.”

“
Don’t sweat it, Tris. Nobody is gonna think less of you because you have a phobia. We all have them one way or another.”

“
Yeah, thanks, Jack. You are a good mate, as the Aussies would say.”

“
Good bunch of people, aren’t they?”

“
Some of the nicest I’ve ever met. Izzy and I were just saying how happy we are that we came. This place is utterly amazing.”

“
I’ll drink to that.”

“
Hell, mate, you’d drink to any damned thing. That's why you fit in so well.”

Jack grabbed his friend in a head tackle that had them both laughing like teenagers. Izzy stood in the doorway, smiling at the pair of them. God, they acted like kids when they were together. She loved it.

*  *  *

Lucy and Charlie shared a quick coffee together and then Lucy had to get back to her bungalow and ready herself for work. She was tempted to take the day off. After all, she had earned that right. Hmm, she would check who else was on duty and then decide.

“
Lucy, is … is there a chance we could, um, can you play hooky from work? I would so love to explore this place with you. You love it so damned much and I’ll bet you are the only one that knows of some special places to go.”

“
You must have been reading my mind. Tell you what - I’ll go back via reception and have a look at who is on. If I feel that my presence isn’t needed, which most times it isn’t, I would love to take you on a private tour of my island.”

“
Great, let’s go.”

She grinned at his enthusiasm and they walked back down the track, separating as they needed to go to different locations. Charlie arranged to meet her in reception at 9.00 am.

Chapter 20

“
Cyril, Cyril, mate. C’mon, old son, rise and shine.”

All right, damn you. I am awake. Oh, my head. And just why didn’t you come back last night to let me know about Lucy? I lay awake and worried for - well, no, come to think of it, I fell asleep straight after you left. Gasp! Am I becoming an insensitive croc? That will not do. I am a new age croc, caring and, and ... well … caring.

“
Lucy is fine, mate. I stopped back here last night to tell ya, but you were snoring so I let ya sleep.” Skeet kept his fingers crossed behind his back. It was a little white lie but Cyril would worry if Lucy didn’t come home. Cyril was not a happy chappy when he was worried.

Oh, good. That’s fine, then. Skeet, I need to hear some stuff, about what we were watching at the movies. Do all you humans do that boy-girl thingy? And WHY? Do crocodiles do it, with other crocodiles, I mean. And if we do, why haven’t I, and what are you gonna do about it?

“
What’s the matter, mate? You’re awfully quiet this mornin’. Are you sick? What’s happening?”

No, I am not sick, you drongo. I’m just … it’s just that ... I don’t know, but I feel sorta strange. Not sick ... strange ... just kinda … oh bugger it, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m getting all emotional. Maybe I am sick. Nyah, it doesn’t feel like sick, it feels like … shit ... something.

“
C’mon, Cyril. Let's get ya breakfast and then we’ll head on down for a swim. You always enjoy that. What t-shirt do ya wanna wear today?”

Oh, I just don’t care, any old thing. What does it matter what I wear? There are no female crocodiles around to notice anyway. Sigh, maybe I need a friend. A crocodile friend, but where the hell are we gonna find one that’s civilized and refined like me? Hmmm - where? Nowhere, that’s where. I am doomed to live my life alone, sob! I need a drink.

“
I might get Doc to take a look at ya, just in case you are sickening for something.”

Oh, please … well, okay, as long as you don’t let him pick my t-shirt or sun hat. Has he had his hair cut yet? I need a drink!

*  *  *

Lucy showered and dressed for comfort. She was relaxed about taking the day off. Didi was on the front desk, with the effervescent Ginny under tight control. Skeet would be on call, so everything was fine.

The kitchen staff had prepared a wonderful selection of cold foods and wines. Lucy grabbed a picnic blanket and a couple of beach towels, and headed back down to wait for Charlie outside the lobby. She was well aware of the curious looks from the staff. It was her own fault. Never having taken a day off when she wasn’t due one, caused more than a little chit-chat amongst the people she worked with. None of it was nasty. It was, well, they were sticky-beaks. Lucy was all theirs and nobody had better hurt her.

The collective gasps and mmms were not heard by Lucy anyway. She was intent on watching Charlie as he arrived in his buggy.

“
Lucy, are we ready to go?” he asked with a huge smile on his face.

“
Sure thing.” Lucy climbed into the passenger seat and placed the esky full of yummy things in the back.

“
So, we are taking the buggy? I wondered if we might be walking.”

“
We’ll take the buggy and then walk, unless you’d prefer horseback.”

“
Uh-uh, love horses, but after the amount of time Vanessa and I spent riding in our last flick, I’m happy to forgo that pleasure for a while.”

“
Sore rump, huh?”

“
Amongst other things.”

The staff nodded sagely to each other. “So, Lucy and Charlie Danvers, eh? Well, well, this was juicy, and Lucy was giggling like a little kid at something Charlie had just said. Perfect.” Happy smiles were shared all round and the gossip had spread beyond the main reception area before Charlie and Lucy had travelled more than a couple of miles.

“
So, Lucy where are we heading?” Not that he particularly cared. He was with her - anyplace would be fine.

“
I have some favorite spots, little places only I know about. The staff are aware that they are not permitted on the far side of the island. That is strictly for the owner's enjoyment. They just don’t know that’s me. Did you bring your swimmers?”

“
Yup, brand new for the occasion.”

“
Great, you’ll need ‘em.”

“
How big is your island, Lucy?”

“
Big enough. It’ll take us around thirty-five minutes to access the beginnings of the far side, and the track gets a little rough. That’s why the buggies have four-wheel drive.”

“
I brought my camcorder. Is that okay?”

“
Sure. As long as you don’t give any directions, I don’t see why not.”

“
Cool.”

They settled back to enjoy the ride, with Lucy pointing out things of interest along the way. Charlie was enjoying watching her face as she showed him her island. She lit up and glowed like a candle. God, she was so beautiful. He was a happy man.

*  *  *

Skeet knocked on the door of the surgery.

“
Hang on, I’m coming, I’m coming. Hold ya horses!” Doc opened the door. “What’s up, mate? You never get sick.”

“
I’m okay, Doc. It’s Cyril. He’s acting strange, well, different … strange. I think he might be comin’ down with somethin’. Can ya take a look at him for me?”

“
I’m no vet, mate, but sure, I’ll check him out. Ya gonna bring him down here, or ya want me to do a house call?”

“
Nah, I’ll bring him down, mate. The fresh air might do him good. Besides, I’ve got the guys lined up to clean out and refill his pool.”

“
Righto. Well, give me about an hour and then come on down, okay?”

“
Thanks, Doc.”

“
Not a worry, mate. Cyril’s family.”

*  *  *

Lana Peters waited impatiently for eleven o’clock to arrive.

She walked in and out of the bungalow several times and the hands on the clock moved way too slowly. She caught herself getting agitated and laughed out loud at her reflection in the mirror near the doorway. “Good God. I look like I’m about sixteen again.” The thought made her entire day. She heard the buggy out the front and exited happily, closing the door behind her.

Tristan and Izzy were settled comfortably in the back and greeted her with a cheerful, “Good morning.”

“
Hi, guys. I hope I’m not intruding or anything.”

Izzy Pittman gave her a blinding smile. “No way, José. I’m so glad you are coming along. This should be a lot of fun.”

Jack hopped out, took her bag and helped her in the front of the buggy. He gave her a quick hug while he was at it.

“
I’ve never done this before - parasailing, I mean.” She nudged Jack in the ribs to forestall the remark he was about to make. He rewarded her with a kiss on the cheek that caused the occupants in the back to smile hugely.

“
Don’t worry, Lana. I’ve never done it before and I’ll probably still be saying just that tomorrow,” said Tristan glumly.

“
If it’s any consolation, Tris, I will probably chicken out myself.”

“
Listen, you two, we are doing this the safest way possible, from a winch-boat, not off the beach. You do not have to steer the chute, or land it. The winch crew do it for you off the platform at the rear of the speed boat. When the ride's over, they winch you back onto the platform. You don’t have to land in the water, plus they have dual bar seats, so if you don’t want to do this on your own, you can fly with a friend.”

“
Flying united, huh?”

“
Oh, Lana, babe, even I can’t believe you said that.” Jack was laughing loudly and the other two passengers shared a quiet smile. Tristan was pleased to see his friend so happy. He wondered if Lana had any idea that Jack had been mad about her for so long.

*  *  *

“
C’mon, Cyril, be a good boy. I gotta dress ya so we can go see Doc. He‘s not gonna hurt ya. We just wanna be sure you aren’t sick. I have to put your t-shirt and sun hat on you. Do you wanna get sunburned again?”

Burned shmurned, I don’t want Doc doing anything tricky. If he comes anywhere near me with a needle, well I just won’t be responsible for what happens. In spite of the fact that he has dreadful taste and old-fashioned hair cut, I kinda like him. It would be a big shame to make him armless. Armless. I made a funny, heh-heh, harmle … oh, forget it. Why do I even bother? Let’s just get this over with so I can continue being depressed.

“
What are you doing? Oh well, you are getting to be a big boy, pickin’ your own clothes out. You sure you wanna go with the green? All right, settle down, I just asked. Shit, mate, you’re in a lovely mood, ain’t ya? Now what? Oh, the sun hat. Green again? Well it’s fine, I guess. Personally I would have gone with the yellow, but whatever.”

Yeah, Skeet. If you had your own bloody way, you’d still have me in diapers, mate. I am a big boy, deal with it. And why didn’t I get my hug this morning, hmm?

“
You look real nice, mate. Giz a hug and don’t be scared. I won’t let Doc do anything to hurt ya, all right?”

Okay, if you’re certain. Let’s get this over with. I need a drink!

“
If you’re a really good boy, I’ll get ya an early beer, okay, mate?”

Sigh!

*  *  *

Lucy pulled the buggy off the road and headed up a narrow dirt track winding high into the mountainous area on the far side of the island. It was dark and cool, with masses of trees tangled overhead and a canopy of vines and tree ferns making a corridor of green. The sounds around them changed subtly from the ocean's whoosh on sand to a gurgling sound of fast-running water.

Charlie looked at her, “What is that, a stream?”

“
Wait a few more minutes.” She parked the buggy and beckoned Charlie towards another track that was accessed by dodging underneath low branches and clambering over huge logs covered in moss.