Sally’s Honeymoon: Book 4 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series (9 page)

“Yes indeed.. That’s why I have packed plenty of sun block!”

Robert gave a
groan, he hated putting on sun block, or any other cream for that matter. Sally however was not daunted.

“Oh, stop your groaning Robert;
your putting this sun block on and that’s final!”

Robert did as he was told.
“Only a few days married and already under the cosh!”
He grimaced to himself, as he considered how it had seemed doomed just a short while ago.

They journeyed out into the City of Naples, first heading up into the old town then gradually working themselves to the East of the city towards the coast, and following the coastline until they reached an old Castle called the Castel dell'Ovo. It stood solidly on a small island of rock, and was accessible by a single road from the mainland.

They both
strolled over the narrow road bridge that led not only to the castle itself; but also to a small community at its base, which consisted mainly of pizza restaurants catering for the many tourists who came to see the castle.

After running the gauntlet
of the zealous waiters who seemed to take a great pride in pulling in customers, they finally succumbed and settled down under the shade of the massive fortress.

“Isn’t this amazing.”
Robert said while looking up at the stone buttresses of the castle. “I wonder just how old it is?”

“Ah, you wonder about the castle.” The waiter said, as he approached the table with their order of pizza and cold drinks.
“I know a little of it.”

“You speak very good English!” Sally complimented the man, who was in his early thirties and very charming.

“Ah, thank you so much. I actually worked in England for 5 years; it was a good experience for me.”

“And now you are
back home. Do you own the restaurant then?”

“Unfortunately no; it belongs to my father, but someday I hope to take over the business.” He
nodded dreamily at the thought; then remembered about the Castle.

“
Ah..the castle. It is called castle dell’Ovo, which means ‘egg castle.’ This is because when it was built in the 6
th
century BC, Legend has it that Virgil the sorcerer, put a magic egg into the foundations to support and strengthen the fortifications of the castle and make it indestructible. Unfortunately it did not protect it against the local inhabitants who demolished it in the 9
th
Century to prevent its use by the Saracens! The castle you see before you now was actually built by the Normans in the 12
th
Century, on the foundations of the old one.”

“Isn’t that fantastic.”
Said Robert impressed. “So it is still built on the ‘magic egg’ then!”

The waiter laughed. “Yes indeed, though I’d imagine it would have been well scrambled by then!”

He was still chuckling as he left them to bask in the romance of the setting, enjoying Good food, and building memories that would stay with them forever.

When they had finished their pizza, they immediately set off to explore the ancient castle; Robert being particularly keen
as this was his more of his idea of a great building, rather than the ornate stonework of Gaudi.

“Honestly Sally, if ever I could afford it, I would love to stay in an old Castle! The thought of all the history that has gone before you, I think is just mind-boggling!”

The day, they both agreed, had been a great success as they took a leisurely stroll back to the ship; admiring the view of the Bay of Naples, and dreaming of the possibilities of owning an apartment someday, overlooking the famous waterfront.

That evening they enjoyed their meal, Sally much more relaxed and at ease without the worry over Melanie – whom they had never seen since the recent turbulent events – and headed down to see the Ice Show
. They both thought that this was a marvel, that a ship could have a full size ice rink on board, seemed to defy all logic.

The show itself was performed by American, Russian and Canadian professional ice skaters; who they both agreed gave an excellent performance.

“It’s definitely one of the highlights of the cruise for me!” Sally said, as she headed up the stairs to the cocktail bar.

Robert nodded
, commenting that he wished he had learned to skate when he was younger. “Oh never mind old man!” Sally poked him in the ribs. “Why don’t you just ‘Skate’ over to the bar and get the drinks eh!”

“Oh yes…very funny dear – Not!” He dodged a weak blow from Sally and wandered over to get the drinks as commanded.

******

Stefan was pleased, when he heard that the problems with Robert and sally had been sorted out. The fact was that although his own life was complicated, and his morals left a lot to be desired; he did in fact have a strong romantic streak in him. This meant that although he could not bring himself to settle down with one woman for the rest of his life; he liked to think that it was at least possible for others. He had an idealistic dream of sharing his life with his ‘soul mate,’ and being faithful to her forever; but up until now it had always been a dream that eluded him.

“If only circumstances were different.”
He mused to himself; knowing deep inside that he was just making excuses for his actions.

He loved the lifestyle of the rich and famous, that was his
first problem. The next problem was that he did not have any wealth of his own, and when he did acquire it through others; he soon lost it again – usually over the roulette table, or entertaining expensive women.

He was standing at the bar mulling over his next move with Shirley, when Robert tapped him on the shoulder.

“Ah Robert my friend. Is all well with you?”

“It is now Stefan; thanks in part at least to your intervention!”

“Think nothing of it Robert; I knew that woman would be trouble for you, right from the first night.”

“How right you were Stefan – if only I had been so astute!”

“Ha, do not beat yourself up my friend. I have had my share of trouble with such women, believe me! I recognise the signs only because of painful experience.”

“Thanks Stefan. I have to admit though I was tempted – God help me!” Robert said, with guilt written all over his face.

“Ha
ha, who wouldn’t be - She has the body of a goddess! Temptation is not a sin my friend; falling to temptation; this is what brings down the wrath of God – or woman!”

Robert ordered them a round of drinks, Sally having retreated back to the cabin for an early night, just a few minutes previously.

“So where is Sally now?” Stefan inquired, nursing his drink thoughtfully.

“Oh, she is just having an early
night, we walked for miles all over Naples today! And what about Shirley, has she retired for the evening as well?”

“Oh…yes she has a headache, and has decided to call it a day.”

Robert decided to take the plunge.

“Can I ask you Stefan – and I know that this is none of my business – but…you seem very friendly with Shirley…if you get my
meaning.”

Stefan looked intently at Robert before replying.

“Well Robert; as you say – it is none of your business.” He paused to assess Roberts reaction to his next line. “However I will tell you that my life, is complicated. In fact I have made a real mess of it, if truth be told. And the truth my friend, is something that you will not often hear spoken from my lips!” He paused while he took a large swallow from the glass of Napoleon brandy, he had been warming in his palms.

Robert remained silent, knowing that this was difficult for Stefan to admit; and if he said anything at all he risked Stefan just closing down.

“I am not a good man Robert; I want you to know that. Oh yes I am capable of good deeds occasionally.” He stopped to raise a comical eyebrow at Robert. “But I am not a good man. I have hurt many people. I have broken many hearts; and still the madness continues.”

Robert could not contain himself any longer. “Surely though, the fact you recognise that there is a problem, is the first step to doing something about it Stefan!”

“Ah…words of wisdom indeed Robert.” He raised glass in salute. “And normally I would agree with you wholeheartedly; when it comes to applying good sense to my own life however….” He left the sentence unfinished, as he swallowed the rest of his Brandy and ordered another round for them both.

Robert could hardly refuse, as he had instigated the conversation, and so was obliged to take it to its natural conclusion.

Stefan talked on, and the drinks flowed; till finally they both reeled out of the bar arm in arm like old mates. Robert had lost count of the drinks he had consumed, and was only vaguely aware of staggering into the cabin in the early hours of the morning.

He awoke with a head like thunder, and a stomach that was
burning up with acid. Sally stood looking at the pathetic figure on the bed, as she held out a glass of water and a couple of aspirin’s.

“Well dearest…I take it you had a good ‘chat’ with Stefan?”

Robert just moaned a pitiful thanks, as he took the water and tried to wash away the gunge in his mouth.

“Lord
help me!” He groaned aloud. “My tongue feels like I’ve been licking the surface of a pool table all night - and I’m just about blinded by this headache!”

“My poor baby!”
Sally grinned at him. “Perhaps mummy should run you a little bath for you to relax in!”

“Yes, that might be a good id……” He stopped, as he saw the look on Sally’s face. “Sally! It’s not funny – I feel terrible!”

“And so you should – you dirty stop-out! Did you get anything resolved with Stefan? What are his intentions regarding Shirley? What about the …..”

“SALLY! Stop please, my head’s thumping!”

Sally stood in front of him, with her arms crossed. “Ok honey. I’m going upstairs for my breakfast, I’ve already been out for my jog. Can I maybe have a nice fried breakfast sent down to you? Maybe a nice greasy sausage and egg would settle things!”

She jumped out of the way as Robert launched himself out of bed, and
retched the contents of his stomach into the toilet basin.

“That’ll be a no then!” She said quietly as she headed out the room, closing the door gently behind her.

The fact was that she was not mad with Robert in the least, she had after all encouraged him to speak to Stefan. She just hoped that he had sorted something out, especially for Shirley’s sake.

******

Sally enjoyed shopping and the café culture in the
ports of Cagliari, and Cadiz; before the ship sailed on to Southampton. The last evening of Formal dress seemed to encourage people to make a special effort, before the cruise just became a distant memory, going the way of all life’s experiences no matter how impressive they are at the time.

Sally was no exception to the general rule; and made sure that she was ‘dressed to kill,’ for the last of the formal evenings before they were dragged back to the reality of
everyday life.

“What do you think Robert; does this look ok?”

Robert was just slipping the Dirk into the top of his heavy parade socks, when he turned to see Sally in her outfit for the night. She had chosen a full-length dark green taffeta gown with a tartan bodice that matched Roberts Kilt perfectly. It was well fitted at the waist, and showed only a modest cleavage, but a tantalising glimpse of a woman in her prime.

“Honey, you look absolutely stunning! But never mind you…
what about me!” He grinned as he did a quick twirl in his Kilt. 

Sally laughed. “Oh, you are so vain sometimes Mr Lindsey!”

Sally opened the small safe, and took out his mother’s bracelet.

“Please don’t tell me
your wearing that again!” He said, unable to hide his apprehension.

“Oh Robert, calm yourself will you. Agnes would be disappointed if I did not wear it!”

He looked at her unconvinced. “OK, on your head be it, if it gets lost Sally!”

Sally stuck her tongue out at him, causing them both to burst out laughing.

“Come on then; let’s do a turn around the deck, so you can show yourself off shall we?

Sally picked up a light
wrap to cover her shoulders as they headed out the cabin and along the long corridor, before going out on deck to see the lights of Lisbon twinkling in the distance.

“My Sally, you certainly are a sight to behold!” Stefan approached them with Shirley on his arm. They had all settle
d into a kind of truce, with Sally just not sure what was going on in Stefan’s mind. However a compliment is a compliment, and Sally responded favourably as is expected in these situations.

“Why thank you Stefan, you don’t look too shabby yourself!” She smiled at him.

“Whilst this pair are complimenting themselves on their looks Shirley; I must say you look particularly elegant tonight!”