The Love Resort (7 page)

‘Splendid idea,’ Ed boomed.

‘And you can ensure that they don’t make any digs about the resort.’ Anne-Marie shuddered.

‘Oh, they can’t. They’ve signed an agreement only to print what Katie and Todd say, along with a glowing reference to the resort. We procured that as part of the whole deal,’ Lily explained.

‘Good. Right. So moving on...The day after they arrive our competition winners will be here. Ed, what accommodation did you decide on?’

‘The hotel. I’ve reserved three sea-view rooms for them, all close together.’

‘That’s fine.’ Anne-Marie consulted the schedule that Lily had given her. ‘They arrive at five in the afternoon. Lily and you will be going to the airport to greet them. Bring them back and get them settled in. It doesn’t matter who does it.’

Lily tuned out; she knew all this. After all, she’d devised it. ‘So, once they’re all in, we’re just going to play it by ear?’ Ed asked.

‘Yes, obviously I need to keep an eye on them, for research purposes. I mean, to see how the New Love package works. I shall also be keeping a close eye on Todd and Katie. I expect you both to help me. Oh, and I want it known that any guest not respecting their privacy will be removed from the resort.’

‘That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?’

‘No. They are not going to reveal the honeymoon destination for fear of journalists infiltrating the resort, but our guests will soon realise what incredible company they are in. Now, the competition winners will be interviewed for
Exclusive
Holidays
, with photos, but the genius is that we’re arranging it so we will be in charge.’ This was being passed off as her genius. ‘And I think that’s all for now. I need to go and see Abigail.’

*

‘Abigail, are you listening to me?’

‘Um?’

‘I said, perhaps the Hollywood star and the model actually get married on the island after a whirlwind romance.’

‘That’s a lovely idea, darling. Anne-Marie, why don’t you jot down an outline for me?’

They were sitting on the terrace, on sun-loungers, Anne-Marie with her long pink dress hitched up; Abigail, wearing a vest top and pair of shorts, her holiday uniform.

‘Abigail, why on earth would I do that? I don’t do outlines. No, as soon as they all get here I shall simply start writing. In fact, I can’t wait to get started.’ She shook her head; Abigail was clearly distracted—maybe the sun was getting to her. Anne-Marie had never seen Abigail with any colour, but she was slightly pink. It had to be the sun, otherwise why would she ask for something as preposterous as an outline?

‘You could start now.’

‘Did I not tell you? We’ve got the full works at the spa this afternoon. I thought it would be fun. And I’ve ordered lunch for us both up at the house. So, I’ll probably start tomorrow.’

‘Lovely.’ Abigail started to get up.

‘Oh, and I thought we could have dinner tonight at the restaurant—you know, show our faces. Ed insists on it.’

‘Super,’ Abigail responded.

‘And while we’re having massages I can tell you all about our latest plans. Abigail, are you sure you’re all right? You’ve got a funny look on your face.’

*

Anne-Marie dressed for dinner, aware that the lilac gown she had chosen set her eyes (or her coloured contact lenses) off brilliantly. She chose the pink diamond necklace (an anniversary present to herself ten years after first being published), then applied her make-up. She could hear Ed in his dressing room; she had told him she wanted him in a suit. There was no real reason for all this effort, but she was dining in public and liked to ensure that her party looked their best. She had arranged for herself, Ed, Abigail and Lily to dine with the rest of the managers. It was a rare occurrence, but one that Ed warranted necessary—something to do with morale. Whatever, she found it terribly boring.

Satisfied with her appearance, she walked downstairs, where she poured herself a glass of champagne from the bottle in the ice bucket and wandered on to her terrace. The view always took her breath away. The orange and pink sky heralded the be-ginning of another evening, the sea lapped beneath her. She sipped her champagne. It was as if God had made this just for her.

She sensed Ed’s presence beside her with annoyance. This was her moment, her view; she wished he wouldn’t ruin it for her; he always seemed to ruin it for her.

‘Anne-Marie, Abigail just phoned. She’s got a headache so she won’t be able to join us for dinner.’

‘Oh, the poor darling. She looked a bit off earlier. Is there anything I can do?’

‘No, she’s ordering a light supper in and having an early night. She said she’d probably go straight to bed.’

‘Fine. Then let’s go and face the ugly people.’

‘I do wish you wouldn’t call your guests that,’ Ed chastised.

‘I do wish they didn’t need to be called that,’ she snapped back.

8

Rules
And
Conditions
Of
The
Love
Resort

Couples must be over twenty-one.

You must have been in a relationship, together, for over three months.

A couple must be two people of the opposite sex.

‘Relations’ must be conducted in private.

Anyone found breaking these rules will be asked to leave The Love Resort.

The
Love
Resort
Booking
Form

*

‘David?’

‘Yes, what time is it?’

‘Early. Are you asleep?’

‘No, Todd, I
was
asleep. I got hammered with some of your friends after you left last night.’

‘At least someone had a good time,’ Todd said sulkily.

‘I have no idea if I had a good time. I can’t quite remember.’

‘Shit, hope you didn’t do anything stupid.’

‘What, like getting married? Anyway, how was the wedding night?’

‘I haven’t slept a wink. She keeps touching me.’

‘Where?’

‘It doesn’t matter where. She’s a groper. Anyway, I moved to the sofa as soon as she fell asleep, and managed to get a bit of sleep, but she scares me.’

‘I don’t blame you for that. She scares me too.’

‘Can’t you say anything to help?’

‘Not really. Not the way my head and stomach feel right now. Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be on a plane?’

‘I am on a plane. She’s in the bathroom redoing her make-up. When am I coming back?’

‘You know that, it’s two weeks.’

‘I might not still be alive by then.’

‘Try to be. Bye.’

Katie took her seat opposite Todd.

‘How are you?’ she asked, her voice full of concern.

‘Tired. I just wish we’d get there.’

‘It’s not long now,’ Katie reassured him as she picked up the booklet that they’d been given. Todd, having already read it, watched her flick through. It contained information about The Love Resort, along with details of their accommodation. Attached was a schedule.

‘We must be the only people who need a typed schedule for our honeymoon,’ she said sadly.

Todd nodded. Like with his scripts, he’d committed it to memory. All their publicity commitments had been planned for the first week, leaving the second week totally clear. Two weeks seemed like an awfully long time; Todd wished that the schedule was fuller. He also wished for once that Katie had insisted on bringing her ever-expanding entourage with them. He had a feeling that they would have too much time alone. Far too much time.

‘Have you read all this?’ she asked.

Todd held up a selection of paper sculptures: ducks, a plane and a flower. She giggled and he laughed.

‘Thank God for origami,’ he said.

‘It’s my favourite herb,’ she replied.

*

‘Welcome to The Love Resort.’ Anne-Marie flung her arms around Katie and then Todd, much to their surprise. ‘I am the owner, Anne-Marie Langdale, and I am here to personally welcome you to your honeymoon.’

‘Why, thank you,’ Katie said sweetly.

‘And this is my husband, Edward,’ Anne-Marie elaborated, pulling him forward.

‘It’s nice to meet you,’ Todd added. ‘I love your novels.’ Everyone looked surprised, apart from Anne-Marie. Todd went red; Ed was looking at him in a funny way.

‘And you. Welcome, and congratulations on your wedding,’ Ed said, as per Anne-Marie’s instructions.

Ed organised everyone into the limousine, and poured champagne to toast their arrival. He had to admit to feeling excited. Katie Ray was a gorgeous film star; her husband, Todd, one of the best male actors of the time, and Ed, ordinary Ed, was sitting in the back of a twelve-seat stretch limo, drinking champagne with them. He never thought that he’d be there.

Anne-Marie gushed for the entire journey, giving Ed a chance to study the newlyweds. They were so gorgeous together and Katie looked radiant. He felt a little sad, as he’d never had that with Anne-Marie, but then he banished that thought, because he had Lily now. He just hoped the movie stars’ marriage would work out better than his had.

They arrived at the resort and were driven to their luxury accommodation. Anne-Marie gave them a tour.

‘It’s lovely, really lovely,’ Todd said.

‘Now I want to introduce you to your helpers for the duration of your stay. Erik is your personal chef, Marcus your butler and Mary your maid. They are all on call for you twenty-four hours a day for your entire stay.’

‘Isn’t that a bit much for them?’ Todd asked.

‘No, of course not. I mean, when you sleep they sleep. And, of course, you will want plenty of privacy. You have a special telephone in your bungalow which is directly connected to their pagers. You press, they come. Very easy. Now, Erik, Marcus, Mary, here, please.’ She snapped her fingers and three faces appeared from behind a wall, the way Anne-Marie had choreographed the whole thing.

Katie stepped forward to greet her staff, Todd standing slightly behind her.

‘Hello.’ Katie held her hand out to Erik, who took it but looked unsure what to do with it, while Marcus held his hand out to Todd. Todd looked at him in surprise as he shook hands. His arm began to tingle. He was sure he had seen something in his eyes, and it wasn’t just that he was starstruck. He barely heard Katie asking irritating questions and listing her food intolerances as he stared at him. If his butler wasn’t the best-looking gay man in the world then Todd would have sex with Katie.

*

‘This is so romantic,’ Katie said, as she and Todd were finally alone. He looked at her. Was she squinting at him, or was it a wink?

‘I’m really tired, Katie; it’s late. I need to sleep.’

‘Oh, you poor darling, of course you do. Shall we order something first?’

‘I wouldn’t mind a brandy. There’s a stocked bar on the terrace.’

‘I know, let me get you one, and then maybe a bath?’ She raised an eyebrow suggestively.

‘No, I think I’ll just have a quick shower.’

She was inching towards him in
that
way
again. He backed himself into one of the two bathrooms. As he closed the door he saw her shrug and then go to fix them drinks. He locked the door, undressed and stood under the shower, enjoying the warm water and the luxury of being alone. He could see what she was doing; he just didn’t understand it. She knew he was gay, so why was she acting otherwise? Was she so paranoid about their cover being blown? God, he hoped that was it, although he doubted it. It was as if she was trying to be the perfect wife. This would be great if it wasn’t a fact that he didn’t want a wife. He tried to think of the positive aspects. He’d met Anne-Marie, who was fascinating, if not a bit weird, and it was true, he did love her novels. And the resort might be a bit over the top, but the stilt bungalow they were in was lovely. The terrace housed a large bar, two sun-loungers, their own pool, Jacuzzi and a table and chairs. It was private, surrounded by trees and foliage, but it afforded a wonderful view of the sea. The bedroom was large, with a bed the size of a tennis court, which was a great comfort to him. The living area was cosy and homely, and there was a fridge filled to the brim with Cristal, Katie’s favourite champagne, as per her request. (He hoped that she’d drink enough of it to pass out rather than make a pass at him.) The bathrooms were also more than adequate—dark marble surfaces, shiny gold taps and the softest towels.

After his shower, Todd changed into full pyjamas in the bathroom. Although he knew he’d be far too hot, he couldn’t risk any degree of nudity. He walked tentatively into the bedroom and saw Katie through the slightly open door, in the living room. She was draped across the sofa, wearing a negligee. Almost too scared to breathe, he climbed into bed and shut his eyes tightly. He was so tired, but fought sleep, in case she appeared. However, as images of Marcus flooded his head, he was soon dreaming.

*

‘Abigail, are you there?’ Anne-Marie trilled as she opened the front door to her publisher’s bungalow.

‘Hold on,’ Abigail shouted back.

Anne-Marie tapped her foot as she waited. ‘Oh, gosh, darling, sorry, were you asleep?’ she asked, as Abigail walked out and shut the bedroom door behind her.

‘I must have dropped off. You know, too much wine with dinner.’

‘Oh, well, share a glass of champagne with me. I want to tell you about our guests.’ Anne-Marie waved a bottle in front of her face; she could have sworn she saw Abigail sigh.

‘Of course, let’s go on to the terrace. Tell me all.’ Abigail opened the champagne, and poured two glasses.

Anne-Marie decided she must have imagined it.

‘They are so beautiful and glamorous, and such perfect manners. I cannot tell you how wonderful they are going to be—I mean when they’re translated into my main characters. He’s tall, dark and handsome, with twinkly eyes and a smile that would melt stone. She’s beautiful in a cultivated way. I thought that the story would be the glamorous model that falls in love with the man who wants to live a simple life away from the cameras and the fame. They are opposites. She loves the limelight; he wouldn’t know how to deal with it.’