The Love Resort (8 page)

‘I thought he was going to be an actor?’

‘No, too much like the real him. No, I thought I would make him a sort of eccentric hermit, but very rich, of course. Family money.’

‘Darling, it all sounds wonderful, but shouldn’t you be writing it down?’

‘Oh, I will, all in good time. Now the model is a bit hard at first but she softens with love. I mean, she won’t be a bitch or anything, you’ll see her vulnerability from the word go.’

‘It sounds super,’ Abigail replied, as she drained her glass.

*

‘They’re here and in their bungalow,’ Ed said.

‘Anne-Marie?’ Lily needed to be sure.

‘She’s gone to see Abigail.’

‘Should give us at least an hour.’

‘Then let’s not waste it.’

Afterwards she lay in his arms, stroking his hair tenderly. ‘How was the couple’s talent competition?’ he asked.

‘Horrible. So many couples, so little talent.’

‘As usual. So how did you judge?’

‘Well, it’s a bit naughty, but the Butlers—you know, that really overweight couple? Well, they did a duet, as Sonny and Cher. I was almost dying with laughter so I thought they deserved to win.’ They both snickered.

‘Well, soon we will be away from here and you’ll never have to judge another competition.’

‘You know, in a weird, warped kind of way I might miss this place.’

Ed laughed. ‘Yeah, but not enough to make us want to stay.’

‘Jesus, no.’ At that moment she would give everything up in a second for him. Soon she would feel this happy all the time, and she couldn’t believe her luck.

9

How
To
Get
To
Us

Direct flights depart from the UK and USA twice a week with two major airlines (see next page for times and prices).

Transfers will be arranged with your booking. The Love Resort is only a twenty-minute drive from the airport, affording you the chance to admire the island* as you begin your holiday.

The
Love
Resort
Booking
Form

* If you arrive at night, you may not have enough visibility to admire the island.

*

‘Passports, confirmation letter, insurance, mosquito cream, suntan lotion, after-sun lotion, plasters. I think that’s everything,’ Emily Watts said, as she handed the overstuffed bag to Jimmy Dorsea. The suitcases were already in the car and they were about to set off for the airport. They had to be there at eleven and although Jimmy estimated it would take, at most, four hours from their home in North Devon to Gatwick at that time in the morning, Emily had insisted on allowing five. ‘Just in case,’ she said. He hadn’t argued, mainly because there was little point in arguing with Emily, but he was also too excited. Like a child, he was going on his first major holiday with the woman he loved and he’d never been out of Europe before. He impulsively kissed her cheek.

‘What was that for?’

‘Because even at this time in the morning you look beautiful,’ he replied truthfully.

‘Oh, you.’ But she kissed him back and, at that moment, he felt happier than he ever had.

They had been together for eight months. Jimmy was a mechanic; he owned his own garage and was happy with his life. Actually, with Emily he was ecstatic. He had met her at the pub that her parents owned, where she worked. He’d stood in front of the bar, she’d turned to serve him, and her eyes had sparkled as she’d pushed one of her curls off her face. When she’d smiled at him he’d almost buckled. He believed it was love at first sight.

‘Jimmy, we have got everything, haven’t we?’ She sounded worried.

‘Em, by the weight of your suitcase, we’ve got everything you own.’ He laughed, kindly.

‘Don’t exaggerate, you know that simply isn’t true,’ she grinned.

He adored her. She was beautiful, confident and she knew what she wanted. He couldn’t believe that someone like her would go for someone like him, but she had. It hadn’t happened overnight. He’d visited the pub on numerous occasions, each time with the intention of asking her out; each time losing his nerve. Then one day she’d asked him on a date. He couldn’t believe it.

Their relationship hadn’t always been easy. She could be demanding, sulky and sometimes a bit mean, but that was because she was so incredible. Incredible people were difficult, it was a fact. And love wasn’t easy; all his mates told him that. Jimmy knew that he was one lucky man, he was certain of it. He also knew he was the envy of most of the men in Bideford.

It had been his idea to enter the competition, because Emily had been hassling him to take her away and the prices of the two-week holidays she chose almost caused him to collapse. So, when he’d seen the competition he’d entered it, and when they had won, he’d been both surprised and relieved.

Emily went off to check that she hadn’t forgotten anything, encouraging Jimmy to do the same. Instead, he waited for her, vowing to make the most of their holiday, to stop worrying about his garage, which he’d never left for more than a week before, and he would use the time to prove to her how much he loved her. He thought about the engagement ring he’d bought. It’d cost him, but he was determined to make his marriage proposal perfect. She deserved that.

‘I can’t believe how exciting this is,’ Emily said, for the hundredth time.

‘I know. Just think, this time tomorrow we’ll be lying in the sun, maybe with a cocktail.’

‘Or two. I intend to take advantage of the all-inclusive.’

‘Um, it’s going to be brilliant. Em?’ He squeezed her hand.

‘Yes?’

‘I really love you.’

‘Oh, Jimmy, I love you too.’ She squeezed his hand back.

*

Thea leant in. She then poked him with her index finger but nothing happened. She moved closer, looking dubious. After a few seconds, she went to the bathroom and came back with the toothbrush mug filled with water. She poured it over his head. Nothing.

Thea sighed. She had ordered a taxi to take them to the airport and she’d set every alarm clock they owned. The problem was that Tim didn’t seem to want to wake up.

She thought back to the previous day, when she’d tried to keep a close eye on him, but he said he had to go and pick up his money from the post office, and stupidly she let him go alone. He arrived home hours later. Pickled. She had done her best, but Tim liked a drink, and he was probably only getting into the holiday spirit, she told herself, as she prodded him again.

They’d known each other their whole lives and had lived together for three years. They couldn’t be any closer; Tim really was all she had. But lately they’d hit a bit of a bad patch. Her work as an extra was stressing her out; her dream to be a proper actress seemed to be moving further away. Tim had been trying to write a novel since he’d graduated three years ago, but as he found it harder and harder, he’d been drinking a bit too much. The holiday would sort both of them out, and when he returned he’d be inspired to start writing. She was sure of it. It was just what he needed.

Thea shouted in his ear.

‘What’s all the bloody noise about and why can’t I open my eyes?’ Tim asked, suddenly sitting up. ‘Oh, there they go, that’s better.’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘Why’s my hair wet? You didn’t pee on me, did you?’

‘Tim, we’re going on holiday today.’

‘Oh, good. Have I packed?’ A smile spread across his face.

‘You’re all packed,’ Thea replied. ‘So if you get yourself into the shower, I’ll make coffee and then we can go.’

‘Oh, great.’ He perked up. ‘Where are we going again?’ Thea groaned but she melted, when he grinned, adding, ‘Only joking. Caribbean here we come!’ He rushed to the shower, kissing her on his way.

Thea made coffee and once again said a silent prayer of thanks that she’d won the competition. She’d bought
Exclusive
Holidays
on a whim; after a particularly bad day at work she’d picked it up along with a family-size bar of chocolate. At first, looking at the holiday destinations had made her feel bitter, which she knew they would, but then the pictures of the white sands and tranquil seas had calmed her. Finally they inspired her. So when she saw the competition for a free holiday at The Love Resort, her chocolate buzz helped to convince her it was a good idea and she entered. And, lo and behold, she’d won.

Thea began to round up their luggage as she heard Tim singing loudly and tunelessly in the shower. Yes, this holiday was exactly what they both needed. They would return and everything would be all right once again.

‘What on earth are you doing?’

‘I was just filling my hipflask.’ Tim looked guilty; Thea snatched the silver flask from him. She’d given it to him for his eighteenth birthday; had it engraved,
To T lots of love T
. Not terribly imaginative, but she was young.

‘Sorry. I don’t mean to be such a nag.’

‘I know, but you have to stop worrying so much. I’m good, T.’

‘You are?’ She wanted to laugh at the earnest expression on his face.

‘Yes. I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

*

Carla lay awake in her sister Claire’s bed, too excited to sleep. She was upset that Lee had to sleep on the sofa but Claire only had one room and they had shared the bed. It didn’t matter, they were about to spend two weeks totally together. Two weeks with Lee would be paradise.

She thought back to when she’d met him. She’d started university full of excitement. That first week she’d made friends with various people from her corridor and from her course, but when her neighbour introduced her to a group of lads who were in the same hall as them, that was when her university life had truly begun. Lee was, of course, one of those lads.

She decided to get up, have a shower, and make breakfast for Lee. She put on her jeans, feeling all the excitement that holidays invoke.

‘Are you awake?’ she asked, waving a cup of coffee under Lee’s nose.

‘Yes. This sofa is pretty uncomfortable.’

‘Oh, sorry.’

‘Carla, I’m not complaining. It was nice to be able to stay at all. Is that coffee for me, babes?’ She handed it to him, and he kissed her cheek.

‘Have you got everything?’ she asked as they piled their luggage up by the front door.

‘Sure, all I need is my girlfriend and I’m good to go.’

‘As we’re early, how about another coffee?’

‘I’ll make it. White, two sugars.’

‘How sweet you never have to ask.’

‘Well, Carla, if they put us through a
Mr and
Mrs
type test we’ll pass with flying colours.’

‘Oh, yeah? You’re that confident?’

‘Yes. Favourite colour, blue; eyes, hazel; you squeeze the toothpaste, annoyingly I might add, from the middle; and you have an unnatural attachment to dead plants.’

‘OK, well, your favourite colour is green; your eyes are dark brown; you barely use toothpaste and your worst habit is, um, no, you’re perfect.’

‘Thank you, you’re not so bad yourself.’

‘Thank you.’

‘This holiday is going to be fantastic.’

‘Oh, it will be.’

*

A woman and a photographer stood by the check-in desk, looking conspicuous, and holding up a sign saying
‘Exclusive
Holidays’
.

‘There we are,’ Emily said, pointing the woman out to Jimmy and then stalking up to her.

‘Hello, I’m Emily and that’s Jimmy.’

‘I’m Gemma and this is Paul.’ Gemma stuck out her hand and Emily grabbed it, shaking it enthusiastically. Jimmy nodded shyly. The photographer smiled and started taking photos.

‘Hello, are we first?’ Emily asked, startled by the flash.

‘Yup. What a lovely West Country accent you’ve got.’

‘North Devon,’ Jimmy explained timidly.

‘Well, welcome. Congratulations. I hope you don’t mind if we wait for the others, it’s just that you’ll get bored if I go through everything three times.’

‘Course not,’ Emily said, taking Jimmy’s hand and smiling up at him. Two more people approached; Jimmy couldn’t help but stare.

‘You must be Thea and Tim. I’m Gemma and this is Paul.’ Once again, Paul took a photo by way of greeting.

‘Hello,’ Thea said, before Tim grabbed her and gave her a snog. Everyone looked surprised.

‘Sorry, can’t help myself,’ Tim explained, kissing Gemma’s cheek.

Jimmy shuffled from foot to foot. This couple seemed so glamorous compared to him. Especially as Tim was explaining that Thea was an actress and he was a writer. He saw that Emily looked impressed, and felt out of his depth.

‘Jimmy has his own car restoration business, and I help out in my parents’ business,’ Emily told them, as Jimmy continued to study the wheel of the luggage trolley. He was sure that if he had a spanner on him he could make it go straight.

After a few moments of silence, Lee and Carla arrived. Introductions were made and then Gemma called for their attention. Jimmy thought the way that Lee strutted up to the group showed him to be pretty confident, although Carla seemed a bit shyer. Both Tim and Lee were far more confident than he was, and that worried him.

‘First we need a group photo. Paul?’

‘Righto. Now, men in a row with your women in front of you.’ Paul helped them arrange themselves, and then he rearranged them before taking the photos.

‘Fantastic,’ Gemma enthused. ‘Now I am going to check you all in together. Then you will go through to the departure lounge and wait for your flight. Please don’t miss it; there won’t be another free flight available to you if you do. The flight takes off at one p.m., which gives you just under two hours. It lasts for just under ten hours and you will be met at the other end by a representative from The Love Resort. If you can all give me your passports and follow me...? Any questions?’ she asked in a singsong voice. They all shook their heads.

They stood behind her while she organised everything. She sorted out seat allocation and the luggage, while they all smiled awkwardly at each other.

Jimmy held on tightly to Emily’s hand. He felt a bit intimidated. A writer, an actress, a soon-to-be lawyer and an English graduate. Despite Emily’s elevation of his own job, he still felt inadequate. Still, he told himself, they seemed friendly enough.