The Birthday Girls Page 12

  The other three gaped at her in silence before Mel finally burst out laughing.

  “Where in the name of God do you think you’re going in that get-up?” she asked Angel. Mel herself was dressed in a pair of cut-off denim shorts, an oversized check shirt and flip-flops.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” Angel replied in a hurt voice. “One has to dress appropriately on yachts.”

  “It’s not the Christina or Britannia you’re sailing on, it’s just a normal yacht. I doubt Troy and Marvin will be dressed as appropriately as you expect,” Lexi remarked. “Come on, we’re late. Let’s get a move-on.”

  As Angel minced out to the car, Mel threw her eyes to heaven causing Brenda to giggle. This was going to be some day!

  * * *

  Angel had the same effect on the two men as she’d had on her three friends. They stared at her disbelievingly, their mouths open. Troy was in shorts and had no top on while Marvin was in jeans and a T-shirt. Both men were wearing flip-flops.

  “I’m afraid this is not the Eclipse, Angel,” Troy said as he helped her aboard the Aurore. “I’m not quite as wealthy as Roman Abramovich.”

  “Nonsense,” she giggled, “this is a lovely yacht. It’s bigger than Lexi led me to expect.” In truth she was so busy eyeing Troy’s toned body that she hadn’t paid much attention to the seventy-five-foot boat. Looking around now she noted that it was quite luxurious despite Troy’s casual dress. It would have been nice if he’d been dressed in a navy blazer and white trousers with deck shoes but then she’d have missed those glorious pecs. She guessed he must work out every day.

  Brenda’s eyes were out on sticks as she gazed at the beautiful yacht. She’d never seen anything like it. There was certainly nothing in Dun Laoghaire harbour to match it. As Troy helped her aboard she avoided his eyes but couldn’t help blushing. He squeezed her hand and she felt her heart race but refused to catch his eye. She hoped this wasn’t going to be awkward but she was determined to keep him at arm’s length. However, she couldn’t help but notice his tanned athletic body and admire his taut muscular physique. For a brief second she wondered what it would be like to lie against that smooth skin but immediately pushed that thought to the back of her mind. This was dangerous territory.

  Mel was equally impressed as he showed them around his yacht. It was all maple wood and white leather and when he showed them the master stateroom with its king-size bed and marble en-suite bathroom they gasped with awe.

  “I bet that bed has seen some action,” Angel said in a seductive voice.

  “I’m afraid not,” Troy replied. “I only have this boat about a year and my last relationship ended two years ago.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind spending a night in this gorgeous bed,” Angel purred, rubbing his arm and leaving him in no doubt as to what she meant.

  Troy looked discomfited but said nothing. Mel threw her eyes to heaven as she glanced at Brenda. Neither of them could believe Angel’s brazenness.

  Before they set out Troy opened a bottle of champagne, adding fresh orange juice to their glasses, and they toasted the Aurore before heading out of the marina. They were all in high spirits and looking forward to the trip.

  “I could get used to this life,” Mel said as they sipped the lovely Buck’s Fizz.

  “I never could, I’m afraid,” Brenda confessed. “It’s so different to my lifestyle that it would always feel decadent.”

  “I must say it’s very impressive,” Angel said as she ran her hand over the polished rail. “This boat must have cost you a fortune, Troy.”

  “Well, I was lucky. As I’m in the business I snapped it up for a mil before anyone else had a chance to see it.” He laughed as he threw back the last of his champagne. “Well, ladies, if you’ll excuse me, I have a boat to run.”

  He and Marvin went afore to manoeuvre the boat out of the marina.

  “Did he mean a million dollars?” Brenda asked in a low voice.

  “He did indeed,” Mel replied.

  “And it was a steal,” Lexi laughed, seeing Brenda’s gobsmacked look.

  “Wow!” was her flabbergasted response.

  * * *

  Finally they were out in the gulf and it was glorious sailing along with the soft wind in their faces. Marvin had come back to join them and the girls leaned over the rail as Marvin pointed out the sights of the Florida coastline. Brenda was relieved that Troy was at the wheel so she could avoid him if necessary. She didn’t trust her own feelings when she was around him.

  Marvin opened another bottle of champagne but Angel was the only taker.

  “I don’t want to get drunk and miss this wonderful experience,” Brenda declared.

  As they moved south towards St Petersburg the girls stripped off their shorts and tops down to their bikinis. As expected, Angel’s bikini bottom was no more than a miniscule slip of material. There was no doubt about it, she had a sensational body.

  “I can’t sit in the sun,” Angel announced, wrinkling up her pert nose. “I’m going up front to sit under the awning. I’m sure Troy will be happy with the company,” she added as she sashayed barefoot up the deck. Troy had insisted she take off those ridiculous stilettos.

  “I’m sure he will,” Mel replied sarcastically.

  Brenda felt a pang of jealousy. She feared Troy couldn’t but be attracted to Angel’s obvious charms and take her up on her previous offer. It was obvious she’d set her cap at him.

  “You have to hand it to her,” Mel remarked, “that girl has chutzpah by the bucketful.”

  Angel was back a moment later and grabbed the bottle of champagne. “If you gals want another glass just holler.” She returned to the front of the boat clutching the bottle of champagne.

  The other three exchanged worried glances.

  “I hope it’s not going to be a repeat of the birthday party,” Mel commented.

  “Oh dear,” Lexi sighed. “I had really hoped to have a chat with her today.”

  “Don’t bet on it,” Mel said harshly.

  She and Brenda climbed up to the upper deck where they found leather sunbeds with beach towels laid out on them.

  “How thoughtful of Troy to provide towels as well,” Brenda observed.

  “He really is a terrific guy,” Mel agreed. “I’m sure he has women throwing themselves at him all the time just like Angel back there.”

  Brenda felt that jealous pang again and busied herself applying sun cream. They lay on the sunbeds, enjoying the heat of the sun on their bodies. Lexi and Marvin stayed down on the lower deck, chatting quietly.

  “I’m rather glad Jack is not here today,” Mel said as she turned her face to the sun. “I guess even the saintliest saint, whoever he may be, could not resist Angel in that bikini.”

  This made Brenda feel more jealous still. She wondered what was going on up front between Troy and Angel. “I’m dying to hear all about yesterday. Was it fabulous?” she asked Mel.

  Mel sat up on one elbow, her eyes glowing. “You have no idea, Brenda. Jack is wonderful. He’s simply fascinating and so exciting.”

  “And the sex?”

  “Unbelievable! We can’t get enough of each other. I’ve never felt like that about anyone before. Never!”

  “Gosh, Mel, that’s great but what happens when you leave?”

  “I don’t know. I’m afraid to think about it.”

  Her voice was so forlorn that Brenda sat up and turned to her. “You’ve really fallen hard for him, haven’t you?”

  “I afraid so. I’m hoping that he might come to New York.” Mel’s voice was quiet yet hopeful and Brenda’s heart went out to her.

  “I’m not sure that’s in his plans, Mel. Have you talked to him about it?”

  “No,” Mel whispered, “I’m afraid of what he might say.”

  “You poor baby,” Brenda said, reaching for Mel’s hand as she would have done to her own daughters. “Life is a bitch,” she sighed, “especially where love is concerned.”

  Mel hear
d the dejection in Brenda’s voice and looked at her quizzically. “Don’t tell me you’re having problems,” she cried. “I thought you had the perfect marriage.”

  “I’m afraid not. It’s very rocky at the moment.”

  She went on to tell Mel what she’d already told Lexi about her life with Bob. “I’ve been afraid to face it but once I voiced it aloud to Lexi, I realised it was time to confront the problem head on. I don’t know what’s going on with Bob. I’ve been trying to contact him but he won’t answer the phone. He’s annoyed with me for coming here.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that,” Mel said gently. “What can you do about it?”

  “I don’t know. I honestly don’t. I have to try to get through to him and break down this barrier between us, I suppose. Otherwise it’s curtains.”

  At that moment Marvin called them to come to the front of the boat to show them Caladesi Island where they would dock after lunch. It was an idyllic island with miles of almost deserted, pristine-white beach framed by palm trees.

  “It’s beautiful,” Brenda said with awe.

  “Would you like to take the wheel?” Troy asked her.

  “Could I?”

  “Of course. Come here, it’s easy.”

  She moved in to the wheel and Troy put his arms around her from behind, placing her hands on the wheel. She was aware of his closeness and exhilarated as she felt the boat surge beneath her hands. For a brief moment she felt like Kate Winslet in Titanic and she leaned back into Troy’s body.

  “It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?” he asked and she wondered if he knew what she was thinking. She could have stayed there forever.

  It was Angel who broke the spell. “Can I have a go too?” she squealed as she jumped up and down, her big boobs bouncing and threatening to escape her bikini top. The champagne was obviously kicking in.

  Reluctantly Troy agreed and let go of Brenda. Angel moved in to the wheel, smiling seductively at him as she pressed her body to his. Brenda felt a flash of jealousy as she saw Troy put his arms around Angel, then relief when after a few moments he released her.

  He smiled across at Brenda and winked at her.

  “Just look, she has practically finished that bottle of champagne,” Mel whispered to Brenda, pointing to the almost-empty bottle.

  “My God! And it’s not even noon yet.”

  “I guess we’re in for a long day,” Mel muttered.

  * * *

  They headed south, admiring the beaches and islands they passed along the way. At around midday Troy dropped anchor and they gathered under the awning at the rear of the boat where Marvin had prepared a large jug of margaritas. It was a happy group that finally sat down to lunch which was served below in the lovely air-conditioned dining room. Brenda was amazed to see silver cutlery and crystal glasses on the pristine white tablecloth. This was a world away from her real life and she didn’t know how she would ever come down from it. She wondered what it would be like to live like this all the time. As always, Angel ate very little but drank copiously of the wine on offer as she flirted with Troy. He didn’t respond to her advances which puzzled her. She wasn’t used to men ignoring her.

  After an extended lunch, they set off back towards Caladesi Island. There Troy berthed the boat in the marina and they made their way to the glorious beach.

  “This is like something from a travel brochure,” Brenda observed as she stopped to admire the view. It reminded her of photos she’d seen of the Maldives or Seychelles.

  “It really is beautiful,” Lexi agreed. “It was voted the number one beach in America in 2008.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Brenda said as she felt the soft white sand beneath her feet.

  Troy fell into step beside her as they walked to the hut to rent sunbeds.

  “I’ve a feeling you’ve been avoiding me. I’m sorry if I offended you last night,” he said in a low voice. “I was out of order. I promise it won’t happen again. Am I forgiven?”

  “Of course,” she smiled. It was impossible to resist his charm but she would be careful not to be alone with him. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him – she didn’t trust herself.

  * * *

  Angel slept on a sunbed in the shade of a palm tree while the others swam in the crystal blue sea. It was glorious and afterwards they played a game of frisbee. Lexi opted out and went to sit under the shade beside Angel, who had just woken up.

  “Angel, we have to have a talk.”

  “What about?” Angel asked, her voice wary.

  “About your drinking. You are drinking far too much and –”

  “No, I will not discuss it,” Angel cried, putting her hands over her ears as she’d always done as a child when she didn’t want to talk about something.

  “Angel . . .” Lexi continued, pulling her hands down, “we have to talk about it. I only want to help. We’re worried about you.”

  “Well, you needn’t be. I’m fine. Leave me alone.” She jumped up and stalked off down the beach. Lexi looked after her helplessly. How could she get through to her? It was obvious Angel needed professional help.

  * * *

  They arrived back in Clearwater just before sunset. Angel was sullen and refused to join in the conversation despite Lexi’s best attempts to include her. Troy dropped anchor off the coast and they stood at the rail, sipping margaritas as they watched the huge orange ball of the sun dip into the ocean. It was very romantic and Mel wished Jack was there with her to share it. Marvin had his arm around Lexi’s shoulders as they enjoyed the moment and when Troy slipped his arm around Brenda’s shoulder she didn’t pull it away.

  Angel saw this and it angered her. No wonder Troy hadn’t responded to her advances. He had the hots for Brenda who already had a husband. It was so unfair and made her more depressed than ever.

  Chapter 17

  It was just past seven when they got home and Brenda went up to her room to call Bob. He would surely be there now as it was midnight in Ireland. She was relieved when he answered the phone.

  “Bob, I got you at last,” she said, trying to keep her voice light and not sound accusing. “I’ve been trying to call you for days but you haven’t been answering my calls.”

  “I’ve been busy. You don’t expect me to sit in waiting for you to ring me?”

  She was taken aback by his curt tone. “Of course not. I was just worried about you.”

  “I’m sure!”

  Brenda heard what she thought was a voice in the background. “Is there someone there with you?”

  “No. It’s . . . erm . . . the television. Hang on a second.”

  She heard a door closing and he resumed talking. It was all very strange. “Well, I take it you’re having a good time,” he said.

  “Yes, it has been great. We went out on a yacht today with Lexi’s friends. It was wonderful. How about you? What have you been doing?”

  “Not swanning around on a yacht, that’s for sure! Friends have had me for dinner most evenings. They’re feeling sorry for me.”

  Brenda wondered who he was talking about. “What friends?”

  “Oh, you know,” he replied vaguely.

  “But Bob, I’ve left enough dinners for you in the freezer.”

  “It’s not much fun eating alone, is it?”

  Brenda heard the bitterness in his voice. So he was still resentful of her having this holiday. She was about to chastise him for not ringing to wish her a happy birthday when she thought she heard a door open at his end.

  “Sorry, I have to go, Brenda. Goodnight.”

  She sat staring at the phone not believing that he had hung up on her. She was convinced that there was someone else in the house with him. She hoped to God he hadn’t started playing poker again.

  Bob had been an inveterate gambler many years ago which had brought them to the brink of bankruptcy but after a spell with Gamblers Anonymous, he had quit and promised never to play again. So far he’d kept his word but now she was worried that because of her trip
here he had started playing again. She hoped this was not the case. She couldn’t go through all that again. She felt helpless but there was nothing she could do about it from the other side of the Atlantic.

  Was this his revenge for her trip to Florida? She hoped not. She took a quick shower and slipped on some shorts and a T-shirt before going downstairs to have a light supper with the girls.

  “Where’s Angel?” she asked, as they sat down to supper.

  “Gone to bed,” Lexi replied.

  “Drunk of course,” Mel said cattily.

  “I tried to talk to her about it today but she stalked off and wouldn’t discuss it,” Lexi said, a worried frown on her face. “I don’t know how we can get through to her.”

  “Maybe if Brenda had a word with her?” Mel suggested.

  “If Lexi can’t get through to her then I doubt I could.”

  “How about if we all tackle her together then?” Mel said.

  “It’s worth a try, I suppose,” Lexi said thoughtfully. “Better leave it till Friday. We don’t want to spoil Thanksgiving tomorrow.”

  “Agreed!” Mel and Brenda chorused together.

  * * *

  Thanksgiving dawned bright and sunny. Mel and Brenda joined Lexi in the pool that morning.

  “Happy Thanksgiving!’’ Lexi called out to them as they entered the water. Brenda had never celebrated this holiday before but thought it was a lovely tradition. To give thanks for all the good things in your life was a lovely idea. People travelled from far and wide to spend it with their families. Thanksgiving dinner was seemingly like the Irish Christmas dinner with turkey and cranberry sauce and lots of side dishes. The only difference was that it was followed by pumpkin pie instead of Christmas pudding. She was really looking forward to it.