The Love Resort Read online

  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.’

  ‘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.’