Stormy Waters

Concluding chapters of our romantic serial

Until Todd kissed her in St Michael’s Cave, Maddie didn’t believe kisses could make her see stars. If only this moment could last … but once he pulled away she felt the thud of reality. “Oh Todd – we shouldn’t.” “Why? I wanted to; you wanted to.” “Yes, but we’ve so many problems. Suzanne, our split…” He curled his arms around her waist. “All problems can be solved. I love you, Maddie. Nothing’s changed that.”

“Sometimes,” she sighed, “you need more than love.”

“Let’s talk.” He pulled her further into the alcove.

“How could you throw away all we had for a fling with Suzanne?” His dark eyes shadowed. “It was a terrible mistake. I’m so sorry. And Suzanne and I – we’re history.” “It didn’t look like that in the canteen.” “Looks can be deceiving. If I didn’t know better, I’d suspect you and Officer Nuru were … cosy.” She flushed. “I’ll spend my life apologising to you.” “So why did it happen?” Todd sighed. “Suzanne used me to get back at an old boyfriend when I… felt sidelined.” “Sidelined?” “It’s no excuse but you’re devoted to your career. So often there’s no room for me … or the family I long for.”

“Please, Todd. We can’t bring children into our marriage – not in the state it’s in right now.”

“I agree, but even before – whenever I tried to discuss children, you blanked me. You’d say we’d talk after one more cruise, one more tour.” “Why didn’t you say?” He smiled sheepishly. “I tried.” Just then a passenger called out. “I must go,” she said. He caught hold of her hand. “Please, can we try to work this out?” She held his gaze. “I… don’t know.” She went to help the passenger, her mind a sea of doubts and a mist of confusion. Was he right? That being devoted to her career had pushed their marriage into second place?

It didn’t excuse his behaviour, but perhaps she should try to understand it.

The next few days were awkward. Now they’d kissed and Todd had admitted he still loved her, she was in turmoil. Ironically, her job was usually all-encompassing but now she couldn’t concentrate on the most basic task.

Princess Marina sailed steadily to the Maltese port of Valletta. Todd had organised a fantastic trip to the Blue Grotto and the locations for the television series Game of Thrones.

“Where will we go first?” Luke Rossi and his wife Saira asked Maddie, who was manning the Port Excursion desk.

“Isn’t it on the itinerary?” She scanned the screen. “I couldn’t see it.” “Neither can I,” she admitted. “I’ll ask Todd and get back to you. Is that OK?”

They nodded. “We’ll be in the top swimming pool.”

Maddie tried to find Todd. He wasn’t in the office, nor anywhere near.

“Are you OK, my beautiful Maddie?” asked Alazar Nuru, the First Officer, as he passed the desk. She laughed at his flattery. “Well, I am, but I need to find Todd to answer a passenger query.”

“Todd – always you look for him, never me. I’ve just seen him escorting a family to the onboard crèche.” “Thanks. I’ll catch up with him there.” She left a notice on the desk, informing passengers she’d be back shortly and went in search of Todd.

She took the lift and was soon walking towards the brightly coloured reception area that housed the creche. Through the glass was a delightful room full of bean bags, toys and books.

“I tried to discuss CHILDREN. You said we’d TALK after one more TOUR”

“Hi Zita,” she greeted the young receptionist. “Seen Todd?”

“He’s just taken a child out on to the deck to join the others, Maddie. You’ll probably catch his eye if you look through the glass door.”

Maddie walked out on to the deck. Todd was laughing, holding aloft a little boy, aged about eighteen months, as his smiling mother looked on.

She opened her mouth to call, then paused. A look of pure delight lit Todd’s handsome face. For a moment, she was spellbound by his joy. His words echoed: the family I long for.

Of course, she loved children, too,

but he was right. A family was always something she felt they’d have later. Working the cruise ships was her life. She loved visiting new countries, new attractions, helping passengers enjoy their cruising experience.

But what if that was it? If she and Todd divorced and she never had a chance to have a family, would her career be enough?

As she stood watching, Todd handed the little boy back to his mum. She was an attractive brunette with a figure to die for. Suddenly, she wondered if his sudden interest in the crèche was an excuse to grow close to another woman.

Aware of Zita’s gaze through the glass, she called his name. Todd glanced up and smiled widely. He came over to join her and she asked him for the information she needed.

“It’s the Blue Grotto first. Some crew are joining us,” he explained.

She listened as he detailed the day’s plans, distracted by thoughts of his delight as he’d played with the baby. He’d make a wonderful father.

It was so hot that only a small group of passengers travelled with Maddie and Todd to Valletta. Malta was one of her favourite destinations, mainly because of the romantic breaks they’d shared on the small island. She was looking forward to spending the day with Todd. Until…

“Oh no.” Maddie groaned when she realised Suzanne, who looked stunning in a white vest top and a pair of skimpy shorts, was included in the group. Her heart sank.

At the cliff-top lookout, the breeze tangled her hair as she gazed at the Blue Grotto below. Watching Todd with the passengers, she thought how well they’d worked together on this cruise. What would future tours be like without him? Although she’d asked Helen to arrange separate contracts from now on, she felt sad. She’d miss him.

Although her heart wasn’t in it, she took some shots of the Blue Grotto.

From above, the cave looked like a giant claw as tourists’ boats popped in and out of the mouth of the Grotto.

Later, as the group made their way to the jetty, Todd came over to Maddie.

“Get on my boat. It’s great here. Do you remember when –”

Suzanne interrupted, “Todd, are these boats safe? I’m scared.” “They’re fine.” “Will you help me? Please, Todd.” He looked at Maddie, then Suzanne. “You’d better go,” Maddie said. The boats were rocking a little but she couldn’t believe a woman who worked cruise liners feared sailing! She sighed. No doubt Suzanne was pretending in order to gain Todd’s attention. Why couldn’t he see through her?

Perhaps he was only helping because he’d been put in an awkward position; he was kind and wouldn’t let anyone struggle but as she watched Suzanne slip her hand into Todd’s, pain daggered through her. Was their affair really over?

As the ship neared Venice, their highlight destination, Maddie grew more confused. The kiss she and Todd had shared in Gibraltar was spellbinding. She couldn’t deny she was still in love with him and longed to mend their marriage.

Still, the trip to the Blue Grotto had thrown her. If Todd and Suzanne really were history, why had he looked so comfortable in her company? Maybe she should confront Suzanne?

These thoughts receded as Princess Marina entered the lagoon and sailed down Giudecca Canal to the international cruise ship terminal. Venice at last! From the liner’s deck, the scenery was breathtaking, the skyline dominated by the spires and domes of churches and palaces.

“Look at all these boats,” she exclaimed to Todd. “Madness, isn’t it?” he laughed. “I can’t wait to see St Mark’s Square and sail on a gondola.” “Me neither,” he smiled. “I’d better check the passenger lists. Response has been amazing for this trip.”

“You’ve checked and treble-checked everything?”

She nodded confidently. “Transfers, the hotel. Everything.”

“Well done. Nothing must go wrong on this part of the trip.”

On her way to the Port Excursion desk she bumped into Alazar.

“Officer Nuru, how lovely to see you.”

“If only you were as pleased to see me as I am you.” He smiled sadly. She laughed uneasily. “I’ll be a tourist in Venice today. Why not share my gondola?”

“Er…” She saw Suzanne entering the staff lounge. “Sorry, Alazar, we soon disembark at the San Marino terminal and I’ve just seen a … friend.”

The word almost curdled on her tongue but Alazar let her go and she rushed into the lounge.

Suzanne was curled in an armchair, looking miserable.

“Oh,” she said, as Maddie approached. “Just what I need – a row with the wronged wife.” Maddie saw red. “Wronged? Your affair with my husband has destroyed my marriage.”

“Has it?” Suzanne’s round blue eyes looked troubled. “Look, I’m sorry. Truly. It was all my fault. My fiancé had just dumped me. I caught Todd when he was vulnerable. He’d never have looked at me nor any other woman if he hadn’t felt … pushed out.”

“Pushed out?” Maddie collapsed into the armchair opposite.

“Maddie, Todd loves you. Desperately. I can’t compete. Just as he feels he can’t compete with your career.”

Her words echoed Todd’s when they’d talked in St Michael’s Cave.

“But we both consider our careers to be important.”

“Yes, but he really wants to be a dad. Talks about little else.”

“No doubt he’ll soon find someone to have his children. You?”

Suzanne laughed. “I don’t think so… Besides, it’s you he wants. With or without the babies.”

“And you and Todd?” She swallowed, dreading the answer. “Friends – nothing more; nothing less. No woman wants a man who loves someone else … I’m sorry for splitting you up, Maddie. Truly. But I don’t think it’s too late for you.” Suzanne’s words filled Maddie’s head. Somehow, she’d convinced her of the truth more readily than Todd. She hadn’t understood just how much he ached to be a father. Was it truly out of the question? Like Todd, she loved children but was devoted to her career. She’d put her desire to start a family to the back of her mind. And, if she was honest, the idea she’d have a baby then not return to work for ages was unbearable. These thoughts were soon swamped by their arrival in Italy. Now both Todd and Suzanne had told her he was still in love with her, Maddie felt free to examine her own feelings. Not that they took much scrutiny. She loved Todd; probably always would. The Princess Marina docked in the warm sunshine and as the passengers disembarked Maddie smiled at Todd, “I can’t wait to see Venice with you,” she said, slipping her hand in his.

The gesture was unmistakable. He smiled into her eyes. “Me neither. It’ll be very special.” Suddenly she saw Suzanne. Was she coming on the excursion?

“She’s off today. Asked if she could tag along as she’s never visited Venice.”

Instantly Maddie released his hand. Had they both duped her? As he welcomed Suzanne, Maddie hung back, trying to interpret their every glance.

The passengers boarded the vaporetto water bus taking them to the famous St Mark’s Square. Although Maddie was used to city attractions, she couldn’t believe how busy Venice was.

“Look at the bridges, the buildings, the spires,” Todd said, sitting next to her. “I think Venice is more romantic than Paris.”

Instantly Maddie RELEASED his HAND. Had they both DUPED HER?

But is that because you’ re here with meorSuzanne? she longed to ask.

Sunshine poured through the windows as she became lost in the beauty of Venice. It was truly magical. Rows of creamy buildings, some painted with Renaissance scenes, seemed to rise from the water. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Todd breathed. Suzanne temporarily forgotten, she smiled. “It’s charming and so romantic.” “Wait until we ride in a gondola.” Her heart leapt at the thought. Once they’d disembarked from the vaporetto, Todd and Maddie led the passengers through the narrow walkways which ran beside the canals.

“It’s a maze. Will we get lost?” asked Chantelle, a pretty young passenger who was wearing the shortest dress Maddie had ever seen.

“Probably,” Todd laughed, “but the friendly locals are used to guiding tourists to their destinations.”

“Shame. I wouldn’t mind getting lost with you, Todd.” Chantelle winked. Maddie felt a stab of jealousy. Somehow, they found St Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco as Todd insisted they call it.

“Breathtaking,” she said, gazing at the architecture, the famous pigeons that Todd had warned mustn’t be fed for fear of receiving a hefty fine and, ringing the square, quaint restaurant tables.

Everywhere she turned were kiosks selling art and painted masks. There was something about Venice. Love was truly in the air and to be here with Todd – the man she loved – could she dare let herself believe things would be all right?

Next, Todd led the group to St Mark’s Basilica and finally, it was time for the excursion’s highlight – a gondola trip. She’d love to share a gondola with just Todd, but this was work and they must ensure the passengers’ safety and happiness. There was no option but to travel with four others.

“Welcome aboard, Maddie,” Todd said, offering his hand to her. “It’s only a little smaller than the Princess Marina.”

She laughed but just as she was about to board Chantelle barged past her and grabbed Todd’s outstretched hand.

“Room for a small one,” she laughed, stepping onto the gondola. “You can sit with me, Todd.”

Maddie’s heart sank. With no room on Todd’s gondola, she moved to another vessel, desperately disappointed. “Wait! Maddie!” She turned as Todd caught up with her. “Come on, I’ll get on your gondola. I can’t go on one without you.”

Maddie smiled, but was he just being kind? However, as they sat down, he whispered, “I want to be on a gondola with you – the woman I love.”

As the gondolier eased the boat away from the side Todd pulled her to him and they kissed. The other passengers smiled and clapped. Maddie blushed, but the passengers were soon lost in the sights. “Please, Maddie. Can we try again?” She gazed into his eyes, but had to ask. “What about Suzanne?” He held her hands in his. “I told you – there’s nothing between us now. She’s a lovely girl but I’m not in love with her. It’s you I love. I’ve been driven mad thinking I’ve lost you.”

The gondola passed under the Rialto bridge. She could think of nowhere more romantic to profess her own love.

“I love you, Todd. Of course I want to give our marriage another chance.”

He pulled her to him in a passionate embrace, his lips covering hers.

When they parted, she said, “There’s one problem – we’ll have to ask RIC for joint cruises again. Helen will go mad.”

He laughed. “After all we’ve been through I think we can handle RIC.”

She settled in to his arms, thinking she’d never felt happier or more in love. Maybe it was true that what didn’t kill you made you stronger. His affair hadn’t killed their marriage and had certainly made their love stronger.

“Maddie – we’ve been happy on the Princess Marina, haven’t we?”

“Yes, we have. I was disappointed when I saw her tied up in Southampton but I’ve come to love her as we’ve cruised. It’s certainly been less stressful than working the larger liners.”

“Do you think that stress contributed to our marital problems? We were both so busy we hardly saw each other at work. This trip’s been different. Easier.” Considering his words, she agreed. “Should we ask Helen for contracts on smaller ships?” he asked. “See if that gives us more time together?”

“Sounds like a plan …” She smiled. “And I know you want a family, Todd. Once we’re truly back on track we’ll talk about it. Properly.” Todd caught his breath. “Nothing would make me happier … when the time’s right. I have to make up for the hurt I’ve caused you. But I know I can do it, and in time we’ll make having a family work for us both.”

As the gondola glided along, Maddie felt as if she was in heaven.

“You know there’s a solution. It’s the 21st century. Mothers don’t have to be the primary carers any more. You could choose to be a stay-at-home dad.” He raised his eyebrow and smiled. “Wow, I hadn’t thought of that. I’d love it. And you could sign up for short cruises. Work-life balance.”

“One day, Maddie, we’ll return to Venice. Just the two of us.”

“Now I like the sound of that.”

She BLUSHED, but the passengers were soon ABSORBED in the SIGHTS