Private Island, page 5
Nate remains by my side all night, which helps as he introduces me to everyone and cracks constant jokes, making me feel as if I’ve been here forever.
I get chatting to a lovely couple from Switzerland who are keen to know everything about my life and I am happy to oblige. The alcohol flows freely along with the conversation, and I find myself confiding in just about anyone who will listen. It really helps to open up and talk it through and the sympathetic glances they throw my way mean a lot because it shows that they care.
We are fed via a huge barbeque, grilling all kinds of delicacies, from burgers to squid and marinated meat, that tastes like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I suppose I’m so used to the normal burgers and fries from our local McDonald’s, I’m surprised when the food here actually has some taste to it.
Nate is very attentive, which gives me a warm feeling inside and as the night progresses, I find myself imagining us in Katie and Sven’s position. I would be the luckiest girl on the planet if I ended up with him, although I constantly remind myself that in six weeks’ time, I will be boarding a flight to London and returning to college to share a room with a stranger. I was offered a place in the student accommodation and must save all my wages to pay for it. It kind of throws a dampener on the evening and Nate leans down and whispers, “Is everything ok? You’ve gone quiet on me?”
“It’s fine.” I throw him a small smile. “I’m just thinking about life after Catalina. It doesn’t seem so appealing now.”
He smiles broadly, “I was hoping you’d feel that way. It’s only been a day and I’m already planning things we can do together.”
“You are?” I’m a little taken aback by that and he shifts a little closer. “If I’m moving too fast, tell me to back off, but I know you feel it too.”
“Feel what?”
“A connection.”
I raise the cocktail glass to my lips and take a large gulp because what is happening here?
Then I hear a loud, “There she is and with one of my favourite people.”
I look past Nate and see Chester with another guy who looks a few years older than me. Nate stands beside me and grins. ‘Hey, Adam, you made it.”
I look at Adam with curiosity because he is the first person I’ve met since stepping foot on this island that looks as if he wishes he was anywhere else.
Chester laughs out loud. “I made a point of dragging him away from the pots and pans for the night. He tried to resist, but I played the boss card.” He jerks his head towards the unhappy guy and says, “Adam is one of the junior chefs. He prefers to chop vegetables rather than make friends and enjoy the facilities. Sometimes I interfere and insist he take a night off.”
I smile, but Adam doesn’t even look at me and Nate rolls his eyes in a very clear message. Adam is the exception to the rule here, and I wonder why he’s so unhappy.
Chester’s attention is distracted by one of the guests and it leaves Adam hovering near us awkwardly. Nate sighs and leans a little closer, whispering, “I’ll fetch us a couple of drinks. Try your best to get rid of him. You’d have a much more enjoyable evening if you did.”
He doesn’t even ask Adam if he wants a drink and as he heads off, leaving me with the surly chef, I say brightly, “How long have you worked here?”
Adam sighs and, leaning closer, whispers, “Don’t believe everything you see here. They paint a very attractive picture, but there’s something odd about this place.”
“Like what?”
I’m struggling to pinpoint what that is exactly, and he says gruffly, “There’s a weird vibe on this island and I’m not sure it’s a place I want to be involved with.”
Nate returns, causing Adam to shut down again, and it annoys me when Nate openly yawns and stares straight at him.
“The coast is clear. You can get back to the kitchen if you like. I’ll distract Chester if he comes looking for you.”
The look Adam throws Nate makes me catch my breath and I almost think he’s going to punch him before a pleasant looking girl stops by and places her hand on Adam’s. “Hey honey, I was looking for you.”
She smiles at me shyly, “I’m sorry you must think me terribly rude. I’m Chloe Eversley and you must be Katrina.”
“Hi.” I smile, liking the pretty girl on sight. She looks friendly and around my own age and I am keen to make at least one good friend in my life, so maybe I could begin with her.
The guys stand beside us, and the atmosphere appears a little more strained and with a sigh, Chloe throws me an apologetic smile.
“Do you mind if I borrow Adam?”
“Be my guest.” Nate shrugs and I nod, feeling sympathetic towards the surly chef.
“Of course.”
As they leave Chloe flashes me a brilliant smile and I watch as she leads the unhappy guy behind her and Nate exhales sharply. “I don’t know why Chester bothers with him. He’s so creepy and really doesn’t fit in here at all.”
“Is he always like that?”
“Pretty much. I think the last time I saw him smile was when Jenny was here.”
“Who’s Jenny?”
“One of the spa assistants she used to do mani-pedis and jump in on reception if they needed a hand.”
“What happened to her?”
I’m curious to know, and he shrugs. “Packed up and left one day. Wouldn’t say why and we never heard or saw from her again.”
“Did she travel in your boat?”
“Yes, but she wanted to be dropped on the mainland.” He shakes his head. “I never even got a word of thanks. She was an odd one for sure.”
“That’s a shame for Adam.”
Nate nods. “He was a different person around Jenny. She brought out the best in him and most people think she found something about him she didn’t like, which is why she wanted to leave so suddenly.”
“Like what?”
He lowers his voice. “Rumour has it she caught him in a compromising position with one of the guests.”
“Surely not.”
I feel shocked about that, and Nate shrugs. “It happens sometimes.”
“It does.”
I look at him a little differently and he laughs. “Not me though. That kind of thing doesn’t interest me. I’m all for the easy life. I mean, why compromise your job on this island for a quick fling with a cougar? Some do it to subsidise their income if you know what I mean?”
I smile but feel a little sorry for Adam. He seems nice enough but obviously struggles to fit in and if anyone knows what that feels like, it’s me.
8
As evenings go, this one is shaping up to be the best one of my life. I have never felt so welcome. The guests are lovely and really interested in where I’m from, what I’ve done in the past and are sad for me when I tell them the reason I’m here. The staff are good fun and I’ve lost count of the number of cocktails that Drew has slid my way. Nate is an ever-present companion and Katie and Diana provide willing dance partners when the music plays popular tunes.
The fact I’m in paradise also helps, and I never want this night to end.
After a while, the guests drift off to their rooms and the staff begin to wind down. Sven and Katie disappear, and Drew prepares to close the bar. Diana left a while ago and Nate smiles, “Come on, I’ll make sure you get back to your room in one piece.”
My head is spinning and as I stumble a little, I’m grateful for the arm he offers me and as I lean against him, he laughs softly. “It appears that you had a good night, Kat. I’m glad.”
“I did. It was amazing actually.”
Now we’re away from the bright lights and bustle of the bar, I feel a little awkward walking beside Nate because I grew more interested in him the more the night progressed. Now we’re heading back to my room it feels like a proper date even though I know he’s only being polite.
“I’ll show you around properly tomorrow. I think you’ll like it here.” His deep voice sends shivers of attraction through me, and I say shyly, “I think so, too.”
Maybe the alcohol is giving me more courage than usual because I lean against him, desperate to feel his arm around my shoulder. I suppose I’m craving attention to replace the lonely feeling I’m carrying around like excess baggage and although he’s probably being just kind, my needy heart is begging for more.
We reach my room, and he stops and smiles, his blue eyes twinkling in the dusky light.
“Here you go Cinderella, safe and sound. I’ll wait until you get inside and make sure to lock the door behind you.”
“I thought this was a safe place. Are you telling me I should be on my guard?” I giggle and he grins. “No, but it has been known for a stray guest to wander into the wrong room after a few too many cocktails, and I would hate for you to deal with that.”
“Really? Has that happened?” My eyes are wide as I consider how I’d feel about that, and he nods.
“A few times. It’s why it’s best to take precautions.”
It feels a little awkward now and so I take a deep breath and, with my key card in hand, whisper, “Thanks for tonight, I had a good time.”
“Me too.” He smiles so sweetly it’s impossible not to be affected by his attention and reluctantly I let myself into my room and as the door closes behind me, I lean back on it and sigh. What a night.
Despite the amount of alcohol I consumed last night, I am awake bright and early and full of enthusiasm for once. The view certainly helps as I walk out onto the balcony and see the calm blue sea catching the early morning sun. I watch a figure jogging on the sand, and they look up and wave. Feeling a little self-conscious, I wave back and wonder if they are a guest or staff member? They are too far away to tell.
I shower and pull on the uniform provided and feel a little trepidation grow for today. I really hope I’m good at this because I’m not sure what I’ll do if I’m sent back to England early.
Tying my long dark hair in a low ponytail, I apply minimum make-up and grab my key. Then, with a deep breath, I venture outside and just hope I’m good enough.
As I make the short walk to reception, I pass a couple out for an early morning stroll who nod pleasantly. “Lovely morning.”
“Yes–it is.” I smile as I pass and even though it’s early, the sun is already warming my skin, making me feel happier than I have in some time. It doesn’t take long to reach the place I’m going to work, and I’m relieved to see Diana waiting for me with a huge smile on her face.
“Morning Katrina, did you sleep well?”
“Like a log.”
She grins. “I do after a party night. Thank goodness they’re not every night. I couldn’t cope.”
“Same.” I giggle as she rolls her eyes. “Drew loves to make a cocktail and corrupt the newbies. I hope it wasn’t too much.”
“No, everyone was very nice.”
She nods her approval and says quickly, “Anyway, I’m guessing you haven’t eaten yet if you came straight from your room. Why don’t we grab a bite and discuss the day?”
“We can do that?”
I’m surprised because I thought we would be needed here, and she grins. “We’ll just leave the bell out instead. If someone rings it, one of Chester’s assistants will fill in for us. It’s not busy though and most guests are probably having breakfast, anyway. It’s the perfect time.”
We head through the door that Chester took yesterday, and she directs me to a small building behind the main one.
“Staff canteen.” She grins. “You’ll spend a lot of time in here because the food is seriously good and there’s lots to do in your downtime. Pool, card games, a massive tv. You name it, the resort provides it.”
“They seem very good to their staff.”
“They are.” She grins. “I love it here. There really is no reason not to and there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.”
Feeling happier, I sigh with relief. “That’s good to know. I’m guessing my six weeks will fly past and I’ll be devastated to leave.”
I don’t miss the curious look in her eye as she says in a whisper, “Six weeks?”
“Yes, I’m due back to finish college after the summer break.”
“I see.” She looks thoughtful, and it worries me a little.
“Did you think I’d be here longer then?”
“It’s fine.” She smiles. “I just thought you were here to stay long term.”
We head inside the canteen, and I can see what she means. This place has everything and is furnished way better than any canteen I have ever been to. White tables with cushioned chairs are dotted around the room. Several settees are also placed around low glass tables, facing a gigantic television screen.
There are a few curious glances thrown my way as we head inside and Diana says loudly, “Hey, guys. This is Katrina, Darcey’s replacement.”
It feels a little overwhelming as they stare at me with obvious interest and Diana says in a hushed whisper, “They’ll introduce themselves, so don’t worry about introductions now. Let’s help ourselves to some food and grab a table by the window.”
The breakfast is laid out buffet style and there appear to be items here to suit everyone’s taste. I decide on some fresh fruit and a few pastries, and Diana loads her plate high with scrambled egg and bacon, grabbing some toast from the side. We help ourselves to orange juice and I follow her over to a table by the window where the sun is shining on the other side.
“I’m ravenous.” She groans as she tucks into her plate of food, and I am beginning to wish I’d done the same. It all looks amazing and as I pick at my fruit, she says between mouthfuls. “Today I’ll show you how reception works. It’s pretty easy and you’ll soon get the hang of it. We’ll stagger our lunches and then once we’re off the hook, we can go to the beach if you like.”
“We can do that?”
I’m surprised at how accommodating this place is, and she nods. “Sure, we have the run of the place along with the guests. Chester encourages us to mix. It brings life to the place. I like to grab a bed on the sand and watch the sun go down with one of Drew’s cocktails. It’s also known as living your best life.”
She grins and I’m beginning to understand what she means and thinking of Darcey and Jenny, I wonder why anyone would want to leave this paradise.
As we sit and chat, I notice Adam carrying a tray of food from the kitchen and whisper, “Tell me about Adam. He seemed so angry last night.”
“He always is.” She rolls her eyes. “Listen, honey, Adam is what’s known as an angry soul. The only person he could tolerate was Jenny, and she left a few weeks ago. Since then, he’s been sulking about it and generally getting on everyone’s nerves.”
“Were they together then?”
I’m wondering if they had an argument, or if it was because of what Nate told me, and she nods. “Yes, they were partners. He really seemed to like her, and we all thought they were the perfect match. She was the only one who could drag a smile from his face, so it’s no wonder he’s retreated into his shell now she’s gone.”
I say quickly, “Partners as in…”
“A couple, honey. You know, romantically involved.”
“Poor Adam, he must feel lonely. Why did she leave?” I feel sorry for him and Diana shrugs. “Beats me. She was here one day and gone the next. Nobody even saw her go.”
“Nate told me he took her to the mainland.”
“Did he? Then that’s where she went.”
I look up and see Adam staring at me with an intense look and I shiver a little. There’s something not right about him, and it seems as if he’s the only one unhappy about being here. Maybe I should find out why, because as far as I can tell, he has no reason. Then I think back on his warning, and something tells me I’m about to find out whether I like it or not.
9
Diana was right, and this job is so easy I feel fully trained inside of ten minutes. It’s just a case of welcoming guests when they check in and making sure they have everything they need. If they need us, we’re here to help and we don’t even have to take phone calls or work on a computer because everything is carefully laid out in a huge leather-bound book Diana calls the oracle. It has several entries detailing the day ahead, how many guests to expect, their preferences and when they leave. It’s all written as one giant ‘to do’ list and it couldn’t be any easier.
The first person I greet is a man who looks around his mid-forties, wearing an open-necked shirt and shorts. “Hey.”
“Good morning, sir.”
“Call me Eric.”
“Thank you. I’m Katrina. How may I help you, Eric?”
“I wanted to check the time of our meeting. April wants to grab a massage, and we wanted to make sure we have long enough.”
“Of course, I’ll check for you.”
As I consult the oracle, I see they are scheduled into the chat room at three pm with Chester and I smile. “Three pm, in the chat room. Would you like me to make the booking for April’s massage? It doesn’t appear to have been done.”
“Sure, make it one thirty. We’ll have an early lunch.”
“Good choice. Consider it done.”
I smile and feel a little disconcerted as his eyes drag the length of my body and he takes a long, considered look.
“How old are you?” His question surprises me, but I disguise it. “Eighteen, sir, um, Eric.”
“What about your education, good grades?”
Now he’s being weird, and I stutter, “So far.”
“What do you mean?”
He leans a little closer and I feel myself shift awkwardly. “I have my final exams next year. I’m hoping to study medicine and need good grades.”
“Interesting.” He looks thoughtful. “So, you’re academic then.”
“I’m afraid so.” I laugh nervously and he nods as if he approves. “Perfect.”
He turns to leave, and it feels like the weirdest conversation ever, but I’m guessing these super–rich people don’t talk about the same things as normal people like me. Brushing it off, I thank God I’m not like him and wonder if he should join a club or something to learn the art of small talk. What’s wrong with passing comment about the weather? Asking me about my education and staring at me as if I’m a prize exhibit at a cattle market is just plain weird.
