Chapter 25
Taking two steps to Theo’s one, I struggled to keep up as he led us to goodness knew where.
My belly rumbled as I walked and ready for a good feed, I hoped we were headed for the restaurant.
My spirits lifted as we approached the glass window that separated us from numerous diners, but while I slowed in my step and ogled people’s plates, Theo eagerly marched on by.
After hearing about Mum’s slip road shenanigans, I told myself the bar would be a good second best. A brandy and Baileys would calm my nerves over Mum’s driving while easing my guilt about how I’d treated her. However, much to my disappointment, Theo ignored that too.
‘This way,’ he said instead, pausing only for a moment to chivvy me along.
He led us back through reception, speeding past Santa’s post box and onto a corridor lined with doors.
Stopping in front of one, he pulled a key card from his pocket.
‘Don’t say I never do anything for you.’ Using the card, he swiped the lock mechanism.
‘After you,’ he said, with a chivalrous sweep of his hand.
Stepping into the room, a smile spread across my face and my body automatically relaxed.
Bunkbeds weren’t usually my thing but having expected to spend the night in a chair, the upgrade was more than welcome.
Glancing around, there was a wardrobe, a small round table at which sat two blue fabric-covered chairs, and another door that when opened, revealed an en suite shower room which included towels.
My smile turned into a grin. Apart from a well-stocked fridge and mini bar, the room had everything a weary traveller like me could want.
‘I thought you said all the cabins were booked?’
‘It pays to check at reception. Sometimes you strike lucky thanks to a cancellation or a no-show.’
‘Bagsy the bottom.’ I leapt toward the lower bunk and staking my claim, dumped my handbag on its mattress. Stiff from being stuck in a Smart car for hours on end, I doubted I’d be able to climb up to the top bed and if by some miracle I were to manage it, I definitely wouldn’t get back down.
There was a knock at the door and cocking my head, I wondered who it could be.
Theo gave me a knowing grin and stepping forward to answer, it appeared he wasn’t yet done with the surprises.
‘Votre commande, monsieur.’ A young female staff member held out a tray on which sat two plates of food.
Both me and my stomach had never been so grateful.
She smiled brightly. ‘Bon appétit, monsieur.’ Turning her attention to me, she scrunched up her face and much to my bewilderment, giggled. ‘Madame.’
‘Merci beaucoup,’ Theo said as, still chuckling, she went on her way.
‘What was that about?’ I asked.
‘What was what?’ Theo closed the door with his foot and placing the tray on the table, lifted off the plate covers in an exaggerated fashion. ‘Voila!’
On one, sat a portion of creamy buckwheat risotto with parmesan cheese and cabbage, and on the other, pork ribs with a crusted polenta tart and caramelised vegetables.
My gaze went from our dinner options to Theo.
‘They both look good. I’m not sure which to choose.
’ I stared at both plates trying to decided. ‘How about we both have some of each?’
Theo grinned as he handed me my cutlery. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. The risotto was the safe bet should I need to swallow without chewing.’
I tilted my head. ‘Very funny.’
As I sat down, Theo halved our food servings and handed me my plate.
‘I didn’t know ferries did room service.’ Digging in, I swooned.
‘They don’t.’
I looked at Theo confused.
He pressed his lips together as if not sure he should tell me. However, thanks to my stare he quickly relented and his shoulders relaxed. ‘I told them we were heading off on honeymoon and as this is our first night of wedded bliss…’
My eyes widened. ‘You did what? No wonder that young woman giggled, she thinks we’re about to….’ I recalled Theo’s hand on my knee, refusing to let my imagination fire up. ‘I knew she was acting odd. Why would you say that?’
‘I get it. I shouldn’t have and I’m sorry. But we’re both hungry and tired and I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the energy for queues and crowds. I just want to eat, shower and get into bed.’
Being honest, I couldn’t blame him for wanting as little fuss as possible. The last twenty-four hours had been frantic, and understandably the man was knackered. I’d at least had a little sleep whereas Theo had had none.
He raised an eyebrow. ‘If it helps, I have a stash of coconut pyramids for dessert?’
As annoyed as I was, I felt myself give in. ‘In that case,’ I said. ‘I’ll have to forgive you.’
* * *
Dinner over with, we both sat leant back in our seats, each with a hand over our bellies.
I struggled to motivate myself, but with time getting on and both of us shattered, I hauled myself up from my chair. ‘Time to think about bed,’ I said.
Theo tapped his stomach. ‘I’m afraid it’s not going to be much of a wedding night.’
I reached for my travel bag and pulling out my toiletries and pyjamas, looked at Theo, my expression deadpan. ‘Oh no. How will that bode for the rest of our marriage?’
‘Don’t worry,’ Theo winked, ‘all good things come to those who wait.’
The room suddenly felt warm, but I pretended not to notice. ‘There’s something you should watch.’ I discreetly pulled at the neckline of Mum’s sweater trying to cool down. ‘It’ll bring you back to your senses.’ I dug out my phone and bringing up Mum’s TikTok handed it to Theo. ‘Brace yourself.’
‘Why?’ he asked, curious. ‘What have they been up to?’
‘You’ll see.’ Entering the bathroom, I locked the door shut.
Leaning against the back of it, I wished Theo would stop with his comforting hands, suggestive smiles and one-eyed blinks.
They made my body want things it had no business wanting from a man I’d only just met.
I pictured myself lying on the bottom bunk with him sleeping above and sighed. ‘So near, yet so far.’
Glad to get out of Mum’s clothes, I turned on the shower and stepped under the hot water. I squeezed shampoo into my hand and rubbing it into my head, scrubbed my scalp clean.
I can see why you like him, my inner voice said.
‘I’m not listening,’ I replied.
Not only is he winning in the looks department, he’s a doer.
‘Please shut up.’
I can’t remember the last time someone sorted all your travel arrangements without complaint? And made sure you were fed and watered?
I soaped my body and rinsed everything off.
Then found you a proper bed for the night?
Unable to ignore it any longer, I scolded my inner voice for being impressed. ‘Your point being?’ I slammed off the shower and grabbed a towel. ‘Theo’s actions aren’t exactly special. Dad took charge of things for Mum all the time.’
Apples and pears. Theo isn’t your partner. He needn’t have done anything.
‘I don’t know what you think you’re doing,’ I hissed. ‘Because that man is far from perfect.’
Is he though? I thought you wanted a Henry Cavill lookalike?
I couldn’t deny the voice was right. ‘Okay, I’ll give you that. Aesthetically, Theo leans towards pleasing.’ I rolled my eyes. ‘But looks aren’t everything.’
You said you wanted a man who gives as much as he receives. Look at how he supported his ex.
I didn’t like where this discussion was going.
And didn’t you say he should be willing to drop everything, no matter the consequence, for those he loved?
‘Ha! Which is where your argument fails.’ I recalled Theo’s disregard at losing his job. ‘Theo didn’t drop anything for anyone. He was unemployed before he even knew about Mum and Jackson.’
But…
‘No buts. This conversation is over.’
As I brushed my teeth and cleansed my face, I insisted I had better things to think about.
Handsome or not, employed or not, I didn’t care.
Even Theo and Jackson’s personal history was of no consequence.
My focus was on getting Mum off the road, down to Gisèle’s and then back home, so I could put together Rory’s blasted presentation and not end up unemployed too.
I recalled what Mum had said in her video. If she and Jackson had a long drive ahead of them, that meant Theo and I did as well. In a Smart car. That didn’t drive particularly fast. I sighed. Getting to Mum sooner rather than later was a big ask.
As I gathered up my things and exited the bathroom, Theo looked up from my phone.
‘Who goes the wrong way down a slip road?’ He frowned. ‘They’re lucky to still be alive.’ His tone was calm and measured but gone was his casual demeanour; he seemed quietly furious.
To be fair, I understood his position. If it were my son in the car, I’d be blaming Mum too.
‘If anything happens to Jackson…’
‘Nothing’s going to happen to him.’
‘And you know this how?’ Theo huffed, his frustration coming to the fore. ‘You said yourself Maeve has no driving experience and if this…’ He indicated my mobile. ‘…is anything to go by.’
‘‘You’re acting like this…’ Mimicking his action, I, too, indicated my phone. ‘…is all Mum’s fault.’
‘She’s the one behind the wheel.’
Theo might have been right, but that didn’t stop me feeling defensive. ‘And you heard what she said about the roundabout situation. She’s learnt her lesson.’
Theo shook his head. ‘No wonder you want to put her in a home.’
Wondering how he knew about that, his words stung. I gave him a questioning look.
‘Maeve told Jackson and Jackson told me. Maybe if you hadn’t suggested it, none of us would be in this mess?’
‘Great. Now I’m the baddie.’ Not that Theo had suggested something I didn’t already know. ‘Just remember Jackson’s a willing passenger, Theo. He could’ve got out of that car at any point in their journey and yet he chose not to.’
‘He’s a kid, Erin.’ Theo rose to his feet. ‘He doesn’t know what he wants.’ He paced up and down. ‘Who would after…’ Falling silent, he stopped still and running a hand through his hair, took a deep breath.
‘After what, Theo?’
He looked at me direct but rather than say anything further, he made a grab for his overnight bag and stepping into the bathroom, shut the door.
Hearing the door lock click into place, I put one hand on my hip and rested the other against my forehead. ‘Fantastic,’ I said.