Chapter 47
Ellis sits across the table from me in Isla’s seat, who was last seen by Cameron and Lucas at the casino this afternoon.
‘She was alone, but I think I actually saw her smiling,’ Lucas tells us. ‘If I’m honest, it was both beautiful and unnerving. She’s either won a small fortune or she’s fed her intermittent-fasting boyfriend to some passing piranhas.’
I look around the dining room. Everyone has made an effort this evening. Suits pressed, hair on point, perfume lingering. This week has gone so quickly. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow morning we’ll be going home.
‘Have you enjoyed your cruise?’ Evelyn asks Ellis. ‘We’ve had such a lovely time.’
‘I have,’ he replies. ‘It was more fun than I expected. Sophie and I went parasailing this afternoon.’
Cameron gasps. ‘Sophie, you daredevil! One minute you’re flying across the ship, the next you’re soaring over the ocean.’
‘What can I say? It was fun.’
It’s Italian night tonight. I presume they’ve chosen a carb-heavy menu to mitigate the vast amount of leaving night alcohol that will be consumed. There’s nothing on that menu that won’t suck up the booze.
Beef carpaccio, chicken parmesan and tiramisu.
‘So, what do you do for work?’ Mia asks Ellis. ‘Anything interesting?’
Ellis shoots a look at me, hoping that I haven’t forgotten our previous conversation.
‘Nothing exciting, I’m afraid,’ he replies. ‘I work in IT.’
He was right. No one bothers to question him any further. I wonder if Whitney, who runs our IT department, has the same problem. I hired her and I don’t even ask what she does.
Marco brings water for the table and two bottles of wine.
‘Since it’s our last night, shall we have a toast?’ Brian asks, as he begins to pour.
‘Great idea, love,’ Evelyn tells her husband. We all raise our glasses.
‘Evelyn and I have been cruising for over a decade,’ he says, ‘and I have to say, you all are some of the best dinner companions we’ve had. It’s been a pleasure.’
‘Aw, how nice,’ Cameron remarks. ‘It’s been wonderful getting to know all of you this week.’
‘Yes,’ Dieter agrees. ‘Very good company.’
‘I also want to thank you all,’ I say. ‘Coming on the cruise alone was somewhat nerve-racking but you’ve been so warm and welcoming. Not sure I’d have had such an enjoyable time without meeting you all.’
‘You are like a different person,’ Mia remarks. ‘Much more relaxed. More open. Perhaps it was the zipline, yes? I think it was good for you.’
I laugh. ‘I think you might be right.’
‘Or maybe your friend here?’
‘Absolutely,’ I reply, smiling at Ellis. ‘Our excursions were a blast.’
‘So here’s to you all,’ Brian says. ‘I wish you well and hope that one day we might have the chance to do it again.’
Glasses clink and we begin to eat.
‘So, what’s everyone doing later?’ Lucas asks. ‘Anything planned?’
‘Couple of drinks,’ Evelyn replies. ‘Finish the packing.’
‘We might have a stroll around the ship,’ Dieter informs us. ‘We’ve already packed.’
Cameron suddenly gasps. ‘I have an idea.’
He glances at Lucas, who quickly catches on to his idea. ‘Oh yes! Definitely.’
‘Are you going to share with the rest of the group?’ I ask, chuckling.
Cameron turns to Ellis. ‘Tell me . . . do you like karaoke?’