Chapter 18
ALICIA
As we sailed away from the Red Beach, I took a few more snaps. Until this cruise, I had no idea that there were beaches with different-coloured sand and rocks on this island.
Whenever I’d thought of Santorini, I’d always pictured the blue-domed whitewashed buildings. But now I knew that there was so much more to see.
Earlier we’d stopped off at the volcanic hot springs. Leonidas, the deckhand had explained that the reddish-brown water was rich in iron and sulphur, which apparently was good for the skin.
I wasn’t brave enough to go in though because he warned me that there was a risk that the minerals in the water would darken or discolour my red bikini.
One guest in a white swimsuit didn’t listen and when she got out, it’d turned an orange-brownish shade. Yikes.
I’d heard people saying it made their skin feel good though, so if I ever came back here, I’d remember to wear an old bikini, just in case. That way I could relax and enjoy the water with zero worries.
After stopping at the hot springs we’d sailed to the White Beach, which was a secluded cove with tall, striking chalky white cliffs, which were such a contrast to the blue sea.
Leonidas told us that these locations were more challenging to visit by land, which was why this type of cruise was so popular. I was so glad I’d had the chance to see them.
I glanced over at Adonis who was sat a few feet away looking at something on his phone. He’d been on it for most of the cruise, either texting or taking selfies.
At one point I was going to suggest that we take one together, but considering I was going to tell him later that it wasn’t working between us, pretending to be a happy couple in front of a camera seemed fake and pointless.
‘I’m going to the toilet,’ I said.
‘Okay, beautiful,’ he replied without even looking up from his phone.
Yep. This definitely wasn’t working between us.
I went below deck then slipped into the toilet beside one of the cabins.
Okay, so Leonidas had explained earlier how to use this. Something about pulling the black handle on the side of the toilet, right?
If I remembered correctly, I needed to pull a lever to add water, then pump it again to clear the bowl afterwards. And the most important thing was to make absolutely sure I put any toilet paper in the bin and not in the loo.
Got it.
Whilst I weed, I repeatedly chanted:
Remember not to throw the toilet paper in the bowl.
Put the toilet paper in the bin.
Despite saying it over and over again, what did I then do after I’d wiped myself?
Yep.
I threw the bloody toilet paper straight into the bowl.
Doh.
In my defence, after being so used to doing it for decades, it was hard to remember not to.
There was no way I was going to call Leonidas to fish it out of a toilet full of wee though. Not just because it’d be gross, but also because he’d been very clear about the importance of not blocking the loo, and I didn’t want to be the idiot who couldn’t follow simple instructions.
Nope, I just had to get it out myself.
It wasn’t a pleasant task, but I got it done. And I successfully did the toilet pumping thing to flush it afterwards.
Go, me.
After thoroughly washing my hands, I headed back to the deck.
A heavy dance baseline vibrated around the boat and as I breathed in the salty sea air, I smiled.
This cruise was such a treat. Although Adonis had been on his phone for most of it, I wasn’t going to let that ruin my high.
Sammie had kept her distance too. I was relieved that apart from introducing herself to Adonis briefly earlier, she’d left us to our own devices.
I knew Sammie well, so I could tell that she wasn’t impressed with him. I’d fill her in on the fact I also didn’t think that Adonis was right for me later.
But for now, I planned to continue enjoying the views.
After slipping another prawn in my mouth, I squeezed my eyes shut. Why did everything always taste better when it was barbecued?
I was sat on a table with Adonis, Noah, Kayleigh and two other guests enjoying the delicious feast that had just been prepared for us, which included freshly barbecued chicken, pork and juicy king prawns.
There was also fresh Greek salad, pasta in a delicious tomato sauce, bread and other treats.
Whilst Noah and I watched the views, Adonis and Kayleigh were typing on their phones.
‘I’m going to the loo,’ Kayleigh announced.
I was going to warn her about the toilet paper, but I was sure she’d be better at following the simple instructions than I was.
A few minutes later, Kayleigh returned.
‘There’s a problem with the toilet,’ she said. Seemed like I wasn’t the only one who had a crap memory after all. ‘Noah you’re still eating, so Adonis can you help me with the blockage?’
‘Of course, my dear.’ He got up immediately.
That was nice of him to volunteer to sort out the toilet.
My stomach twisted. Maybe I was making a mistake about calling things off?
Maybe deep down he was a good guy and I was throwing an opportunity away.
No.
I hadn’t been able to stop looking at Noah since we got on this boat, so even though nothing would ever happen between us, it wasn’t right to stay with Adonis.
‘So…’ I dabbed the corner of my mouth with a serviette, then looked at Noah. God his eyes really were gorgeous. Less ogling, more talking, my brain ordered. ‘How’s North London treating you?’
‘It’s okay.’ Noah cut a small piece of chicken then popped it in his mouth.
‘That doesn’t sound very convincing,’ I said.
‘If I’m being honest, I miss South London.
There’s nothing wrong with north. It’s just, I’m used to being south of the river.
I love the vibe. And all the parks. I miss Clapham Common, Battersea Park and walking along the South Bank.
And I miss being able to play table tennis at the community centre around the corner. ’
‘Yes! How are you coping without it?’
‘Badly.’ He laughed.
‘Did you see the games room at the hotel?’ I said. ‘They have a table tennis table. Maybe we could play together sometime, just like the good old days!’
For as long as I could remember, Noah had loved table tennis. When he’d first roped me into playing, I didn’t really enjoy it. Mainly because he was so ridiculously good at it that I always lost.
But when Noah took pity on me and taught me all of his tricks, I improved massively.
Of course, he still won most of the games but on occasions I won some too.
When he lived near me in Norbury, South East London, we used to play at least once a week. But then he moved.
‘You make us sound about a hundred years old! It’s only been one year since we last played, not fifty.’ He chuckled. ‘But yeah, I agree. It’s been too long since I whooped your arse! Brave of you to volunteer to let me beat you again though!’
‘Ha! Don’t get too cocky, sunshine! For all you know, I could be the one who whoops your arse.’ I smirked.
‘We’ll see.’ He grinned.
‘You should move back south,’ I said.
‘Just so I can be close to a centre with table tennis?’ He scoffed.
‘No.’ I took a large glug of my wine. ‘Because you miss the area. But, yeah, okay, partly because of the table tennis, too!’
I wanted to tell him that the main reason I wanted him to come back to South London was because I missed hanging out with him, but I decided against it.
After my body’s reaction to Shirtless Noah earlier, I needed to keep my cool, not start gushing about how much I’d love to spend more time with him.
‘It’s not that simple…’ His voice trailed off. ‘Anyway, one day I’ll get my own table tennis table, then I can play it whenever I want. That’s what my dream home would have.’
‘Goals! I’d love that for you! My dream would be to have a walk-in wardrobe. One wall would be filled with dresses then there’d be another just with shoes all neatly lined up like in a department store. Ooh! and maybe I could have a special drawer for my knickers too!’ I giggled.
‘Sounds like a plan!’ Noah smiled.
‘Yeah. There’s just the small problem of needing to win the lottery first to pay for it. And considering I don’t ever play, that might limit my chances.’
‘Just a tad.’ Noah chuckled.
‘I need the loo.’ I stood up. ‘I wonder how those two are getting on down there.’
Kayleigh and Adonis had been gone for a while, so that blockage must be a really ugly one. Thank God it wasn’t me who caused it.
‘Okay. Just shout if you need me to call Leonidas to help.’
‘What, you mean you don’t want to plunge the toilet with your bare hands?’ I smirked.
‘Surprisingly not.’ He laughed.
‘Back in a sec.’
I went down the stairs, but as I got closer to the bottom, I heard loud grunts.
Jeez. How much toilet paper had Kayleigh got stuck down there? Sounded like they were doing manual work.
But when I got to the door that led to the toilet, I realised the noises weren’t coming from there, they were coming from the cabin next door.
The door was ajar and when I pushed it open and saw what was happening, my eyes flew out of their sockets.
Adonis and Kayleigh were on the bed together.
Shagging.