‘Speaking of tortoise sidekicks, have you seen Michel tonight?’ I ask and explain I’m concerned about Turt.
‘Poor Turt. I hope it’s nothing serious. Gus has been by his side for close on fifty years. Imagine if something happens to him while he’s away?’
‘Urgh, it hurts to think about.’ And I cannot let that happen.
‘To answer your question, Michel’s making a dent in the complimentary wine.’ Mariola smiles at an approaching guest. ‘He keeps sneaking looks at me, as if checking I’m not going to tell him off because there’s a no drinking alcohol around guests’ policy.’
That doesn’t surprise me. And it’s probably for the best when you’ve got cheeky types like Michel, and worse, Joji, who has already had a dalliance with a bride-to-be, although Michel is clearly ignoring the rule, so… Mariola waves a finger when Michel sends a longing glance her way, as if telling him not to drink wine. She really doesn’t know how he feels? I’ve been meaning to bring it up with her. ‘I don’t think that’s why he’s sneaking looks at you, Mariola.’
‘What?’ She searches my face and after a beat it dawns on her. ‘Are you saying…?’
‘Wi. Is the feeling mutual?’
Her dimples deepen and it’s impossible not to notice the joy that shines in her eyes as she does the old look-under-her-lashes thing at him. Romance gestures 101; it never goes out of style. ‘Maybe…?’ She lets out a girlish giggle, as if admitting such a thing is a relief. ‘We’ve known each other our whole lives and I’ve always had a crush on him. Who doesn’t like a man who can fly a helicopter?’ Ah, me, that’s who. Too scary but I keep that to myself.
‘Ah, yeah, thrilling. Imagine date night?’
She tuts. ‘It can’t happen.’
‘Why? You don’t have to marry the man, just see where it takes you.’ I hide a smile at how much like Lily I sound.
‘Workplace relationships are banned so it’s best not to entertain the idea. If I lost my job, my family would suffer.’
I groan. ‘Rules are made to be broken.’
‘Not when you’re me, they’re not.’
And I get it. Mariola’s touched on her family situation before and shared that she supports the family on her wage, like many of the locals here do, where work is hard to find unless it’s at the resort.
‘Bloody rules. Can you watch the counter for a moment? I’m going to chat with Michel about Turt while I’ve got the chance. Don’t worry, I won’t say a word about your crush.’
She laughs. ‘Sure.’
I make my way to Michel, who is making light work of the canapés.
‘Hey, Michel. I’m worried about Turt. Did the conservation team confirm they’d come and take a look at him after the check you did on the old guy?’
He nods and says between mouthfuls, ‘Yes, they’ll be here in a few days. Why are you worried, has something else happened?’
‘When I came to set up for the event, he made a wheezing sound, like he’s in pain. When I approached him he retreated into his shell so I gave him some space, and when I checked again he was gone. It’s not like him to leave the front of the bookshop. I’m really concerned.’
Michel’s face falls. ‘I’ll call them now and see if they can come sooner.’
‘OK, good, but what if it’s not medical help he needs?’
‘Didn’t you just say he was wheezing? Retreating into his shell? Those are both signs of stress or poor health.’
‘What if he’s trying to tell us he’s missing Gus and enough is enough? It’s happened before, Michel, when they tried to move him to the atoll. I’ve heard all the stories now, and I can’t help but feel that this is his way of communicating with me. He needs his sidekick back.’
Michel bites down on his lip, as if considering it. ‘I don’t know if it’s a good idea telling Gus right now.’
‘Why?’ Frustration leaches from my voice. ‘If everything I’ve been told about Gus and Turt is true, then surely Gus would want to know.’
Michel’s expression twists. ‘He’s – he’s just got enough going on and I’d hate to add to it, especially because it’s Turt. It’ll tear at his heartstrings.’
I shake my head, confused. ‘What’s he got on that’s so important? Don’t you think he’s got a right to know that the tortoise he loves so much needs him? Or is it more that he doesn’t want to face Xavier?’
Michel heaves a sigh. ‘It’s Gus’s wife. She’s not well.’
