Her mind went blank.
‘It’s, um, lovely to meet everyone,’ she managed after a beat, and then even less convincingly, ‘I’m really looking forward to working with you all.’
Chapter Four
Sofia slid into the spare seat next to Declan at the table, feeling flustered and suddenly forgetting what normal people are supposed to do with their gaze. She decided to fix it resolutely on Captain Mary.
‘First of all I’d like to thank you all for being here. We have a challenging season ahead, as two of our crew are acting up for the first time. Petra and Jack, I have no doubt you will both rise to the occasion. And for our chef Sofia and our new deckhand, it will be both of their first times working on a boat. Tabitha too is joining us for the first time, although she has worked a couple of seasons in the Caribbean. So welcome to the madhouse!’
Sofia smiled at Petra, who did not return it. Declan held up his palm, and then thought better of waving and put his hand down. ‘Can’t wait to get stuck in. It’s an honour to be here.’ He grinned.
‘Hi, everybody,’ said Tabitha weakly. She was another Brit, petite with hair that was somewhere between brown and blonde. She had a pretty face but it was clear she wasn’t feeling her best.That iswhy you don’t want a hangover on the firstday,thought Sofia, with a tinge of smugness.
A wry chuckle from Jack, but Petra seemed concerned.
‘Sorry, Captain, I wasn’t aware we had two...’ she shot a look at Tabitha ‘...almost three greenies onboard. What happened to Toby?’ Petra had a thick Australian accent. Sofia wondered how she’d ended up on this boat on the other side of the world.
‘Toby is getting married actually.’ By way of clarification Captain Mary turned to Sofia and Declan and said, ‘Toby was our old deckhand, but the yachtie life isn’t for everyone, especially those who want to settle down.’
‘Not everyone is cut out for a lonely life out on the open seas, hey, Captain.’ Sofia dared to glance over at Jack as he spoke. Though he sounded as bolshie and self-assured as he had last night, he looked different. His hair was combed back from his face, he’d shaved and his uniform made him seem older.
‘I don’t know if it counts as a lonely life if you have a girl in every port, Jack,’ quipped Petra. Captain Mary chuckled at that, and Sofia noted a warmth in her eyes as she smiled at Jack.The effect of his charm extended to women ofall ages,thought Sofia, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
‘So as you all know we are operating with a skeleton crew for this charter, as there are only two guests, although might I remind you they are, as all our guests are, VIPs, so it cannot “feel” as if we’re offering anything less than an all-inclusive service.’
Petra nodded in agreement, glancing again at Tabitha, who was now sweating profusely.
‘For those of you newcomers who enjoy the job you might be interested to know that I am looking to take on two new permanent staff to join me and First Officer Carter for the rest of the season.’ This was news to Sofia. She’d been told that this was a six-week gig, that might extend to a second charter, but a whole season? She hadn’t realised that was on the table, and that the prospect excited her.
‘Petra, if you could show Tabitha and Sofia to their quarters? Jack and I will need to steal Declan for a more detailed tour.’ Declan bounded to his feet, knocking the table in his excitement and spilling the remainder of a half-drunk glass of water down Sofia’s light blue T-shirt.
‘Oh no, sorry, Sofia, I didn’t mean to...’ Declan reached for a napkin and went to dab at her before he seemed to realise he would have to touch her chest.
‘It’s OK, Declan, it’s only water.’ Petra’s words were kind, but Sofia could see she was mentally resigning herself to all the work she was going to have to do to get this virgin crew up to scratch.
Sofia had taken over dabbing at the thin cotton so she was looking down when she suddenly felt a presence looming over her.
She looked up at Jack, with an eyebrow raised. The embarrassment and surprise she had felt earlier had evaporated, and in its place a quiet sense of dread had settled. She was going to have to put up with this guy for at least the next six weeks.
‘Don’t worry, I’ve found that cotton dries pretty quickly in this weather,’ he said with a mocking smile.
‘Yes, I have heard that sunshine and wind have that effect.’ He laughed lightly, but it seemed forced. Maybe he wasn’t used to being met with anything other than a giggle and a blush.
‘And anyway,’ he continued, ‘you’re lucky that it’s water. Drinks like, say, Aperol stain pretty badly.’ She held his gaze for a moment, daring him to say more. To her surprise he was the first to look away, his eyes following Captain Mary as she left the room. When he looked back, a sort of distance clouded his gaze, and Sofia felt his retreat.
‘I’ve been terribly rude,’ he said flatly. ‘I’m first Officer Jack Carter. It is very nice to meet you.’ He held out his hand, and she shook it, noticing how rough his hands were.
‘Sofia Harlow, but you can call me Chef Harlow.’ She had meant it as a joke, in an attempt to lift what had suddenly become an uncomfortably heavy mood. There was no flicker of humour in his face, which he had set into an impervious mask.
‘Well, Chef Harlow, I’ll see you around.’
‘I suspect you will.’
He walked off, following in the direction of the captain. Sofia was irritated. Jack was one of those men who insisted on setting the tone. When he wanted to banter, everyone was expected to laugh along, but the moment she tried returning the volley he got sulky. She was only ever allowed to be on the back foot.
‘Sofia, can you come with me.’ It was Petra, and it wasn’t a question. ‘And bring your things. I’m going to take you to your room.’
As they walked down the hall Petra reeled off a list of things that Sofia would really have liked to write down. The main takeaway though was ‘preference sheets’.
