Page 74 of Escape to the Sun

‘You think he’s amazing, but not good enough for some random woman you met on the Ballygowan. Is that right?’

‘Random woman? It’s not like I knew who Louis was either until I reconnected with you. And Hannah’s lovely.’

‘I know. And I could see how happy she was making Louis – that’s what’s so intensely frustrating about you, Ruth. Why do you always have to go one step too far?’

‘Please let me explain, Ted. The situation is more complicated than girl meets boy, they fall for one another and live happily ever after…’

‘Isn’t it always? So, what needed your particular brand of meddling this time?’

‘Hannah’s ex-fiancé cheated on her. This cruise was supposed to be her honeymoon, so she was incredibly confused when she met and fell for Louis. She wasn’t sure what to do.’

‘She soon got over that, then,’ Teddy said, with more than a hint of judgement.

‘No, you don’t understand. She absolutely adores Louis.’

‘So, what the hell is the problem?’

And in that moment the problem became all too clear.

‘Me. It’s me.’ Ruth’s voice hitched. ‘Because everything was fine until we reconnected and I realised just what I’d thrown away all those years ago. If only I’d allowed myself some forgiveness, we could have been together for the last thirty years. We could have had a son just like Louis. And I didn’t want Hannah to get to this point in her life, twenty or thirty years down the road, and regret her decision to walk away from Ian. That’s all. Because if Ian regrets what he did anywhere close to how much I do my mistake, then maybe he should be allowed another chance – like you were prepared to give me. Do you see? I just felt it was important for her to be sure.’

‘Are you suggesting her relationship with my son would pan out like yours with your ex-husband?’

Ruth frowned. ‘No. Not at all. Oh, Teddy, I fucked up. Again. I should have kept my thoughts to myself, shouldn’t I?’

‘Yes. You should.’

‘I’m sorry. I’ll talk to Hannah. I’m sure I can straighten everything out.’

‘Christ alive, Ruth. Listen to yourself. Leave. Them. Alone.’ Teddy shook his head. ‘And while you’re at it, leave me alone, too, would you?’

All Ruth could do was stand and watch as Teddy walked away. And there was nothing she could do or say to stop him.

38

The next day dawned bright and fine, regardless of how anyone on the Ballygowan was feeling. The world was intent on continuing to spin; the day was happening regardless, leaving the minutiae of human lives to those lesser beings.

None of that mattered to the Ballygowan, either. Slicing her way through ocean waves, operating at optimum capacity, with every need met by an extensive and attentive crew, the ship was living her best life. Which was more than could be said for Louis.

‘What’s wrong?’ Maria asked as they sat side by side at the wide control panel and Louis tried to focus on something… anything.

‘Nothing.’

Portus wound his way around Louis’ legs, tail held high and twitching against Louis’ knee.

‘The cat would beg to differ,’ Maria said. ‘And so would I. You look like someone filled your Christmas stocking with coal or the modern equivalent. Barbecue briquettes? The ones that never burn properly?’

Louis managed a stifled laugh, reaching to give Portus a reassuring stroke. ‘Barbecue briquettes? Not on board a ship, Maria. Let’s not go there again.’

‘No. Fair enough. Is there anything I can help with?’

‘It’s nothing to do with the ship, if that’s what you’re worried about. Everything is running smoothly – even Tim can’t find anything to moan about.’

Maria nodded. ‘So Philippe was right – it’s about Hannah?’

‘Philippe? He’s the sommelier in the Vivaldi, isn’t he?’ Louis said.

‘Yes.’ Maria wrinkled her nose, doing her best not to grin. ‘He’s… We’re… Well, it’s not about us – he did say he thought your dinner hadn’t gone according to plan last night.’