Gemma hadn’t anything to compete on that scale. The sordid parties she had attended were mild in comparison. Whatever he had up his sleeve for the next three weeks, she would keep her husband focused on her and not give him the chance to involve servants.
Her meandering recollections were interrupted. Boats and masts came into view, a flotilla of moored boats, bobbing up and down on the surface. Sizes and shapes changed as they drove around the perimeter of the marina. People milled around, tourists and locals, intermingled and colourful. Gemma turned to Jason. His blond hair framed his pleasant face.
“Which one?” she asked. “There are so many!”
“Babe, the ones you are looking at are small fry. Cast your eye wider afield.” He grinned and pointed out the window.
An enormous luxury yacht occupied the farthest jetty. The biggest vessel in the marina by a considerable margin. Dwarfing its neighbours. White, sleek as if aerodynamics had been built into its design.
“No!” Palpitations rose into her throat. “All that for two of us?”
“Just for us. Though it’s chartered for up to twelve guests.”
“It’s ridiculously extravagant for two people.”
“Wait to you see the inside, Gemma. You’re going to swoon!” He laughed.
“Are you going to tell me what she’s called now?”
Jason whispered in her ear, “Sublime. She’s called Sublime.”
Her face flushed.
The cold air between them quickly thawed, and she was glad. Gemma didn’t want to start their cruise with the lingering emotions of a Jason punishment.
Chapter 3. The Crew
Opulent, extravagant, and luxurious. Numerous descriptive words entered Gemma’s head. She had boarded a 200-foot long floating palace.
They went through to the main deck and the communal salon, complete with grand piano and gigantic TV screen. Gilded door frames. Shiny glass facades and mirrors. White marble floors. Pearwood finishing. Halogen lights dazzled. Soft furnishings of cream leather or suede. Simple decorative cushions neatly aligned on the upholstery. Glass-topped tables and a tropical fish tank…. Some of the features she had been able to assimilate in the few brief minutes before she was introduced to the assembled crew.
The majority dressed in white shirts and navy shorts. The yacht’s team of officers, in navy trousers and jackets, lapels and cuffs striped according to rank, stood at the head of the line.
Crikey, I’ve joined the Navy.
Jason introduced the man with the most stripes as Captain Mark McKenzie. His Scottish accent was a welcome discovery for Gemma.
“A pleasure to see you, Mrs Lucas.” He shook her hand warmly. “Allow me to introduce the rest of your crew.”
Down the line he went. Chief Officer, Ludo Savage. An American, Gemma guessed from his accent.
Chief Engineer. Gemma heard only Kevin and lost the surname in her head.
“Essential for keeping a boat afloat, Mrs Lucas,” informed Captain McKenzie jovially.
Head Chef Dario, short and very Spanish. He bowed slightly to her. Do not argue with a chef, her mother had told her.
“Señora.” Lips parted to reveal a toothy grin.
“Chief Steward Esteban Soto is in charge of supplying the vessel and providing you with anything you wish. Think of him as the concierge of your voyage. He is also trained in advanced first aid.” Captain McKenzie indicated a middle-aged, slightly balding Spanish man.
“Anything you need, Señora, I will find for you!” he claimed.
There followed the second officer and engineer, a sous-chef and the boson Ted—who was young, British and spoke with a lilting, broad Devonshire accent.
“I help with the motor launches, Mrs Lucas, the Jet Skis, snorkelling, and scuba diving. All the water sports. I’m also responsible for the lifeboats and safety equipment on-board.”
“Hopefully, I won’t be requiring your expertise in launching the lifeboats, Ted.” Gemma shook his hand; his jaw dropped slightly when she smiled.