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“Oh, they’ll bring you a fresh pot,” Mum confirms. “Help yourself. The pastries are delicious.”
I collect an assortment of fruits, cakes, and pastries, and sure enough, when I reappear, the table has an extra cup and a large carafe of coffee.Bliss.
“Hey, Dad. Enjoying yourself?” I ask gently as I pour the coffee. I know this isn’t the wedding he envisaged.
“It’s very nice.”
“Oh, come on, Adam,” Mum scolds.
He gives me a glance that tells me that while he’s not happy, he’s going along with the plan to keep the peace.
“You like it, Mum?”
“I think it’s wonderful.” She leans forward and grabs my hand. “I never really knew how rich Liam was.” Her eyes widen as she nods at me as if this is a big secret.
I smile to myself and take a sip of coffee. “He’s certainly got the money, Mum.”
“What are your plans today, Isla?” Dad asks.
“Not a lot. Sunbathing, relaxing. You?”
“Oh, we have a morning at the spa, then a lunch out with the bridal party,” Mum interrupts, full of enthusiasm.
Dad gives me another one of his looks.
“Sounds like fun. Dad?”
“I’m off for a round of golf.”
“Golf? Here?” There was hardly anything green on the drive here. Surely, it’s too hot for green grass.
“There’s one course, and Liam’s arranged for me to play as a guest.”
“He’s always been so generous.” Mum swoons again.
“Mum, okay, I think we get it. Liam’s wonderful.”
“Oh, don’t be like that. You used to idolise him and your brother when you were younger.”
“Well, I’ve grown up since then.” I take a breath and count to three, four, five… “I’m going to get a head start on the sunbathing. Enjoy your golf, Dad. Say hi to Miriam, Mum.” I pick up my plate and leave, not wanting to be drawn into bickering, and head right over to the railings from last night.
The view over the cliff this morning is astonishing.
A hundred shades of blue stretch out before me. Tranquil and beautiful, glistening with the sun. I see a set of steps that looks like the path down, and I take them, gently watching my step as I weave down the cliff face to the beach below.
A row of sun loungers and parasols line one side, and I pick one at the end and just sit, looking at the water lapping at the pebbly shore.
The other end of the cove is home to a jetty and a shiny-looking boat-come-yacht thing and a few Jet Skis bobbing on the tide.
Nobody else is here, and as I look around, I can’t quite believe it – my own island paradise. I finish off the plate of breakfast treats, take off my sundress and lie back in the sun in my bikini.
My skin begins to glisten as the heat breaks me out in a fine sheen of sweat. It’s baking hot, and my quiet doze in the sun is now barely comfortable, so I leave my spot and walk right into the ocean.
Even the water’s warm, but it quenches the heat attacking me. The beach shelves quickly, and I swim out past the gentle ripples of waves and then turn to look back at the beach and the resort above.
Foliage covers the cliff, and you can see the tops of the buildings above the cove. Idyllic. It must be something to have this lavish type of life. I think back to my studio apartment and the mismatched furniture. Being a student doesn’t guarantee you a job these days, so I was extremely lucky to walk right into one, but it will be years before holidays abroad can be afforded on my salary.
As I leave the water, I see Eric and his groomsmen walk across the beach towards the jetty.
