Page 33 of Gideon
I purse my lips, worry forming. “I don’t know.” I shrug. “I’m sure he’s getting a water taxi. Don’t worry.”
We exchange kisses and hugs, and I linger on the deck to wave until they’re out of sight. I stare out to the dock anxiously, but there’s no sign of anyone on the other side, no messy blond head.
I turn to a crew member. “My nurse went ashore today and isn’t back yet. What should we do?”
The man frowns. “Oh dear. Have you tried him on his phone?”
I hold up a finger, and he waits while I dial Eli’s number. The phone clicks straight onto his answering service. I ring off and look at the man. “No answer.”
He gives me an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid we can’t wait for him. The ship must sail at its given time. That can’t be broken.” He pats my arm. “Please don’t worry. It’s happened many times. He’ll just have to make his way to the next port of call, and he can board in the normal way. He’s actually lucky because we’re mooring in Nice which is only a few hours down the coast. He might even be able to get to us before we moor.”
I nod my thanks and scan the water anxiously, but there’s no sign of him. I feel worry churn in my stomach. What if something has happened to them? What if they’ve had an accident and he’s lying in hospital? What can I do?
My phone has stayed silent all afternoon. The time to take my pills came and went with no phone call. I’d remembered and taken them, but this is so out of character for him. I ring his phone again and leave a message on his voicemail. “This is Gideon,” I say abruptly, wincing at the fact that my tone sounds harsh. “I’m concerned as to where you are. If you’re not here by six thirty the ship will sail. You need to make your way to Nice and wait for the boat so you can board there.”
I make my way back to my cabin, thinking that he’ll probably call. But he doesn’t. Six thirty comes and goes, and the ship backs out of the port with the sun slanting low over the horizon. Night falls and, lit by a huge harvest moon, I stand on my deck and stare out over the sea that’s roiling slowly and inkily under the bright moonlight.
What the fuck is he playing at?He acted all concerned earlier on. Please could I not drink. He wanted me to ring him if I felt ill. I snort. I’d be dead if I was reliant on that phone call. He hadn’t even bothered to ring about my medicine, regardless of the fact that he seems to think I’m incapable of looking after myself and need him to do everything.
I wonder if he got a room with Oliver and they overslept. I imagine them sleeping unconcerned and entangled together, all young, taut flesh and golden skin, and anger stirs.
Fuck him. I don’t need him. I don’t need anyone. I’ve proved that all my life. Some nurse isn’t going to disrupt that, no matter how close I feel to him.
“Back away,” I say out loud. “He isn’t worth the trouble.”
The words float out onto the breeze, and they sound full of conviction, but nevertheless half an hour later finds me walking the length of the boat looking for Constance to see if she’s heard anything from her nurse.
I look in the restaurant full of old people talking really loudly, and then the bars. She isn’t in the gym or the shops or the library. I poke my head around the spa to no avail, and she isn’t part of the group dancing on one of the decks. I don’t even bother checking the running track that Eli makes me walk round every day while he talks incessantly. She doesn’t strike me as a jogger, even without a broken foot.
Finally, I round the steps to the top deck and find her kicking back in a comfy lounger staring out to sea.
“Here you are,” I pant, and she smiles at me.
“Gideon, you’re very red in the face, darling. Been banging that nurse of yours?”
“Oh my God,” I hiss, falling into the chair beside her. “Keep your voice down.”
“Sweetie, there’s nobody here. Not many of them can manage the stairs, and even if they were all up here, the squealing from their hearing aids would drown out my words.”
“Are you not the same age?” I ask, accepting the water she pours me from the jug on the table. I promptly choke. “Fucking hell, that’s neat vodka.”
She smiles prettily. “Much better for you than boring old water.”
“You should really run the NHS. I’d certainly do as you say.”
“I’d be no good there. Far too many rules.”
I put the glass carefully down on the table. She eyes me. “Going teetotal?”
“No.” I hesitate. “Just not drinking at the moment. Eli’s like Betty Ford, but stricter.”
“Ah, your nurse. Has he disappeared into the same black hole that my personality desert of a companion has fallen into?”
“You’ve not heard from them either?” I ask, anger taken over by concern again.
She shakes her head. “No. He’ll turn up, especially if he wants his wages.”
“You don’t seem very concerned.”
