“It’s my first time out in a while. The cleaner gave me a fright. That’s all. I was on my way to make an appointment with you.”
“Sorry, I have no idea when my next opening is. My nurse is currently away and the receptionist at the pharmacy now takes my bookings. In the meantime, let’s make sure you can walk without any issue.” He took her elbow and helped her up. “There’s a meadow close by, and I can guarantee it’s free of any wayward trolleys. This way.”
She limped along the meandering garden path that veered away toward the rear where the jungle rose thick and lush beyond the resort. Bright red and pink flowering hibiscus bushes dotted the gardens surrounding the grassy meadow. Across the far side, several children played a game of tag while a uniformed caregiver in the resort’s yellow skirt and polo supervised.
Two teens in shorts and t-shirts volleyed a ball between them. One kicked it so hard it sailed over her head and clunked into something metal within the bushes, an abandoned gardening shed by the looks.
“Sorry,” the boy called out to her as he scrambled through the brush. He grabbed his ball out of the ivy trailing over the shed’s door then tossed it back to his friend.
“This is lovely.” She could handle a flying ball, and her ankle might have taken a knock, but she could walk with only a pinch of pain. “It’s good for me to be out and around others. I’ve had a rather secluded year of late, and it’s caused a few fears to rise.”
“Nothing too debilitating I hope.”
“I get a big jumpy if someone comes up behind me. The cleaner truly wouldn’t have run into me if I hadn’t jumped in her path first, and now my bodyguard has arrived, I’m hoping my fears will soon be well and truly done with.” She plucked a yellow buttercup at her feet and twirled it between two fingers. “This island is certainly the perfect place to begin healing.”
“You need a bodyguard?”
“Not anymore I don’t.”
“Well, at least you’re walking without any issue. I’d hate to get on the wrong side of your bodyguard, whether you need him or not.”
“The plaster’s working a real treat.”
He grinned. “Yes, the old plaster fixes all.”
“Hey, Saria.” Luke jostled through a tight beachside path barely noticeable with its thick hedge either side. He jogged toward her in red swim trunks, his surfboard tucked under one arm. He shook his dark head and sent water flying. “I caught a glimpse of you as I came out of the water. I was about to head back to the ship.” He propped his board beside him, and its long shadow fell across the doctor’s face.
“You’ve got great eyesight.” Only a peek of the ocean was viewable, although the crashing of the waves reached her easily on the breeze. “Meet Dr. Hika. He rescued me from a trolley and bandaged me up. Dr. Hika, this is Luke Whitehall. Luke’s family, or he will be soon. We’re here for my twin sister and his brother’s wedding.”
“Nice to meet you, Luke.” The doctor extended his hand and Luke shook it. “How are the waves today?”
“Sweet, although I don’t know how you concentrate on getting any work done when you have all this in your backyard.” Luke patted his surfboard’s bright blue swirling ocean design.
“Trust me. It’s difficult.” The doctor’s cell phone buzzed and he checked the display. “Sorry. It appears my free time is up. My next appointment beckons.” He glanced at her. “Saria, you’ll find the pharmacy on the first floor when you go to make your appointment. Enjoy your day.” He waved as he walked away.
“Do you want to explain a trolley on the run?” Luke eyed her ankle. “I see the bandage.”
“Plaster, and the doctor’s appointment isn’t for this minor injury. Do you want to walk me back to the ship though? I think I’ve had enough sightseeing for one day.” Making an appointment could wait.
“Of course I will.” He slotted his surfboard back under his arm and guided her toward the gap in the trees.
She shuffled through the overgrown path and gasped as they made the beach. Only one lone sunbather was sprawled on a towel catching the last of the day’s rays. “This is nice and private.”
“Yeah, it’s one of my favorite places.”
“How often do you sail this way?” They strolled down the beach.
“Three or four times a year. After we lost Mum, and Liam and Nico lost Gabriella, it became even more important for us to connect as a family.” He led the way onto the wharf. “Liam loves taking Nico sandcastle building. It reminds him of how Gabriella adored doing the same when Nico was a toddler.”
“That’s a beautiful way to keep the memories alive, for both of them.” Her heart ached for Liam and Nico’s loss.
Next to their yacht, another of a similar length and four-level height, had berthed. Ben raced past it toward them, his blue gaze fixed on her. Outfitted in black shorts and a shirt, his blond hair whipped about his shoulders in the breeze. She grinned. “You’re up.”