Chapter Four, Jess and Becker's Holiday
The next morning Becker yawned. "We should have got some rest last night, if we're going ashore today."
"It's not my fault. You're the one who was so perfect. I couldn't stop showing you my appreciation." She leered at him slightly.
He sent her a smirk. "I loved last night," he said with a yawn. "I'm just tired."
She giggled. "Do you want to stay in?"
He looked at her. "And risk a heart attack from overexertion?"
She giggled. "You're bad."
"Let's go ashore. I'm looking forward to hiking through wine country. It should wake me up."
"OK."
They met up with the group for the scenic tour of Madeira Spain. A bus drove them through the volcanic rocks and hills that were wine country. There was a fair amount of walking through wine fields, touring the wine-making facilities, and walking through the wine shops. Each stop presented them with outstanding wines to taste.
Jess and Becker held hands the entire way, causing the older couples to tease them good-naturedly. Jess found some baubles and knickknacks to take back for friends in the UK.
Becker simply stared at his girlfriend, so lovely and bubblier than the wines. At one point he kissed her hair and whispered, "This was a brilliant idea, Jess."
She beamed.
The tour took up most of the day. They spent the rest of the evening lying by the pool. Jess wanted to catch some of the waning sunlight, and asked Becker to gently shoo people out of her sun.
He was a little too good at shooing, at least with men. Jess giggled as he 'politely' told them to stop eying his girl.
Jess got to repay the favor a few times, when some of the ladies got too close to Becker. He smirked every time she politely made it known that he was taken.
They ate an early supper in the dining room, and then turned in early to get some actual sleep. They planned to go ashore the next day as well.
During the night, the ship arrived at the first of the Canary Islands, La Palma.
'You sure you're up to hiking more today?" Becker asked with concern.
"Yes, Becker. I have to break in my adorable hiking boots," she said, kicking one neon orange boot in the air. He laughed. "Not to mention that I've been dying to wear my excursion outfit."
Becker looked over the khaki Capri-length pants. She'd paired it with a bright color top of course, a lively green. "You look cute."
She smiled. "Thank you. Let's go!"
They rode a bus to La Caldera National Park. Then they were allowed to tour at their own pace.
"Too bad I can't take some of this volcanic rock back for Connor," said Jess.
"What would he want with a rock?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. It just seems like something he'd like, doesn't it?"
Becker thought a moment. "You're right. It does."
She giggled.
Midway through the tour, the group picnicked with cheese, fresh bread, fruit and local wine the cruise line provided. Then the actual hiking began. They walked down the lush hills, fed by the rich volcanic soil.
They walked down to a small village at the base of the hills. They had time to tour the shops, before the bus picked them up. Jess only found one shop. She wouldn't leave. It sold chocolate.
"Jess! We have to go or they'll leave us."
She stood transfixed, eating chocolate.
"I've never seen anyone eat so much," said one of the visitors.
"Look, we have to get going," said the driver. "Pick her up and carry her or we're leaving you both here."
Becker chuckled. "The things I love about you," he said, bodily hoisting her off the ground and over his shoulder, "always seem to get us in trouble."
"My chocolate!" she cried, as Becker hustled her out of the shop.
"I've got it!" cried Bob, one of the passengers from the boat.
"Don't eat it!" yelled Jess.
"Do I look stupid?" he asked.
"You're a brave man, Bob," said Becker as they walked to the bus.
End of Chapter Four