Canet-Plage France
The cruise up the east coast of Spain to the French port of Canet-Plage France was uneventful. The seas were calm. A sort of melancholy overtook the passengers. This was the end of the journey. Each passenger took away something from the 30 days they were together on the cruise: For Frederick and Emma Scheel; a relaxing month and new found friendship with Pacey. Jill and Slane Moseby: an experience so different from their mundane experience living in Delaware to a new appreciation of the world and life. To Joe; frustration; he met the girl of his dreams and his feelings were not returned; James a new awareness that no one was impressed with his education and money. Diana, felt intense love and a feeling of intense loss. Andie felt a sense of amazement; a lost dream that was starting to fade became alive again. Pacey felt complete for the first time in years. The vague something was missing in his life was missing no longer.
The trip up the eastern coast of Spain was quiet almost tranquil. Andie and Diana missed standing on the bow and being pelted by salt spray. The sea was like a lake. What was fascinating was the flying fish they would leap ahead of the boat. Sometimes one would misjudge and wind up on the deck; the girls would toss the unlucky fish back into the sea.
Pacey gave in and let Andie stay in his cabin. Pacey reasoned that on a boat as small as the Shrike people would find out anyway and there was no sense in Andie furtively sneaking around in the middle of the night.
Joe, felt that he had met the love of his life. He never knew a girl with Diana's vivacity and love of life. He wanted to be part of that. The fact that she loved an American sailor pissed him off, what did that sailor have that he didn't?
They arrived at the Canet-Plage harbor at ten AM. There was a large yacht marina where they were going to tie up. The harbor was quiet and all you could hear was the muffled roar of the diesel engine. Pacey had contacted the Harbor Master's office via UHF radio and was assigned a berth and was told that customs would meet them upon arrival.
With practiced ease Pacey expertly guided the sailing yacht to its assigned berth and as the Harbor Master said; customs was waiting on the pier. The two officers boarded the yacht and examined everyone's passport. Then one by one they asked each passenger their intentions while in France. Pacey showed the customs agents the boats papers. Finally they were cleared to go ashore.
After the agents left Pacey had all the passengers stay in the dining area and sent the crew off to their tasks.
Pacey scanned to assembled group. "Well I have to say it was a pleasure taking you on our journey. I hope that all of you enjoyed yourselves. You all have reservations at the Hotel Europa and I believe most of you have flights tomorrow. I will be staying there myself and if you would like; we can all meet for a drink in the lounge at eight PM."
Everyone agreed that that would be a splendid idea. Pacey turned to Andie. "You might as well go ahead. I have to wait here for the next captain and do some paperwork. I should be at the hotel sometime this afternoon."
"I don't mind staying Pacey."
Pacey squeezed Andie's hand. "I know. They have a nice bar and pool. You and Diana go enjoy yourselves.
An hour later Pacey watched Diana and Andie enter a cab for their journey to the hotel. They were the last of the passengers. He assembled the crew and told them what a great job they did and he would be happy to sail with them again. The boat looked shipshape and he asked the crew to relax, don't drink to much wine and wait till the relief captain showed up.
Paperwork done Pacey leaned back in his chair. All he needed now was the arrival of the new Captain and he could go. Pacey realized that his was most likely his last globe wandering trip. He would miss it, but giving up his life style was easy. He had found "True Love" It was time to go home.
Shortly he heard a knocking at his cabin door. Pacey barked "Enter." A slim blonde man entered and with a distinct British accent introduced himself as Nigel Owens the new Captain.
"Come Captain Owens, please have a seat. I have everything ready for you."
Nigel and Pacey shook hands; Pacey noticed the slender man had a firm grip." Captain Witter, the company has this letter for you."
Pacey hoped it was a check, but he knew that his check would not be deposited into his account for another ten days. He opened the envelope and quickly read the letter. And folded it up and put it in his pocket. "Well, you know they don't give up Nigel. They want me to pick up a yacht in Denmark and deliver it to Rota.
"That should be an interesting trip Pacey, and I am sure they will reimburse you very well."
"That true, but I am not going to do it. I am done with this."
Nigel looked surprised. "You mean your quitting the sea? You have a splendid reputation."
"No not quitting. I am just going to do it on a less grand scale."
"If you don't mind me asking Pacey; why are you doing this?"
"I found the girl I want to settle down with Nigel."
Nigel stood up in the cramped cabin and offered Pacey his hand. "Let me be the first to congratulate you."
"Thank you Nigel. I met her on the cruise."
Nigel arched an eyebrow. "A passenger?"
Pacey chuckled. "Nigel it is not like you think. I have known this woman for years and it is a long story.
"I guess we are all set Captain Witter. Anything I need to know about the crew?"
"No worries Captain Owens, they're all good men. The crew is Spanish."
"So I have heard. Please introduce me and I am sure you want to get ashore."
Hotel Europa
Andie opened the door of her room and let the bellboy carry in her luggage. She tipped him generously and with a sigh threw herself on the bed. What she really wanted was a nap, but she had told Diana that she would meet her at the pool. Tired or not she was happy. In one way she was sad to see the cruise come to an end, but on the other hand she was excited on starting a new phase of her life. Andie marveled that of all places to run into Pacey again; was Spain, The Gods were kind to her lately. Rummaging through her suitcase Andie found a modest two piece bathing suit; that she changed into and with a robe and flip flops she would be ready for the pool.
Riding the elevator down her thoughts turned to Pacey. He would be joining her shortly. A smile spread across her generous mouth. Being this happy was probably illegal somewhere.
Upon walking out to the pool area Andie looked around for Diana. Finally she spotted Diana walking from the bamboo covered outside bar. Andie gasped, she knew Diana was flamboyant, but her bikini could have been folded and most likely would have fit into a cigarette pack. Looking at her Andie realized the only thing between Diana and a super model was two inches of height.
"Diana how in the world can you walk around in public; you're naked.
Diana laughed at her. "Like it?" Hey we're in France now; actually this is sort of modest. I saw the suit in a boutique when we checked in so I bought it. You ought to buy one."
"No I don't think so. I don't have the nerve to wear that plus I am not tall and elegant like you."
"Are you kidding me Andie; you'd be fine
Andie blushed. "Stop it. I need a drink."
Andie returned from the cabana bar with a beer. "So Diana how did you make out changing your flight plans?"
Diana grinned. "All set I am on the same flights as you. Are you sure you want to put up with me for eight to ten days."
"Actually Diana it's going to feel strange not having you around. I wish I had a friend like you when I was growing up.
"You mean you didn't have a close girlfriend when you were growing up?"
"No Diana in Capeside it was more or less every girl for herself. My two best friends were Pacey and my brother Jack.
"I had a lot of good girlfriends where I grew up. Lunenburg was a great place."
"You were Lucky Diana. Hey have you spoken to Joe since we all went out?"
Diana leaned back in her lounge chair and put her sunglasses on. "Yeah a little bit, just our normal conversation. Why do you ask?"
Andie looked over at Diana to see if she could read her reaction. "No reason; how about Jim?"
Diana took her sunglasses off and looked at Andie intently. "What is with the twenty questions?"
"Just curious; you haven't mentioned Jim in a few days."
Diana shrugged. I haven't heard from him, but he told me that sometimes they blocked all communications from the ship. I just figure that this is one of the times."
Andie was wrestling with herself. She didn't know if she should tell Diana about Joe's major crush, or just leave it alone. Finally she decided to stay out of it, Now was time to change the subject. "Well I guess tonight we have our last get together and go our separate ways; except for you and I."
"Diana laughed. "I think you're stuck with me. The sun is making me thirsty. You want another drink?"
The Last Party
Promptly at eight PM Pacey arrived at the lounge and was pleased to notice that his former passengers had secured a table. Frederick Scheel spotted him entering the lounge and greeted him halfway and guided him to the table. After some small talk Pacey rose and proposed a toast to their voyage. "Well." And he hesitated. "I guess this is the time for me to say something. I am not much on making a speech, but I would like to say I enjoyed my time with you and I hope that everyone enjoyed their trip. I know the trip did not quite go as planned but these things happen. And I hope that some of you have made lifelong friends.
Everyone raised their glass for a toast. James true to character blurted out. "Captain Witter, are you and Andie a couple now?"
Joe shook his head. "James why don't you just worry about your relationships?"
Pacey interrupted. "No that's okay. It is a good question. Yes if Miss. Mcphee will have me I'd like to say we are a couple now."
All eyes turned to Andie; who nodded yes. Andie choked up and tried to speak a couple of times, but couldn't get any words out. Diana reached out and held her hands. "Yes, Andie agrees. Yes they are a couple now."
Airport
Andie watched Joe fidget nervously. She wondered if he was going to say or do something; she liked both of Diana's suitors. Andie sort of figured that Diana was thinking about settling down, and that the cruise was close to or her last wild fling. When Andie thought about it she actually did have a favorite out of the two men. Maybe not a favorite, but one who she thought was more suited for Diana, but she was going to keep her thoughts to herself. Joe and James were flying to New York and their plane left about ninety minutes after her and Diana's plane which was going to Boston. As far as she knew Joe hadn't said anything to Diana yet or made any sort of move. Maybe he chickened out? Diana was sitting quietly next to her reading a book. Andie nudged Diana's knee with her own. "What are you thinking about?"
"Diana nudged her knee back and smiled. "Nothing I am reading."
"So how come you haven't turned a page in ten minutes?"
Diana closed the book and placed it on her lap. "Everything and nothing Andie; I don't know just a confused jumble of thoughts and emotions. I need to sort things out." Diana placed her hand on Andie's shoulder. "I think when we get to your place in Boston and I've had a couple of bottles of wine in me; I'll run it all past you."
Andie laughed. "And you expect me to make sense after two bottles of wine? Talk to me anytime you know that."
"I know Andie. Hey it's time to board let's get in line." The two women rose, picked up their carryon luggage and stood in line. Andie noticed that James and Joe were walking toward them. She tapped Diana on the shoulder. "I think the boys are coming over to say goodbye."
Diana turned to her right to say goodbye, but before she could say a word Joe put his arms around her and kissed her passionately. Finally Joe broke the kiss. Diana stepped back and put her hand to her mouth. "What?" Is all she could say?
Joe looked her in the eyes. "Diana that is how I want you to remember me." Then he did an about face and walked past the stunned James.
Andie looked over at James and smiled. "James, don't even think about it."
Diana was standing quietly with a surprised look on her face staring at the retreating back of Joe. The stunned girl turned to Andie. "What the hell. What was all that about."
"I think he likes you Diana.
Three Months Later.
Diana was back at work at her father's office in Halifax. With the exception of her twice a week phone calls to Andie and a couple of visits to Boston. The only contact she had with the people she met on the cruise was an occasional post card from Jim. Diana wondered what she really wanted from the cruise. She had made a lifelong friend in Andie McPhee; hopefully soon to be Mrs. Witter, great times, romance, but she just wondered why things turned out as they did.
"Miss. Duncan." Diana looked up and her secretary was at her door. "There is a man in the lobby who would like to see you."
Diana was puzzled. She was not expecting anyone. "Marie, tell him I'll be out in a minute."
To Be Continued…