They spent the rest of the morning lazing about, Jean-Luc reading inside as Beverly listened to music on the balcony, laying upon the bench. It was approaching noon when Hannay and Marta were finally ready to meet them. They aren't as young as we are, Beverly thought as they made their way to a beachside café to rendezvous. The sky was perfectly clear, the waves tempting in the hot weather.
"Howard!" Hannay shouted as soon as Beverly and Jean-Luc were in sight.
Does she always do that? Jean-Luc inquired as Marta just smiled and waved to them.
If she didn't, I would never believe it was her. "Sleep well?" Beverly asked as they joined their friends.
"Very," Hannay told her.
"What did the two of you get up to last night after tucking us old folk in?" Marta teased, sipping on a tropical juice of some of the native fruits.
"Speak for yourself," Hannay scoffed. They shared a small kiss.
"Just a walk by the beach," Beverly told them.
"Moonlit, good choice." Marta nodded her approval, then went silent, waiting for more.
Beverly could sense Jean-Luc's quickly growing unease. "He fell asleep as soon as we got back. It wasn't very eventful." Marta was ready to press, but much to Jean-Luc's relief, a server stepped in to take their order. "What time is your transport?" Beverly lowered her voice.
Marta and Hannay shared a glum look. "Between two and three," Hannay admitted. "But we've got everything packed and ready, so they'll just call us and we beam up."
"Oh," Beverly breathed. I'd hoped it wouldn't be so soon.
"We'll just have to make the most of the time we've got," Marta said, putting an arm around her wife's shoulders. "Besides, we'll see each other again. I expect the two of you will be coming to the admiralty ball."
God I hope not! Jean-Luc thought with gut reaction. Beverly almost spat out her drink with the strength of his dislike for the event. She turned to him, eyes wide.
What?
Nononono, not you! He quickly backpedalled. The times we went together were the only good ones! I detest the pomposity of it! Although I always love seeing you dressed up, you always look so lovely…
"Telepathy," Hannay sighed and rolled her eyes.
Marta raised an eyebrow at Jean-Luc. He cleared his throat, ducking his head. "You've changed a lot, Johnny."
"Is it really that noticeable?" He raised his eyes to meet hers.
"Don't tell me, he was cocky when you knew him as well," Beverly teased.
Beverly! he admonished half-heartedly. She winked at him.
"Oh, terribly so!" Marta agreed. "Now you're all, quiet and contemplative."
"Mature?" Jean-Luc voiced.
Like a fine wine, Beverly chimed. Her fingers snaked around his palm under the table. He squeezed them gently.
"Perhaps," Marta said.
Hannay tilted her head over until it was right by Marta's ear. "Nothing like you then." Marta mock slapped her arm as Hannay giggled. The server returned with their meals. They all tucked in enthusiastically. "Oh, I forgot to ask last night, how's darling little Wes?" Hannay asked before shovelling up a forkful.
Beverly had to finish chewing and swallow before she could answer. "Not so little anymore," she said proudly. "He's twenty-two and as tall as Jack was!" She anticipated Jean-Luc's internal shiver at the name, and sure enough it came.
"Twenty-two!" Hannay exclaimed. "Last I thought he was fifteen!"
"They grow up fast," Beverly agreed with solemn nod.
"He has," Jean-Luc said. "A fine man, testament to his fantastic mother." He raised his glass in toast to Beverly and took a swig.
"Perhaps you could give us some advice." Marta lowered her voice conspiratorially. "We're thinking of adopting."
"She is thinking of adopting," Hannay said. "I am thinking of universal domination."
Beverly chuckled, but was glad to pass on any tips she had gleaned from her experience. It fell into recounting tales of Wesley's childhood, which Jean-Luc listened to with great interest. He found himself longing to have shared them.
Perhaps… someday…
A/N: Thanks spacekitten2700 for the review of the last chapter! I can't believe how quickly this is going! I have split this story into two parts (otherwise I don't know if I would have actually ended up posting any of it for another few months), so there will be a continuation. I am returning to university very soon (I'm in Australia, southern hemisphere - we have different holidays to all you northern hemispherians!), so the next one might be a while wait. Not to worry! There's still a few more chapters of this part to go! I hope you all have a wonderful day and please do leave a review (as brief or verbose as you wish)!
