part0015

“Come, let’s go for a swim,” Fiona said eagerly. “I brought a blow-up mattress.” She put the pump in and stamped away.

Isabella had been smart enough to wear her bikini under her clothes but was reluctant to undress. Remy went back to the boat to change and get towels and came back with a bag and three folding chairs. He slipped off his shirt and folded it nicely. Isabella tried not to look, but it was hopeless. His trunks were navy blue with white stars, and she was relieved to see he wasn’t wearing tight Speedos. His upper body was muscular and his stomach flat, despite spending all day tasting food.

She avoided eye contact. There was no reason to make Dinah more suspicious than she already was. She inhaled, making her belly as flat as possible, and undressed quickly. Without looking back, she ran into the water and threw herself into the waves. Like on most Norwegian summer days, it was a shock for her body to hit the water. This was definitely not the Caribbean. She let her body get used to the water, which wasn’t more than sixty-eight degrees. Refreshing, that was what it was.

Finally, there was enough air in the mattress, and father and daughter were ready. They seemed to find the water warm enough. Fiona dunked herself right away, and Remy started swimming.

“Is the water pleasant?” he asked.

She waited until he reached her. “Yes, now. It takes a few minutes for the body to get used to the temperature.” They were standing on the sandy bottom, waiting for Fiona to paddle over to them. She was on the mattress, belly down, splashing with her arms.

“How boring for Dinah to stay on the boat,” Isabella said. “It’ll be a long day for her to sit there.”

“Yeah, it’s a shame. But we could’ve tried to get her ashore if she wanted to.”

“I suppose it’s more comfortable to sit on the sofa with her sprained foot.”

“Remy, may I have another drink?” Dinah called.

“Thought so,” he muttered. “I just asked you when I was inside, but you were fine. We’re swimming now, so you’ll have to wait,” he called back.

“I wasn’t thirsty then.”

Isabella had her back to the madam and was barely able to hide a smile. Remy was stoic, as if he’d expected something like that. He had sixteen years of experience. He abstained from answering.

“Phew, this is hard work,” Fiona said when she reached them. “But now I can lie here while you pull me.” She laughed, and the mood lightened.

“Let’s swim further out.” Remy took hold of the end of the mattress. He started swimming while carefully pushing. Isabella swam next to them.

“There are some waves here,” he said and wobbled the mattress.

“Dad, don’t,” Fiona yelled.

“Did you plan on having the mattress to yourself?”

“Of course. You could’ve brought another one for you two.”

“Or you could’ve.”

“Uh-huh, I forgot.”

All at once, the imaginary waves turned big, and Fiona was clinging to the mattress while laughing out loud. Seconds later, she was in the water squirming, and a fight started to get hold of the mattress. Isabella watched the amusing scene.

For a moment, she was jealous of the lovely relationship between father and daughter. Since she’d never dreamed of having kids, she’d never pictured teens, either. She was well aware that she was missing out on a lot of joys by this decision. Still, she didn’t feel any strong longing to have children of her own.

“Isabella, the mattress is yours now, for as long as it lasts,” Remy said and held it. “You’d better hurry.”

She swam over to them. “No, I prefer to stay in the water. Otherwise, it’ll be cold to jump in again.” No way would she lie there for everyone to scrutinize her. Everyone besides Dinah, as they were at the other end of the boat now, and so far out that she couldn’t see them.

“Then it’s my turn,” Remy said and pulled himself up on the mattress. There was scarcely space for his large body. The mattress was on the narrow side. It wobbled perilously, but he managed to lie down on his back.

Isabella wasn’t particularly playful but had an idea. She nodded to Fiona to signal they’d have some fun. Remy was relaxing, bobbing on the tiny waves, with his eyes closed. Fiona swam up to his head, while Isabella aimed for his feet. Was he ticklish? She could pretend it wasn’t on purpose. No, it was more fun to do it properly. She tickled him under both feet and was rewarded with a scream. Remy jumped up and fell into the water all by himself.

Fiona and Isabella looked at each other and guffawed. “What happened?” She looked at him innocently.

“Dad is terribly ticklish.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“But now you do,” Remy said and squeezed water out of his wet hair. It was shiny in the sun, and he looked completely different to his normal appearance. “I can take revenge, you know.”

She grinned. “I’m not ticklish.”

“The mattress is mine now,” Fiona said and made herself comfortable again.

“Anyone hungry?” Remy asked.

“Me too,” Isabella said.

“Try paddling, and I’ll push.”

“Ok.” Fiona adjusted her bikini and started.

At the same time, Isabella felt a hand sliding down her back. She was caught off guard and gasped for air while turning around. A sly grin was playing around Remy’s lips. He pulled her toward him, knowing that she couldn’t protest loudly since Fiona would hear them and turn around. Isabella was pretty close, so close that she could put her arms around him. It wasn’t hunger she was feeling, but tiny butterflies were having fun in her stomach. Remy placed his arm around her waist, and the temptation was too great. She stroked her fingers over the hard muscles on his back.

“Dad, it’s going slowly, can’t you get a move on?”

Isabella let go of Remy and swam away. She was grateful for the interruption and thought about what might have happened if they’d been caught. Fiona was busy with paddling, but Dinah was just within sight now.

“There you are, at long last. Were you planning on leaving me alone all day?” Dinah’s voice was cold.

How long had they been swimming? Half an hour?

“I’m parched with thirst. I could’ve gotten sunstroke by sitting here so long.”

“But Mom, you love sunbathing.” Fiona pulled the mattress ashore. She shook her long curls, making the water drip on the sand.

Isabella quickly fetched the beach towel and dried off. She used the opportunity to change into a dry bikini and a short flared sundress while Remy went on board to change and take care of his complaining wife.

Remy came back with a mid-sized grill. It was a charcoal grill that he claimed made the food taste much better than a gas grill. She offered to help, but the food was already prepared, and everything was ready. This wasn’t about burgers and hot dogs being grilled at too high a heat, blackening them. Far from it. This was tender, marinated meat, fish, vegetables, sauces, and salad. All she had to do was to lean back and let him do the grilling.

Isabella had never tasted such flavorful barbecue food before. She could easily get used to this. Everything would have been perfect if not for Dinah’s never-ending nagging. At first, she was hungry, then thirsty, then she wanted something else, and then she dropped her napkin on the boat deck. Remy and Fiona were running back and forth to cater to her wishes. Isabella noticed the resigned looks between father and daughter and gathered that Dinah wasn’t easy to live with. She was demanding and difficult, not to mention ungrateful. A bit more humility would have made it much easier to help her.

Isabella was astonished that Remy was so patient with Dinah when he’d been the one to take the drastic step and leave. They were separated but acted as if they were still married. How was that possible? Had she misunderstood? What if he’d moved out only because of his new job in Solvik? Maybe Dinah was moving here later, and they would move into a bigger apartment together. She was confused but came to think of the intimate moment they’d shared in the water. What was his intention? And what was she feeling herself?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Remy appeared with dessert, consisting of strawberries and homemade vanilla ice cream. He placed chocolate-filled bananas with chopped almonds on the grill.

“This is so good. You’re lucky to have a father who can cook like this, Fiona. You also like to cook, don’t you?”

“I do, he’s taught me.”

“Does a culinary profession appeal to you?” Isabella asked.

Fiona licked the corners of her mouth. “No, it’s a tough job, and an awful lot of work on weekends.”

“And long nights,” Remy added.

“That, too. Dad was about to kick the bucket from working so much.”

“That’s an exaggeration.” He looked at his daughter, slightly resigned.

“Possibly. But your high blood pressure forced you to find a quieter job.”

Isabella watched them. She was surprised that Fiona was so open and direct. She said what was on her mind, but perhaps teens did. So, that was the reason Remy had left his top job in the capital. He had to watch his health and take it easy. And now she’d suggested he held a class for the locals. How smart was that? If his health got worse, it would be her fault.

“I didn’t know that. In that case, it might not be such a good idea to start a cooking class.” Isabella looked at him gravely.

Remy waved it off like something unimportant that wasn’t even worth mentioning. “No worries. I don’t work much now, compared to what I used to do. And I take a prescription for my high blood pressure. Most likely, I don’t even need it anymore.”

Isabella wasn’t so sure. He had to take his health seriously. Nothing was more important than that. She realized there was a lot she didn’t know about Remy. She’d try to help as much as she could. She’d make the invitation, make certain it was distributed, and would handle all the practical stuff. The next few days would be crazy busy, but she had Fiona to help out at the shop. She was expecting her advertising, which also had to be distributed. They would have more than enough to do next week.

“I’ll take care of most things relating to the class,” she said, “besides the cooking. I’m not able to help there.”

“And I can help you,” Fiona said to Isabella.

She smiled. “I didn’t know you’d be such a help when I hired you. Perhaps you should become a florist.”

Fiona had a rippling, carefree laugh. “I like working with flowers. And you sell lovely gifts.”

“Are we leaving soon?” a complaining voice came from the boat. “This has been such a boring day for me.” Dinah had brought neither a book nor magazines to read. She’d been sitting on the sofa all day, sunbathing and keeping an eye on them. No wonder it was tedious.

Isabella would have liked to take a walk around the uninhabited island, but knew it would be impossible. She couldn’t just run off with Dinah’s husband. The chance of Fiona joining them was close to zero. The girl had been smart enough to bring a book and earplugs to listen to music on her phone.

“I guess we don’t have much choice,” Remy muttered.

“Mom always ruins it,” Fiona whined. “I could easily have spent several more hours here.”

“Same here,” he said and winked at Isabella.

“The summer is long,” she said to cheer them up. “It has barely started.”

“Yes, but we’re at work all day. It’s a whole week until the next time we can go boating. And I was planning on swimming some more.” Fiona started packing her things but was disappointed.

“Sometimes we need to consider the needs of other people,” Remy said in a diplomatic voice.

“Have you been swimming in Solvik?” Isabella asked. “At the beach in town? Or the beach at the hotel? It’s gorgeous.”

“No, I haven’t. I’ve just been swimming in the spa and the outdoor pool. I may have to try it.” Fiona looked happier already.

Isabella had to smile. The girl was easy to please.

“Finally, there you are.” Dinah eyed them fiercely. “To think you left me alone all day. Who does that?”

“There, there. I offered to carry you off the boat, but you thought it would be more comfortable on board.” Remy was not up to taking the blame for his wife’s poor choice.

Dinah pursed her lips. “You could’ve asked me again,” she said huffed. “Then you would’ve known that I’d changed my mind.”

“You don’t usually have difficulty expressing yourself,” said Remy.

Isabella quietly made her way below deck but could still hear them. It felt like she’d landed in the middle of another family fight. She was really out of place here. The whole trip had been a strange mix of joy, excitement, and unpleasantness. She didn’t know what to think of this family. Both Remy and Dinah were weird, each in their own way. Only Fiona seemed normal, which was a wonder, considering her parents.

It was clear that Dinah didn’t agree with the separation. She wanted her husband back. And she was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. That must have been her reason for arranging the summer job for her daughter, to be close to her husband. She was counting on two months being long enough to reunite them.

Isabella sighed. How had she managed to get involved in this family drama? Sure, she hadn’t done much, but the innocent kisses and the chemistry between her and Remy were proof that something was going on. Not much, but something. A little more than something. She allowed herself to acknowledge her feelings for Remy. His charisma and allure were not common around here. He was more like men she’d met on vacation in Southern Europe.

She heard a thump behind her and saw Fiona coming down the stairs. She was barefoot, with pink toenails. She looked her age in a bikini top and shorts.

“Honestly, I wish they’d stop arguing.” Fiona rolled her eyes. “I never should’ve mentioned to Mom that we were going on a boat trip. But she saw me packing.”

“She wanted to spend time with you,” Isabella said in Dinah’s defense.

“No, she doesn’t like boating. She came because you were coming.”

“Oh.” Isabella didn’t know how to answer that but felt a certain sense of joy. And that she’d been pulled even more into the drama between the spouses. As if she didn’t have enough problems as it was. The envelopes that had appeared out of nowhere made her more worried than she wanted to admit. Could there be a connection to Dinah?

“Don’t worry about it,” Fiona continued. “Mom is just jealous. I love them both, but they’re not a good match. Never have been.”

Isabella had no trouble seeing that they were indeed unlike but was amazed that their daughter had seen it so clearly. She was only sixteen years old. Girls that age were mature, it seemed. It must be hard for her to see her parents split up.

“Isn’t it sad? It’s all so new. Your father moved here a short while ago.” Isabella touched her hair, which was stiff from the salty water, so she let it be. She would shower when she got home.

“I was very sad in the beginning. I’m doing better now. Solvik isn’t far away, so I can visit Dad on weekends. Good thing he’s got more spare time now. All in all, this might be for the best for everyone.”

Fiona had tears in her eyes, and Isabella wrapped her arms around her, holding her tight. She could tell how vulnerable the girl was, but also how strong she was. And that she was handling things in an intelligent way. She admired her for it. It had to be heartbreaking to know her parents would no longer live together or do things together like they always had. Their decision caused enormous consequences on their daughter’s life too.

“Everything all right?” Remy looked at them, puzzled.

Isabella let go of Fiona and smiled. “Sure.”

“I’m so sick of the two of you,” his daughter said and nodded at the deck where her mother was sitting like a queen, ruling over everyone.

Remy patted her hair. “I know. And I’m sorry. I had no idea she was coming today.”

“It dampens the mood, to put it mildly.” Fiona pouted.

“How about a boat trip next weekend? Just the two of us.” Remy tried to reconcile matters.

“And Isabella,” Fiona added.

“If she isn’t fed up with both us and the boat.” He eyed her questioningly.

Isabella didn’t know what to answer. Wouldn’t it be better for them to go alone? Father and daughter on a relaxing boat trip, where they didn’t have to consider others?

“Remy! Hurry up.” Dinah’s yelling brought them all back to reality.

“Apparently, we’re on our way home.” Remy seemed tired of everything.

“I’ll help you,” Fiona said and followed her father.

Isabella couldn’t decide whether to follow them or stay behind. Was Dinah planning on staying on deck? If so, she’d better stay here. She’d caused enough friction between them already, without having been aware of it. Or without having understood the reason for it.

Shortly after, Remy came down, carrying his wife. Isabella changed her mind and decided to seek refuge on deck. Just the thought of keeping Dinah company was enough for her to want to leave. She was happy to sit on the deck on the way home. It was the best place to be. She wanted to feel the salty water in her face when Remy went full speed. To feel the wind in her hair and enjoy the warm sun on her bare arms.

“Anything I can do to help?” She watched Remy putting Dinah carefully down on the sofa. Then he poured a glass of red wine and placed it on the table in front of her.

“No.” Dinah avoided her eyes but took a sip of the wine.

“Did you try standing on your foot?” Isabella thought she could at least make a small effort at making it on her own. She suspected Dinah for using her ankle for all it was worth.

“Don’t interfere.” Dinah’s voice was far from friendly, so Isabella left them.

“Calm down, Dinah. Be nice.”

“I don’t know what you have against Isabella. You were the one who landed Fiona a job at the florist. I’d never talked to her before you two showed up at the hotel.”

Dinah snorted. “You want me to believe that? I’ve noticed the way you look at her. You can’t fool me.”

Isabella was out of sight, but she could still hear them. She strained to hear his answer, but Remy didn’t reply.

“Are you coming?” Fiona was on the sofa on deck, listening to music. She pulled out her earplugs.

“Yes, your mother is getting comfortable.”

“And being waited on, I suppose.”

“Dad never learns. He’s way too kind.”

Isabella fetched the sunscreen from her bag and applied it to her face. She didn’t know Remy well enough to know that, but his daughter must be right. He pampered his wife a lot.

“We’re ready,” Remy said and set the sunglasses on his nose.

The trip home was undertaken at high speed. The speed tickled her belly when the waves hit the boat. She was enjoying herself and wondered why she’d never tried this before. Perhaps because she had no friends with access to boats. And although both Oslo and Solvik were situated by the sea, it was more natural to own a boat out here. Everyone had a boat; it fit in on the coast. The small town and the marina belonged together.

Isabella got up when they approached land, and Remy slowed down. Solvik appeared with its characteristic white houses, the marina and the beach welcoming them. What a beautiful sight. How lucky she was to live in this idyllic place. She hadn’t lived here long but already felt at home.

Remy maneuvered the boat toward the floating dock, and Fiona jumped ashore and moored the boat.

“How is Dinah getting to the hotel?” Isabella asked.

“I need to move the car closer to the marina. A sprained ankle is not to be taken lightly,” he said jokingly.

She hid a smile. “Anything I can do?”

“No, thanks. Fiona will watch the boat while I get the car.”

“Thanks for the lovely trip.”

“Thanks for coming. I appreciated it.” He gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. She wished for a few minutes alone with him, but it was futile in the marina where people were milling about.

“See you tomorrow.”

Isabella jumped ashore and walked over to Fiona. She hugged her before strolling home. She could feel Remy’s eyes following her, wanting something from her, and it thrilled her.