We set off, and it feels as if the wind is pushing all my troubles away. For the first time since the accident, I feel as if a heavy cloud has lifted, and I can finally breathe again. Nate handles the boat like an expert, and I enjoy watching him skilfully manoeuvre us out of the dock and skim the waves, leading us out to the open sea.
“Hey, Katrina…” He shouts above the roar of the waves, “Settle back and relax. I’m guessing you’ve had a long journey and could use some rest.”
“Is it far?”
I’m curious about our destination, and he grins. “Not too far, about twenty minutes, but worth every wave we ride because I’m betting you’ll fall in love with our little piece of paradise.”
“I didn’t catch its name.” I shout to get my voice heard above the roar of the engines and the slapping of the waves against the bow.
Nate laughs. “We just call it home and I’m hoping you will too.”
He looks so open, friendly and seriously bad for my heart and I’m thinking that a home with him in it can’t be bad at all, so I smile slightly flirtatiously and nod. “It sounds good, especially to someone without a home right now.”
He says with concern, “I heard. It must have been tough.”
“What have you heard?” I’m curious, and he shrugs, shouting against the noise from the engine. “That you’ve suffered a terrible loss and have no place else to go. Madelaine told us to help you out and give you some thinking time.”
I’m keen to hear what he knows about Madelaine and shout, “Does Madelaine live here?”
“She visits.”
He smiles, and it feels as if the sun shines a little brighter because Nate’s smile could melt an iceberg. “We’ll talk later. It’s difficult right now. Just enjoy the ride; we’ll soon be there.”
He increases the speed, and it takes all my strength just to hold on and as I look out to sea, I try to catch a glimpse of my new summer home.
I wonder if I’ll be working with Nate. I certainly hope so, and as I feel the spray cooling my heated skin, I have a very good feeling about this place they call home.
As he said, it’s about fifteen minutes later when I see land and peer a little closer.
“Is that it?” I shout above the engine, and he nods. “It sure is. Soon be there.”
The excitement builds as I contemplate my new destination and I look with interest as the small speck of land on the horizon gets a lot bigger the closer we get.
In fact, the more I stare, the more I fall in love with a place that appears to be fresh out of a storybook. Crystal blue waters and bright blue skies frame a jewel in the ocean. White sandy beaches outline the land, and I see gentle undulating hills that reach to the heavens. A headland juts out into the ocean and Nate points and says loudly, “That’s the way in. The cove provides shelter from the elements and protects the boat. It’s the only place to land on the island.”
I’m not sure how big this place is, but it looks absolutely huge to me and as we draw closer, I look with interest as the sea gives way to what appears to be the most amazing resort. White buildings shine like beacons in the middle of the ocean, and lush greenery almost hides them from view. A wooden jetty stretches out and as Nate slows his speed, I look with interest at the place we’re heading.
“It looks amazing.”
He nods with a proud smile on his face. “I love it here. To be honest, you would struggle to find a more perfect place in the world. I really hope you decide to stay.”
“Well, I’m here for the summer, although I don’t know what I’m expected to do in return for my bed and board.”
He smiles. “Settle in and become one of the family like the rest of us, I guess. Look after our guests and make them feel welcome.”
“So, it’s a hotel then?”
I’m still confused, and he laughs out loud. “Man, you don’t even know where you’re going, do you? I must say, Katrina, I’m impressed.”
“With what?”
“Your bravery. I’ve got to hand it to you, I don’t think I’d be as brave.”
“I didn’t have much choice.”
I feel a little of the bitterness return because how is this even happening in the first place and Nate obviously sees my expression change because he smiles with a look of concern. “Hey, baby, chase away those demons and open your mind. Catalina Island is the only thing you need to think of right now and how amazing this summer is going to be.”
“Catalina Island. It does have a name then.”
“Sure, we just don’t advertise the fact.”
“Then how do people know to come here?”
“It’s by private invite only.”
“How does that work?”
Nate laughs. “I don’t know if I’m honest. Madelaine runs that side of things. She sells our package and the guests come calling. Most of the time, they stay for a couple of weeks and leave refreshed and happy and that’s all that concerns us. How they find us is not important, just that their visit is the best experience of their lives.”
“So, what’s your job on the island?” I’m keen to know more, and Nate smiles. “General dogsbody, I think it’s called. I man the boat, help out with the water sports and occasionally serve in the bar. I organise activities and carry the suitcases.”
“How long have you been here?”
He just laughs out loud as he expertly manoeuvres the boat alongside the jetty. “So many questions, Kat. Maybe we can discuss them over a drink later. I’m keen to get to know you.”
Wow, I’m a little taken aback at the apparent interest in his eyes and can’t believe my luck. A tropical paradise and a man who is looking at me as if I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Madelaine must have been sent from God because I couldn’t have imagined this amazing outcome to a very serious problem, and I am so happy I called and asked her for help.
Nate jumps from the boat with the line in his hand and winks as he tethers us to a ring on the side and then leans in and grabs my hand. I’m a little in shock as it closes around mine and he says, “Allow me to help you from the boat. It can be a little choppy.”
He nods towards my case. “I’ll fetch that later. My first priority is to settle you in.”
It feels strange taking his hand and as I step onto the wooden jetty, I feel the sun beating down on my head and sigh with pleasure. I feel so good about things when I should be feeling decidedly worried. It’s as if the air here soothes all your troubles away and stows them away for you to pick up when you leave.
As we walk along the jetty towards a white sandy beach, I feel the excitement building. It’s like living in a fantastic dream that I don’t want to wake up from, and I look around with interest at the place I’ll call home for the next six weeks.
“Who do I need to see?” I’m now thinking more practically, and Nate smiles. “Chester Monroe. He’s the island manager and assigns the roles. I’ll take you to reception and they’ll let him know you’ve arrived.”
“Is he nice?”
I feel a little worried now I’m here, and Nate rolls his eyes. “Sometimes.”
He laughs, and it strikes me how open he is. It’s as if he doesn’t have a worry in the world and I’m interested in learning more about him. “Where are you from?”
“North Carolina.” He sighs. “Like you, I suddenly found myself alone and on a difficult journey, so if you need someone to listen, I’m your man.”
His words remind me why I’m here in the first place and the sudden pain that brings is difficult to deal with.
Pushing it away for another time, I focus on where I’m going instead.
Catalina Island looks like a picture postcard, and I am keen to explore. The beach looks as if we are the first people to tread on it and I have never seen one looking so perfect, almost as if it’s as if it’s never been walked on.
We reach a path that appears freshly laid and I smile with delight at the beautiful bushes, blooming with tropical flowers that scent the air with their sweet perfume. The only sound is the call of a solitary bird overhead, and I sigh with delight. I can’t believe I’m here at all and with such good company, and I really hope I’ll see a lot more of Nate during my time here.
We head towards the white building and as it gets closer, I appreciate the interior. The sides are open to the elements and the white marble floor shines as if newly polished. Huge urns contain more flowering plants, and the gentle trickle of water can be heard from a large fountain in the lobby area.
Comfortable seating invites the weary traveller to rest awhile and the coolness of the interior is a welcome relief from the intensity of the sun outside.
Nate directs me to one of the comfy seats and as I sink wearily into it, a woman appears holding a tray.
“Welcome, Katrina. We are so happy you made it.”
“Um, thanks.” I look at the beaming girl with interest, noting she doesn’t look much older than me and she offers me a small towel from her tray. “Here, take a cool cloth to wipe away the heat of the day and sip a deliciously refreshing cocktail to revive you.”
She hands me a brightly coloured drink and I eagerly accept it because I am suddenly extremely thirsty.
Nate says, “I’ll let them know you’re here. Then I’ll fetch your bag and take it to your room. Remember, any questions I’m always here for you, just ask someone and they’ll come and find me.”
He winks and heads off and I feel the loss of his company already and I note the girl’s eyes follow him with a slight smile on her face. “Is he your boyfriend?” I’m not sure why I even say that and feel my face burn with embarrassment as she laughs softly. “Goodness, no. Nate is just a good friend.”
I look at her keenly because I hope to God he’s single, at least for the next six weeks, because I have enjoyed his company and am keen to spend more time with him.
She sighs and steps back. “Duty calls.” She smiles. “If you wait here, Mr Monroe will come and welcome you personally.”
I watch her walk away and feel a little on edge. I wonder if I’ll be interviewed for whatever this position is and I’m not sure how I feel about that. I mean, I’ve had interviews before, for my job in the coffee shop in town and college, but this feels important somehow and I hope I measure up because if I’m not considered suitable, I don’t know what I’ll do.
Trying to distract my attention, I reach for my phone and decide to text Betty and let her know I’ve arrived safely.
However, there doesn’t appear to be a signal and with a sigh of exasperation, I switch to Wi-Fi and look for the available ones and am surprised to find nothing at all. Not even a suggestion, which surprises me. Surely they have internet on Catalina Island. What sort of resort is this?
I must look confused because the next thing I hear is a deep voice saying with amusement, “You’ll get used to it.”
Looking up, I see an extremely smart man watching me with a slight smile on his face and a spark in his eyes. He looks to be in his forties and is wearing smart white chinos and a navy polo shirt. He has deck shoes on his feet and mirrored shades perched on his head and his eyes twinkle as he looks at me, a welcoming smile on his sun kissed face.
“You must be Katrina. We’ve been expecting you.”
He offers me his hand as I jump up and say quickly, “Yes, I’m pleased to meet you…”
“Chester.” His hand closes around mine in a firm grip and shakes it hard, and then he pulls back and looks at me with interest.
“So, I understand you need a job, well you’ve come to the right place.”
“I have?”
It certainly feels that way and he cocks his head to the side, almost as if he’s judging every part of me. I’m not sure how I feel about that and am glad when he says, “Follow me. I’ll show you around and we can discuss your position here.”
To be honest, I’m dying to explore this place a lot more, so I nod enthusiastically. “I would like that. Thank you.”
As I follow him, it all looks perfectly normal, and I feel happy to be here.
Maybe my luck is about to change. I hope so because I could certainly use some good luck and maybe Catalina Island is just the place to find it.