17

I wasn’t expecting to meet the man of my dreams on Seagrass Island.

But now I realised it was true.

I absolutely had.

He wasn’t my usual type. A bit hairier. Very talkative. I didn’t understand what he said half the time – well, all the time, in fact – but actions spoke louder than words and he really was the cheekiest…

… monkey.

I smiled at Chatty, even though he couldn’t see. He was next to me, in the Games Room, on Rick’s shoulder, tickling his ear. Every time Rick groaned and pulled his paw away, it shot right back, as if Chatty knew that if he did it often enough, Rick would lift him onto his lap for a cuddle.

‘I wish I had your energy,’ I said to Chatty and stroked his head. His paws both clutched my hand and affectionately bared his teeth on my skin, not leaving marks, nor hurting me. I whistled his favourite tune. He froze and cocked his head, body swaying slightly. Everyone chuckled. It had become our thing.

‘It’s great, at last, to have someone appreciate my unmelodic whistles.’

‘You are definitely two of a kind, on that score,’ said Rick.

‘It’s a good thing Chatty can’t understand you!’

The Games Room was busy. Amy and Benedikt sat in front of a chess board – Jonas watched them, playing a pensive tune on his harmonica. I was glad he’d managed to at least pack one instrument. Helga chatted to Jackie and the permanent staff. A couple of Italian volunteers played snooker. There was a queue for the darts board. Calypso music tinkled in the background, from a radio. It was already dark outside. A couple of moths had snuck in. One was as big as Chatty’s head and pale purple with black patterns. I’d almost knocked my glass of water over when it flew near my face. Malik called it the black witch moth.

Chatty climbed back up onto Rick’s shoulder and wrapped his tail and arms around his head. My hand followed him and he nestled his cheek in my palm.

‘Thanks again for today,’ Rick said. ‘Your comments about the website were really useful. I’ve discussed them with Jackie and she agrees. I don’t know why we’ve never had a page for volunteer stories.’

I’d decided to help him, thanks to the bereavement counselling I’d once had. Anabelle might not have been a great stepmother but I’d always be grateful to her for visiting me, those first years when I moved out, even though it was only a couple of times a year. She’d arrive with a food hamper. It was unsaid between us that Dad didn’t know she was there. She’d suggested I get counselling, and told me that losing my mum at an early age was a traumatic thing.

I didn’t consider it until my first Christmas on my own, alone in the bed and breakfast. Dad hadn’t invited me to the celebration at his house. Loss, at many levels, hit me hard. I went to bed for two days and saw my doctor the following week. A month later I had my first session with Elaine.

The thing she taught me that resonated most was not to hold onto resentments. I hadn’t realised how angry I was, deep down, that Mum had left me and Amy. And I was angry at Anabelle for not standing up more to Dad. Elaine helped me let go of that.

Over the years that perspective helped me cope with Prue. And in this instance, it helped me give assistance to Rick. Elaine taught me how holding onto grudges would harm me the most, in the end.

However, her advice would never change my view of Dad. He’d hurt Amy as well as me. I could never forgive him for that.

‘It could also be useful for you, getting everyone to fill in a questionnaire before they leave, with honest opinions. Feedback is everything – in my opinion anyway.’

Rick raised an eyebrow.

‘Prue. My boss. I suggested a feedback box at reception, for customers to write down their comments and submit anonymously. She dismissed the idea outright – said the only thing that mattered was the hotel meeting her exacting standards.’

‘Well, I certainly appreciate your input. Jackie and I also both agree it is a good idea to extend the gallery of online photos.’

‘Yes. To some crazy people, the outside of the shacks, on stilts, could look kind of cute…’

He smiled.

‘For the browser to get a real feel for the accommodation you’ll need a shot of the inside as well. And there are no photos of the compost toilets. They would impress real environmentalists but at the same time weed out potential volunteers who think this place is going to be more comfortable.’

‘Same with the kit list,’ he said. ‘I think you’re right. We need to explain why the items are important instead of just listing them. Like the long-sleeve shirts. One volunteer thought we just put that to keep off the sun so she ignored it because she was keen to get a tan. She hadn’t realised those sleeves are actually to protect people from bites as well.’

I waved across the room to Amy. Her forehead looked burnt. I’d have to remind her, tomorrow, to make sure she wore her cap at all times. She placed her hands over her face, pretending to sob as she lost the game of chess. Benedikt laughed and pulled her fingers away, challenging her to another match. A humorous, sulky expression crossed her face, so he started singing ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen. For some reason it was Jonas who looked as if he’d been beaten.

‘There is something else,’ I said.

‘You’re not going to start charging me, are you?’ said Rick and consulted his watch, ‘because I’m timing you in case you do so by the minute.’

‘Don’t give me ideas – although I am something of an expert, having done a basic course in website design once.’ I smiled. It was when I first lived on my own. I wasn’t near my old neighbourhood or old friends. The evenings were lonely so, with the help of my counselling, I forced myself to be proactive and found a reasonably priced evening course that would add to my skillset. Recently I’d helped the vet’s where Amy works set up a blog. ‘First off, I’d say your website looks… complicated. You could do with simplifying the pages. Making them cleaner and more user-friendly. I’m happy to help.’

‘That’s really decent of you.’

I shrugged, wondering if he meant it or if he was only being nice because he needed my assistance. I wasn’t going to hold a grudge, but that didn’t mean I was going to jump straight into thinking we could suddenly be good friends.

Although I had to admit, his sincerity about conservation was kind of appealing. Of course his looks were striking – nothing like the men from my past. Take Callum – he had the neatest hair. A sedate demeanour. Was attractive in a wholesome way. I’d always considered myself lucky to be going out with him. He had the loveliest smile and treated me well but our kisses never set me alight. I liked that because he felt safe. However, in the end patient Callum accused me of making do with him.

It was a horrible accusation. I’d vehemently denied it, upset at the thought that I’d upset him. He’d be the perfect catch for someone. Just not me.

I wasn’t interested in finding a seductive, six-pack, mesmerising Mr Perfect. On purpose I’d looked for a Mr Won’t Sweep You Off Your Feet – but Callum proved that came with its own challenges.

However, Rick… Perhaps it was the carefree island vibe that weakened my guard. We were only a couple of days in but already the basic nature of the site made me feel that civilisation, the normal rules I lived by, were part of some other life.

‘Your brand… it doesn’t come across really strongly on the website,’ I continued. ‘You call this venture Seagrass Conservation and that title is all well and good – it’s solid and serious and this is a trip for people determined to do their bit for the environment. But the website is missing something brighter and lighter to pull people in – and I might have the solution…’

‘I’m all ears,’ he said as Chatty had started tickling his ear again.

I jerked my head at the monkey. ‘That little man there. Make him the face of your brand. Create a cartoon image and have him on the website with speech bubbles containing sound bites relevant to each page. Plus an actual video of the real him – perhaps with one of you showing the viewer the animal enclosures, with Chatty on your shoulder…’

Rick didn’t respond but at least he didn’t suck in his breath and frown like Prue used to.

‘Sell simple merchandise. Key rings. Fridge magnets – maybe small plush monkeys wearing T-shirts saying Chatty. You could easily find a manufacturer of personalised toys on the internet. People go mad for buying mementos and gifts.’

He stared.

My mouth felt dry. ‘You think it’s a rubbish idea?’

He leant forward and gave me a tight hug, Chatty clinging on for dear life and squeaking his huffiness. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. Warmth radiated down my body. I glanced at Amy who watched with the biggest grin on her face.

‘I… I take it you approve then,’ I stuttered.

‘Sorry, yes…’ His eyes crinkled. ‘I’ve never even thought about doing something like that. Maybe this is what’s been missing. The success of this venture is so important, I think I’ve lost my sense of humour.’

‘I’m not sure about that,’ I said. ‘In the tent last night you wore orange socks covered in bananas.’

‘Thanks, Sarah. Thanks so much for this.’ His voice wavered. ‘The last couple of months I’ve felt as if I’ve been wading through marshland, trying to think of ways to boost Seagrass Conservation. Jackie’s been great but it’s a relief to have someone on board with a fresh pair of eyes. It could be just what’s needed.’

His appreciation felt warmer than sunshine and that was saying something, in the Virgin Islands.

It was soon nine o’clock and even though it was Saturday tomorrow, and we could lie in, everyone was shattered. I kissed Chatty on the head and Rick and Jackie headed off to take him back to his enclosure and to check on Wink the screech owl who had gone off her food. Laughter and singing carried across the night air as we headed towards the shacks, accompanied by harmonica playing. I still couldn’t believe how clear the sky was, away from city lights. The ivory moon, the sprinkling of glitter across the ebony sky… it gave Seagrass Island a touch of the magical. Spending time with Rick today – explaining why I was finding life here so difficult… me helping him out and once again feeling useful… all of that gave everything a shinier dimension.

Amy and Benedikt passed me by, murdering ‘Tonight’ from West Side Story, Helga behind them attempting to join in, pulling a face as they drowned her out. I caught up with Jonas and linked arms. Benedikt shot me a look as he went by and quickly masked it with a smile.

What did he disapprove of?