“Be right there, boss.”
The phone clicked dead and Megan returned to her comfy chair to stare at the view outside the window. Why not escape to parts unknown? Her patients probably needed a break from spouting their heartbreaks to a stranger, and family time would serve a better brand of healing. Megan hadn’t taken any time off for two years now, with Suzanne faithfully manning the reception desk the entire time. And if she needed one final reason, she refused to decorate an apartment that no one would visit. Suzanne hurried in just as her thoughts summed-up.
“When did my life become so dull?” Megan blurted out.
Suzanne parked cups of steaming chocolate with marshmallows covering the top and a plate containing two huge shortbread cookies on the table in front of her.
“After your mother died and your father left the country with baby-face number two.”
Megan chuckled. “You’re right. Judy does have a little-girl face: One more reason to dislike her. I never wanted a sister and I sure don’t need a baby-stepmom.”
Suzanne dropped onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh. “You let work consume your every waking moment: It’s not healthy.” She tapped the seat beside her. “Come sit here so we can both see the magazine.”
Megan complied and eased back into the cushioned seat of the white leather couch. She took a sip from her cup. “I wonder why chocolate tastes so much better around Christmas?”
“You’re just full of questions, aren’t you?” Suzanne pointed to the castle. “They even give tours twice a week. We can don our fancy hats and pretend the Queen invited us to tea.”
“I think you’re confusing Edstrom with the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in England.”
“Whatever – a gal can dream. How else will I meet the hierarchy if I don’t bump into them at the palace?”
“A tour will give you ample opportunity to scout the neighbourhood for loitering monarchy. Slot us in for that outing.” Megan glanced at her friend and laughed. “The way you’re devouring that cookie, perhaps you should forget about spoiled royalty and settle with the Baker.”
“I’m starving. Want to do supper out? I know of a small café with a terrific view of all the dingy city buildings.” Megan screwed up her face but her friend plodded on with the invitation. “But the food is to die for. And I can bring the magazine and my phone so we can book our next great adventure.”
“Our only great adventure in far too long. A vacation was a good idea, Suzanne. Thanks for mentioning it.”
“I’m full of good ideas.” Suzanne squealed again. “Look there’s another carriage photo showing a different man in a jolly red suit standing beside the team of horses. Equally handsome and delicious looking.”
“I’m sure there will be plenty on the landscape for you to pick from,” Megan said wishing she was half as interested in pursuing the opposite sex as Suzanne was. Playing the field had never been her style.’ Megan was more interested in the one who would sweep her off her feet and swear allegiance until death-do-us-part. “How soon can we get away?”.
“I’ll rebook patients starting January 4th next year and hopefully we can be out of here by the fifteenth.”
“That’s only five days from now?” argued Megan.
“Well, I’m trying to make the best of our time away. The island is a twelve-hour plane ride.” She glanced up from the advertisement and frowned at the doubt written all over her friend’s face. And don’t look at me like that – all doctors take vacations, you know?”
“An island is a nice touch,” said Megan.
“And it’s a tropical one. Looks like Edstrom Isle is tucked in a valley with forested hills surrounding it on three sides. Only the shoreline facing the mainland is open.”
Megan bent closer to study the map. “It’s a huge island.”
“It’s a country. Covers over a thousand square miles but the kingdom suburb where we’ll be staying, houses a smaller population and is set up for tourism.”
“You sold me.” Megan stood to her feet. “I’m starving. Let’s go to that café and make the arrangements.”
Tired vacationers exited the airline terminal to hail a taxi. Scores of gentlemen dressed in black and trimmed in red stood with doors swung open ready to receive customers. Megan scanned the group looking for the one from the hotel where they’d booked. Eagerly one stepped forward and handed them a business card.
“Good afternoon, ladies. I’ve been sent from the Belfry Hotel to escort you to your accommodations. May I take your luggage?”
Suzanne nodded to the bags where they’d placed the telltale sticker that separated them from other travellers. “Punctual. I’m sure a strong chap like you can manage four itty-bitty bags.” Her eyes flirted with the stranger and Megan groaned. She was it already.
When he was loading the cases in the trunk, Megan pulled her to the side. “Be careful, Suzanne. Not all handsome fellas are safe choices. You’ve read the news of women being abducted in strange lands, haven’t you?” When Suzanne clicked her tongue showing annoyance, Megan made one last pitch to her common sense. “Just don’t invite trouble to our doorstep, okay?”
“Fine! I was only being polite.”
“Of course, you were,” Megan agreed with a grin on her face that said otherwise.
Their driver cleared his throat to get their attention. “Ladies, jump aboard my island taxi and we’ll be on our way.”
The trip from the airport to the hotel took thirty minutes. The main highway ran along the water with inviting beaches and swarms of vacationers dodging in and out. Strategically planted palm trees lined the roadway and created a wonderful tropical feeling that reached into Megan’s tired body and revived her. She wished
