Original Sin

‘I’m not being a bitch,’ she said as coolly as she could. ‘I’m doing what you pay me for.’

‘You really are a piece of work,’ he said under his breath, and stalked back towards the hotel. This time, Tess let him go. She took off her shoes and wandered along the beach, feeling the still–warm sand between her toes. It was so tranquil, so relaxing; she felt a wave of tiredness consuming her. I need a shower and a sleep, she thought wearily. Glancing at her watch, Tess realized it was getting late.

‘Ah bugger, the volcano!’ she said suddenly, pulling up the hem of her dress and running towards the hotel lobby.

‘Can I help you, madam?’ asked the girl behind the ‘Guest Relations’ desk.

‘Can you book me onto the volcano flight on Sunday?’ panted Tess. ‘And what about this swimming with dolphins package? Is that any good?’

The girl was nodding. ‘It’s a once–in–a–lifetime experience. Three hundred dollars, but the best stress reliever you’ll find anywhere.’

‘Stress reliever sounds perfect,’ replied Tess gratefully.

Just then she heard laughing behind her.

‘I hope the dolphins know what they’re getting into. I should think they’ll come out needing a holiday.’ Sean Asgill was standing six feet away, leaning against a pillar with a cynical smile.

‘What do you want?’ Tess scowled at him, but Sean held up his hands.

‘I came to say sorry for shouting at you,’ he said. ‘I just felt a little frustrated to be denied female company. You were probably right.’

Tess nodded graciously.

‘Apology accepted, now if you’ll excuse me … ’

‘Hey, I thought I wasn’t to be left alone,’ said Sean. ‘I thought that’s what Mommy wanted.’

‘Just during the pageant,’ said Tess. ‘Tomorrow I am officially on holiday and, as I haven’t had a day’s break in six months, I’d like to plan my day without you scoffing in the background.’

Sean winked at the girl behind the desk.

‘Charge all that to my room. And can you confirm my taxi for seven a.m.?’

‘Certainly, Mr Asgill.’

‘Come on,’ he said, taking Tess by the arm and leading her towards the bar. ‘If you’re really that stressed, then I have the perfect solution. The Asgill Zombie, it’s a cocktail I invented back in my darker days.’

Tess flashed a look at him.

‘Don’t worry, not me … I think you could do with a couple. Think of it as a peace offering.’

‘Sean, we’re not at war … ’ began Tess, looking up towards the bar.

And it was then that she saw him, walking out of the bar. He was older, more tanned, but it was definitely him. Her heart leapt into her mouth. She couldn’t believe she had come halfway across the world only to bump into the one person she never wanted to see again. Grabbing Sean, she swung him around in front of her.

‘Please,’ she hissed, ‘Just stay there.’

She felt Sean’s grip tighten protectively around her.

‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, looking around.

‘Shhh … ’ whispered Tess, ‘he’ll hear. He’s walking over to the lobby.’

Tess peeked around Sean’s shoulder, watching the man enter the lift. Her shoulders sagged with relief as she saw the doors close.

‘What was all that about?’ asked Sean with concern.

‘Can we go back outside?’ said Tess. ‘He might come back to the bar.’