Passport to Happiness. Carrie Stone

don’t know, I just thought he looked British.’

      ‘Well, funnily enough, he said the same about you – that you weren’t what he expected.’

      She saunters back into the room as I feel my pulse quicken in unexpected excitement. Spencer spoke about me after I left?

      ‘God, Cullen is such a hottie. I wonder if he’s going to be yet another asshole?’ Tilly looks pensive as she considers it. ‘He came across so down to earth, he was even wearing surf stuff.’

      My thoughts still on Spencer, I fail to register her comment until a few seconds later. ‘Hang on, is Cullen the Aussie guy? And surf stuff? What job does he do?’

      ‘Yes, and yes. He’s a kitchen porter. Passing through on a cruise ship headed for the Caribbean.’

      I try not to let my face betray me as I simply say, ‘Oh OK.’ I do wonder about Tilly, she always seems to go for the men that aren’t materially on her level and usually not an intellectual match either. Not that it’s a bad thing but knowing that she’s fiercely ambitious, expects the finer things in life and stimulating conversation, I somehow can’t see a kitchen porter living up to those expectations long-term. But maybe I’m being harsh, he might be all of those things and more. If not, I hope she decides to one day date an equally ambitious man and see how it works out…

      I change the subject, thinking of Spencer again. ‘So how long have you known Spencer and Jools?’

      She sits down sideways on the chair adjacent to me, crossing her long, tanned legs over the edge. ‘Years, since I got here. Jools and I used to work together before he moved across to Anderson Granger. He introduced me to Spence and well, it’s so small here, I guess we just ended up always hanging out at the same places. He’s a sweetheart.’

      Intrigue suddenly gets the better of me. ‘Have you ever had a thing with him?’

      Tilly looks at me in shock. ‘With Jools? Gosh, no way. He’d do my absolute head—’

      I cut her off, slightly irritated. ‘Obviously I didn’t mean Jools, I know he’s definitely not your type. Spencer, I mean.’

      ‘Oh Spence.’ She suddenly looks at me curiously. ‘Why? Are you interested in him?’

      I feel heat creep into my face. For some reason I’m suddenly embarrassed, as if I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t.

      ‘Oh my gosh, you like him, don’t you!’ She’s smiling broadly at me and shaking her head in disbelief. ‘I just can’t believe that of all the people I’ve introduced you to, he’s the one you’re interested in. Mr cauliflower ear.’ She laughs and throws her head back. ‘How funny.’

      Crossing my arms across my chest, I smile at her jest. ‘Well, I’m pleased you think it’s funny. So, have you or not?’

      She splutters dramatically. ‘Bleurgh, Spence? Of course not! He’s like a baby brother. He’s also a bit pathetic. You might as well date a wet sponge.’

      ‘Don’t be so mean. He came across as really manly to me. And I assume he plays rugby so surely that means he’s a bit rough and ready.’

      ‘Yeah rough and ready for a soft play centre.’ She finds herself hilarious and I have to wait until she finishes laughing to continue. ‘In seriousness, he’s a good guy. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. Just may be a bit too dull for you, in my opinion. But feel free to go ahead. I got the impression he liked you, so I doubt you’ll have to wait long for him to seek you out. You are fresh meat on this island.’

      ‘OK, that’s good to know.’ Unable to hide my delight, I feel the beginnings of a smile playing on my lips. I may have made a vow to concentrate on myself but there’s no harm in having a crush, especially on someone that Tilly says is a good guy. I’m perfectly aware that love isn’t the answer to my ultimate happiness right now, it’s more about personal fulfilment. Even if someone does happen to appear, I’m no longer foolish enough to let it distract me from the main thing I came here for; creating a new life and finding that passion I’ve been missing.