The Only Way is Up

Part Fifty Five

"...me too. I know I've done that. But I just felt we were in a stalemate back at home. I really hope that a change of scenery, getting away...it will help us talk, deal with things."

Suddenly feeling nervous in his scrutiny, she dropped her gaze, and it was then she noticed the laptop open in front of him.

"You're working?"

Shrugging he closed the lid, "deciphering more and more of the mess Aleksi left behind. It's never ending."

Reaching out she placed a hand over his, "I'm sorry Maxim, for all that has happened."

"It's not your fault, none of it!"

She nodded, "but I can't help but feel terrible for you, the hassle, the pain, the secrets..."

"It could have been worse, he didn't hurt you or the baby...as the days pass I am more and more grateful for that fact."

"Your mother." It wasn't a question it was a statement. "Will you tell me about that, later, soon?"

He ran a hand over his eyes and nodded, "it's driving me insane, I think it'll help to talk...but not now."

She smiled, "We have a week to talk, don't we."

He'd forced this holiday on her, but at some point she'd bought into it, she was looking forward to relaxing, but with that would come some difficult conversations. And she wasn't scared over that anymore.

At that moment the friendly air stewardess came past them, informing them that they were started the descent to the island. Gathering up the plate from her sandwich, she leaned close.

"Do you need anything else?"

When she shook her head and smiled a thank you, they were left alone.

Half an hour later they were disembarked and Maxim had retrieved their luggage, and managing a trolley with one hand, he held her hand with his free one and led her towards a liveried man holding up a sign saying 'Mr Chertov'.

It was less than fifteen minutes when they pulled up to the covered driveway outside the hotel that was to be their home for a week. And it was luxury. The reception was a smooth mass of marble, with palm trees and wicker chairs offering some respite in the cool of the aircon, brass lamps led a route to the bar. Leaving the bags to the bellboy, Maxim led her to the reception desk and checked them in. A golf buggy arrived to take them to their room, and Nicole sat in it with relief, the heat and her large abdomen, plus the length of the day were suddenly taking their toll.

The villa was a single story bungalow overlooking the idyllic white sandy beach and the sea that she knew in the light of the morning would be azure blue. Instead the moon reflected off the water as she walked across the lounge of the building to the patio doors that gave the view. She could hear Maxim talking behind her, but tuned out to the conversation with the bellhop and instead allowed herself the moment of wistful appreciation of her surroundings.

It was a long moment before she sensed the warmth of him behind her. She'd opened the doors and the long light drapes were billowing in the warm breeze.

"You ok?" Despite sensing him approach, she still jumped at his voice.

Nodding she turned to him, "it's beautiful here. Thanks for bringing me."

"This is the only thing I'm taking from my father...this is not enough...I want to make it right, but we needed to get away. I only hope that this different scenery will help us."