He groaned, before placing his feet onto the carpeted floor while he became fully conscious. 'Argh...where is the sun when we need it,' he moaned again, realising he needed to find his way out of the medieval maze of Rouen, with its cobbled one way streets - narrow and confusing. He tottered over to the table and office-like chair near the rain-splattered window, picked up the map and began to study it. 'Hmm...' he murmured. 'Perhaps it's not that difficult after all,' although he wasn't that confident in Harry's map reading skills either, a sinking feeling manifesting itself in the pit of his stomach.
He thought this being the last day he would drive Harry's car in France, it was necessary to exit the town without any major mishaps.
In his own room next door, Harry was also having similar thoughts of severe apprehension. 'There's always Miss Madam in dire circumstances,' he wondered out aloud. 'Perhaps this is one of them. I'll program the sat/nav to get us out of here, that's what I'll do.' He smiled to himself, feeling more confident. 'After all, it won't be the end of the world if we make a mistake - will it?' He remonstrated briefly about the wily Miss Madam before admitting aloud again, that they really had no choice in the matter, unless as the only other alternative was to entirely trust his map reading skills. 'Hmm... perhaps not,' he corrected.
Both men discussed the situation at the breakfast table. They would make their way towards Caen, close to where the ferry would return them to England. It was agreed to use Miss Madam in the hope she was trustworthy. She hadn't always been helpful. So thoughts of the night before were momentarily pushed to one side, as other events took precedence for now.
After a leisurely breakfast of cereal, warm croissants and coffee, the black Mercedes emerged cautiously from the underground carpark, easing its way up the narrow ramp to pass through the barrier. With the minimum of fuss it thankfully lifted, so they entered the first narrow street with a certain amount of trepidation.
Tony gripped the steering wheel as the rain eased, eyeing the small screen to his left for directions.
'Follow the highlighted route for 100 yards then turn right,' the voice from the dashboard announced, clearly, concisely.
'Right then! Not a problem. So far, so good,' muttered Tony, keeping to a slow enough speed so as not to make any major mistakes. There was no going back.
Harry felt tense. Until they were safely out of Rouen he could not relax.
'Think you need to swing to the left soon,' he suggested, watching the screen.
'Don't confuse me Harry. We said we'd leave it up to Miss Madam today.'
'Well, if you say so, but...'
Miss Madam continued, 'after 200 yards, turn left.' Soon after she repeated the command, 'turn left at the next intersection.'
Harry waited for the lights to turn green and edged the car slowly around the corner, his hesitancy annoying the French drivers behind him. So much so, one sped past giving him an unpleasant and very worried look.
The road was exceptionally wide and unfortunately Tony hadn't realized it was one way. Suddenly many cars, seemingly spread out across the road, were heading straight for them, advancing at an alarming pace.
He drove about 20 meters until Harry pressed both feet to the floor, shouting, 'Tony! Look out!' his face reflecting impending doom, beginning to sweat with icy fear.
Immediately his friend realized his mistake. There was no choice. He slammed the car into reverse and backed hurriedly from where he had come, a panicked look on his reddening face, beads of sweat breaking out above his top lip and forehead.
'Oh hell...Tony! Be careful entering that lane of traffic for goodness sake,' Harry stressed, eyeing the oncoming traffic in utter disbelief. He was beside himself as he glanced behind them again, his car dangerously close to others around them.
Miss Madam simply uttered in a calm, unhurried voice, 'Recalculating...'
'You can say that again!' cried Tony. 'Phew, that was close!' he heaved, slowing until it was safe to proceed again into the correct lane of traffic, clearly shaken.
By this time Harry reconsidered their situation, deciding to take over the driving from now on, no matter what. He too, was badly shaken. Tony didn't hesitate to agree, having no cause to argue after what they had just experienced.
'We are past the worse of it I think,' Harry suggested a little later, before asking his friend to stop the car at the first opportunity. 'Maybe it was partly my fault that I confused you Tony. We did agree to trust Miss Madam and I think she was right.'
'All is well now, but that predicament sure shook me,' he sighed deeply. 'I never want to go through that again. I guess we were lucky to escape the way we did. Sorry Harry, but I had no choice. It seemed the only thing to do,' he offered, regretting the predicament deeply.
'It's over. We'll have to try and put the matter behind us. I only hope the gearbox is still intact though. Perhaps you can stop where we can grab a serious cup of coffee,' Harry suggested, wiping his sweaty palms on his trousers. 'I'm in need of one - or even something much stronger after that. Phew! That was a nasty moment seeing those oncoming cars. One not to be repeated. Good God, hope the French drivers saw our English plates so we can be forgiven. They didn't even slow down - just kept coming at such a frightening pace...'
Harry climbed into the driver's seat, feeling somewhat relieved he was at last in charge of his own destiny. Whether his heart problems were over with, he didn't care at this moment, but if anything would give him a heart attack, that experience would. Tony's driving, as far as he was concerned, was not up to expectations when it came to staying alive. He heaved a huge sigh of relief to himself, before carefully pulling out onto the busy road towards Caen.
'I wonder where the ladies are now?' Tony asked, gazing out of the window some time later. 'Do you think we'll ever see them again Harry?'
'Hmm... it's difficult to know. Didn't they mention they were returning home soon?'
Tony glanced at the sat/nav before answering. 'She's gone quiet. I get suspicious at these times. Yes, I think you're right. It would be funny if they were on the same boat as us.'
'Unless they were driving on to leave from Cherbourg. Anything said about that?'
'Not that I know of,' replied Tony. 'I think I'm quite fond of Kathleen. She's a classy lady and not like a school teacher at all.'
Harry was momentarily taken aback. 'What are teachers supposed to look like?'
His friend coloured slightly, fidgeting with the map. 'Alright then, perhaps I'm being old-fashioned, but in the past they were sometimes considered as err...'
'Go on...what?'
Tony hesitated again, preferring not to commit himself, changing the subject rapidly.
'I think you have to turn soon,' he suggested.
Harry scowled, knowing Tony had wriggled out this time, but he was determined not to let his friend entirely off the hook. He was determined to tackle him later. 'Not yet,' he said. 'About five more kilometers.'
Miss Madam was in agreement. Soon she gave further orders. 'At the next intersection, take the second exit.'
'That means straight ahead, judging by that indication,' Tony sneered, looking at the sat/nav picture. But Harry wasn't so sure. He drove on and took the first exit, before realizing his mistake.
'Damn and blast! Wrong exit. Now what?'
A voice, far from sounding conciliatory, remarked. 'Recalculating... after 100 yards, turn left.'
'I'll give her recalculating', grumbled Harry, but drove on regardless, his hands gripping the wheel more tightly, his expression meaningful.
Tony sat back in his seat saying nothing, but felt slightly smug.
The day wore on as the weather brightened, autumn leaves littering the road, scattering to and fro, skittish when cars drove over them. Nearby parks were adorned in autumn's mantle. Rooftops were sprinkled with coloured leaves, the gutters full as they entered the outskirts of Caen.
'Now to find our hotel,' Harry said with a sigh. 'It's not in the center it seems, but near the port of Ouistreham. Look Tony? See that stretch of land near the water?' he said, indicating to his left. 'That's where we need to be.' He quickly glanced at the sat/nav from time to time, noting the direction to which he was driving.
Miss Madam suddenly announced. 'In 200 yards, turn right.'
Tony frowned instantly, his head snapping around to check the sat/nav. 'Right? Surely not! That would take us into the sea.' He poured scorn upon the decision, but Harry drove on regardless.
Soon it became obvious Miss Madam had been right all along. A small road took them across a narrow bridge, crossing a wide inlet.
'I told you so!' she mocked.
'Alright, alright,' Harry sneered. 'Right again Miss Fancy Pants! But why didn't we head straight for the hotel? We appear to have gone round in a circle,' he retorted with annoyance.
Silence.
In his own room next door, Harry was also having similar thoughts of severe apprehension. 'There's always Miss Madam in dire circumstances,' he wondered out aloud. 'Perhaps this is one of them. I'll program the sat/nav to get us out of here, that's what I'll do.' He smiled to himself, feeling more confident. 'After all, it won't be the end of the world if we make a mistake - will it?' He remonstrated briefly about the wily Miss Madam before admitting aloud again, that they really had no choice in the matter, unless as the only other alternative was to entirely trust his map reading skills. 'Hmm... perhaps not,' he corrected.
Both men discussed the situation at the breakfast table. They would make their way towards Caen, close to where the ferry would return them to England. It was agreed to use Miss Madam in the hope she was trustworthy. She hadn't always been helpful. So thoughts of the night before were momentarily pushed to one side, as other events took precedence for now.
After a leisurely breakfast of cereal, warm croissants and coffee, the black Mercedes emerged cautiously from the underground carpark, easing its way up the narrow ramp to pass through the barrier. With the minimum of fuss it thankfully lifted, so they entered the first narrow street with a certain amount of trepidation.
Tony gripped the steering wheel as the rain eased, eyeing the small screen to his left for directions.
'Follow the highlighted route for 100 yards then turn right,' the voice from the dashboard announced, clearly, concisely.
'Right then! Not a problem. So far, so good,' muttered Tony, keeping to a slow enough speed so as not to make any major mistakes. There was no going back.
Harry felt tense. Until they were safely out of Rouen he could not relax.
'Think you need to swing to the left soon,' he suggested, watching the screen.
'Don't confuse me Harry. We said we'd leave it up to Miss Madam today.'
'Well, if you say so, but...'
Miss Madam continued, 'after 200 yards, turn left.' Soon after she repeated the command, 'turn left at the next intersection.'
Harry waited for the lights to turn green and edged the car slowly around the corner, his hesitancy annoying the French drivers behind him. So much so, one sped past giving him an unpleasant and very worried look.
The road was exceptionally wide and unfortunately Tony hadn't realized it was one way. Suddenly many cars, seemingly spread out across the road, were heading straight for them, advancing at an alarming pace.
He drove about 20 meters until Harry pressed both feet to the floor, shouting, 'Tony! Look out!' his face reflecting impending doom, beginning to sweat with icy fear.
Immediately his friend realized his mistake. There was no choice. He slammed the car into reverse and backed hurriedly from where he had come, a panicked look on his reddening face, beads of sweat breaking out above his top lip and forehead.
'Oh hell...Tony! Be careful entering that lane of traffic for goodness sake,' Harry stressed, eyeing the oncoming traffic in utter disbelief. He was beside himself as he glanced behind them again, his car dangerously close to others around them.
Miss Madam simply uttered in a calm, unhurried voice, 'Recalculating...'
'You can say that again!' cried Tony. 'Phew, that was close!' he heaved, slowing until it was safe to proceed again into the correct lane of traffic, clearly shaken.
By this time Harry reconsidered their situation, deciding to take over the driving from now on, no matter what. He too, was badly shaken. Tony didn't hesitate to agree, having no cause to argue after what they had just experienced.
'We are past the worse of it I think,' Harry suggested a little later, before asking his friend to stop the car at the first opportunity. 'Maybe it was partly my fault that I confused you Tony. We did agree to trust Miss Madam and I think she was right.'
'All is well now, but that predicament sure shook me,' he sighed deeply. 'I never want to go through that again. I guess we were lucky to escape the way we did. Sorry Harry, but I had no choice. It seemed the only thing to do,' he offered, regretting the predicament deeply.
'It's over. We'll have to try and put the matter behind us. I only hope the gearbox is still intact though. Perhaps you can stop where we can grab a serious cup of coffee,' Harry suggested, wiping his sweaty palms on his trousers. 'I'm in need of one - or even something much stronger after that. Phew! That was a nasty moment seeing those oncoming cars. One not to be repeated. Good God, hope the French drivers saw our English plates so we can be forgiven. They didn't even slow down - just kept coming at such a frightening pace...'
Harry climbed into the driver's seat, feeling somewhat relieved he was at last in charge of his own destiny. Whether his heart problems were over with, he didn't care at this moment, but if anything would give him a heart attack, that experience would. Tony's driving, as far as he was concerned, was not up to expectations when it came to staying alive. He heaved a huge sigh of relief to himself, before carefully pulling out onto the busy road towards Caen.
'I wonder where the ladies are now?' Tony asked, gazing out of the window some time later. 'Do you think we'll ever see them again Harry?'
'Hmm... it's difficult to know. Didn't they mention they were returning home soon?'
Tony glanced at the sat/nav before answering. 'She's gone quiet. I get suspicious at these times. Yes, I think you're right. It would be funny if they were on the same boat as us.'
'Unless they were driving on to leave from Cherbourg. Anything said about that?'
'Not that I know of,' replied Tony. 'I think I'm quite fond of Kathleen. She's a classy lady and not like a school teacher at all.'
Harry was momentarily taken aback. 'What are teachers supposed to look like?'
His friend coloured slightly, fidgeting with the map. 'Alright then, perhaps I'm being old-fashioned, but in the past they were sometimes considered as err...'
'Go on...what?'
Tony hesitated again, preferring not to commit himself, changing the subject rapidly.
'I think you have to turn soon,' he suggested.
Harry scowled, knowing Tony had wriggled out this time, but he was determined not to let his friend entirely off the hook. He was determined to tackle him later. 'Not yet,' he said. 'About five more kilometers.'
Miss Madam was in agreement. Soon she gave further orders. 'At the next intersection, take the second exit.'
'That means straight ahead, judging by that indication,' Tony sneered, looking at the sat/nav picture. But Harry wasn't so sure. He drove on and took the first exit, before realizing his mistake.
'Damn and blast! Wrong exit. Now what?'
A voice, far from sounding conciliatory, remarked. 'Recalculating... after 100 yards, turn left.'
'I'll give her recalculating', grumbled Harry, but drove on regardless, his hands gripping the wheel more tightly, his expression meaningful.
Tony sat back in his seat saying nothing, but felt slightly smug.
The day wore on as the weather brightened, autumn leaves littering the road, scattering to and fro, skittish when cars drove over them. Nearby parks were adorned in autumn's mantle. Rooftops were sprinkled with coloured leaves, the gutters full as they entered the outskirts of Caen.
'Now to find our hotel,' Harry said with a sigh. 'It's not in the center it seems, but near the port of Ouistreham. Look Tony? See that stretch of land near the water?' he said, indicating to his left. 'That's where we need to be.' He quickly glanced at the sat/nav from time to time, noting the direction to which he was driving.
Miss Madam suddenly announced. 'In 200 yards, turn right.'
Tony frowned instantly, his head snapping around to check the sat/nav. 'Right? Surely not! That would take us into the sea.' He poured scorn upon the decision, but Harry drove on regardless.
Soon it became obvious Miss Madam had been right all along. A small road took them across a narrow bridge, crossing a wide inlet.
'I told you so!' she mocked.
'Alright, alright,' Harry sneered. 'Right again Miss Fancy Pants! But why didn't we head straight for the hotel? We appear to have gone round in a circle,' he retorted with annoyance.
Silence.
He could almost hear a sigh of satisfaction coming from the dashboard and shook his head in dismay.
After finding their hotel with considerable ease, they stopped at the entrance to view a noticeboard. It stated there was a restaurant attached to the hotel possessing Michelin stars.
'We could give that a try,' suggested Tony hopefully. 'Looks rather err... refined. What do you think Harry?'
'Absolutely old man, but first I need a rest, followed by a cold beer before supper. A Kilkenny would go down well. It's been a trying day at times.'
When they checked in, it was suggested they book a table for the evening meal, as the restaurant was popular with returning guests, many of the locals also.
They sat drinking large cold beers, in huge white leather chairs near the reception desk, sighing with relief their long journey through France, Italy, Switzerland and back through France was nearly at an end.
'Home tomorrow and dear old England again,' sighed Harry with a grin. 'Driving on the left side of the road, our own beds, old country pubs to visit - kings, castles and cathedrals. England, our England.'
His friend laughed. 'You are beginning to wax lyrical old man. Not kings I feel. Queen maybe.
Harry chuckled. 'She'll do nicely. Lyrical or not, it'll be good to be home again. It's been a fantastic journey - though not always as expected...' He coughed slightly behind a hand, then beamed at the person sitting opposite him.
'We've certainly had our fair share of problems,' Tony suggested, taking a long draught of his beer, watching the condensation run down the glass. 'But we are still alive after all that.'
'Only just...' Harry noted. 'It's a miracle we are here at all to reflect on what we've been through. Yes, not all plain sailing, but...' He became serious for a moment. 'Honestly Tony, we really have been in some tight scrapes. Thank goodness we will return to tell the tales.
'To our golf-playing chums? I doubt they'll be interested in the nitty-gritty - finding dead bodies, falling down cliff tops, saving a child from drowning - that sort of thing. Who'd be interested? If it's our round of drinks...'
Harry reflected for a moment. 'Yeah, I know what you mean old chum.' For a moment he was lost in the depths of his memory. He drained his glass and rose to head for the dining room, Tony not far behind him.
The aptly named La Mare O Poissons restaurant was filling up steadily. The tables looked impressive and well laid out.
'This looks promising,' Tony whispered quietly as they entered. 'For a Michelin star restaurant, I'm expecting great things.' He pulled his chair out and sat down after they were ushered to their table.
The entrees were superb. Harry said he wasn't a big fan of foie gras, but when he tried his Le foie gras de canard - chutney de fruits secs, tuile aux pavots, crouton a l'huile de noisette, he was more than impressed. It was beautifully presented, as was what Tony ordered - Les langoustines, cuite dans sa coquille, gaspacho de tomate au basilic, nems de legumes. Each mouthful was savoured appreciably.
'It's the last proper French meal we'll have this side of the Channel. So why not?' Harry commented, trying to justify indulging in another top class meal. 'Besides, I might die tomorrow and then I'd be annoyed I hadn't eaten here.' He chuckled again at what he'd said, with a slight cynicism in his tone Tony neglected to notice.
'At least wait until we cross the Channel old boy. It would be most inconvenient for you to croak it now.'
Harry couldn't help but laugh, although his brows knitted together as he thought about it. 'Alright. If you say so.'
'I do and you must. Is that clear?' Tony had a wicked gleam in his eye.
Harry shook his head slowly and grinned. 'You can be an old bugger at times, if you'll excuse the term, but it's been a marvelous trip. Honest it has.'
'Yes, I agree. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.'
The waiter cleared their dishes before Tony began requesting how he wanted his steak cooked. The waiter stood tall and serious, straightening his back, then simply waggled a finger at Tony, shaking his head slowly, informing him that the chef does it his way.
Tony looked a little sheepish after the young man had disappeared into the kitchen. 'I guess if you are that good a chef, you prefer not to be told. Ah well... for once I stand corrected. Should have known better I guess.'
Harry pulled one of his faces, shrugging. 'It seems we are never too old to learn new lessons.'
There was a low mutter opposite.
The remainder of their meal was beautifully presented, every delicious morsel on their plates enjoyed.
They had chosen excellent wines, both agreeing it was one of the best meals they'd ever eaten, still savouring the moment.
'Oh my goodness that was spectacular!' Tony sighed, sitting back in his chair, dabbing his mouth with the crisp white napkin. 'The waiter was quite correct, the steak was cooked to perfection.' Then he grimaced. 'Wonder what tomorrow night's supper will be? At this moment I don't really care - after that.'
'You are always thinking about the next meal, but me neither. We'll be back in England by then.'
They discussed the intricacies of fine dining, then began reminiscing about the last few weeks, particularly about the two ladies they'd fortunately met.
Harry looked across at the other tables, then at the ceiling. 'I wonder where they are now?'
'They never did commit themselves in any way...' Tony was thoughtful, almost morose. 'But I'd sure like to see Kathleen again.'
'We didn't either, for that matter,' Harry replied. 'We all got on so well too.'
'Didn't what?' Tony's mind was elsewhere.
Harry frowned while finishing the last of his wine, replacing the glass firmly on the table. 'Are you in love or something?' he enquired, looking serious. 'You haven't been listening to me again, have you? 'We didn't commit ourselves either, if you remember...'
'Perhaps we should have.,' Tony said gently, without waiting for Harry to finish.
'No... I think it's best. We all remain free this way. If we ever see them again...'
His friend interrupted. 'Well I hope we do. They were such fun and we did appear very well suited.
Harry sighed. 'Maybe so, but it's great to maintain our freedom too,' he emphasized. 'The best of both worlds, you might say. Anyway, they might be on their way home by now.' He glanced quickly across the table.
'Do you think that's possible?' Tony looked a little downcast, which Harry noticed instantly.
'Ah ha! Looks like love is in the air. You really are such a romantic Tony,' he teased.
Harry continued gently teasing his best friend, until it was time to return to their respective rooms. The ferry was leaving early the next day and they needed to be up and ready, on the pier in good time.
'Goodnight Tony. I think we'll really enjoy the passage home tomorrow.' Harry bit his bottom lip, trying not to smile outwardly, glancing again at the man beside him, who looked somewhat puzzled.
'Why do you say that?' he enquired, still obviously puzzled.
The door to Harry's room closed quietly behind him. Tony shrugged and entered his own room, sleepy, but thoughtful.
After finding their hotel with considerable ease, they stopped at the entrance to view a noticeboard. It stated there was a restaurant attached to the hotel possessing Michelin stars.
'We could give that a try,' suggested Tony hopefully. 'Looks rather err... refined. What do you think Harry?'
'Absolutely old man, but first I need a rest, followed by a cold beer before supper. A Kilkenny would go down well. It's been a trying day at times.'
When they checked in, it was suggested they book a table for the evening meal, as the restaurant was popular with returning guests, many of the locals also.
They sat drinking large cold beers, in huge white leather chairs near the reception desk, sighing with relief their long journey through France, Italy, Switzerland and back through France was nearly at an end.
'Home tomorrow and dear old England again,' sighed Harry with a grin. 'Driving on the left side of the road, our own beds, old country pubs to visit - kings, castles and cathedrals. England, our England.'
His friend laughed. 'You are beginning to wax lyrical old man. Not kings I feel. Queen maybe.
Harry chuckled. 'She'll do nicely. Lyrical or not, it'll be good to be home again. It's been a fantastic journey - though not always as expected...' He coughed slightly behind a hand, then beamed at the person sitting opposite him.
'We've certainly had our fair share of problems,' Tony suggested, taking a long draught of his beer, watching the condensation run down the glass. 'But we are still alive after all that.'
'Only just...' Harry noted. 'It's a miracle we are here at all to reflect on what we've been through. Yes, not all plain sailing, but...' He became serious for a moment. 'Honestly Tony, we really have been in some tight scrapes. Thank goodness we will return to tell the tales.
'To our golf-playing chums? I doubt they'll be interested in the nitty-gritty - finding dead bodies, falling down cliff tops, saving a child from drowning - that sort of thing. Who'd be interested? If it's our round of drinks...'
Harry reflected for a moment. 'Yeah, I know what you mean old chum.' For a moment he was lost in the depths of his memory. He drained his glass and rose to head for the dining room, Tony not far behind him.
The aptly named La Mare O Poissons restaurant was filling up steadily. The tables looked impressive and well laid out.
'This looks promising,' Tony whispered quietly as they entered. 'For a Michelin star restaurant, I'm expecting great things.' He pulled his chair out and sat down after they were ushered to their table.
The entrees were superb. Harry said he wasn't a big fan of foie gras, but when he tried his Le foie gras de canard - chutney de fruits secs, tuile aux pavots, crouton a l'huile de noisette, he was more than impressed. It was beautifully presented, as was what Tony ordered - Les langoustines, cuite dans sa coquille, gaspacho de tomate au basilic, nems de legumes. Each mouthful was savoured appreciably.
'It's the last proper French meal we'll have this side of the Channel. So why not?' Harry commented, trying to justify indulging in another top class meal. 'Besides, I might die tomorrow and then I'd be annoyed I hadn't eaten here.' He chuckled again at what he'd said, with a slight cynicism in his tone Tony neglected to notice.
'At least wait until we cross the Channel old boy. It would be most inconvenient for you to croak it now.'
Harry couldn't help but laugh, although his brows knitted together as he thought about it. 'Alright. If you say so.'
'I do and you must. Is that clear?' Tony had a wicked gleam in his eye.
Harry shook his head slowly and grinned. 'You can be an old bugger at times, if you'll excuse the term, but it's been a marvelous trip. Honest it has.'
'Yes, I agree. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.'
The waiter cleared their dishes before Tony began requesting how he wanted his steak cooked. The waiter stood tall and serious, straightening his back, then simply waggled a finger at Tony, shaking his head slowly, informing him that the chef does it his way.
Tony looked a little sheepish after the young man had disappeared into the kitchen. 'I guess if you are that good a chef, you prefer not to be told. Ah well... for once I stand corrected. Should have known better I guess.'
Harry pulled one of his faces, shrugging. 'It seems we are never too old to learn new lessons.'
There was a low mutter opposite.
The remainder of their meal was beautifully presented, every delicious morsel on their plates enjoyed.
They had chosen excellent wines, both agreeing it was one of the best meals they'd ever eaten, still savouring the moment.
'Oh my goodness that was spectacular!' Tony sighed, sitting back in his chair, dabbing his mouth with the crisp white napkin. 'The waiter was quite correct, the steak was cooked to perfection.' Then he grimaced. 'Wonder what tomorrow night's supper will be? At this moment I don't really care - after that.'
'You are always thinking about the next meal, but me neither. We'll be back in England by then.'
They discussed the intricacies of fine dining, then began reminiscing about the last few weeks, particularly about the two ladies they'd fortunately met.
Harry looked across at the other tables, then at the ceiling. 'I wonder where they are now?'
'They never did commit themselves in any way...' Tony was thoughtful, almost morose. 'But I'd sure like to see Kathleen again.'
'We didn't either, for that matter,' Harry replied. 'We all got on so well too.'
'Didn't what?' Tony's mind was elsewhere.
Harry frowned while finishing the last of his wine, replacing the glass firmly on the table. 'Are you in love or something?' he enquired, looking serious. 'You haven't been listening to me again, have you? 'We didn't commit ourselves either, if you remember...'
'Perhaps we should have.,' Tony said gently, without waiting for Harry to finish.
'No... I think it's best. We all remain free this way. If we ever see them again...'
His friend interrupted. 'Well I hope we do. They were such fun and we did appear very well suited.
Harry sighed. 'Maybe so, but it's great to maintain our freedom too,' he emphasized. 'The best of both worlds, you might say. Anyway, they might be on their way home by now.' He glanced quickly across the table.
'Do you think that's possible?' Tony looked a little downcast, which Harry noticed instantly.
'Ah ha! Looks like love is in the air. You really are such a romantic Tony,' he teased.
Harry continued gently teasing his best friend, until it was time to return to their respective rooms. The ferry was leaving early the next day and they needed to be up and ready, on the pier in good time.
'Goodnight Tony. I think we'll really enjoy the passage home tomorrow.' Harry bit his bottom lip, trying not to smile outwardly, glancing again at the man beside him, who looked somewhat puzzled.
'Why do you say that?' he enquired, still obviously puzzled.
The door to Harry's room closed quietly behind him. Tony shrugged and entered his own room, sleepy, but thoughtful.
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