“Sometimes. Jennifer is special. She’s a good friend. We help each other when men are scarce.”
“Well, now, isn’t this a kick in the arse!” Charlie stared into her hazel eyes. “You’re a wild one, aren’t you?”
“When I have the opportunity, I am.”
He held her tightly. “Just how wild are you?”
“Wild enough to make you remember me for quite a long time.” Pet pushed away from him and walked to the other side of the cabin.
“Where are you going?”
“Before anything happens, I’m calling for some food. I haven’t eaten since nine o’clock.”
“I haven’t eaten since seven. That’s not stopping me.”
“Considering how peckish I am, it’s stopping me. I’ll call for some food to be delivered now, and order dinner for three at six o’clock. It would be lovely if Jennifer would join us.”
“Where’s Jennifer now?”
“I have no idea!”
“Maybe you should find out. She could come now, and we could have some lunch together before things heat up.”
“That’s actually a good idea.”
“Yeah, I have one every now and again.”
“So do I.” Pet picked up the phone and dialed. Rather than calling room service, Charlie heard her say, “Hello, Jen? I’m glad I caught you in your cabin. Could you come to my room? I have someone here I’d like you to meet.” Pet paused for a moment, then said, “Great. See you in a few minutes.”
Charlie tried to sound cool, even though his blood boiled at the thought of having two sheilas at the same time. “She’s coming?”
“She’ll be here directly.” Before Pet put down the phone, she called and ordered sandwiches and beer, and also requested the dinner menu. Then she called the main dining room to offer her apologies that she would not be joining the Captain for dinner that night and would be taking dinner in her cabin.
Charlie wandered around the suite. They could easily divide this space into four of the crew’s cabins, and have enough left over for a tidy galley to share.
“Quite a cabin you have here. I’ve only been in the first-class digs a few times, when we’ve had the Ortensia docked for repairs. Had some time to kill, so I had a look around.”
“I let them know well in advance when I’m traveling, and ask for this suite. I usually get it.”
“You travel to Sydney often?”
“At least once a year.”
“Why every year?”
“I have a house in both cities. I divide my time between them.”
“You live in both cities?”
Pet laughed. “You could say that. But I’m talking about my business, not my home. I own Petula Kinlan Fashions, and have a house in London and in Sydney. That’s where the clothes I design are made, shown and sold.”
“Sounds pretty fucking posh.”
“Wealthy women must think so. It seems no matter what I charge for Pet originals, they are willing to pay what I ask.”
“That’s how you can afford this?”
“Absolutely! This trip’s a working vacation for me. I get so bored with nothing to do, I sit and sketch. Some of my best designs have been done in this cabin.” Pet went to an oak cabinet with glass doors in the corner, where she had several bottles of liquor. “Would you like a drink while we’re waiting?”
“I’ll have a G and T if you’re offering.”
Pet turned around to mix the cocktail. While watching her, Charlie had an almost uncontrollable urge to lift her skirt. His erection had become damned uncomfortable. A good rub against her bare bum truly appealed to him. Before he could act on his impulse, she turned around and handed him a glass.
“Do you see how much space I have? We would be so much more comfortable having the party in here.”
“Sorry, Pet. Can’t do it.”
“But you’re here now.”
“Yes, and I bloody well shouldn’t be. I told you, we’d have our arses in a sling if we’re caught.”
“You won’t budge on this, will you?”
“Nope. We’re having a party in my cabin tomorrow night. You’re welcome to come with your friends. If that’s not good enough for you, then my mates will find us some women in tourist that don’t mind the close quarters.”
“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?”
“No more than you not taking into account we could lose our jobs. I won’t be responsible for my mates being put out because of a sheila.”
“All right, I surrender.” Pet sipped her drink. “You don’t take any hostages, do you?”
“I speak my mind, always have.”
“I like that. And I like you.” Someone knocked at the door. “That’s probably Jennifer.”
“Find out for sure. I’ll duck out of sight if it’s a steward with the food.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s Jen.”
Petula answered the door. Before Charlie saw her, he heard her say, “Why all the mystery, Pet? What’s going on?”
“Come in. I have a friend for you to meet.” Pet led her inside and formally introduced them. “Charlie, this is my friend Jennifer. Jen, this is Third Assistant Engineer Charles…” Pet paused, then said, “I’m sorry, Charlie, I’m afraid I don’t know your last name.”
Charlie didn’t answer immediately. His voice left him when he saw Jennifer. She held out her hand to shake his. “Hello, Charles. How very lovely to meet you.”
He took her hand. “Nice to meet you, too.” He glanced at Pet. “It’s Weston, if you want to know.”
“I do want to know.” Pet went to get Jennifer a cocktail. “Jen, Charlie has a poster in his cabin with a woman who looks like you. You’ll see it tomorrow night.”
“That’s quite a coincidence. Who is she?”
Still holding Jennifer’s hand, Charlie replied, “Don’t know who she is. I call her Yooralla.”
Pet added, “Charlie knew someone named Yooralla. It’s Aboriginal.”
“I know the word. My mother is an Aborigine.”
Charlie smiled broadly. “I knew you had to be! If you don’t mind my asking, are you mixed?”
“My father is British.”
“By God, that is a coincidence! Yooralla had the same mix. She was nearly as beautiful as you are.” Jennifer’s uncanny resemblance to Yooralla held Charlie spellbound. She had the same dark eyes, tawny skin and full lips. Except for Jen being several inches taller and having longer hair than Yooralla, Charlie would have had trouble telling them apart.
“Why, thank you. That’s very kind.”
Pet brought Jennifer a glass. Charlie reluctantly let her hand go. “Let’s sit down and talk. The sandwiches should be here soon.” Pet poked Charlie in the side as she walked by. “I knew you’d fancy Jen.” Pet had no idea how much.
Pet sat down on an armchair, leaving the sofa free for Charlie and Jennifer. Directing her question