Island Awakening

By Lynne Martin

Marina Welsh thought that a new job on a paradise island was the best medicine for a broken heart, but after meeting her new boss under less that ideal circumstances, she wasn't so certain it had been the best option after all.

The overbearing Richard Boyer made her life difficult at every turn with his family secrets, and supposedly promiscuous lifestyle but then Marina had an accident on his property and lost her memory. That was when Richard decided there and then to take over her life and nurse her back to health and in so doing, attempt to change her mind about him and make her his.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 7, 2006
• ISBN: 9780595859863

Lynne Martin

Born and bred on the East coast of Africa, now living in sunny South Africa amid a hotpot of various cultures which are now trying to and hopefully succeeding in finding a common ground to get along peacefully and walk together towards a successful and less acrimonious future.

Book preview

Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 1

Marina Welsh walked briskly through the crowded streets of London. Her mood was as bleak as the morning, which had dawned cloudy and foggy.

I think I’ll buy the morning papers and scan them for job vacancies. She strode over to the nearest magazine stand and bought three different newspapers with determination. Marina had resigned from her previous job the previous week in an attempt to forget her broken engagement to Mark Stanz who held a senior position at the same firm of imports/exports where she had worked. A bitter series of arguments and Mark’s insane jealousy had ended their three year romance and left Marina with rather cynical views on everlasting happiness, and driven her to the brink of a nervous breakdown, until she could no longer stand it and finally handed back the diamond engagement ring to a furious Mark.

Marina entered a nearby coffee shop and sat at one of the small tables for two scattered around the shop. Having ordered her habitual strong morning coffee, she prepared to scan the classified section of the newspapers and avidly began her search.

Ha! Here is something interesting. Job opportunity—Urgently required, an applicant for import/export business in Reunion, preferably experienced in this line of work. For further details, please contact Marcia at 6687565.

Well, Reunion is an island in the Indian Ocean, if I’m not mistaken. Her stomach flip-flopped at the thought of palm fringed, sandy beaches and warm sun. She got up and headed home to make the call, feeling better than she thought she would. In her haste to share the news with her aunt, Marina almost tripped over the sewing basket that her aunt kept forgetting to put away once she finished whatever task she had been busy on.

Aunt Rose! Are you home? Marina said at the top of her voice, assuming her aunt would be upstairs in her room.

Darling, you’re back so soon? Rose tried to sound jovial for Marina’s sake, and she, in turn noticed her aunt’s worry lines that had deepened of late, no doubt due to Marina’s breakup with Mark and she felt renewed anger towards him for the havoc he had caused in their lives.

Aunt Rose, I want to make a call, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

What is? Let me see that newspaper. She took the paper from Marina’s hands and read the advertisement.

Marina, this is stupendous, do you think it’s still available? You do need a change of climate to put the sparkle back in those lovely eyes of yours and add a bit of color to your face.

I’ll make that call now and arrange for an interview, hold thumbs for me!

Marina raced upstairs to her room, sat on her bed and took a deep breath before reaching for the telephone.

Good morning, Nautical Enterprises, may I help you? The business-like voice said on the other side of the line.

Good morning, may I speak to Marcia?

One moment, please.

Marina took another deep breath while she waited for the call to be put through to Marcia, her gaze falling on her surroundings, the curtains matching her bedspread and scatter cushions in a cottage fashion, just the way Marina liked it, all frilly and romantic. At the age of twenty-five, her friends had often commented that she seemed to belong to another era that had long since been surpassed by newer fashions. Walking over to the dressing table to pick up a pen, Marina’s lovely gray eyes scanned her pale features, framed by long brown hair, the blonde natural highlights lending shine and volume to the already voluminous mass. Marina always said a home should look warm and inviting, she didn’t like the modern décor resembling more of an office with its clinical look, which was now favored by the youth.

Hello, Marcia speaking, may I help you? The friendly voice came through the line jolting Marina out of her reverie.

Yes, I’m Marina Welsh and I’m calling about the job advertisement in the newspaper this morning.

Do you meet the criteria as advertised? We are looking for someone with experience in this line of work.

Yes, I do meet the criteria and I have the credentials to prove it, which I’ll be glad to show you if you would schedule a meeting.

Certainly, when would you be able to call at our offices? Marcia went on to say, Will two o’clock this afternoon be convenient to you?

Yes, that will be all right may I have the address please? Marina’s heart seemed to be beating its way off her chest.

She wrote down the address that Marcia was dictating to her and took note of the documents required for the interview, Passport, certificates of service, diplomas, etc.

Marina left for her appointment at 1.00pm looking very professional in a navy blue pantsuit, which accentuated the color of her eyes and showed to advantage the natural blonde highlights in her brown hair. She chose to wear it away from her face and pinned it with difficulty on either side of her face above her ears with the help of large sliding combs. It fell in large heavy curls and Marina was grateful that this was one of her best assets, together with her large gray eyes. She was one of those lucky few with long dark eyelashes, which needed no mascara to accentuate them.

Marina walked most of the way in order to get those nagging butterflies off her stomach. A few minutes later, she was standing outside the impressive office block that housed the London Head Quarters of Nautical Enterprises.

Taking a deep breath, Marina walked through the double doors, around a water feature type of garden in the center of the entrance hall that was highlighted by the skylights.

Marina came to a halt in front of the set of elevators, waiting impatiently for it to reach the eleventh floor.

She stepped out onto the thick pile dark blue carpet and felt her high heeled shoes digging into it as she proceeded noiselessly through the endless corridors, her tension mounting, until she got to the receptionist’s office.

Hello, I’m here to see Marcia, I have an interview at 2.00pm.

Please come through, Said a friendly blonde receptionist.

I’m Marcia, but your interview will be with John Boyer and don’t look so frightened, he won’t bite, I promise!

Oh, I’m sorry, but I really expected to be interviewed by you, all the butterflies were happily leaving my stomach, now they’ve returned with a vengeance! Marina gave a nervous giggle, which did nothing to settle the butterflies. They walked along the corridor to another door with a very impressive brass label on it, which read J. Boyer—MD. Marcia knocked discreetly and upon hearing a very lazy, Come in, she opened the door and both girls walked into the suite of offices of the MD of Nautical Enterprises—London.

Behind a large desk with huge piles of files on it, sat the best looking man Marina had ever set eyes on. The butterflies started competing in her stomach as if they were in battle.

That’s it! She thought to herself As if the butterflies weren’t bad enough, my tongue has just got glued to the roof of my mouth, where has this gorgeous specimen been hiding? She did not know what to do next and concentrated her efforts on standing upright, which was turning to be a Herculean effort as her legs had turned rubbery.

Your two o’clock interview, John.

"Merci bien, Marcia." Dancing blue eyes appraised first Marina’s face, noting the nervous blush, which was turning her face a delightful shade of pink, then the eyes swiftly traveled through the rest of her.

Good afternoon, Miss Welsh.

Please sit down. Marcia helped her to a chair into which she sank gratefully, and then turned to leave the office, with a brief smile and a conspiratorial wink.

Good luck. She mouthed on her way out.

Marina felt the need to do something about her stubborn tongue, which refused to move.

Er.. .I have all the documentation here, if you would like to have a look at it... Marina managed to utter nervously. Blue eyes flashed at her from a dark tanned face, which spoke of long hours in the sun.

Where did he get that winning smile? She noted his eyes were quite striking in a tanned face with thick jet-black hair, yet his smile was so open and friendly that Marina felt the butterflies receding into the background and she finally began to relax.

Yes, I’ll look at them in a minute, but let us talk first, shall we? He smiled reassuringly, not realizing every time he did so, her legs turned to jelly.

Are you employed elsewhere at the moment?

No, I resigned from my previous job a month ago and I have been looking for work the past couple of days.

She sat back, feeling her tension ebbing away at the same time recognizing his talent in human relations.

So, you’ll be able to start work immediately if accepted?

Yes, that is correct. John had the rare ability to put others at ease in his presence. His open, friendly manner gave one the notion of being engaged in a friendly chat instead of an intimidating job interview.

May I call you Marina? He queried. You have a lovely name, it suits you. John added before she had a chance to reply.

Please do, and thank you for the compliment though I may not understand how my name suits me.

Your eyes are the color of a stormy sea, and your name originates from the word sea, so. He went on to explain when he saw her expression closing up. I’m not very strong on formality. In Reunion we’re very friendly, informal people.

I have heard it’s a lovely island, I would love to see it. Her expression was a dreamy sight. He thought he really liked this girl.

So you wouldn’t mind the heat and summer storms? I must warn you, they can be frightening at times. John supplied with a strange look of sadness in his face.

I love hot weather and I’m certain I’ll survive the storms like everyone else, given the chance.

John reached over for Marina’s documents and she then had an opportunity to survey her surroundings. She admired the view that stretched ahead of her, visible through the large tinted windows and her eyes rested on the luxurious suite. There was a lounge to her left, a private dressing room with mirrored cupboards on the other side of the room. She figured John used them to prepare for unexpected social events, and then there was the large office with very heavy office furniture that shouted expensive from every piece.

Do you like it? John said, smiling at Marina’s obvious admiring glances.

Yes, I’m sorry, I guess I was staring. She felt her face flush with embarrassment, unaware of the effect this had on her interviewer.

Well, don’t feel bad about it, I quite like it myself. He turned his attention to her documents again. I see you have a few years experience in this line of work. I’m impressed with your credentials. I’ll look into it, and let you know by telephone. Will you please leave a number where we may reach you?

Certainly, it’s here on my application form. She nervously handed it over to John, thanked him and rose to leave.

You’ll hear from us soon. John extended his hand to her and led her to the door of his office.

Thank you, Mr. Boyer.

John, please. He smiled, raising his eyebrows. Remember, informal Reunion?

John, then. She could not help but smile in return. His good humor and gentle manner was contagious. Marina flew home, happy, and the following two days seemed interminable.

Marina, are you in your room?

Yes, Aunt Rose, I’ll be down in a minute.

There is a large, very official looking envelope for you. It may well be from that shipping company you applied for. Marina almost flew down the stairs when she realized what her aunt had been trying to say and practically collided with the older woman in her haste. Whoa, calm down, child, you almost knocked me over!

My apologies, Aunt dear, but I have been waiting impatiently for so long and I can take the suspense no longer!

Tearing the envelope in her haste to read its contents, Marina anxiously scanned the letter of appointment, which welcomed her as the new PA to the MD of Nautical enterprises in Reunion, followed by conditions of employment, salary, etc. Furthermore, she was requested to call at the company headquarters in London to make the necessary traveling arrangements.

Yes, yes, yes!

Laughing and singing a silly tune, Marina hugged her Aunt and together they began to dance around the room.

I gather you were accepted for the position? Her aunt stopped spinning, her wrinkled face covered with a smile. Taking Marina’s shoulders in her hands, she said, If a change of scenery will make you this happy, then the pain of missing you will be that much easier to bear.

I’m sorry, Aunt Rose, I must seem very selfish in trying to snatch a little happiness by leaving you, but don’t for one moment think that I love you any less or that I won’t miss you! She hugged her Aunt tightly and in so doing absorbed a little of the older woman’s pain.

Go darling, make your arrangements and pack your things. I would never forgive myself if you missed this opportunity. Rose said, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a lace hankie.

I’m so excited; I even bought a book about the island so that when I arrive there I won’t feel so utterly lost. There are endless hiking trails through the mountains, forests, waterfalls, I’m going to love that place!

She looked like she was in a trance, her Aunt felt as if she had already lost her to this newfound paradise. Rose did not mind it one bit if it meant that her niece would be happy and carefree again. Marina, at age twenty-five, was too young to be so depressed.

Marina made her way to Nautical Enterprises with a new bounce in her step. She felt that she had a new purpose to her life.

Good day, I’m here to see Marcia.

Please take a seat, Miss Welsh, Marcia has been expecting you. The receptionist walked to the adjoining office and announced Marina’s arrival.

Hello Marina, please come into my office, John is away on business until the end of the week, so I’ll take care of your arrangements. Marcia smiled, and pointed to a chair across from her desk. Make yourself comfortable.

Thank you, Marcia, I can’t tell you how happy I was when I received your letter this morning. Marina sat down happily.

You’ll be traveling with John as he has to attend a board meeting on Reunion next week. I expect he’ll be remaining on the island for about three weeks so I’m certain he’ll guide you and help you to settle down.

Where will I be staying?

You’ll be based in St Denis where the mother company is situated, we’ll pay your hotel accommodation for the initial month and that should help you while you look for suitable accommodation. Marcia produced some forms, I’ll require your signature on these forms to wrap up your working contract visa. I’ll also need to keep your passport for two days to make it all legal.

Great!. Marina smiled. "I’ll need the extra days to get myself new summer attire