Settle Down Now: Revised Part Two (Serialised)

By Leenna Naidoo

Part Two of the serialised version of the novel.

Ten years on from the events of Unsettled, Charmaine Donnet, now a billionaire, is in the spotlight in the most humilating way. Her search for Mr Right is turning into a media circus, and Robert Hart is not far off in the horizon...
Part Two finds Charmaine being asked to flirt on a radio breakfast show, but she has other ideas. Rob finally remembers Charmaine, and takes dark delight in knowing she will be on The Sunflower soon--unfortunately for him, with six potential Mr Rights!

Set in South Africa and the Indian Ocean, with echoes of Rob and Charmaine’s previous life in Scotland, Settle Down Now moves from Durban to Richards Bay to the yacht The Sunflower.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leenna Naidoo/Learning To Surf Publishing
• Release date: Mar 27, 2019

Book preview

Chapter Five

"Hey, Rob! You awake?' called Steven. The boat rocked as he climbed aboard.

Rob groaned, his mouth tasting bitter. He had fallen asleep in the cockpit looking at the stars again. The sun was peeking over the horizon, Venus still shining bright. Steven, what are you doing here? It's not even 6a.m!

Steven collapsed across from Rob. I'm in, man! Thanks for the tip!

What tip? asked Rob, still groggy, attempting to sit up. He needed some coffee.

You know, about the billionaire—the competition. I'm in! Going to be on radio, TV, everything! Might even get to marry her. Don't know if I like her hair, though. Maybe I could get her to straightened it or something.

Rob fixed a stern eye on his friend. You don't even know if you'll like her.

"With the money she has, I will like her," declared Steven.

Yeah, but Steven... Rob felt alarmed, and a little jealous. It was the idea of Steven being anywhere near Charmaine Donnet, the mystery woman who would soon grace his boat. Rob was somehow sure she belonged more with him than with Steven—if she belonged with anyone, which she didn't. Yet. The irrationality of his thoughts shocked Rob, but didn’t change his feelings.

Steven went on. She's obviously playing for something or she wouldn't be running this competition. I mean, what kind of a woman runs a nationwide competition to find a husband? It’s got to be for publicity. She can't be looking for real love. She'll probably divorce the winner after a short time and pay him handsomely. And I'm happy to be that guy!

Rob gazed out towards the sea, unable to begin to articulate all that was wrong with that summation. Then again, who was he to judge Steven? Or Charmaine Donnet. People would do anything for fame or publicity these days. Even billionaires.

He sighed. I guess you're right. Want some coffee?

***

I can't do it, Joss. I hate him!

Oh, Charmaine, don't be so ridiculous. Mike Gillian is the funniest DJ on the east coast. And the most popular.

We were waiting at the coffee-shop below the radio station headquarters overlooking the recently grown forest of rooftops and high-rises, beyond which the Indian Ocean hunkered in misery. In twenty minutes I would join Mr Gillian in the main studio where 'all would be revealed'. I shuddered at the thought.

Joss, snapping her compact shut, turned a critical eye on me. You should put on some lippy and eye-shadow. I thought we agreed that you'd wear make-up everyday.

Trying not to feel guilty, I gulped down my coffee, then said, It's radio, Joss. No-one's going to see me. I could have worn my pajamas.

"There's a camera in there streaming live over the internet! Remember this, Charmaine Donnet, people are watching you all the time! Never, never, be caught in your Pjs, or without make-up, or a decent dress!"

Even on the beach?

She looked at me sternly. Maybe you should stay off the beach for now—just till all this is over. You still haven't lost any weight, have you?

"But I've only been eating salad for