Page 33 of Sun, Sea and Spotted Squid

Everything seemed quiet when he returned to their revolting rooms. He tiptoed past the other doors, in no mood for any more interruptions. He remained laser focused ona naked Wolfgang. Once again Paul and Genevieve’s television blared out.

She’s finally run out of things to say. For now.

He silently wished Paul a peaceful evening.

Once up on the third floor, he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. He’d never been the romantic type, which might be the reason why most of his relationships floundered as quickly as they started. Surely a naked picnic would feature high on the romance scale.

He flung the door open.

“I hope you’re decent. And if not, even better.”

The last two words left his mouth as a whimper.

Wolfgang sat in the bed where Sam had left. Now he had a few more guests for the party. A man in his late fifties stood by the window and a woman of the same age sat in the chair Sam had hung his undies on. A young woman of similar age to Sam perched on the bed with Wolfgang’s hand in hers.

His heart drumming a hardcore house beat in his ear, Sam looked from one to another before landing on a sheepish Wolfgang who shifted uncomfortably.

“Ah, Sam. I’d like you to meet my mother and father,” Wolfgang said.

Sam stared at both of them. His mother beamed back.

“I’m very pleased to meet you,” Sam said. “And is this your sister?”

The girl laughed. “Wolfgang, you tell people nothing about yourself.” She got up and held her hand out to Sam.

“I’m Claudia. Wolfgang’s fiancée.”

TWELVE

Sam stood rooted to the spot with four pairs of eyes staring at him like the exhibits they spent their mornings cleaning out at the aquarium. His mind a total blank. Thankfully, Wolfgang’s mum sprang from the chair and embraced him in a death hold. Sam stared over her shoulder at Wolfgang who had the decency to be hanging his head. Just as Sam thought oxygen might be a distant memory, she withdrew and he gulped the air down.

“You saved my boy’s life,” she said, planning a kiss on his cheek. “I will never be able to thank you enough. When I heard what had happened, we got the first flight here.”

Wolfgang’s father came over and gave Sam a manly handshake complete with shoulder clap. “Thank you.”

Claudia returned to her post on the bed. Once again clutching Wolfgang’s hand and beaming up at Sam.

He needed to get out of there. His survival instincts were finally kicking in.

“I…I got some bits for you,” he said directly to Wolfgang. “I’ll leave them here.”

His plonked the bag onto the bedside cabinet.

“Oh Sam,” Claudia exclaimed. “You are too kind. Wolfgang. Isn’t he kind?”

Sam didn’t take his eyes off Wolfgang, who muttered something. Sam’s body was rigid with anger at the mere sound of Wolfgang’s voice. He would not lose it in front of these worried people.

The person in his sights remained the lying snake lying in the bed they’d made their own world for the last few hours. He prayed Wolfgang could feel the rage boiling. It would be waiting for him. The first chance he got.

Wolfgang’s mother rifled through the bag. She pulled out the bottle of wine.

“Now I don’t think this is a good idea,” she said. “I know what you boys are like.” She handed it to Sam. “I think you deserve this.”

To Sam’s horror she then held up the condoms and lube he’d bought when he’d been under the impression they would be up all night.

Wolfgang’s eyes flickered.

Worried I’ll let the cat out of the bag, Wolfie?