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“It’s awful when someone you think is going to be your life partner turns out to be such a jerk. Or a bitch,” she added with a dark look across the road.
    At that moment, Lili’s cell phone rang and she excused herself without following up on her previous comment.
    Turning to Amelie, she said, “I have to pick up my daughter from school. She’s been to dancing class and I need to talk to her teacher about the performance at the luau. I’ll be back in about an hour to take you home. Will that be enough time for your internet work?”
    Amelie nodded. “Perfect.”
    She Skyped Madeleine and happily prattled on about the fantastic scenery and the inspiration of this tropical paradise. Strangely, when she related the car breakdown she relegated Arne to the role of helpful passerby. It was irrational, superstitious even, but if she didn’t speak of him, maybe things would work out. She hugged the knowledge of him to herself and uploaded her images.
    Madeline was rapt and demanded more. “Amelie, they’re fabulous! But how about some reef fish? Find a hunky Hawaiian to take you out to the reef and go diving.”
    Amelie knew exactly which hunk she would choose, for any activity. Although diving was one she would strenuously try to avoid.
    “Maybe.” Even Madeline didn’t know the extent of her phobia. “It may be difficult to get out to the reef, but the scenery on land is out of this world. You should see the volcano.”
    When she finished on the net, she checked her watch. Lili would be a little longer. It wouldn’t hurt to browse in the couple of nearby shops. In fact, she was sure she had noticed a lingerie and beach wear shop across the road. She had no great expectations of what might be found in such a small town, but it wouldn’t hurt to look.
    Crossing the road quickly, Amelie was pleasantly surprised by the window display. One bikini caught her eye, sea blue with white-outlined hibiscus flowers. Beautiful, as long as she didn’t intend to do any serious swimming. She’d keep her old black and white costume for that. She needed to add more color to her life. Spurred on by the knowledge that Lili would be returning in a few minutes, Amelie hurried inside.
    A cool, green-eyed blonde in a jade green sheath dress so tight it looked sprayed on sashayed up to her. Gold belcher bracelets and rings adorned her fingers and arms, jingling lightly as she moved, and a seriously heavy-duty gold chain swung from her neck.
    “Can I help you?” The assistant’s smoky-voiced offer grated as she looked at Amelie from head to toe.
    Is it possible to take an instant dislike to someone?
    Straightening her shoulders, she pointed at the window display.
    “Yes, I’d like to try on that blue and white bikini.”
    “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” gushed the blonde. “Just in from Paris and of course the cut makes it very appealing to…that special someone. You’ll be irresistible. Size eight I think?” Her eyebrow arched up inquiringly.
    “I think so. I’m not sure if our sizing in Australia and yours here is the same, but eight sounds like a good place to start.”
    “Australian, are you? Nobody comes to such an out of the way place like this hole. Are you on vacation?”
    Nosy and nasty.
    The hair on her neck rose.
    “Yes. I must hurry or my ride will arrive before I’ve had a chance to try it on.”
    As long as it fitted her she would buy it and get out of this shop. But the sight of her reflection in the changing room mirror stopped her short. The bikini accentuated her curves, drawing the eye to her femininity in ways that had her wondering how Arne might react when…if he saw her in it. Her cheeks warmed as she imagined his response. Maybe she would go swimming with him, just for the pleasure of watching his face as she shed her sarong.
    Brought back to the present by the sound of Lili’s engine revving nearby, she scrambled back into her clothes and carried the bikini to the counter.
    “I’ll take