I figure that as the party is being held for me (and notionally the others who are leaving, but none of the others have been on board all that long) I need to make an effort and stay to the end, even though I am desperate to get back to Lola to make our final preparations.

At about 10.30 p.m., Leo dings his glass with a knife and the room falls quiet.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll keep it brief,’ he says. ‘I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your hard work during what has been a very trying lay-up for many reasons. And to say goodbye to those who are leaving today – I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.’

‘I’d also like to announce that I will also be leaving both Immanis and Heracles before the ship resumes its service. By mutual agreement, myself and management have decided that now is the time for me to go.’

There is a general murmur of mild shock – there had been general rumours that Leo and Nico had had some kind of row, but I had kept it to myself when he told me he was leaving.

‘And finally’ – he raises his glass – ‘to absent friends.’

Everyone raises their glass and murmurs ‘to absent friends’ and for a moment or two the room is silent as we think of Lola, Rick and Stuart. I feel myself go red and look at the floor. Oh God. I can’t wait to get off this ship before someone catches up with us.

74

Lola

15 February 2022, 21:00

The Caribbean

‘Lucky you being in this suite all the time while I’ve been stuck in a manky old windowless cabin,’ I say. ‘I think it’s maybe one of the best on board.’ I’ve seen some of the suites before, during our induction, and the occasional time I’ve had a dalliance with a rich passenger, much to Jesse’s disapproval, of course. Shagging the ship’s dancer seemed to be a badge of honour among some of them, and they’d ply me with champagne and even sometimes buy me great presents to make it happen. I wasn’t so bothered about any of that, I mainly did it out of boredom. To add a bit of variety and risk into my life. Every day can be the same when you’re on ship if you’re not careful – I was always looking for ways to shake things up a bit.

Things will be easier on land. More space, less gossip. I don’t imagine our accommodation will be as lavish as this though.