Tuesday Tales: From the word GLASS, I mean MOTHER

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog based on work in progress using word or picture cues. I thought today’s word was GLASS. That’s what i had written on the calendar, but obviously, I made a mistake. So for today, the word is MOTHER. Today’s word is GLASS, I mean MOTHER. Enjoy.

 

As much as he’d love to keep her in his arms, Paul set MJ down on the stone path, and hand in hand, they walked toward the main building. As they approached, they noted many people clearing away the damage the storm had left in its wake. Even children were helping. They had to be from the village. Hopefully, their homes had stood up to Mother Nature’s challenge. The building itself didn’t seem to have suffered any damage and while things looked bad around them, they looked to be superficial.

Entering the structure, he smiled at the way MJ’s face lit up when she saw the huge buffet table.

“Just what I need. Mountains of fresh fruit.”

“Monsieur et Madame Davis, I hope the storm didn’t ruin the night for you,” Rosette said greeting them, a smile on her face. “We’ve had to make some minor adjustments. The phone lines to the bungalows are down, but power has been restored. Until the trees at the end of the path can be removed, we cannot provide room service. Everything should be back to normal by tonight, but the treasure hunt has been postponed for the day. Some people are not happy, but Monsieur Leroux is stranded in Saint Pierre until repairs are made to his ship. Martinique was hit harder than we were.”

“Seriously?” MJ said, her mouth dropping open in stunned surprise. “I can’t imagine what that was like. Was anyone hurt?”

“A few accidents, but thankfully no deaths. Believe it or not, we only saw the edge of it. Storms come and go at will, but at times they are more vicious than at others.”

“Was there any damage to the bungalows or the village houses?” Paul asked. “This place seems fine even if the lawns are covered in downed leaves and branches.”

Rosette shook her head. “The village is situated on the leeward side of the island near the base of the volcano, which protects it from the worst of the weather. The bungalows were fine as well. The damage might look like a lot, but it really isn’t. Most of the activities are available, but nothing will start until after eleven to give everyone time to help with the cleanup. Boats will be going out into the lagoon shortly to check for dangers, and of course, deck furniture and Jet skis will be returned. There is some damage to the resort’s dock, which must be repaired before any boats can land again, but the village fisherman are offering to take people out since the fishing is always good after a storm. There will be a meeting later this afternoon to explain any changes to the treasure hunt.”

“That’s fine,” Paul said. “I’m sure we can find something to do to amuse ourselves.”

He glanced at MJ whose cheeks were crimson.

“But first, let’s eat.”

Rosette chuckled softly. “Lucette has mimosas in the lounge. Fill your plates and then go inside. There are quite a few people there already, and they aren’t all from your pod.”

Paul nodded. That was probably the woman’s way to let them know Mark and Melena were inside. It didn’t bother him. He’d faced bigger dragons last night. Paul was just a bully, and bullies always caved in the end.

After filling their plates, they entered the lounge.

“What did she mean by checking the lagoon for dangers?” MJ asked, as Paul handed her a champagne flute filled with a mimosa. She carried the glass over to a table for two near the bar.

He sat down across from her, his brow furrowed. “I’m not sure, but I suppose if the water was high enough, some of the predators could’ve made it into the bay. “And speaking of predators,” he indicated a table in the far corner with a nod, “looks like they made it through the night.”

Mark and Melena were seated with the Bill and Christy Smith, the other couple who’d been selected to be their attendants. The two men were in earnest discussion. What could those two possibly have in common? He wasn’t impressed with Bill’ attitude, but from the looks on their faces, they weren’t happy campers that was for sure. Paul shook his head. Regardless of what those two were plotting, nothing was going to spoil this day.

“What is it?” he asked MJ, noting the frown on her face. “Don’t worry about those two.”

She chewed her lower lip. “When I was waiting to get off the boat, Bill and Christy were arguing about the treasure. He was convinced he was going to find it and had an expert arriving on Tuesday. Do you think he meant Mark?”

Paul laughed. “I suppose. You did say he thought his mathematical genius would help. Who knows? He reached out and touched her hand. “Forget them. What do you say we go down to the village and go fishing? You did say you wanted to try it, and this seems like as good a time as any.”

MJ smiled. “I’d like that, but let’s eat. I’m famished.”

Don’t forget to check out all the other posts on  Tuesday Tales.