“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code. This week’s location is the British Virgin Islands, noted for sailing, watersports, luxury hotels and tax dodging.
Tropical Paradise
“Oh, stop pestering me! You know I hate tours. You go on your cruise and I’ll stay here and sunbathe.”
“And drink,” thought Roland, sourly. He gave Denise a peck on the cheek. “Okay. See you Thursday.” By the time he reached the quayside he was whistling cheerfully.
A dip in the pool. A gin. Lunch on the terrace followed by a pampering session in the spa. As Denise dressed for dinner, she felt toned and attractive. “Not bad for forty,” she commented, sidelong, to the mirror.
As Denise ordered a martini she smiled at Leo, immaculate in linen suit and lilac tie, who was sitting alone at the bar.
“Roland went on the tour then?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, And Helen?”
Leo nodded.
“Would you join me for dinner?” he suggested.
Meanwhile, Helen and Roland, close and intimate in a single berth, didn’t spare their spouses a second thought.
The biter bit! Well-paced, Penny. I wonder how often that happens.
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Dear Josh
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you liked the pacing of the narrative. I imagine mutual infidelity happens more often than we think!
With best wishes
Penny
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Oh my! All is well and good until they realize. Then, it might get ugly. Unless they realize they’re better this way…
Especially enjoyed the deft little slices of character. I knew these people right away!
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Dear Karen
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the characterisation. I had very clear images of the characters in my imagination, which always helps.
With best wishes
Penny
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that’s life…good example of bored people … partners need common interests and a partnership needs to be nurtured, otherwise something like that happens …
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Completely agree with Anie. These are true stories.
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Dear SL-SM,
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you think these are truthful stories. I always try to make my characters believable, and have them behave in the way that reflects who they are.
With best wishes
Penny
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You win, Penny ❤
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Dear anie
Thank you for reading and commenting. You have read the story very astutely, because boredom is exactly why the characters acted as they did. And you’re absolutely right about the need to nurture a partnership.
With very best wishes
Penny x
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Living a satisfying life is always a question of attention and consciousness, not … not only to our own behalfs but also our patner…only this can glue a partnership bd make it strong…otherwise it can break too easy…
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Wise words, anie!
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Dear Penny,
Not at all stretch to believe this one. Duplicity at its finest…and the writing sublime.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Thank you for reading and for your very kind comment. “Sublime”. Phew! I’m blushing! But I did work hard on this story, so I’m delighted you enjoyed the writing.
Shalom
Penny
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Hi Penny, I love the way you have drawn your characters and the way they interact and fit into the story. Thanks
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Dear John
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly. I’m glad you liked the way I drew my characters.
With best wishes
Penny
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Ouch. All that pestering was a front, i suppose, or maybe the husband had to find a way, to blame his own infidelity on his wife, to vanquish his own guilt.
Chapter Two: when they all realize whats going on, that they are each not only the betrayer, but the betrayed. Nicely written!
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Dear Andi
Thank you for reading and commenting so perceptively. Yes, you’re right that the pestering was a technique to reduce his feelings of guilt. He felt he had given her every chance…
With very best wishes
Penny
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Oh wicked good!! Loved the ending 🙂
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Dear Christine
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
With best wishes
Penny
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All has been said, pacing, story, boredom, and really? Why would either couple be upset? Just swing! Actually, a couple I know split up and married their neighbours, (Kinda like Shania Twain 😉 )
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Dear Dale
Thank you for reading and commenting. I think they were just a little too buttoned-up to swing; and I think they found the ‘forbidden’ aura of the sex an aphrodisiac. Thanks for the reference to Shania Twain. To my shame I had to look her up on Wikipedia!
With best wishes
Penny
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No shame in not knowing Shania!
Kind of an oxymoron, don’t you think? Too buttoned up to give it a title, but oh so comfortable to cheat on each other!
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Yeah, human beans are strange, contradictory creatures. That’s why we love writing about them, I guess!
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That they are 😉
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You got a snorted laugh out of me at the end, Penny. I’m just glad I wasn’t drinking hot coffee! Love the way you dance with your characters.
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Dear Kelvin
Thank you for reading and commenting. What a lovely comment – the way I dance with my characters!
With very best wishes
Penny
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