"Anthony Wall - The Eden Mission (2)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wall Anthony)

Gary took a deep breath. "Beats being at home, eh?" Susan sighed in agreement,
forgetting that sooner or later she always felt homesick.

"Damn!" Susan was scowling.

Gary stared. "What's wrong?"

"Vainessa--I've got to put up with her in my cabin. For months and months and
months."

"It's her cabin too," Gary pointed out.

"Whose side are you on, Gary Izzard?"

"Yours, of course. But Vanessa may not be crazy about sharing with you
either."

Susan pouted. "Huh!"

Gary put his arm through hers. "Anyway, count your blessings. Imagine being
Yves--with doleful Darren as a room-mate."

She giggled. "Yeah ... things could be worse. I suppose I'll survive."

They went on talking for a little longer. When Gary mentioned the thirteen
chairs at the captain's table, Susan snorted. "Don't believe that stuff, do
you?" He reddened slightly. "No, I ... I just ..." She interrupted: "I liked
the captain and the first officer. Not so sure about the radio officer though
... Leslie Curtis. Gave me the creeps. Dunno why."
Gary shrugged. "He seemed OK to me."

Crossing the deck, they started down the companionway. "Get some beauty
sleep--you need it," said Gary. He ducked. "And good luck with Vanessa!"

Susan dawdled in the corridor. Then, straightening her back, she walked
briskly to the door, turned the handle and stepped inside the cabin. It was
empty but the sound of running water came from the bathroom. Susan glanced at
the bottom bunk; yes, the nightdress was still there.

Vanessa emerged from the bathroom, a fluffy pink towel wrapped round her head.
"Hi." She treated Susan to a brilliant smile.

Vanessa sat down decorously on the bunk and began to dry her hair. Susan
stood, hands in pockets, uncertain what to say or do. She shuffled across the
cabin and peered out of the porthole.

The silence lengthened. Susan felt more and more uncomfortable. At last,
turning, she blurted: "Um, Vanessa ... About the bunks. You weren't here when
I moved in, and I meant to leave my stuff on the bottom bunk. The thing is ...