through the boxes the personal shopper sent her was late at night.
The captain had sent a crew member to accompany her and carry her packages, and a car and driver to bring her back to the boat. It was a lazy day she thoroughly enjoyed, and when she got back, they had lunch waiting for her. And she spent the afternoon reading a novel, which was a luxury for her. She checked for e-mails from her office, and they were all about minor matters. She responded to them quickly and went back to her book. It was rare for her to have so much free time on vacation.
At six o’clock, after a massage and a shower, Olivia changed for dinner. She wore a pale lavender silk caftan, and indulged in a glass of champagne, while sitting on the deck. She had explored the boat so she could show her grandchildren when they arrived. And she knew how excited they would be about the water toys, especially Alex. She could hardly wait to see the kids. She was excited about their first stop, Portofino. She hadn’t been there since a weekend she had spent at the Hotel Splendido with Joe, after they opened their store near Milan. It was a charming port town, with quaint restaurants and a string of tiny shops. She was sure they’d all enjoy it. And it was spectacular at night, with an ancient church and a castle, beautifully lit up on the hills above.
The captain had told her that the boat was too big to get into port, and they would be tying up at some rocks just outside. It would be an easy trip into town by tender, and would only take a few minutes, and he said they could swim at night, while they were at anchor, if they chose. She was sure all the young people would love that. The trip she planned every summer was designed entirely for them, and she enjoyed it too.
Olivia had dinner in the outdoor dining area at eight o’clock, and by nine she was impatient for her children to arrive. The purser came to tell her that the flight had been on time, and then advised her when they were in the car. And then at last, just after ten, she saw John and Phillip’s car pull up with a luggage van behind it, and the five of them got out. They looked tired and a little rumpled, and then they broke into broad smiles and excited chatter when they saw the boat. And then they saw her leaning over the rail, and she waved with a happy smile. Amanda was wearing an enormous white hat, and Olivia couldn’t see her face. Alex bounded up the gangway, and both her sons followed, and her daughters-in-law brought up the rear. Amanda was wearing a dress, and looked impeccable despite the flight. Sarah was wearing cut-off denim shorts, a Princeton T-shirt, and sandals, with her wild frizzy hair and a nervous smile. She looked as though she felt shy, and Olivia knew that after a night on board, she’d relax. She always did. Amanda came on board looking as though she owned the yacht. And a moment later they were all around her, chattering animatedly, and her grandson gave her a huge hug, which she reciprocated with delight. Olivia always remembered how important her own mother had been to her children, and how powerful the bond between them was. She tried to emulate her as best she could, although she didn’t live with them, as Maribelle had. But she had a good relationship with her grandchildren, and always had.
“Wow! Grandma! This is some boat,” Alex said with a look of awe.
“Wait till I show you around!” Olivia promised, and put an arm around his shoulders. “They have lots and lots of water toys. We can take them out tomorrow.”
She had asked the chef to set out a buffet for them, and he had done a masterful job. There was sushi of all kinds, which she knew they loved, hot meats and cold ones, sliced chicken, many salads, assorted pastas, and an entire table of elegant desserts. It was a feast! The stewardess poured them champagne, and a few minutes after they had arrived, they were dining and talking, and totally revived after the trip. Even Sarah was more at ease once she started eating, and Alex had taken the chair next to his grandmother, and was telling her all