Language of Love

Chapter 51 - Europe Bound

Wrapping up warm against the winter chill Abi and Troy dragged their suitcases down to where Quincy and Mary waited.
"Thanks for the lift." Abi said as she clambered into the back of their estate car.
"No problem darl." Quincy replied.
"Mary'd never forgive me if she didn't get to say goodbye to you both at the airport."

At the airport Quincy helped Troy unload their suitcases. Mary swept Abi into a tight hug and Abi was surprised to find herself feeling emotional at leaving this new family for a few months.
"I'm going to miss you whilst you're gone. Keep those boys in line for me."
Then Mary turned to embrace her son.
"You phone me." She said "And give our love to Trish and Derek."

Wheeling their cases into the departures terminal a loud
"YEEEEW LOVEBIRDS." Caught their attention, and that of every other person. They headed for the unashamed, beaming blondes stood beside their long-suffering boss.
"Thanks for that guys." Abi said, elbowing Maxi in the side as Reidy drew her into a hug.

They were soon in line for check-in then making their way through to the departures lounge. Maxi talking non-stop in his excitement. Abi and Hoppo claimed them some seats whilst the others headed to the bar.
Abi watched the three men at the bar laughing and smiling jovially, both Maxi and Reidy elbowing Troy in the side, mocking him for something, then him giving as good as he got back at them. Abi smiled fondly at the crazy trio.

Hoppo watched Abi smiling at the three young men at the bar and not for the first time was grateful that Box and Terry had convinced him to give her a shot. She was proving an invaluable member of his team, never afraid to help in any situation or put the guys in their place when needed, including himself. He chuckled lightly at the memory of her laying into him recently when he'd snapped at the guys for not restocking a med kit. None of them had dared point out it was his error, except for her.

He caught Abi's raised eyebrow at his escaped chuckle and merely gave her his typical half smile. She rolled her eyes at him before smiling back.
"Don't think they'll be so excited once they've been stuck on the plane forever." Abi commented.
"Yeah. Maxi's gonna be bouncing off the ceiling." Hoppo responded.

The three lifeguards returned with beers for everyone.

                *       *      *
Their first flight was Sydney to Hong Kong. Hoppo hadn't been wrong that Maxi was bouncing with extra energy and driving them all crazy. Abi let out a sigh of relief when he finally fell asleep. Troy chuckled sleepily from where his head nestled into her shoulder. It wasn't long until he was also snoring softly. Maxi's head slipped down to rest on her other shoulder and Abi found herself being a pillow for the 2 blondes. Reidy took the opportunity to snap a photo from the row in front.

Both were awake again before the landing announcement for Hong Kong was made. The 4 lifeguards, 1 translator and 5 film crew made their way off the plane and to the lounge area to await their next flight.

Then they were loading onto their plane for Madrid and this time it was Abi's turn to drift off, leaning on Troy's shoulder.

They landed in Madrid as the sun was rising and after navigating the airport Abi located the transport that had been arranged to get them to Alicante.

Briefly welcomed by 2 lifeguard representatives at their hotel they dumped their cases and headed for an afternoon at the beach.

Laying out her towel beside Troy's Abi waved off Maxi's invite to join him and Reidy for a swim and instead stretched out to sunbathe. Troy and Hoppo sat beside her observing the beach and discussing the conditions and the lifeguard set up they could see.
"Not going to get much surf until Nazare next week." Troy sighed. "Conditions here are pretty mild."
"They're using tubes as their main rescue equipment." Hoppo observed.
"Rescue board training tomorrow then." Troy agreed. "No major rips at the moment."
"Are you 2 going to talk shop all afternoon?" Groaned Abi.
Hoppo chuckled.
"Sorry babe." Troy smiled at her guiltily.
"It's sweet." She yawned. "Just leave any rescuing to the lifeguards on patrol. Yeah?"
Abi closed her eyes and drifted off.