After a very expensive hour later, the plan lit a tiny spark in me. Corporate intelligence at its finest, The element of surprise.
Fixated on the night sky the clouds raced across the heavens only allowing the stars to be seen momentarily. My thoughts lingered towards tomorrow, the trip, the wedding. Saddened by the thought my mother wouldn’t be there to share in my moment.
My eyes welled up, then burst into tears spilling down my face. I couldn’t extinguish the dam of water from falling. My chin trembled like a small child needing my mother to soothe me. I was raw with emotion, empty from a whole in my heart that no other person could see.
Oh, how I wished I could return to those moments in her arms wide, a hug just a few steps away. Her scent of roses or lavender washing over me in a moment of pure serenity. I shall never forget her laughter, her smile and the way she loved me until the very end.
I reached for her journal and cradled it against my chest. I was grateful for every word, knowing it was written in her hand. I opened it to the next passage.
We cuddled together in the rocking chair as I soothed you to sleep with songs my own mother sang to me. You smiled contently as you felt the warmth of my body and the beat of my heart. It was the safest place in the whole world.
I suddenly realized there would come a day when you wouldn’t be in my arms forever. You’d grow older become independent, but that will be the time when you’d need me the most. To grow into yourself is often a painful experience. But I will do my best to keep you safe.
I will always try to set a good example for you, unlike my own mother. She made mistakes as I’ll make mistakes, but I promise I’ll do my best to be loving, kind and supportive.
I look at you and see the most beautiful child in the world. I hope that you will always have the confidence to believe in yourself, believe that you deserve happiness and respect. And choose a man like your father who is patient and moral, and even though he works long hours, he does so for our future.
He has a strong moral compass that does not bend or break. These traits make for a wonderful father and husband. Find that special man who shows his love, who is loyal and can be trusted today, tomorrow and forever.
But for now, we will sing Itsy-bitsy spider, eat SpaghettiOs and watch Sesame Street, basking in the here and now together. We love our sweet girl and we will hold your little hand within ours, for as long as you will allow.
Mary
“We can’t sit around here all day.” I said scrambling with my luggage. “We have a plane to catch.”
“That’s a shame.” Clayton remarked loudly, feet up, crunching on ice from his glass.
“Quit stalling.” Nathan chimed in. “You’re not helping, Clayton.”
What is it about flying that leads to such video-worthy melt-downs? Maybe it was how stress and physical restrictions affect a person’s psyche. Air travel was stressful under the best of circumstances, add two moody blondes and relinquish control and that equaled disaster.
“Could you be any slower?” Gen said then rolled her eyes.
“Not you too.” He sighed. “Why does everyone always think it’s me?”
“Because it usually is.” Gen retorts, then twisted the skin beneath his arm.
“Ouch.” He bellowed rubbing the pain away. “That’ll left a mark.”
Children.
Flying private meant you could bypass security and luggage check in. Although missing the long lines and the security guard evaluating you like a bouncer at a club wouldn’t be missed. Once at the private gate, Clayton buys an overpriced sandwich and we waited for our names to be called, praying there were no flight delays or snafus.
Whether it was private or commercial we’d still be trapped in a tube where we couldn’t leave and all sorts of stressful things would happen. So, it wasn’t surprising with all the mental energy that was diverted to dealing with that stress, we’d snap at each other.
Once on the jet the Cessna Citation it was the Rolls Royce of jets we’d settle into the flight and focus on the trip. The eight-seater came with spacious comfortable leather seating and two crew members.
“Holy cow.”
“No kidding.” Gen said, stepping over the threshold after Clayton, her gaze focused in on the fine luxury accommodations. “This will be epic.”
The cabin space was roomy enough for a small number of passengers. There were plush curtains at the windows and a plasma screen mounted at the front. The scent of extravagance filled the cabin one mile at a time. The Captain introduced himself while the plane was being refueled. And as soon as we were seated the door closed and we were taxiing to the runway. Within three minutes we were wheels up and airborne.
I looked forward to snoozing amongst the clouds rocked by the winds far above the ground. Curled up next to Nathan dozing in the recliner but the silence was broken by a voice behind me.
“True Story.” Clayton said leaning into Gen. “A giraffe walks into a bar--.”
“Do you hear that?” Gen said in a soft voice.” It’s the sound of no one caring.”
“That reminds me of the time—"
“How long is the flight?” Gen asked, again.
“I told you eight hours, to the main island and another one to Kauai.” I answered, regretting that I didn’t bring some cookies and Legos or that purple medicine.
From the window fragments of clouds scattered like snow disguising the land far below. Peace just out of reach, the vast blanket of white hung heavy in the air, swallowing every distant object until it vanished into thin air. Having limited options, I rummaged through my back pack for my new novel, and began to read.
“Hey Gen, sorry to hear about Walker and you know…”
“What the hell Clayton.” Gen said and leaned forward in her seat, ready to pounce.
“What? Too soon?”
Given the atypical altitude and pressurizations of an airplane cabin an air-rage incident going seven hundred miles per hour was about to take place. I just didn’t know who was going down first.
“What now?” Nathan said then spun around glaring at Clayton. “Dial it down.”
“If he would just stop talking.” Gen said.
“Both of you.” Nathan said through gritted teeth, he turned, his eyes slid closed. The sigh that followed was softly deflated, as if the tension slowly seeped from his chest. His shoulders relaxed and I recognized for a brief moment, the symptoms of nervousness. It was normal for grooms to experience anxiety about the wedding and the idea of forever.
I was about to marry the love of my life in front of our best friends, and yet the idea of a permanent commitment held no anxiety, only promise. It was entirely normal for a bride to lose it, but could it be the same for Nathan? Getting married was a major life event that changed everything, was he having doubts?
“Hey.” I began, looking into the sweetest pair of blue eyes. “It’s natural to worry about the future and going through the thick and thin together, but handling tricky situations is what we do and managing those challenging situations together can actually make our commitment even stronger.”
“What are you talking about?”
“If you’re getting cold feet, or wedding jitters.”
“Hold on. What makes you say that?”
“I don’t blame you, I just—”
“Bryer.” He reached for my hand and gently squeezed. “I’ve been waiting a life time to marry you. I’m ready to take this step, there’s no doubt in my mind or in my heart about committing to you.” I could hear the silent plea in his voice and saw tenderness lining his gaze. “When all this world becomes noise, I will be the one to quiet the storm.”
“I-wow. What do I say to that?” I said, returning his gaze. “No wonder I want to marry you.”
“You bet your sweet ass you do.”
A slick smile spread, dimpling his cheeks in a way that caused my heart to skip a beat. He reached over so fast I never saw it coming. His fingers curled around just enough to grip my si
des, tickling and poking into all my soft spots. Despite my effort to escape, I began giggling like a little girl, the gentle sound echoed off the cylinder tube and bounced across the isles.
“At some point in time, can you please grow up.” Clayton remarked aloud, sarcasms dripping from every word.
“I second that.” Gen added.” I think someone needs a time out.”
“Is that so?” Nathan answered, reaching for me then planted a big sloppy kiss on my mouth.
“Gross.”
“Where’s the alcohol?”
To ease the discomfort of being strapped in for an eight-hour flight, it was socially acceptable to day drink. In fact, drinking on a flight was a given. I made my way towards the fully stocked bar, where a snack basket sat filled with goodies. I grabbed two FIGI waters and glanced over my shoulder.
“What’ll you have?”
“Beer for me.” Clayton said but couldn’t sit still during the entire flight, and now he turned moody gazing out the window.
“White wine, wait.” She said quickly. “Vodka rocks.”
“Are you kidding me, you’ll be on the ground in five seconds.”
“Indulge me.”
“Sure thing.” And carried both drinks over to the two juveniles. “Here.”
But in retrospect, something brewed between them, whatever it was. Not that she’d ever be caught dead with Clayton, but their sarcastic banter reaffirmed my feelings, there was chemistry ricocheting off these walls and neither of them knew what to do with it.
“Did you know there’s a seat belt for the toilet seat?”
And there it was, ruined by opening his mouth. It was like throwing a bucket of ice water on her, winding her up was so easy it just had to be done.
“What are you my in-flight entertainment?” She huffed with a half-smile.
“You think it’s easy being the fun one all the time?”
“Yeah, you’re hilarious.”
Shortly before we began our descent all turned quiet. And eventually we touched down on runway twenty-seven, arriving safe and sound. We crossed the airstrip and taxied past the terminal to the private side of the airport to board a smaller jet for the brief flight to another island where we were staying.
After an hour in flight we landed on the island of Kawaii, the fourth largest island sometimes called the ‘Garden Island.’ Known for its sharp mountain peaks and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements.
The car arrived and it turned up to be a stretch limousine. We all piled into the narrow compartment with two leather seats facing each other, a fully stocked bar and television screen sat towards the front.
Clayton reached over Gen to open the mini refrigerator causing the slightest touch, she swatted his arm away.
“You touched me.”
“Jesus, not intentionally.”
I was beginning to think coming here was a bad idea, a really bad idea. Both of our friends were exhibiting unruly behavior, uncontrollable and childish. Alone each of their big personalities were endearing together they were combustible.
There was no friend I would walk into battle so willingly but Gen. We’d seen each other at our best and our worst. We saw each other through tears and laughter. She witnessed when my world was kicked out from beneath me, and picked me up and brushed me off. We were always there to catch the fall. One day I’ll return the favor, be her maid of honor, and make her life a living hell.
“Hey you two.” I heard myself say. “When you say something nice, even when you don’t mean it, it’s called being polite. Try that.”
They turned in my direction, an eternity passed before either spoke. I thought this was going to be a great time. Wrong.
“Point taken.” Gen said in a voice as soft as a whisper. Then the frien-emies glared at each other and sighed.
We’d come to a stop, and I stepped out one foot at a time, the fresh air hit my face, filling my lungs with fragranced salted air.
“Excited?” He whispered. Then approached from behind his arms wrapped around me, resting his chin on the curve of my shoulder.
“So excited.” A smile twitched at his lips, I leaned back against his hard body admiring the expansive resort in front of us.
A sprawling plantation-style clubhouse anchored the impressive facilities as we all approach the open aired lobby of The Palms Resort. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. An undeniable allure of the island revealing the most dramatic views beyond my imagination.
“Clayton and Gen, you each have your own one-bedroom bungalow.” Nathan said as we checked in.
“Sir, all guests of the club have exclusive access to awards winning private facilities and amenities, including the spa and wellness complex, the golf course, several on site restaurants, the infinity edge serenity pool, saline pool, an on-site activity outfitter and a beach entry only five minutes from your bungalows.” The woman said at the front desk and handed the electronic keys to both.
“So,” Clayton leaned and said in a soft voice. “I heard there’s a top optional pool. I’m asking for a friend.”
“Clayton--.” Nathan’s scolding tone turned serious.
“Oh, sir. I-um.” She said nervously. “I’m sorry no. But we have many other amenities that may interest you. Sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, surfing, crossbow hunting, hikes, excursions, water sports.”
“You’re a jerk.” Gen said as she casually passed by.
“So, I’ve been told.”
“Ignore them.” Nathan said then wrapped one arm tightly around my waist, his sensual lips curling into a mischievous smile. Then leaned in whispering deep sexy promises in my ear as his breath caused my skin to tingle then burn with crazy need. I nearly melted at the idea, and bit down on my lip to shake off the thoughts, until later.
“The honey moon bungalow features an ocean view on the beach.” The woman continued as she handed us our keys. “With a private lava rock outdoor shower, spacious indoor living area complete with private pool and dining area. A fire pit with seating and a large glass pocket door that opens fully to allow the living space to flow effortlessly from the indoors out.”
“Oh my God, Nathan.”
“Follow me please.” The bellman transported our luggage as we trailed close behind. Excitement poured out like sunshine, we were deliriously happy about our time here and upcoming nuptials.
“Did you know the lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands Polynesian voyagers who took a journey from Tahiti navigating by the stars sailing in canoes? The tradition was born with the early settlers.” Clayton noted as we walked in unison.
“Random.”
We approach both Clayton’s and Gen’s individual bungalows, yet the cabins were so close they shared a large deck. Both huts faced the lagoon as the torches were being lit behind us.
“Let’s meet in the bar in a couple of hours.” Nathan suggested, and checked his watch. “You both can unpack. Bryer and I have to get our marriage license.”
“Sounds like you’re really going to do this.” Clayton said in a low voice.
“Ah, remind me exactly why you’re my best man?”
“I don’t know, you tell me.”
“You’re supposed to be my best friend, the least you could do is act like it, douchebag.”
I ignored the jab, and eased away from him. Clayton wasn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. I learnt to accept his flaws; it was just the way he was wired. I had to learn to embrace his imperfections; we all have them. I must learn to see with my heart, and not just with my eyes. Clayton loved Nathan, just as Gen loved me, a mixture of dysfunction and loyalty. Perhaps then we would connect within and feel compassion that was balanced and create a new level of friendship.
Visions of grandeur, I found the wisdom and felt the madness. Stirring a concept so clear, so precise nothing could go wrong, not this time. I’ve twisted and connived a spell with my charmed words and created a magical illusion so comple
x, so brilliant they’ll never see it coming. Let them breathe in my power, bring devastation to them all, they won’t see what was right in front of them, or have the ability to control the outcome.
“Sonja, did you find the name?” The corner of her mouth turned up, displaying the right attitude combined with the right attire looking polished and professional as she walked in my newly set up office at the cabin.
“They have an onsite officiate to perform the ceremony, he can be bought,” She ensured, then perched a hip on the corner of my desk. “But it will cost you.”
“I’m not worried, Nathaniel James Sr. is a bottomless pit of money, I’ll get it.”
“So now we’re pilfering money, skimming cash and committing fraud?”
“Fraud is a broad term.” I said looking smug. “Not all false statements are legally fraudulent.”
“That’s interesting.” She said running her fingers through her salon perfect hair. “So, what your saying is we’re all liars, one way or another.”
“Stop worrying everything is going as planned.”
I was about to play chicken with their nuptials. Bribery and doctoring the records was necessary to cover my tracks. Becoming an expert at being devious in indirect ways required ripe targets, and trust was an essential part of the game. Fortunately, I was a magician, pulling a rabbit out of my hat was for amateurs.
I was the villain in their story, a shadow, my tricks wouldn’t be used for good. I would manipulate them into believing so many things they won’t even know what their reality is anymore.
“If you ask me, it sounds too good to be true.”
“I’m not asking.” I answered my eyes narrowing. “Anyway, on the plus side it makes things more fun.
Her doubtful eyes bore into mine, if she was looking for honesty she had come to the wrong place. Underhanded and ruthless, I was always willing to betray trust, that was me to a fault. She’d never admit the part that needed me just as I needed her.
Delusions of morality, honesty, and loyalty were for the innocent. Society had become completely desensitized towards dishonesty. And thank God for the unscrupulous individuals in the world, they only made my plan easier to maneuver.
Forgotten Chance: Book Three (Forgotten Trilogy) Page 4
