by Tara Brent
It’s not all bad news. We get to Alcatraz via Fisherman's Wharf so he’ll get to see that. It’s my intention to broaden his horizons from the dusty plains of Texas. I manage to persuade him to visit Muir woods first, which is an ancient redwood forest. He’s very impressed with that. Who wouldn’t be? Some of those trees are over a thousand years old and over 260ft high!
Then we drive back to Fisherman’s Wharf to catch a ferry from Pier 33. As we cross the bay to walk around the cells of Alcatraz, the thought of Tiffany unexpectedly pops up in my mind. Smiling to myself, I turn my attentions back to approaching island.
The rock is a daunting visit which, so we're informed, is better viewed at night. I’d never had any urge to visit the place before this. Thanks to my brother, I’m now educated in the likes of Al Capone and what went on in the solitary confinement cells. Those pale green cell doors with light pink walks are enough to make anyone shudder.
It felt odd to be doing something so normal, and Nico wanted to go back for a nighttime tour. For me though, once was enough. Mia offered to take him there one night before he returns to Texas in a few weeks.
“Calvin can’t take the pace, Nico laughs, making fun of me.”He’s more of a cocktails and cigars kinda guy. When you’re a real cowboy, you’re a bit more toughened to scary bumps in the night.”
I let him have his moment because I’m pleased to be spending time with him. I ought to wrestle him to the ground for the insult, but he’s bigger than me, and no doubt stronger.
As I sit listening to my family’s laughter, at my expense, Tiffany pops into my head once again. Nope. I'd decided not to bother her anymore but I feel a sadness that we’ll never get to know each other again. That woman sure does have me hooked. It’s time to let her go and that’s what I must do. I say nothing to anyone, they don’t want me harping on about my failed love life.
“You okay, bro?” Ethan’s voice cuts into my thoughts. “Redhead blues?”
I nod back to him. He understands his little brother well enough.
Chapter 13
Ali’s New Friend
I thought I'd dressed to kill but I can’t compete with the rich and wealthy who are here at the charity auction. Some of these outfits must cost more than I earn in a year's salary. Looking around the crowd we spot a few famous faces, but Ali and I don't show our excitement. We know that if we started getting starstruck at our age, we’d make utter fools of ourselves.
Ali’s dress is far more glamorous and daring than mine. She has a slit up the side that shows the whole top of her thigh on one side. She's always was a bit of an exhibitionist and I love her daring attitude. Not that she looks out of place here. In fact, her dress looks a little tame compared to some of these glamor girls. She's all silvery and glittery telling the world a bold statement about her personality.
My dress is a little more reserved. I'm in a dark green color that highlights my red hair, with lots of lace and some sequin shimmers. I love any excuse to wear lace. I did go a little daring with a fairly low neckline and slim shoulder bands. So I'm showing off enough bare skin to look and feel sexy. A thick high waistband sets off my figure, and although the lace goes to my ankles, from my knees downwards it’s transparent. My long A-line shaped dress is what the saleswoman called an illusion design. Anyway, we both look stunning.
The event is huge with the paparazzi everywhere. Flashes keep dancing from the cameras so it's a little disorientating if you stand in the crowd. I’d never thought of Mia as wealthy. She and Ethan are as down to earth as newbie parents. Yet, I should have known because she is a famous top chef, therefore it’s no surprise that she’s surrounded by wealthy people.
Though I feel a little out of place, Ali is loving it. We haven’t gone through to the auction as the booklet put me off with such high prices. No wonder Mia wrote that I didn't have to bid, thank goodness. There’s not a thing in there I could afford, even at the starting price let alone after bidding. It stands to reason that I won't be lingering in that room. Ali though is very curious, so after the sit-down meal, she sneaks off to have a listen to the biddings. As I said, it's not for me so I stay to chat with the people at our table.
We seem to be sitting with local business owners and I’m chatting with an elderly lady who tells me her husband will bid on one thing only. She laughs as she informs me that it’s all they could afford after buying their tickets for the event. Of course, I don’t tell her that we got ours for free, not after she shocks me with the price they paid. I’m presently moving among the rich and famous on this very strange night.
“I’d like you to meet my very handsome cowboy friend,” I hear Ali’s voice from behind me.
As I turn around in my chair, she's standing next to a large man with a huge white stetson. He’s outrageously handsome, how does Ali always find the best looking guys? There's something familiar about his features but I can’t quite put my finger on it. He grins back at me and offers out a large hand. I go to shake it but he turns my hand around and brushes his lips over the back of it.
“Isn’t he gorgeous?” Ali giggles at me. “His name is Nico and he insists on taking me out on a date with him and his brother.”
“I’m not in town for long," he informs me as he looks entranced with Ali. "I have to meet this beautiful girl again. She tells me that she’ll agree to meet me if I find a date for her best friend, being you. So please, will you agree to come with her on a date with my brother?”
Despite my memory of how my last blind date turned out, I had my doubts and wanted to wriggle out of it. This guy is so charming how can I refuse? “When you put it in such a gentlemanly way, how can I resist?” I smile back as I take my hand away from his very sexy lips.
I can see why Ali likes him. He’s a keeper that’s for sure. Why don’t I ever meet the best ones?
“I’d like to invite you to come and join us so you can meet my brother,” he offers. I know he'll be delighted to meet you, he loves redheads. Though he’s not as good looking as me.”
I ignore his flippant remarks as he offers his other arm to me. Excusing myself from the table, I hook my arm in his and off we go. He strolls away with me in one arm and Ali in the other, looking very pleased with himself. I have to admit, Ali has done well with this catch. Now, what does his brother look like?
We arrive at a group of people standing at the back of the auction room, watching the bidding process.
“I’d like to introduce my brother to you, Tiffany, this is Calvin,” Nico says to me.
As I turn around there stands my Calvin. He looks almost as shocked as I am.
“Oh, it’s you?” Is all I manage to say, standing there dumbfounded.
“It seems we have another date,” he smiles at me knowingly. “I doubt your husband will be very pleased.”
Luckily Nico had moved away and was introducing Ali to some other people. I was relieved that he didn’t overhear Calvin’s words. It's time I told him the truth.
“Look, I may have over-exaggerated to you,” I stutter. “I’m not exactly married.”
“Oh, your fiancé then, I doubt he’ll like you dating other people?” He says to me.
“So, surely you're not bidding are you?” I ask, attempting to change the topic of conversation.
“I could ask you the same?” He replies.
“I wouldn’t have thought an event like this would be up your street?” I reply, unsure of myself.
“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me,” he snaps back. “Do you want to explain to me how I’m going to inform my brother he can’t have his date with your friend? He’s going to be very disappointed.”
“I’m okay with the date if you are?” I reply. “Ali will never forgive me if I let her down. Oh, and...I...don’t have a fiancé either.”
“Forgive my confusion but I thought when you told me to f-off, it was because I was stalking a married woman?” He says, looking very confused.
“No, I lied,” I admit, hoping that no one
else joins in on our personal conversation. Right now, I am so embarrassed. If it were not for Ali, I would run away, as I did last time.
Reunited
I’m completely stunned when Tiffany tells me she was lying about being married. To be honest, I can’t decide if I’m furious or relieved. Both, I suppose. More than anything though, I’m confused why she felt the need to say such a thing. Okay, so I was making a nuisance of myself, as I don’t easily take no for an answer. Still, that’s no reason for such an outright lie. Then again if her intentions were to get rid of me, then it did do the trick. Yet, she’s back in my life like a boomerang that keeps returning.
Tiffany has this habit of always turning up again. The recent loss of my father has unbalanced my emotions, and now this! I'd been preparing myself to decline Nico's arrangement politely. When it comes to this redhead though, I cannot say no.
I can see from her face that she’s waiting for me to reply to her guilty admission. I should be angry, but I don't want to respond in a negative manner. Instead, I play it cool.
“Look, I’m sorry if I pushed you that far,” I take the blame because I do feel partly responsible. “Nico's visiting the city so I don't want to disappoint him."
“I see,” she says with a guilty look on her face. “I know I shouldn’t have told you that lie. If I'm honest, I thought your attempts at chasing me were rather sweet. If you're happy to go on this date, then so am I. Besides, my friend has a hungry look in her eyes when she looks at your brother. I can't let her down either.”
“Don’t worry about Nico, he’s a big boy and can look after himself.” I laugh back. I’m starting to feel a little happier for the first time since my father died, and it's all because Tiffany has shown up again.
“Ha, famous last words” she quips back with a smile.
“Nico doesn’t meet many available women in his line of work, so he’ll relish in her attentions,” I reply.
“Is he a real cowboy?”
“You could say that. He’s got Italian blood flowing through his veins too, so he’s an odd mixture,” I joke to keep the conversation light.
“You up for this foursome thing?” She asks again.
“If you think you can bear to be in my company, then I can force myself," I say. Best not to let on how joyous I am about spending more time with her.
“Let’s do it then. In aid of the two lovebirds over there if nothing else.” She nods over to where my brother Nico is smooching with her friend.
“I’m guessing the lady draped over Nico is a friend of yours?” I ask, realizing I don’t know Nico’s date’s name.
“Ali and I go way back as far as kindergarten. She’s a great person, I can vouch for that,” she laughs.
We spend the rest of the evening together but I stay clear of asking her any personal questions. We dance, we laugh and I'm completely enamored by her. She has changed now that she's a mother, and I know nothing about her adult life, other than she has a friend she calls Ali.
Nico is keen on her friend and I can see him breaking her heart when he leaves. It’s not the night to think of such problems. This night is for enjoying a certain redhead's company.
Tiffany still knows nothing about me, so being with her means I can’t bid on anything in the charity auction. If she sees me spending money like it means nothing, it might frighten her away again. I excuse myself to go and speak to one of my associates to inform them to bid on certain items on my behalf. This should keep Mia happy, or she’ll be sulking if I don’t force the price up on these exclusive items.
“So, what’s the cause of this event?” Tiffany asks me when I return with her to my table.
“Mia supports a number of charities. This one is to raise funds for a homeless charity. She has one day a month when she closes down the restaurant to the public, and serves the homeless people with her best dishes. It can be quite an experience, I’ve been a few times.”
“That’s amazing. I had no idea Mia had such a soft side. She seems so dynamic, and to be frank, pretty ruthless.” Tiffany has become quite impressed with my sister-in-law. "So, what do you do these days? I gather you stayed in computing?"
I'm a little caught off and don’t know how to answer her. Taking a deep breath I attempt to build-up a believable story.
“More or less, you know me, I like to dabble in many things,” I tell her, trying to give nothing away.
Luckily she doesn't pursue the topic any further. The end of the evening comes all too soon. Back at the hotel with Nico, I am forced to listen to him droning on about how he’s fallen in love.
“I know it sounds crazy," he says clearly lovestruck. “I’ve only just met her, but this woman has stolen my heart, Calvin. Is it true that you can fall in love at first sight, do you think?”
Whilst I don’t tell him of my love for Tiffany, I agree with him and listen to his drunken singing of painful love songs. Painful, that is, for my ears.
Chapter 14
Classy Cruising
“Oh my goodness, Ali, did you arrange this?” I gasp as I stand in front of a huge yacht that we're about to board to meet our partners for a dinner date. “We can’t afford this, are you out of your mind?”
“Nope, I didn’t arrange it, and wow, this is amazing.” She stands still to admire the view from the marina. “Nico insisted on doing all the arrangements and we’re not paying, so stop fretting. All you do these days is worry.”
“Pardon me for breathing, but I don’t think we belong in a place like this, Ali. We’re probably underdressed. Even though we’ve both got new glamorous dresses for the occasion. Is this one of those classy cruises where you only get one tiny pea on your plate?”
“What are you talking about, girl?” Ali grabs a hold of my hand. “You’re going to be fine. Everything’s good, and I don’t think you’ll feel like eating much anyway.”
I don’t argue with her because I don’t feel like eating at all. I only agreed to come on this foursome because Ali has fallen big time for Nico. Well, that’s what I keep telling myself, but deep down I’m excited to be in Calvin's company again. In fact, I feel quite guilty that I’m using Ali as an excuse. I tell her that I’m here on protest, but it's a big fat lie.
Ali starts waving over at Nico who’s standing on the yacht watching out for her. We walk up the gangway to enter the deck of the boat, or ship, or whatever. I have no idea but it’s a seriously classy venue.
Ali runs up the gangway to meet Nico with great enthusiasm. When they meet, they hug each other as if they’ve been apart for far too long, even though it was only yesterday. Calvin walks over to join us but we remain at a distance as we greet one another. From that moment on, there is no separating Ali and Nico. Either their lips are locked together, or they're holding hands with limbs wrapped around one another. They won't part for anyone. How they manage to find so much to say to each other is quite beyond me. They chat constantly, but only to each other. Not once do either of them acknowledge they are in our company.
We dine at a large table on one of the higher decks. I assume there are other decks with other customers also dining, but we have this one to ourselves. The boat begins to move and we cruise along the bay. It’s all very romantic and there’s even music playing softly in the background.
“I see that you’re picking at your food again,” Calvin says to me, though he’s smiling.
“I’m sorry, this food is wonderful but I feel awkward,” I tell him the truth. I don’t want to lie to him ever again.
“Look, what’s past is past. You must put that incident behind you,” he tells me. “Let’s enjoy this evening. Nico has gone to great troubles to set it all up.”
“I can see, he must want to impress Ali with an expensive cruise and the amazing food. Goodness knows how much this cruise must be costing him,” I say, a little overawed by our surroundings.
Calvin laughs at me and I stare back at him a little confused.
“What?” I ask him.
“We co
uld end up doing the washing up for a week if he doesn’t pay the bill, don’t you think?”
“Are you making fun of me?”
He takes a hold of my hand in the middle of his two large palms and my stomach churns with excitement. Does he really forgive me for my lies? I hope so because I’m beginning to feel if I made the wrong decision all those years ago. Should I have told him?
There’s Hope Yet
I finally manage to make physical contact with Tiffany, even if it was only to hold her hand. She made me laugh at something she said but at the same time, she looked as if I’d insulted her. So far this evening she's kept her distance from me, but now I have her hand in mine I can feel her begin to relax.
“Let’s live for the moment,” I say to her. “Look at the romance of the city lights as we cruise past them. It's a warm evening and we're in good company. What more could we want right now?”
Now she laughs at me.
“By good company, I don’t mean those, two,” I explain to her as my brother and his new girlfriend have ignored us for most of the evening. “I mean us, we have each other.”
“Hey, Calvin, look!” Nico calls out to me. “I told you I’d get to see Alcatraz in the dark. I asked Dennis to pass by this way so we could see it from a distance.”
“Come on, let’s go up to the top deck and take in the view,” Nico suggests, running hand in hand up the steps with Ali.
Nico’s suggestion is fraught with problems for me. Neither of our partners this evening are aware that I own this boat. They might start to ask difficult questions if we wander around the boat. The last thing I want right now is to scare Tiffany away again. This time, I’d like to hold on to her. The setting though is quite romantic. Maybe she’ll drop her guard and stay the night. Then, we can start where we left off a few weeks ago. In a way, I suppose I’m the one doing the lying now. I don’t know how to explain my wealth to this woman. She makes me feel uncertain all the time.
“Oh, you never mentioned we’d get to see the rock,” Ali says as Nico wraps his arms around her.
