Facing Redemption

by Kimberly McKay

  “Maybe I just like to rub my hands on your shoulders and back.”

  “You should know after the last few nights that I like that.” She beamed at him, and flipped sides before lying back down. “I still can’t believe you used to live here. Why didn’t you end up back here?” Chastity propped her chin onto her crossed arms.

  Even though she had dark sunglasses on, he could imagine her green eyes staring at him.

  “I love it,” he said lying on his stomach. “But my family is all on the mainland. And it’s too expensive to travel back and forth.”

  “Talk about expensive – I still can’t get over our room. It has a bathroom the size of someone’s kitchen!”

  “Hey don’t look at me. I booked a nice room, but had nothing to do with the upgrade to the suite. I have no idea how that happened!” Timothy’s perplexed look was genuine.

  “You’re telling the truth? I thought you were kidding about that when we checked in.”

  “Yes, it’s the truth! I wouldn’t lie.”

  “It had to have been Jesse.” Chastity’s brow furrowed. “He and Lauri did way too much.”

  “Hey, no frowning on this trip young lady.” Timothy rolled on his side and leaned in for a kiss. Her lips tasted like the sea salt. She ran her hands through his hair and pulled him in closer. “And you should know by now what that does to me. Come on.” He stood and reached for her hands. “I’d like to investigate our room some more.”

  Chastity bounded up and reached for her flip-flops and beach bag. She slid her hand into his and walked back to the patio of the Hilton.

  “You sure you’re okay with leaving all this glorious sun out here on the beach?”

  “Well if you’d rather stay out here we can, but it’s a family beach and they might frown on that type of behavior.” He grinned down at her.

  She punched him in the arm and ran the rest of the way to the hotel. Timothy picked up his pace. She could hear him laughing as he chased her through the sand.

  This is how she imagined them, having chemistry in and out of the bedroom. And making the decision to wait for sex, made this so much sweeter. It definitely made for a more memorable honeymoon.

  For a full week they lavished on each other from their room, on the beach, or sightseeing. Neither Chastity nor Timothy was a fan of PDA but it had to be obvious they were on their honeymoon, since they were asked about it everywhere they went. It was almost comical.

  “Do you think I should buy that T-shirt in the gift shop downstairs?”

  “Which one? The one that said Hot Wahine? Yes…only buy it a couple sizes too small for when we’re at home.”

  “No.” She threw a pillow at him, and wrapped up in the sheet. “The one that says Honeymooned on Oahu and got lei’d.”

  Timothy laughed. “I think you should get both Mrs. Banks.”

  The hotel invoice quietly slipped under their door. Chastity looked from it to Timothy with regret. “I’m so sad. I’m not ready.”

  “I’m not either. And we have a long flight back.” Timothy fluffed his pillows and propped himself up. “We should have stayed an extra week, huh?”

  “Yeah. But it’ll be good to get home, and start our real life. Plus, we have plenty of time to come back for vacation.”

  “What time is it?” Timothy reached to check his iPhone. “Oh yeah.” His eyes lit up. “It’s just enough time to make love to my wife one more time before we leave this luxurious suite.”

  Timothy pulled the sheets away from Chastity’s body, and drew her to him. He ran his hands up and down her back, to rest just above her hips. He’d learned over the last few days and nights, that this was the area that started his wife up. He smiled as he heard her moan.

  “See I’m a quick learner.” He whispered through his kiss. Chastity pulled back. He could see the mischievous twinkle in her eye as she sat up.

  “No touching.” She whispered and placed his hands above his head. Then she set out to learn what she could about her husband’s patience.

  A couple hours later, Mr. and Mrs. Banks strolled downstairs hand in hand grinning from ear to ear. Chastity had stopped at the gift shop and was wearing the T-shirt she wanted to buy, which she slipped over her tank top.

  Timothy wanted to scream at the top of his lungs, ‘This is my wife!’ as he walked through the lobby. He couldn’t have been more proud to have her by his side, but he held it in. He dropped her hand and slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.

  While they waited to check out, Chastity watched a young mom chasing her toddler around.

  “Hi there.” Chastity waved down to the little boy, who had waddled over to her feet. He reached down to touch the polish on her toes.

  “I’m so sorry.” His mother rushed over and quickly picked him up. “Everything below the knee is eye candy to him … especially anything with color.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Chastity took the toddler’s feet into her hands. “He’s very cute.” The baby openly smiled at Chastity, and babbled a few words of his own to her.

  “He likes you.” His mom smiled. “By the way. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but even without the shirt you have on …” They both looked down to Chastity’s chest. “I would have known you were on your honeymoon. You both look so much in love.”

  Chastity’s heart warmed. “Thanks.” She looked to Timothy. “I think I’ll keep him a bit longer and have some of these.”

  “Oh please!” The young mom begged. “Take your time. Now that you’re married – the pressure will be on to squeeze a couple of these peanuts out. And they’re amazing! I wouldn’t change anything…except I would have waited a while longer.” She laughed and hugged her baby tight. “I love being a mom though. Just trust me … wait.”

  Timothy laughed as he overheard the women’s conversation. He stepped up the counter and laid their invoice on top. Timothy’s eyes scanned the length of it, and read the bottom line. It read zero balance.

  “What the? Chastity?” Timothy interrupted.

  “Sorry.” She apologized and stepped away from her conversation. “What’s up? How big is the total?”

  “There’s not one.” Timothy’s face scrunched up. “I don’t understand.” He looked to the hotel clerk. “Can you help me?”

  A young Hawaiian man, wearing a Hawaiian polo spun around and reached for the invoice. “Aloha. Was your stay at the Hilton pleasant?”

  “Oh yes.” Chastity smiled. “I think we’re just trying to figure something out. We got here and were upgraded to the suite, which we didn’t book, and now our bill shows a zero balance.”

  “Something’s da’kine here.” Timothy’s pidgin accent slipped out some.

  “Oh.” The clerk smiled at Timothy’s slang. “Nice. You sound like one local boy.” He lifted his fist up to greet Timothy.

  “I lived here as a boy and left when I started high school. I’m just back on my honeymoon.”

  “Aw, welcome back brah. My name is Keko. Let me see if I can look in the computah and find what the issue is.”

  “Wow. Why haven’t you spoken like that to me before? It’s kinda hot.”

  Timothy tilted his head and grinned. “Put on the XS t-shirt that you stuck in your bag when we get home, and I’ll tell you all kinds of things in pidgin.”

  Keko cleared his throat. “Scuse me.” He said before giggling. “I hate to interrupt, but I figured out what happened.” Both of them turned their attention toward Keko.

  “It seems it was paid in full by a third party.” When Keko said third, it sounded more like turd to Chastity. She smiled for a second until she realized what it was he was saying.

  “Who was it? Was it my Uncle Jesse?” Chastity wanted to know. “Is that also why we have the suite?”

  “It says in here,” Keko continued to check his screen. “That you were upgraded to the suite a few weeks ago.”

  “A few weeks ago?” Chastity was dumbfounded. “I wonder why Jesse didn’t tell us. It must have be
en a wedding gift to us?”

  “Yes,” Keko confirmed. “But I don’t see the name Jesse on file.”

  “What?” Timothy gruffly asked. “Well then who?”

  “Um sir, the notes in my file say it’s supposed to be kept confidential. I’m not supposed to say.”

  “Hey man, I can respect you have a job to do, but isn’t there anything you can do here from one local boy to the other?”

  Keko looked over his shoulder and leaned forward. “Sure brah. Let me look it up.” Keko punched a few buttons on his keypad, and found what he wanted. “Okay brah, how about I give you a first initial and a last name. Will that work? That way I’m not really telling you his name.”

  “Yes.” Chastity and Timothy said in unison.

  Keko leaned closer and whispered. “It says it was upgraded and paid for by a J. Mikale.”

  “Jesse?” Chastity asked.

  “Ma’am. There’s no Jesse in these notes.”

  “Whoa. It’s going to be a long flight home.” Timothy groaned.

  “Hey I’m sorry man.” Keko could feel the energy change in an instant.

  “No, you helped us Keko.” Chastity smiled. “Thanks so much.”

  “Mahalo and come back and see us.” Keko waved.

  “Maholo.” They both said and walked toward the skycap, who had their luggage. Timothy wrapped his arm around Chastity’s shoulders. He wasn’t sure what to say to her, so they walked in silence to the taxi.

  Chapter 58

  Anne packed the last of Chastity’s things, which were now ready for her to pick up when she came home from her honeymoon. She slid the final box to the utility room and smiled sadly. Anne had so enjoyed having Chastity as a roommate over the last few months even though it was temporary. She was just grateful for the time she had before everything changed permanently.

  To fill the void, Anne decided it was time to give someone else a shot at sharing space in her home and drove to the nearest animal rescue shelter. The day after the wedding she showed up in hopes of finding the perfect match for her. She knew she’d recognize the right pet for her.

  Anne knew she’d have to branch out and get a life of her own separate from what she and her best friend shared, and getting a pet was the first thing on her list. Being open to what the future brought her was second.

  It took her a few minutes after arriving at the shelter, but she finally found the one for her. There were more than enough adorable little faces peering up to her when she walked toward the kennels, but one in particular tugged at her heart. A tiny little dog sat in the corner all on his own. It studied her as she walked up to pet so many other puppies. It was almost as if it was sizing Anne up.

  “Aren’t you a curious thing?” Anne laughed and

  reached down. She offered her hand for it to sniff. It stepped through the chaos of dogs jumping around and licked her hand. That was it for Anne. She turned to one of the workers with a smile.

  “Can I pick this one up?” The worker reached in for her and grabbed the baby and handed it over. “What kind of dog is this?” Anne took it in her arms and looked underneath. “And I see you’re a boy. Well hello handsome.” She nuzzled the dog.

  “This is a cheagle.” The volunteer pet the dog, as Anne held it to her chest. Anne looked at the volunteer’s nametag, which read ‘Patti’.

  “Never heard of it. Does he have a name? And why is this little baby here and not with a family?”

  Patti sighed. “Sadly little puppies come here every day. Families with small children think they’re ready for an animal, and don’t realize the work it takes to raise a dog. They bring them here and we hopefully find a good home for them.” She smiled down into puppy’s eyes and talked to him. “This little guy’s name is Baxter and he’s a mix between a Chihuahua and a Beagle. He’s a really well behaved dog.”

  That sealed the deal for Anne. She had already fallen for Baxter and knew she couldn’t go home without him. She filled out the adoption paperwork the worker provided, and took him home. It had been four days and Baxter had adapted really well. He’d slept through the night from night one, and made himself at home. It made the transition of the empty house an easier one for Anne. She had herself a new best friend, until she could branch out and find some human ones.

  “I’m going to have to get a life again.” Anne stood looking at her reflection. “You can do this Anne … and I’m talking to myself. Great.” Anne snorted and turned away.

  Anne walked across her living room to turn on the television. She would never admit it, but she was a closet television junkie, but only for a couple of leading men. Her two favorite shows were NCIS, with Mark Harmon, and Hope’s Miracle, with Chad Chambers, who played Dr. Hank. Both shows were a weekly staple in her schedule and if she had to admit - Dr. Hank, who was the leading surgeon at Hope Hospital, was her secret obsession.

  To her, both Mark Harmon and Chad Chambers seemed so genuine … not that she’d admit that to anyone. The only person who knew her secret was Chastity, and now Baxter. Anne thought Dr. Hank seemed more real than Guy the groomsman slash heart surgeon. Guy seems like more of an actor than Chad does. Anne laughed to herself. Now here she was days after the wedding, and she felt back to herself. Just being ‘Guy-free’ gave her the peace she needed to settle back into her life again, and she was never more thankful to get someone out of her life, other than Brent, for good.

  “Goodbye Dr. Guy and hello Dr. Hank.” Anne said, turning up the volume. She tucked her legs underneath her, settled into her easy chair, and pulled her favorite quilt across her.

  “Come here Baxter.” Her little cheagle puppy jumped into her lap faster than it took for her to invite him there. It was fast becoming his favorite place to be, and he was quickly becoming the most faithful man in her life. Baxter jumped up and laid his paws on her chest to lick her face. Anne laughed and pushed him back down.

  “You know better than that … but thank you for the sentiment.” Baxter’s suddenly ears perked up and he let out a fierce growl. The fur along his spine stood up, as he jumped down from Anne’s lap and raced to the front window barking.

  “Well, no one will sneak up with you around – huh, boy?” She got up, and scooped him in her arms just in time to see the FedEx driver approaching.

  Anne opened the door as the doorbell sounded, which didn’t help Baxter calm down any.

  “Give me a minute please.” Anne hollered through her screen door. She firmly sat Baxter down and pointed her finger at him.

  “Be good,” she commanded before shutting the door tightly behind her. She could hear him running from the front bay window of her home, to the front door in an effort to defend her from the FedEx woman.

  “Hi. Sorry about that.” Anne reached for the envelope. “This for me?”

  “That depends. Are you Anne LaSal?” The driver checked her notes.

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Okay then. It says a signature is required. Please sign here.” They made the exchange and the FedEx lady jogged back to her truck. Anne scanned the return address, which read Janz Productions. She walked back in and took her seat. The TV was paused on the handsome face of Dr. Hank. She smiled at his image on her screen, before tearing open the thick envelope.

  Perplexed, she pulled out all the papers inside and started with the letter on top. It was a personal letter from a Ned Struthers, who said he was the director for the new dating reality show called Broadcast Affair. He invited her to be a contestant based on his friend, Guy Master’s, suggestion. It went on to explain that since she was a friend of Guy’s, he’d taken the liberty to send him a picture of her. It then went on to explain the concept of the show, but Anne didn’t get that far.

  Anne didn’t check the rest of the packet to see a contestant application. She didn’t even care to read the part that said she should check the production company’s website, which would give her a bio on the current bachelor selected for this season.

  All Anne could do was zone in on the
name, Guy Masters. “Ugh! Seriously?! Wait until I tell Chastity … and Timothy!” Anne promptly set the packet at the bottom of her junk mail. “No thank you Mr. Guy! I’m not going to respond!”

  Anne tucked her legs underneath her, settled into her easy chair, and pulled her favorite quilt over her. Dr. Hank and Baxter were the only men she had room for in her life at the moment.

  Chapter 59

  Jesse checked his iPhone app once more to track Chastity’s flight. Timothy was supposed to call him before they boarded their plane, and so far no call. He reached for his cell for the fourth time in three hours.

  “It hasn’t rung all day. There’s no way they could have called. They’ve been on a plane!” Lauri shot him the same look he’d been receiving for days.

  “They have those in flight phones on board planes.” Jesse urged. “Since I took Timothy’s car home after the wedding, he promised he’d call before boarding to let me know if they needed a pick up.” Jesse looked at his watch. “And their plane lands in an hour.”

  Lauri glared at him. “You know why they haven’t called. Probably because someone let it slip where they were staying on their honeymoon.”

  “Are we going to get into this again?” He sat down and ran his hands through his hair. Jesse looked up apologetically. “I got carried away with actually having conversations … real conversations with my brother. How was I supposed to know he’d run with that information and do something with it?”

  “You don’t. That’s the whole point. That’s why you don’t have a conversation with him about it to begin with!” She raised her voice an octave.

  “Don’t be mad at me. I wouldn’t even know about it if we hadn’t received Chastity’s voicemail this past week!” Jesse sounded miserable.

  His niece had called him first thing after they checked in, to thank him for the upgrade to their hotel. Although he was sorry he missed her call, he was happy he wasn’t able to answer once he heard her message. He didn’t upgrade their room to the five star suites, but he had strong suspicions who did.