by Pamela Yaye
Swallowing a yawn, Robyn crossed her legs and clasped her hands around her knees. She’d arrived at the Parker family estate ten minutes earlier with Kim and Gabby, curious as to why Mr. Parker had called an emergency meeting in the middle of the day, especially in light of everything that was going on.
Last night after leaving Sean’s house, she’d picked up her car from the airport and driven straight to the hospital. There, she’d found the waiting room jam-packed with people who loved Jonah and with several pesky reporters, who’d heard about the accident at the resort. There’d been no change in his condition, and when the nursing staff had asked everyone to leave, Robyn had reluctantly returned to the resort. She’d tossed and turned in bed for hours, reliving her argument with Sean. She felt guilty for losing her temper and knew she wouldn’t have peace until she apologized to Sean, but Robyn couldn’t bring herself to call him. Her focus was on supporting Jonah, any way she could, and for now, that was all that mattered.
At the thought of the kindly old man with the jovial disposition, a sad smile touched Robyn’s lips. On the way to the Parker estate that afternoon, she’d stopped at the hospital to visit Jonah. He was stable, but his vitals were weak, and he was unresponsive. To pass the time, she’d read him magazines, filled him in on what was happening at the Belleza, and opened up to him about Sean. Sure, he was unconscious, but putting her feelings into words was surprisingly therapeutic. By the time Robyn left the hospital two hours later, she felt less emotional about their fight and back in control of her thoughts and emotions.
Really? questioned her inner voice. Then why did you burst into tears when you drove past Manhattan Beach? You were crying so hard you had to pull over.
Before she could answer that personal question, Kurt Parker entered. He stood before them in the formal living room and refused a seat. Without any preamble, he got right to it. “I asked you to come here this afternoon because I wanted to pass along some sensitive information, and I couldn’t risk someone at the resort overhearing our discussion.”
Robyn shook off any thoughts and gave Mr. Parker her full attention. There was much to discuss, and she didn’t want to miss anything. News of Jonah’s freak accident at The Pearl had made all of the newspapers, and the media were accusing the resort of negligence. Worse still, there were fictitious reports about buried treasure at the resort, and the curse of the Belleza had reared its ugly head once again. Guests had been checking out of the resort by the dozens ever since the story had aired on the local news, and the front desk staff couldn’t keep up with the record number of cancellations.
“I spoke to Fenton, the detective handling the case, at length this morning, and he confirmed my suspicions. Jonah’s accident was no accident. Someone tampered with the lighting at The Pearl.”
Robyn leaned forward in her chair, listened intently to what Mr. Parker was saying.
“I don’t know if Jonah was the intended target or not, but the police believe whoever’s behind the accident had help from someone on the inside, so you need to be extra cautious at the resort. Someone is out to ruin the Belleza, and until they’re apprehended, no one’s safe.”
“Maybe we should close the resort for the time being,” Ilene Parker suggested.
Kim and her dad spoke in unison. “No!”
“Not indefinitely,” Mrs. Parker explained, glancing from her daughter to her husband, her eyes pleading for understanding. “Just until the police arrest the perpetrators. We can’t risk someone else getting hurt—”
“Absolutely not,” Kim said, adamantly shaking her head, her ponytail swishing furiously back and forth. “We’re Parkers, and Parkers don’t back down to anyone.”
Mr. Parker beamed with pride, as if Kim had scored a hole in one on the golf course. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, baby girl. We’ll hire additional security and have staff implement the buddy system when traveling around the resort after dark, but as they say on Broadway, the show must go on.”
Mrs. Parker balked. “Money isn’t everything, Kurt. You of all people should know that.”
Knowing the history of the resort, Robyn knew Mrs. Parker was referring to the difficult economic times the couple had faced decades earlier. Luckily, their hard work and sacrifice had paid off, and they’d been able to turn things around. The resort had experienced a healthy resurgence in the nineties and regained its reputation as the premier resort in California.
It was Kim who replied to her mother’s remark. “Mom, I understand your concern, but closing the resort simply isn’t an option. We’re hosting several big events this weekend, not to mention this is our busiest time of year and by far the most profitable.”
“Kim, please reconsider. I want you and the employees to be safe, and I have a feeling Jonah’s accident is just the tip of the iceberg.”
In spite of her outward calm, Robyn was nervous and afraid. Was Mrs. Parker right? Were things going to get worse at the resort? Could Kim be next? Could she?
“Do the police have any leads?” Gabby asked, addressing Mr. Parker. “Detectives interviewed me this morning, but when I asked about the investigation, they clammed up.”
“Detective Fenton is confident they’ll make an arrest soon and is working around the clock to track down every lead. He’s headed to the SP Grill as we speak.”
“The SP Grill?” Mrs. Parker repeated, raising an eyebrow. “What for?”
“To rule out Sean as a suspect.”
“Kurt, that’s preposterous, and you know it.”
“I’m hoping for the best, Ilene, but it wouldn’t be the first time he’s tried to hurt us.”
“Sean adores Jonah, and he’d never do anything to destroy the Belleza, so call that sour-faced detective and tell him to leave my baby the hell alone!”
Robyn cheered inwardly. That’s right, Ilene! Set him straight! Sean couldn’t have tampered with the lighting—because he’d been at home with her. But fear of being fired forced Robyn to keep that alibi to herself. She couldn’t tell the Parkers the truth, but she was prepared to come clean if this Detective Fenton interviewed her.
Kim spoke up. “Mom, I don’t think Sean tampered with the lighting, either, but we have to let the police do their job.” She glanced at her friends. “It will be business as usual at the resort. Right, ladies?”
“Not quite, Kim. Guests have been canceling their reservations, and both restaurants were practically empty when I left the resort this afternoon,” Gabby explained, her tone solemn. “From what I understand, guests have been calling, wanting to refund their tickets for the Dunham Foundation gala.”
The color drained from Kim’s face.
“And that’s not all.” Robyn wished she didn’t have to be the bearer of more bad news, but she couldn’t put off telling Kim about the problems in her department. “Mr. Rabinowitz read about Jonah’s accident in the newspaper and is threatening to have their event at another resort.”
“But we’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on their anniversary party,” Kim argued.
“I know, and I reminded him of our contract, but he wouldn’t listen.”
“If they take their business elsewhere, it will ruin our reputation. A black-tie event for two hundred guests is a huge deal, so let’s put our heads together and figure out how to fix this.”
“Rabinowitz and I go way back,” Mr. Parker said. “I’ll call him and smooth things over.”
“Thanks, Dad, but don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
Robyn was proud of Kim for not taking the easy way out. Her best friend was determined to stand on her own two feet, just like her big brother, and that was admirable.
At the thought of Sean, happy memories flooded her heart. Strolling along the beach hand in hand, cooking dinner at the SP Grill and sightseeing in Guadalajara. Tears filled her eyes, and her throat closed up. Robyn needed someth
ing cold to drink, but her vision was so blurry she couldn’t see her water glass.
“Robyn, are you okay? You don’t look too good.”
“I’m fine,” she lied, faking a polite smile. “I’m just worried about Jonah, that’s all.”
Nodding, her expression one of sympathy, Mrs. Parker reached over and squeezed her hand. “Be positive, Robyn. Jonah’s a fighter. He’ll pull through.”
Robyn dropped her gaze to her lap. Sean had said the same thing last night, and remembering how loving he’d been as she’d cried in his arms brought a fresh wave of guilt. What have I done? Why did I push him away when all he wanted to do was help?
The phone on the end table sounded, and Mr. Parker picked it up on the second ring. As he spoke, he grimaced and hung his head. Seconds later, he dropped the phone in the cradle and rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand.
“Dad, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“That was the hospital.”
Mrs. Parker touched her husband’s leg. “Honey, what did the doctor say?”
“Jonah’s conscious, but his vitals are weak. They suggested we go pay our final respects.”
* * *
“Damn, bro, you look like hell.”
“Thanks, Ryan. It’s good to see you, too.” Sean hugged his kid brother and clapped him hard on the shoulder. He’d called him that morning as he was leaving the Belleza Medical Center and told him about Jonah’s freak accident. Ryan had cancelled his gigs for the rest of the week and hopped on the next flight to LA.
The airport was loud and crowded, but as they headed to the exit, Sean noticed several cuties making eyes at his kid brother.
Ryan was tall and handsome like their father, but more laid-back. His wire-rimmed glasses, neatly trimmed goatee and casual attire gave off a boy-next-door vibe, but his twenty-six-year-old brother liked living on the wild side, and that would never change.
Twenty minutes after arriving at LAX, Sean was back behind the wheel of his sports car, flying down the freeway. “How was your flight?”
“Great. Sat beside an Aussie beauty who’s the splitting image of Rihanna.”
“When are you seeing her again?”
“Tonight, if you lend me the keys to your Lambo,” he said with a wink and a smile.
Sean belted out a hearty laugh, chuckled as if it was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. “Not on your life. The last time I let you drive my Lamborghini, you scratched the bumper.”
“Bro, it was like that when I left the house.”
“Sure, and you know nothing about all those speeding tickets, either. Right?”
Ryan wore an innocent face. “That’s right, bro. Nothing at all.”
The brothers shared a laugh.
“Any word on Jonah?” Ryan asked, his voice suddenly turning serious. “Is he still unconscious?”
Sean nodded, felt his grip tighten around the steering wheel. Media reports suggested someone had tampered with the lighting in The Pearl, and he was furious anyone would try to harm Jonah. He was determined to find out who the culprit was and planned to make a trip to the Belleza first thing tomorrow morning. “Jonah’s pretty banged up. He has broken ribs, a punctured lung and a fractured leg.”
“Poor Jonah. My heart breaks for the old guy.”
“I know you’re anxious to see him, but I figured we’d have lunch at the SP Grill before heading to the hospital.”
Ryan licked his lips and patted his stomach. “Good call, bro. I missed your tasty cooking.”
On the drive to the restaurant, the brothers talked about sports, the weather and Ryan’s budding music career. It was the first time all day Sean wasn’t obsessing about Robyn. His brother’s outrageous stories about the Big Apple provided the perfect distraction.
“I love this song.” Ryan turned up the volume on the radio and grooved to the music. “I do this Otis Redding track at the end of every set, and the audience always goes wild.”
His voice was strong, and he sang with such feeling and emotion Sean almost believed he was suffering from a broken heart. He couldn’t believe how much his brother’s voice had matured in the last year, how silky smooth it was. Robyn was right. Ryan should be the musical guest for the grand opening celebration.
“What’s for lunch?”
“Good question,” Sean said, activating his Bluetooth earpiece. He called Jolene to check in with her, and when they entered the restaurant ten minutes later, Sean could smell her down-home cooking in the air. After introductions were made, Sean gave Ryan a tour of the restaurant. As they walked through the lounge, shooting the breeze and cracking jokes, Sean was reminded of the first time he’d brought Robyn there. To this day, he couldn’t sit at his office desk without thinking about her hot body or hearing her loud, feverish moans in his ears.
“Your grand opening’s approaching soon,” Ryan said, glancing around the dining room with an appreciative expression on his face. “Are you nervous?”
Yeah, about living the rest of my life without Robyn. Sean roped his thoughts back in, cautioned himself not to go there. Robyn had made her decision, he’d made his, and there was no turning back. “I’m confident the night will be a success. Eighty-seven percent of the dining room has already been reserved, and my musical guest is going to bring the house down.”
“Word? Don’t keep me in suspense. Who is it?”
Sean grinned from ear-to-ear. “You.”
“Me?” Ryan asked, pointing at his chest. “No way. Is this a trick? Are you punking me?”
“No. I want someone young and exciting to kick off the grand opening celebration, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than you. So, what do you say? Do you want the job?”
Slanting his head to the right, his eyes narrowed in concentration, he slowly stroked the length of his chiseled jaw. “I usually charge six figures for a two-hour set, but since we’re family, I’ll give you a discount. Just this one time.”
Sean chuckled and ruffled his brother’s short dark hair. “Just don’t forget to give me a shout-out when you win your first Grammy.”
“You can bet on it, bro. Now can we eat?”
They sat at the bar, and Jolene appeared with an oversize tray filled with garlic mashed potatoes, collard greens, Southern-fried chicken and two ice-cold beers. “Enjoy!”
Jolene waved, then disappeared back inside the kitchen. With all the running around Sean had done that morning, he hadn’t had time to eat, so he devoured his meal in seconds. Thoughts of Robyn were heavy on his mind, and he couldn’t help wondering how she was doing. Through conversation with Jonah’s head nurse, he’d learned that Robyn had left the Belleza Medical Center just moments before he’d arrived that morning. Try as he might, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He longed to hold her, to make love to her just one more time. Did she miss him? he wondered, feeling a heaviness in his chest. And if she did, why hadn’t she called? Didn’t she know he was dying a slow, agonizing death without her? Did she even care?
“I like your girl.” Ryan helped himself to a buttermilk biscuit from the wicker basket and took a big bite. “She’s good people and real easy on the eyes, too, bro. Nice choice.”
“Jolene’s not my girlfriend. She’s my assistant manager and nothing more.”
“I’m confused. You told me you met someone.”
Sean pressed his eyes shut to block the images of Robyn that flashed in his mind and released a deep sigh. “We’re through.”
“That was fast. What happened?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Let me guess.” Ryan paused to wipe his mouth with a napkin, then dropped it on the bar. “She asked you to commit, and you dropped her like a bad habit, didn’t you?”
“No, it was the other way around,” he said, feeling the need to defend himself.
&nbs
p; “Liar.” Ryan reached for his beer bottle, and raised it to his lips. “You’ve never been serious about anyone, and you know it.”
“Robyn isn’t just another girl. She’s smart and witty and vivacious.”
Ryan choked on his beer. “Robyn Henderson? Kim’s best friend?”
“The one and only.”
“Holy crap. Kim must have gone ballistic when she found out you guys were dating.”
“Kim doesn’t know. Robyn insisted we keep our relationship a secret.” Needing to vent, Sean told his brother about the argument they’d had last night. “I lost my temper, and in the heat of the moment, I said things I didn’t mean.”
“Kim, Gabby and Robyn have been thick as thieves since they were teens. You can’t expect Robyn to throw their friendship away for you,” he said, placing his empty beer bottle back down on the bar. “Furthermore, you don’t have the best track record when it comes to the ladies, and Robyn was probably scared of ending up on the chopping block.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re afraid of commitment.”
Sean scowled and shook his head. “No, I’m not.”
“Dude, who are you kidding? You’ve never been in a serious relationship, and as soon as a woman mentions the C word you cut her lose. Case in point, Trina Erickson.”
“Trina isn’t Robyn. They’re two completely different women,” he explained. “Robyn is in a league of her own, and I’m a hundred percent ready to commit to her.”
“Then call and tell her that.”
“I did, and she rejected me.”
“Then try again, and keep trying until she takes you back.”
Sean had to admit what his brother said made sense, but he couldn’t conquer his doubts, couldn’t ignore the voice telling him he wasn’t good enough for her, that he’d always come behind Kim and the resort on her priority list. Robyn was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he’d been a fool to let her go, but what choice did he have? Sean wanted to be number one in her life, not an afterthought. He wanted Robyn to be proud to be his girl, not embarrassed. He loved her with everything in him. He loved her enough to let her go.
