by K. Marie
I rolled over onto my side with a sigh, and with thoughts of calling both John and Autumn when the hour was decent.
It seemed only minutes later when I reached out blindly for my phone; locating it on the bedside table.
“We’re heading downstairs for lunch, are you dressed?” Lauren asked on the other end.
I darted a look at the digital clock. Dammit. It was already afternoon! “Uh, not yet—I’m getting dressed now,” I lied.
“It sounds like you were still sleeping,” Lauren said accusingly.
“I just woke up not too long ago. How long do I have?” I asked.
“Lake and I are ready, both Anna and Marie, said they’d be ready in five minutes,” Lauren told me.
“Okay. Just go ahead without me, I’ll meet you guys in about fifteen minutes,” I assured her, before hanging up.
Swiftly climbing out of bed, I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. After throwing on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, I slipped on white flip-flops, and made do with a ponytail and light make-up. Grabbing my phone off the bedside table, I pressed the center display button out of habit, and saw that I’d missed a call. I didn’t recognize the number, so grabbing my key-card, I headed out the door.
It wasn’t until I got halfway to the elevator, that it occurred to me. The unknown caller might have been Garland.
I thought to check my call-log from when he’d dialed his phone last night, and saw that it was in fact the same number.
But he didn’t leave a message. I felt a stab of disappointment, but hastily decided I wouldn’t call him back if he hadn’t even bothered to leave a message.
Though up and ready to start the day, all the girls looked a bit subdued when I joined them. “So, who’s hungover this morning?” I asked cheerfully.
“Since you were the last one to get out of bed, I’d say it's you,” Lauren said with a smirk.
“I’m not hungover. Unlike some people, I’m not used to hanging out drinking until the early morning,” I retorted.
Lauren was single and successful, highly attractive, and had an active social life. However, for some reason, she seemed incapable of maintaining a relationship; which I believed to be due to her active social life. I guess no one’s perfect.
“I can admit to being a little hungover,” offered Anna. “I think I actually peed-out pure alcohol this morning, both my liver and kidneys are screaming for hydration,” she groaned, making us all laugh.
After we’ve ordered our food, we discussed plans for the day. Marie and Lake wanted to go to a nude beach about twenty minutes away, while the rest of us wanted to do some water sports. It was during our debate that I received a text alert.
“Call me…Garland.” The short message read.
My heart gave a little kick, and I smiled like an idiot. He’d called back.
I stared at the message a moment, before looking away, pondering how long to wait before calling him back. I decide to send him a quick text instead.
“Give me a few minutes.”
I figured five minutes to be a decent amount of time to keep someone waiting. So, when my five minutes were up, I guzzled down the rest of my mimosa and excused myself from the table.
Walking to the front of the restaurant, I took a seat on one of the burgundy upholstered benches meant for waiting patrons. Then, questioning the wisdom of what I’m doing, I hesitated only briefly before giving in to my desire and calling Garland.
“Camry,” he said in greeting, causing me to smile.
I was unaccountably pleased that he’d known it was me. “Hi, how are you?” I asked, wondering why my voice sounded suddenly breathy.
“Now that I’m speaking with you, I couldn’t be better,” he answered, a practiced charmer.
And, I was charmed, that accent was damn sexy.
“I’m guessing the rest of your night was uneventful?” he asked.
“Yes, I didn’t need another rescuing after all,” I joked, grinning like a fool.
“More’s the pity, that,” Garland remarked, a hint of humor in his voice.
I breathed a surprised laugh. “I’m not certain how I should interpret that statement,” I told him.
“You should interpret it as me saying I’m looking forward to seeing you again,” he replied, not missing a beat.
The man is smooth, I’d give him that. “Tell me when and where,” I said flirtatiously, having obviously taken leave of my senses.
“Tonight’s party takes place on a boat and will set sail at seven o’clock. I’ll send a car to pick you up at six, where are you staying?” Garland asked, all take-charge-like.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that, we can take a taxi,” I said in protest of his generous offer.
“Nonsense, Camry, I won’t have my guests taking a taxi,” he insisted.
Not wanting to make a big deal out of it, I gave him the name of our hotel. Garland told me where we’d be sailing—suggesting bringing an extra set of clothes and a jacket, because it got cool on the water at night.
I’m wearing a stupid smile when we finally disconnect; I was looking forward to seeing him again. I chose to conveniently ignore the feelings of guilt…I didn’t care to question my own behavior right now.
Upon returning to the table, I announced our invitation to the party that night. Everyone stared at me with perplexed looks, before the barrage of questions started.
“Who is this guy? Where’d you meet him?” Lauren asked.
Even though I was twenty-six years old, she still believed me to be in need of occasional babysitting. If there was anyone in our group who’d need convincing, it’s her.
“What’s the catch, is he ugly or something?” Marie asked next.
I just grinned at the absurd question, picturing Garland’s gorgeous face.
Without going into too much detail, I told them Garland was just some guy who worked at the club we’d been to the previous night. Which was true. I answered all of their questions, even the ridiculous ones, and asked who was on-board. Because despite whether they wanted to attend or not, I decided I’d be going regardless. However, I knew I could always count on my wingman Marie to back me up.
“I’m game, but if we end up on a tugboat, it’ll be the last time you’re allowed to party plan,” Lauren reluctantly agreed.
Thank God. That’s one fight avoided. Let’s just say my sister and I have a complicated relationship.
Finishing up lunch, we headed back to our rooms to prepare for our outings.
For the love of God!” I cried hours later, entering the cool interior of the hotel lobby. “Old saggy balls and wrinkled asses, I’ll never get those images out of my head!” I declared in horror, for at least the third time.
We ended-up going to the nude beach; where a large population of older men, were overly confident in walking around bearing all. I had no problem with nudity, nor did I discriminate against age, but what I witnessed just wasn’t right. Some of the men had saggy balls that hung down lower than they should, and saggy old wrinkled butts that reminded me of a newborn baby’s. It wasn’t a pretty sight. I love the elderly, but I’d prefer they kept their clothes on in public.
“I don’t know, some of those grandpas were hung,” Marie joked.
“Yuck! That’s so gross,” I complained.
Everyone laughed. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m beat. I’m going to lie down a minute before getting dressed,” Lauren announced, already headed for the elevators.
The afternoon had been hot and draining. Between walking on the beach and riding on Wave Runners, most of us were likely dehydrated and exhausted. It was a few minutes before five o’clock, not a whole lot of time to chill before the party, so we all agreed on a meeting time and quickly parted ways.
Five
I dithered longer than intended, so was rushed to make myself presentable. Though, once I’d finished, I checked my image in the mirror and was pleased with what I saw staring back.
My loosely curled ha
ir cascaded around my shoulders, smoky eyes and glossy red lips gave me a sultry look I hadn’t quite aimed for, and my short white strapless dress hugged my body flatteringly. After pairing the dress with red strappy sandals, I grabbed my purse and headed for the door.
When I got to the lobby, I saw that only three of four women were present, and that everyone looked spectacular.
“Aren’t you dressed to impress,” Lauren remarked, scrutinizing me from head to toe.
Probably trying to determine whether I’d made more effort than usual.
It seemed Lauren was always looking for reason to disapprove, after all, I was the little sister who’d gotten knocked-up in college. My good judgment’s been in question ever since.
“What she meant to say is, you look smoking hot and will have the men drooling tonight,” Marie chimed in.
“Thank you,” I said with a pleased smile, imagining Garland drooling. I doubt he’s ever drooled over a woman in his life.
“The only concern is the types of men we’re talking about. I’m imagining old bald guys wearing oxygen masks, or cheesy dudes with greasy hair and gold chains hanging around their necks,” said Marie, following-up her compliment with absurdity.
“Do you think my tastes in men that bad?” I asked in laughter. “I told you I didn’t know much about the man, however, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with my eyesight. I assure you, he was neither old, bald, nor sporting gold chains,” I told her.
“This may be our ride,” Anna announced, interrupting our exchange.
I turned towards the front entrance to see a sleek black Mercedes through the windows. I don’t know that I’d call it a limo—because it isn’t as large as that, but rather a slightly stretched version of a larger Mercedes sedan.
“Sweet…” said Anna, gawking.
“Mystery man sent a Maybach?” Marie questioned, tone doubtful.
I gave a shrug, my guess being as good as hers.
“I’m going out to see if it's our ride,” Lauren said, already walking towards the door.
I followed her lead.
By the time Lauren reached the passenger side of the car, the driver—a tall muscular African-American man in a black suit, had already gotten out and rounded the front.
“Ms. Camry?” he inquired, looking towards Lauren.
“No, I’m her sister, but you’ve got the right folks,” she told him.
Stepping up to introduce myself, I accepted the man’s extended hand. He introduced himself as Joe, our driver for the night.
Right on cue, Lake exited the hotel, just as Joe pulled open the car door for us to pile in. The cool interior of the Mercedes was plush; with butter-soft tan leather seats, a bench-style on one side, and two rear-facing seats opposite it.
I startled a moment later, twisting my head around, when I heard a slight hum coming from behind me. I watched as the small frosted panel in the space between the two seats slid down. Joe spoke through the opened glass, directing us on the functions of the various buttons. He also said to enjoy the champagne, which sat chilling in a glass bucket inside the console between the two seats.
“This guy’s got class, I’m impressed,” said Lake.
I seconded her assessment. Garland’s idea of transportation had far exceeded my expectation.
“Yeah, except I’m wondering what we’re going to have to do for this half-million-dollar ride,” Marie said with a wag of her brows.
I almost choke on my own spit. Half-million-dollar ride?
She laughed at my obvious ignorance. “It's a Maybach, Camry, the same car that royalty, dignitaries, and obnoxious celebrities get driven around in.”
I thought a Mercedes was a Mercedes. But, I got the gist of her point, it was an expensive-ass car that undoubtedly set Garland back a few dollars. Had he done it to impress me?
“Well, I’m not complaining, this’ll be the only chance I get to be driven around like a celebrity,” Anna quipped, all grins.
The girls’ wasted no time getting the champagne flowing, but I begged off, my stomach already wonky with butterflies. Knowing that I would be seeing Garland in less than thirty minutes had me nervous. I wondered what he would be like in the light-of-day.
Crossing my legs, I bounced my foot in nervous anticipation, thinking perhaps I should have that glass of champagne after all.
The Mercedes slowed once we’d entered the marina. From my view out the window on my side, all I could see were several boats of varying sizes, bobbing around on the water in the distance.
Once the car came to a final stop, Joe hopped-out and opened the doors for us. I slid out of the car and stood in the parking lot, eyeing the docked boats nearby. There was nothing resembling a party boat.
I started to wonder if maybe we’d arrived too early, when I spotted a man approaching from my left. He was small in frame, and sported a black cap, tan cargo shorts, and black polo shirt with a logo on it. He nodded in greeting as he approached Joe.
The two men chatted briefly, before turning to walk our way.
“Ladies, I apologize, but the boat is temporarily docked out further today due to repairs at the regular docking location. This is Diego, he’ll transport you from here to the boat,” Joe informed us.
“How much further?” I asked curiously, scouting the area in puzzlement.
“The boat is docked only a short distance away, I’ll take you over in another boat,” answered Diego. “It will take only a few minutes,” he offered, as though expecting us to object.
“Then let’s go!” Marie agreed enthusiastically.
Thanking Joe, we turned to follow Diego to the boat. “Shit!” I muttered, stopping in my tracks and turning back towards the car. We’d forgotten to tip Joe.
“Joe, wait!” I called out, reaching into my purse for my wallet. “I’m so sorry, I forgot your tip,” I rushed to say.
“Everything’s taken care of; you’re all set,” Joe said.
“Oh, but can I tip you anyway?” I asked.
“Absolutely not,” he flatly refused.
“Okay, but thank you again,” I conceded with a smile.
“You’re welcome, Ms. Camry, now go and enjoy yourself,” said Joe.
I ran to catch-up with the others as he turned back towards the car.
A couple of minutes later, and after some maneuvering, we approached a large white boat in the distance. As it’s the only boat docked there, I assumed it to be our destination. The boat was sleek looking, with dark tinted windows wrapping completely around it, and with three decks. As we drew closer, I could see the name “Maxim” in silver script, emblazoned across its side.
“Now that’s a B-O-A-T,” Lauren spelled out, actually sounding impressed. Lauren was hardly ever impressed with anything.
“I think something like that would be considered a yacht,” corrected Anna.
I just stared at the looming boat saying nothing at all. It was definitely no tugboat.
Our boat started to slow, then swung in an arch towards a wooden dock at the back of the larger boat.
“Oh hell, I hope we’re not about to be auctioned off to some old-ass Oil Sheiks or Euro Scumbags for human trafficking,” Marie complained.
I let out an incredulous laugh, her foolishness never stopped. “Those scumbags want young girls, disgustingly young. I doubt any of us would make their lists,” I assured her.
As we pulled alongside the dock, I craned my head back to look up at the huge boat; the butterflies having returned full-force.
Conversation halted as Diego exited the driver seat and climbed onto the dock. We watched silently as he pulled a thick rope from somewhere, then tethered the boat to a sturdy looking wooden post. Returning, he helped us off the boat one-by-one. Once we were standing on the dock, another man appeared. This man also wore a black polo shirt and baseball hat with matching logos. Paying closer attention, I noted the logo read, Maxim, same as the boat.
“Good evening ladies, I’m Thomás. I’ll escort you onto the Maxim,
you can follow me,” the young man said.
We stepped onto the rear of the boat and followed Thomás across a short deck, before entering through a set of sliding glass doors. There were people already present, so I smiled and exchanged pleasantries; before gawking as though I’d never stepped foot outside of a trailer park.
Wow. The interior could only be described as luxurious. Everything gleamed. Just about every wall or cabinet was made of a shiny wood that looked to be walnut, and all of the furnishings were of cream leather and royal blue suede. Off to our right sat a long bar with six stools; one of which was occupied by a dark-haired man in a black suit. Definitely not Garland.
I wondered where he was, and if he were even here yet.
Thomás offered hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and this time I accepted the drink. Nothing like a little alcohol to shore-up the nerves.
“Please, make yourselves comfortable, Mr. Vidov should be with you shortly,” he told us, before taking his leave.
Mr. Vidov? Did he mean Garland?
Still gawking, I followed Anna and Lauren through another set of sliding glass doors that led to a deck, while Lake and Marie opted to take the carpeted stairs up to the next level.
Outside, there were more people present than was visible from inside the cabin. Several of them sat around a long, rectangular table; some of them men, but most of them women. None were Garland.
Where is he? I wondered. The anticipation of seeing him again had me anxious; I was in a hurry to have it over with.
Heading back inside, we took the stairs up, and ran into Marie and Lake on their way down. As we stood gossiping, a figure emerged from the stairs above.
Garland.
My heart skipped a beat. There were no lighting flukes last night…the man was every bit as hot as I remembered.
Six
Garland quirked a dark brow when he spotted us, his sexy mouth curving into a smile when his gaze landed on me.
