by Mia Carson
The tension did not abate after the cabin grew silent. The plane made a sharp swing to the right, and Claire swore everyone in the cabin screamed. The screams were unnerving as the aircraft battled against the pressure outside. For the moment, Claire was temporarily distracted from her brooding as she focused on her life flashing before her.
After a few more bumps and jerks, the plane levelled off, landed, and rolled to a stop. Most of the passengers hastened to exit the plane before the captain or flight attendant made any announcements.
“Man, where are we?” a young man, a college student from the looks of him, asked as he looked outside. “This ain’t no airport.”
There were other murmurings to the same effect until an elderly man spoke. “Would you have preferred to stay in the air while the captain found a nice long runway?” he asked the man, then turned to address others still streaming from the plane. “Just be grateful we landed safely.”
“Yes to that,” a woman agreed. The young man shrugged his shoulders and dug his hands into the pockets of his shorts and put on his headphones.
When everyone realized they were all alright, the question resurfaced: where the heck were they? The flight attendant announced they could stretch their legs outside of the plane as long as they stayed nearby and didn’t wander off.
“Let’s get out of here,” Amy said to Claire and Willow. The other women nodded and followed her out of the plane.
As soon as they got out of the plane, Claire looked around, noticing that the airstrip was professionally done, but they weren’t at an airport either. They appeared to be somewhere in the Caribbean; she could make out a forested area behind them with the beach in front. There was a jet at the end of the runway, not far from what she assumed to be a hangar.
“I think this is a private island,” she said to Amy.
“Why?” Amy asked.
“Well, it has to be,” she said. “Look at the layout. If this place had an official airport then that’s where we would be. Not here. This is probably some old rich asshole’s private airport.”
“Makes sense,” Willow chuckled. “I better go find that old rich man then.”
The women laughed, and for a few moments, Claire forgot her sorrows. “I’ve never seen one of those,” Claire said and pointed to the jet. “Wonder what it looks like inside.”
“Probably nice,” Amy responded. “So if there’s a private island and a private jet, there’s hopefully a young, sexy billionaire close by.”
“Amy! You’re one crazy….” Claire laughed, but she didn’t complete her comment as they saw the pilot walking toward them. There were other people gathered around.
“Everyone, I have an announcement,” the pilot trumpeted over the voices. “We had to make an emergency landing on this island for obvious reasons; the owner was gracious enough to respond and allow us to land here. He will accommodate us until we can get back into the skies. In the meantime, stay close. Don’t wander around and get into trouble. We don’t want to leave anyone behind.”
“How long will we be here?” an old woman asked. “Someone was expecting me in Castries by a certain time. I need to get to my appointment.”
“Ma’am, I cannot tell you that with any certainty, but I’ll get you to your destination as soon as it’s safe to fly. I do apologize for any inconvenience, but this is out of my control. Once the weather clears and I am sure our plane is safe to fly, we’ll continue to our destination.” He smiled at her and joined the flight attendants in discussion a few yards off.
“Great! We’re stuck on a stupid island,” Claire said as she folded her arms. “Why can’t things ever work out in my favor?”
“Hey, it’s not like you were in a hurry, right? Let’s look around. Maybe we will find something interesting. Or someone interesting.” Amy said. “Come on, be glad we’re all alive.”
“I guess so,” Claire said.
“You want to explore the island?” Amy asked.
“Why not? You coming, Mom?” she asked Willow.
“No, I think I’ll stay here for a while. You girls go ahead.”
The island was beautiful, lined with coconut and palm trees as far as the eye could see. A path led them to an incline, and they lowered their heads as they wound their way into the mini-jungle. Not far up the path, they spotted a couple making out, and Amy hurried Claire so she wouldn’t start moping again.
“You didn’t need to do that,” Claire said when they passed the pair. “It’s not like I care.”
“Do what?” Amy asked innocently.
Claire rolled her eyes at her. “I might be hurting, but it’s not like I begrudge anyone else their happiness.”
“I didn’t do anything. Okay fine, I’m sorry,” she said and laughed. “But look, we’re almost at the top.”
Claire followed closely behind Amy, appreciating the beauty around her along the trail. From the top, they could make out the expanse of the beach front, and to the north they noticed a stone pathway that led to one of the biggest houses they had ever seen.
“Now that’s a house,” Amy said and whistled. “A house and a half.”
“More like a mansion,” Claire said. She stared at the building that towered to the sky. It was white with a modern look about it. Its balcony faced the sea, and a wide and evenly manicured lawn surrounded it.
“I bet there is a pool or Jacuzzi or something up there,” Amy said dreamily. “Should we go find out?”
“We are not going up there,” Claire said as she tugged her friend’s arm. “We don’t even know who they are.”
“They can’t be too bad; they let us land on their island,” she said as she attempted to free herself.
“No,” Claire said and held her arm firmly. Her eyes involuntarily looked up, and she relaxed her hold on Amy.
“What?” She followed Claire’s line of sight.
On the balcony stood a man. He had golden hair and perfect skin that glistened in the sun. He gripped the railing with both hands, and she could make out his muscles against the black, tight shirt he wore. White shorts completed his outfit. He relaxed on the rails and looked around, and Claire found it utterly impossible to turn her eyes away. He caught sight of her, and she blushed as she grabbed Amy’s hand and hurried back to the beach.
CHAPTER 4
“What was that all about?” Amy asked as Claire tugged on her like a rag doll.
“Nothing. I just felt like I was intruding.” Her excuse didn’t even fool herself.
“Sure,” Amy said and folded her arms across her chest.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Claire said, blushing.
“I could see him just as easily as you,” Amy said, her eyes lighting up. “There is nothing to be ashamed of. He is hot!”
“Well, maybe you could go back and find out if he thinks the same about you, but I want nothing to do with men, no matter how hot they are,” Claire commented defensively.
“Oh, so you do admit he is hot, huh?” Amy said as she nudged her playfully on the shoulder.
“He is kinda cute, but that’s it,” Claire blushed and walked back to the plane. “Let’s go back and see if there have been any updates.”
The entire time it took them to get back to the plane, Amy messed with Claire, but she refused to entertain her.
“Why don’t you go after him? But then, that doesn’t make any sense. We are leaving by morning,” Claire said. She put her hands over her eyes as she squinted against the afternoon sun and looked further into the distance. “Do you see Mom?”
Amy also put a hand up to shield her eyes as they looked around, but there was no sign of Willow. “I thought she wanted to stay here.”
“That’s Mom for you. Changes her mind on a whim,” Claire responded. “Let’s look over there.”
Amy followed her to the other side of the aircraft, but Willow was nowhere to be found.
“Well, she couldn’t have gone far,” Amy commented. “It is a small island, after all.”
&
nbsp; Claire was listening to her friend, but she had her eyes peeled for her mother. “I think that’s her,” she finally said. “But why is she that far away from…” Her words caught in her throat when she saw her mother was in the company of a man. She was laughing and blushing, and his hand was resting on her shoulder in a most comfortable way.
“Well, well, well,” Amy said. “Seems your mom has more nerve than you!”
“Shut up, Amy,” Claire said. “She didn’t just get jilted before her wedding. I’m out of here.”
“I’m sorry, Claire. That was insensitive of me. Wait for me.”
As Claire turned around to walk away from Amy, she noticed someone approaching them. The same man they had seen on the balcony.
“And the day keeps getting more and more interesting,” Amy murmured as she caught up to Claire and fluffed her brown hair. It caught on her shoulders and had a nice bounce to it, especially when she flicked her neck ever so lightly. Like she was doing now.
There was no denying the man was devastatingly handsome; his hands were still in his pockets, and as he neared them, she could make out eyes as blue as the ocean. When he was a few feet away, he smiled, boasting two rows of perfectly shaped teeth smack dab between two of the cutest dimples she had ever seen.
“Hi,” he said. His right hand left his pocket as he extended it to the girls.
Claire looked at it like it was a strange thing to do, but Amy quickly took it. “Amy,” she said as she batted her lashes at him.
“And you are?” he asked, looking at Claire.
“Do you personally meet and greet everyone who stops on your island?” Claire asked him.
“It’s the polite thing to do, wouldn’t you say?” he asked her as he held out his hand again. “I’ve already met almost everyone. My name’s Chance.”
“Claire,” she told him, taking his hand. She flinched like she had been burned by his touch and retracted her hand quickly. “So, do you live here?”
“Here and there,” he said casually, like it was a commonplace thing to do.
“Where’s there?” Amy asked him. “Where are we, by the way?”
“In the Caribbean, just below the Bahamas,” he told her. “Like I said, here and there.”
“It seems you have quite a few admirers,” Claire said, gesturing to the girls hanging further back, staring at him.
“I usually do. What can I say? I’m irresistible,” he joked as he turned and waved to the girls staring at him. As he turned to look at her again, he caught her eyes and held her gaze until she felt naked. She lowered her head and blinked several times as she tried to block his hypnosis.
“Well, it was nice of you to let us land on your island,” she told him. “I was looking for my mom, and I found her. I think we should go back.”
“Go back to what? There is nothing to do there. If you like, I could show you around. Play pool or other games?”
It sounded suggestive the way he said it, and though Amy was pushing her to go, she had reservations.
“I’ll pass,” she told him. “I’m not in the mood for dice and cards.”
“Come on, take a chance,” he cajoled. “I noticed you when you took a walk by the house, and I know you’re the kind of girl that likes games.”
Amy laughed, but Claire was trying hard not to be amused or taken with this man. He had a pompous air about him as if he were used to getting his way. She would not give him the satisfaction of conquering her in any way. She wouldn’t even give him the pleasure of her time. Men like him had a wall of fame where they probably kept score of their conquests. She didn’t want to be on that wall.
“I think you have more than enough company,” she commented, nodding her head towards the group. It was evident they were waiting on him to pass.
“Just because they want my company doesn’t mean I want theirs. I am picky,” he said and winked. “You can join me if you like. You know the way.”
Amy rolled her eyes at Claire and shouted after Chance. “Hey, wait up!” She walked backwards, beseeching Claire to go with them. Claire waved her off, and she was forced to go alone. Chance stopped by the group of three girls waiting for him and said something to them. Claire heard them giggling and watched as they followed him. Claire had no feeling of remorse. Chance would get someone tonight, but it wouldn’t be her.
Claire was left on the beach with her thoughts for company. She glanced back towards the house. Chance didn’t seem like such a bad idea. Besides, he couldn’t make her do anything she didn’t want to. But then, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, if she really wanted to do anything.
She removed her shoes and walked down to the edge of the water. The wind was picking up, and her black hair swirled around her face, a welcome feeling. A tangled mess that fell beyond her shoulders, her hair was both her best and worst asset. As she stood there, eyes closed, her toes in the sand and the water tickling her feet each time the waves brought it closer, she felt at peace. She was so caught up in her own world she didn’t see or hear the pilot until he had approached her and cleared his throat to get her attention.
“Oh, sorry,” she said when she opened her eyes and saw him standing there. “I didn’t see you.”
“So I see,” he said and smiled. “The Caribbean is my favorite place to be at any time of the year. It never gets old standing here and looking at the water. I think in another life, I’d be the captain of a ship instead.”
“It’s really nice,” she said and turned to him, “so peaceful.”
“It is,” the captain said.
A few seconds of comfortable silence passed, and Claire looked up to the captain. “So what’s going on with the plane?”
“The good news is the plane is in great condition to get us to St. Lucia. The bad news is the weather is really bad. There’s heavy rainfall blocking our path. We are going to have to sit it out and hope it clears by morning. The Caribbean is very romantic and peaceful but can be unpredictable. At least we have somewhere to sleep.”
“Will all of us fit in that house?” she asked him, gesturing toward the mansion. “I know it’s big, but…”
“No, some of us will stay in the plane, but the owner is allowing the use of his amenities for those who would like to freshen up. There are several bedrooms for those who choose to sleep there, but it won’t fit us all. I’ll remain on the plane with other passengers who prefer staying there.”
“I think I’ll stay on the plane as well,” she told him. She looked up at the house and turned back to the sea. “I don’t want to get too comfortable. I might not want to leave.”
The captain laughed. “I understand what you mean. It is a hell of a house. I bet being inside would compare to a five-star hotel.”
“More like a seven-star hotel,” she laughed. “Were you on your way to the house?”
“No, on my way back to the plane and saw you. Wanted to let you know what our sleeping options are. Have a good night,” he said as he smiled at her.
“Thank you,” Claire said as she smiled at the man. She hadn’t seen her mother return yet. She turned in the direction she had last seen her and started out to find her. Surely she wouldn’t be in the company of the man still. As she rounded the bend, she ran into her.
“Mom, I have been looking for you,” she said sternly, as if their roles had been reversed. “Where have you been, and who was that man?”
“I’m a grown woman, Claire. I can take care of myself,” Willow told her as she pushed past her daughter. She looked light and free and walked with a bounce that unnerved Claire.
“Mom, who was that man?
“Too many questions,” Willow said as she turned to her and grinned. “Now, what shall we have for dinner? I’m starving.”
Claire followed her, and suddenly she felt silly that her mother seemed to be having more fun than she was. She passed the house and looked up. She could see a string of people lining up to go into the house. She looked at the balcony, and her heart stopped when she spot
ted him standing there like before, looking directly at her.
CHAPTER 5
Chance was unfamiliar with rejection. As a matter of fact, until a few moments ago, he hadn’t known what it felt like. He stood on his balcony looking down at her as she walked along the beach. There was a simple innocence and beauty about her that attracted him. He had been with many women, but as a precautionary measure, he never got too close to anyone. It was easier to remain emotionally unavailable in relationships. And as he got older, he had earned quite the reputation for it, and he cherished being a bad boy. He felt powerful because he could get anything he wanted easily. He grew up a privileged child, and money commanded respect and attention throughout the world.
But this new game of chasing after a woman who didn’t care about him was not the sort he was familiar with, and it rattled him.
He had been waiting on his balcony all evening, hoping she’d come around to the house or at least get close by for him to see her again. He had seen her when she had looked up, but he wasn’t sure she had seen him. Her friend was already here, so he doubted she would come up alone. Maybe she would choose to stay on the plane overnight. A scowl moved over his face as he lifted the bottle of beer he was holding to his lips. He needed to know more about her, even if it meant asking her friend about her.
“Amy, right?”
She was filling a plate with some warm appetizers his cook had just served. “Hey,” she said as she brushed crumbs from the corners of her mouth. “These are delicious.”
“I’m glad you like them,” he told her. “How would you like to see something more interesting?”
Her eyes flew open as he said the words, and he did his best to stifle a chuckle. He was used to women swooning all over him.
“Where?” she asked.
He held her hand and led her out of the room, doing his best to avoid the pairs of eyes that stared at him as he walked with Amy. He knew most of the women in that room would easily jump into bed with him. Why was her friend immune to his charms?
