Crreeek.
“And take your puny flower with you. Cooperate my foot!”
Slam!
“Man oh man Dillian, she nearly took your toes off. You really riled her this time.”
“Shut up Charley! Mind your own business.”
“I’m trying to. Nice flower Dill, leftovers?”
“You have any more bright ideas Charley?”
“Sure, there’s Plan B. All you…”
“Stuff it! You sent me to the wrong door on purpose.”
“It worked, didn’t it? She talked to you… ok, ok, let my shirt go! I’ll mind my own business.”
“You’d better… if anybody’s going to be beat up it’s going to be you!”
“Easy pal no hard feelings.”
“Where did you get the flowers Charley?”
“The Flower Shop around the corner by the bakery shop.”
“Good.”
“Hey! Where are you going Dillian?”
“To get some life savers!”
“Life savers?”
* * *
Groan.
What time is it?
Ouch, my eyelids, they have enough grit on them.
Dry, extremely dry eyeballs.
The time says…
My watch.
Where’s my watch?!
It’s not in the blanket, or the cushions. The floor?
Wait a minute… cushions?
I was on a couch with a blanket.
Jamie.
Last night we were… coffee, we drank coffee and… she drugged me.
Ah oh, I hear her.
Quick on the couch! The blanket Alex!
“Man, he sleeps like a log, snores too.”
Snores?
I don’t snore!
“Scoot over Alex, the floors cold.”
I smell popcorn, yep popcorn and some kind of cheese snacks.
What a breakfast Jamie.
What did she do, have a party without me?
Shame on you Jamie, and not inviting me, rather… I was here, but… asleep.
She drugged me, the worm.
And I took the bait!
How stupid can I get Alex?
“Stop hogging the blanket Alex, I want some too… mmm, warm.”
The blanket.
Why didn’t I think of it before?
“Ouch Alex, hold your feet still. I said stop… Alex?”
“Hi Jamie, miss me?”
“Alex, no! Get this thing off me, I can’t breath!”
“Good! Hold still… oh alright! There… Jamie, you are the most stubborn, determined, pigheaded girl, I have ever met!”
“But Alex…”
“Quiet! For once I’m going to say something and you are going to listen. Did you or did you not drug me?”
“Yes, but…”
“Quiet! Where is it?”
“Where is …? It’s in my make-up bag… Alex? I need them sometimes to sleep… What are you going to do with them?”
Flush!
“Much better.”
“Alex, I needed those!”
“What you need is a good, swift smack on your behind.”
“I do… Alex, I’m sorry.”
“No you’re not.”
“Fine! Have it your way, make the biggest mistake of your life, I don’t care.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Don’t put words in my mouth. Go on, go! Call Mister what’s-his-face and sign those stupid papers.”
“I got to hand it to you, Jamie; you bring excitement to life in general… the crackers are over there.”
“I know where they are! Where’d you throw the cheese spread?”
“Tell me Jamie, is there anything else you stole from me, other then my watch?”
“I am not a thief Mr. Harding. I took it off because it was scratching your face.”
“My face?”
“Yes, right above this eyebrow… now call the man and make an appointment for yourself… without me there, your day will be much brighter.”
“Not really. It’s no fun without you kitten.”
“Must you always tease me?”
“Always, by the by, Jamie, if you ever drug me again, for punishment I’ll tape you to the back seat of the car and…”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“I dare. Better yet, I dare to tie you to this chair, right here and right now and kiss you till your toes curl.”
“You stay away from me! You’re nothing but…”
“Handsome, charming, irresistible, all of the above?”
“Impossible! And crazier then a loon!”
“Now that, I can believe… hmm, if this continues as it is Jamie, I might be contagious… now be a good girl and eat your cheese cracker… sweet vixen… we happen to have an appointment to catch and we’re not missing it.”
“Can’t I sit this one out?”
“Not on your life gorgeous, if this boat sinks, you’re drowning with me.”
* * *
Hmm, did I miss anything?
Nope, I think I done the whole sha-bang.
For once in my life Dill, I’m going to woo this girl… even it kills me.
I got to hand it to you, if this isn’t the brightest, most extravagant spot, I’ll eat my boots.
Every bright flower imaginably possible is tide here.
I probably made the poor florist happy and rich.
Hmm, it kind of takes away the blunt rusty railing… not to mention Alice’s rejection, throwing the one last flower at my face as if it’s to blame.
Women are supposed to like flowers.
This one’s picky.
Oh well, what is done, is done.
I can’t change the past, but I can change the scenery.
“Look honey, aren’t those flowers pretty?”
“Yes, they are honeybunch. We should… you! You’re still here? Did you… you tied all these flowers?”
Ah.
Says the ape to the poor banana, is there anybody smaller then an elephant, friends with Alice?
Brave men don’t get clobbered three times do they?
Perhaps your worst enemy can be your best friend, Dillian.
“Yes, I did… my girl and I had a fight. I ah… never meant to knock on your door. She stays here.”
“The pretty lady who saved you?”
“Yep.”
“I presume you’re going to say you’re sorry, right? Little words make a big difference kid, a heck of a big difference. Isn’t that right Lizzy?”
“Yes it does Ray.”
“You better mean it too, if you want her back. I don’t like to see women cry… you know what I mean?”
“Yes, ah, I never got the chance to tell her. I tend to…”
“Stick your foot in your mouth? I know exactly how she feels.”
I wish people knew exactly how I feel.
Small, very small.
“My sympathies with your girl… this is your way of making up?”
“Looks that way.”
“Hmm… scoot over ladybug.”
Knock, knock.
“Hello?”
“Hi, I’m Ray from next door. Normally I mind my own business, but your boyfriends been here since early morning tying these flowers. See?”
“I remember you. Dillian, you did all this?”
“Yes.”
“All these flowers? Wow, you covered the whole… you covered everything! What you do, call the florist at his house? Why did you do this Dillian?”
“Because I’m sorry… sorry I said things I don’t mean. I ah, never sweet talked you like Alex said… none of that was true. I wanted to get to know you Alice, maybe… you know, eat lunch together or something.”
“Ray hit you.”
“I’m sorry for that too! Ray, you got to believe me, I never meant to call your lady any, any name or disturb you. I just… I just wanted to be with you Alice. Will you forgive me?”
“Dillian, I…
what do you think Ray?”
“He sounds sincere. I might… if you promise to kiss and make up.”
“Kiss Dillian?”
“May I kiss you Alice?”
“I don’t know Dillian…”
“I promise not to bite.”
“Promise?”
“With a cherry on top, mmm… you taste sweet Alice.”
“It’s my chap stick.”
“Mmm… do you forgive me?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm… I did my good deed now; Liz and I are going out. No more interruptions Dill or I won’t be responsible for my actions. Got it?”
“Yes sir. Thanks for your help. Bye!”
“You know Dillian; I’m beginning to like you.”
“I hope so Alice… I’ll try not to stick my, ah… foot in my mouth. If I do, I give you my full permission to pinch me, deal?”
“Deal.”
“No nails though.”
“No promises.”
* * *
Chapter Ten: Catch the Plot
My, oh my, time flies.
In the space of one weekend, I’ve been subjected to every catastrophe imaginable and yet… the deal went through.
The deal went through!
I knew I could do it.
It’s in my nature, my blood, my whole life to succeed!
All I have left to do is sign the final papers and… Walla! Zippo!
Done, finished, complete.
Hmm.
I should feel fantastic, exhilarated… I should be jumping up for joy… the impossible can be possible. Only…
My growling tiger thirty minutes ago looks… like a drenched, wet nosed kitten.
She didn’t say a word through the entire interview. She was the perfect example of a secretary, I could ever want… dictating every word precisely… even repeated back to me with dignity and refinement, she did.
Could it really hurt my conscience if I don’t like what I’m seeing?
It’s a good deal Jamie, can’t you see it?
I feel guilty as sin.
I don’t like feeling this way. It isn’t right.
It was my choice, my choice only, it doesn’t affect you Jamie.
“You finished with your lunch Jamie?”
“Yes.”
Polite, cordial, quiet as a mouse.
This is so not like her.
“Perhaps we could go fishing inland. They say there’s a great place not far from the port… you can catch fish every time.”
No response.
Not even a smile.
“Or we could take the route to the top of the island or on the beach. I hear it’s really pretty on the beach.”
“Could be.”
“Hey! You love to swim, we could go snorkeling… we’ll pick up some dinner and watch the sunset, come on Jamie, how about it?”
“Why?”
“Why? Well… darn it Jamie can’t you be happy for me!”
“You got what you wanted, now you can let me and my friends go. You have no more excuses to keep us prisoners here.”
“None of you were my prisoners, Jamie. They have an airport here and Charley’s boat… I even gave some money to Charley for fuel.”
“At least you did that.”
“I’m not who you think I am. I’m a moral abiding citizen; I pay my taxes, I…”
“Steal combinations from unsuspecting bosses.”
“I didn’t steal the combination! Mike gave it to me. He authorized me to take over the company till he got back.”
“Do they have guides on this island?”
“I see your changing the subject.”
“We can pick up some of the street food and pack it in plastic bags. Maybe they have bottled water at the café.”
“I’m sure they do.”
“We best change our clothes Alex to more appropriate attire. Are those good walking shoes?”
“I’ll go bare foot.”
“We’re walking to the beach Alex. Let’s see, we’ll need a hat and some sunscreen and…”
This is going to be a long visit Alex.
A very long visit.
“We should pick up some beer to take with us, beer always taste good on hot days.”
“You are not going to drink anything with liquor, Alex. Water and Gatorade will do.”
“What about those little drink umbrellas?”
“What do we need those for?”
“For the fun of it… they might even bring a little romance.”
“What did you say?”
“I said you might even stand my company a little.”
“Mr. Harding this is a working relationship, nothing else. So keep your little fingers and toes out of my space. Got it?”
Oh boy.
She’s really riled this time and here you thought you had the upper hand Alex.
Boy was I wrong.
Ok, Jamie, I know when I crossed the line.
Now what can I do to fix this?
* * *
“Am I off the hook yet?”
“No.”
“Oh come on Dillian, there’s no hard feeling’s is there? Everything went as planned. You got your girl.”
“Shut up Charley and don’t even think about getting out of your chair.”
“Aaaah… come on Alice you can vouch for me. I’m the good guy. I got you two together, didn’t I?”
“What a lame excuse Charley… Dill, I think we should sick Ray on him.”
“Ya maybe your right Alice, he needs a good lesson on how to treat a lady.”
“Now you guys don’t gang up on me. I only…”
“Shut up Charley!”
“Geesh! I like your company too. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
“Ok Alice, you agree with all the terms of the agreement I wrote here?”
“Yes Dillian.”
“Good. You sign here and here, Charley your next.”
“Me? I thought I was in the dog house.”
“You are, so you better sign, you’re the witness.”
“You’re a brave little bugger Dillian, tangling with Alice. I guess I can like you a little.”
“Thanks.”
“A word to the wise though, this guppy has claws, be thankful it’s not Jamie, she’s a barracuda.”
“Charley, you make it sound like their a couple of wonder women.”
“They are. It makes me wonder how Alex is surviving. I bet she’s driving him crazy.”
“Probably. Alice you ready? Let’s walk the beach and look for shells. Charley get lost.”
“Sorry, no can do, my Dad’s fond of the girls. In a nut shell Dillian… it means I get permission to watch over you two.”
“Ignore him Dillian.”
“Have fun kiddoes! Don’t walk into any jellyfish!”
“Do I have to?”
* * *
Chapter Eleven: Win the Plot
What is done, is done Jamie, you can’t change the past.
He made his choice.
Even if it’s something I’m not particularly fond of, I need to accept it and move on.
Or try to.
That is he has to live with it, not me.
He has to live with the knowledge of quitting and giving up.
Hmm, I never thought of Alex as a quitter. I thought for once some good sense lurked in him, some spark of humanity, some hint of leadership and commitment, some sense of… of…
“I think you made it this time.”
“Hmm?”
“I said I think you made the strike, you know, bowling for birds?”
“Oh? I’m scaring the birds away? Sorry.”
“Kicking shells and rocks won’t make this day any better. You enjoyed our picnic didn’t you? My treat for the trip Jamie, I haven’t eaten on the beach in ages. Hmpt… the last time I ate on the beach was with Danny. We kept picking the sand out of our steaks. At least the wind is not so hard.”
“I know your being nice t
o me Alex. I ah… I guess I been pretty set in my ways against your decision and it is your decision, I know. I’ll try not to get in your way or bother you any more.”
“Very noble of you.”
“I only hope it’s what you really want and wish the best for you.”
“It is a good decision Jamie. Something no man would pass up.”
“Not even you… well I’m glad you’re happy about it.”
“I never got the chance to ah… say I enjoyed every minute with you… honey bun.”
“All I can say Alex is your company’s been something of a novel.”
“Ya… its not every day I kidnap a pretty lady and highjack her to a tropical island.”
“Nope, you’re definitely original Finnase Alexander Harding.”
“You do remember the weirdest things Jamie… your were worth every minute.”
Was I?
Was I really worth the trouble Alex?
“I haven’t been very good company lately… here I am moping for the past hour or two, not saying a word to you. I ah… had something’s on my mind.”
“Ya, things on your mind… do you think Jamie we could start over? Maybe forget our differences?”
“No Alex, I can’t. You made your position quite clear, as have I.”
And this is the end of our story.
A very… sad story.
“It’s a pretty beach here Jamie.”
“Yep.”
“Pretty soon we’ll see the sunset on the water.”
“I hear it’s really colorful.”
“Tomorrow Jamie, we’ll head back on Charley’s boat and go home. I’m sure the paper work’s piling up on you.”
“Don’t remind me, Alice and Dillian for starters.”
“Here Jamie, this looks like a good spot to rest. I’ll lay the towel out, if you take out our supper.”
“Do you think they settled their agreement Alex?”
“Knowing Dillian, every thing will go smooth.”
“What are we waiting for Alex? Pull out the bottle, we have something to celebrate.”
“I’m surprised you changed your mind on the liquor.”
“A girl can change her mind.”
Even in the most, dire circumstances.
Anything is acceptable to calm ones nerves.
“Careful it’s the only glasses we have.”
“Here’s to your success Alex, may you live happy and prosperous and to Alice, may she give poor Dillian a merry chase.”
Fish Bait Page 6
