Undertones: A June Indulgence (An Indulgences Novella Book 7)

by Xyla Turner

  "I know," was all she said.

  Her eyes were searching mine for something but I couldn't tell what it was exactly. Whatever it was, I wanted her to have it, but she blinked once and rolled out of bed.

  "Well, Travis Salvatore, this has been fun. I really enjoyed myself." She stood on her toes to give me a kiss on the lips. "I'm going to go and take a shower now so you can be on your way."

  My heart was beating ten times faster now and I thought I was going to hyperventilate. She moved the hair out of my face and said, "I'll miss you."

  "Sweetheart," I murmured before reaching out for her but she shook her head and walked swiftly into the bathroom.

  Fuck.

  I re-dressed and walked slowly to my cabana. Once I had washed and dressed, I headed to get some breakfast when I saw Kenderly.

  "Mr. Salvatore, good morning."

  She was standing in a long peach-colored gown with a clipboard in her hand.

  "Morning," I muttered back.

  "After breakfast, you can report to the Tribal Lodge to begin your fantasy." She smiled.

  A sharp pain went through my chest that time and I winced.

  "Are you okay, Mr. Salvatore?" Kenderly moved towards me and touched my chest. Then she nodded her head and said, "You should report to the infirmary. They'll know what to do."

  "It's not that serious," I interrupted her. "Just some cramps."

  She shook her head and smiled, "Those aren't cramps."

  "What are they then?" I asked.

  "Mr. Salvatore, go to the infirmary or they'll get worse." She was still smiling.

  Why my chest pains were something to smile at confused me but I never had chest pain before so I did what she recommended and took my ass to the infirmary.

  "The doctor went back to the mainland to get some supplies but you are welcome to go to him, since this is of a serious nature," the medical attendant advised me.

  "The fuck," I murmured. "Yeah, I need to get this shit settled."

  As we boarded the small canoe to get to the bigger boat, I couldn't help but think this fantasy of mine would never happen. The odd part is that I didn't mind. If it didn't happen, I'd be okay with that. There was no plan B but it wasn't the end of the world. I came to Indulgences to get something that I no longer felt was needed. I had found something else.

  It took all of three hours to get to the mainland due to technical difficulties with the boat, locating a place to dock the boat, and finally getting the clearance to disembark. If I didn't know any better, I'd think the universe was working against me.

  When we finally reached the facility where the Indulgences doctor was supposed to be, he was out on an errand and would be back within the hour. By this point, I was moody and probably growling under my breath.

  "We've been here for hours, where is the doctor?" a familiar, feisty voice rang in my ears.

  "Ma'am, he'll be here in fifteen minutes," a woman said.

  My head swiveled around and I saw Bianca with the stupid man-child standing next to her.

  "You said that fifteen minutes ago," my girl snapped.

  "Bee, calm down," Charles told her.

  "No, I swear this day is the worst fucking day ever." She was frustrated and looked like she was on the verge of tears.

  Charles attempted to console her but she backed away and told him. "Go and sit down before you pass out."

  He looked at her for a beat as she looked away to turn her anger towards the attendant.

  "Look, the lady is right," I interjected as I walked over to them. "We've been here for too fucking long and this sort of service is ridiculous."

  "Travis," Bianca called as her eyes lit up. "What are you doing here?"

  "Wasn't feeling well and Kenderly said I should see the doctor who was here. Long story but yeah, that’s what happened in short." I smiled at her.

  She walked up to me, put the back of her hand on my forehead while moving my hair out of my face and felt my neck.

  "You do seem hot." Her pretty face frowned. "What are your symptoms?"

  "Sweetheart, don't worry about me," I told her. "What's up with you?"

  "I'm fine, it's Charles over there. He's complaining of chest pains." She jerked her thumb in his direction. His eyes were trained on me.

  "Sorry to hear that." I nodded. "You're a good woman, Bianca."

  "No, I'm a stupid woman." She rolled her eyes.

  I'm not sure why I did what I did, but I reached out and put my hand around her neck, so I could bring her into me then said in her ear, "Don't ever want to hear you say that about yourself. There's nothing stupid about you. To care for someone else, even your worst nightmare, is fucking noble. The world needs more people like you."

  My hand loosened but she didn't move. Instead she wrapped her arms around me and laid her head on my chest. I embraced her and we stayed like that in front of the nurse’s station, in front of her stupid ass ex and in the middle of the hospital until we heard the doctor was there.

  Bianca pulled away from me. Her eyes met mine when she said, "Okay, well in case I don't see you later, thanks."

  "For what?" I asked.

  "Doing the impossible." She smiled and went back over to the man-child.

  I wanted to go over and say something, grab her, and take her away but when her ex put his hand on her thigh, I realized we’d probably switched fantasies and not for the better. I was the one that experienced unconditional love and she was the one that was going back to her old life.

  Ain't that a bitch.

  Undertones: Chapter 7

  Bianca

  Charles was having heart palpitations and the doctor said he required someone to accompany him back home to be sure he got the care he needed. I was not pleased by this in the least bit. The man decided to bring his ass over to my vacation and ruin it by having me go back home with him.

  Travis' words rang through my head about not being stupid but noble. At my core, I was that but I'd really been sick of it, yet that didn't mean I should stop.

  Our bags were being shipped home from the Indulgences Resort and Kenderly called me to express her condolences.

  "Bianca, just know that whenever you can, you can come and stay with us free of charge, since you weren't able to get your fantasy." I could tell she was smiling.

  "Thanks, Kenderly. I appreciate that so much." I laughed. "I doubt I'll be coming back for my fantasy though."

  "Bianca, you won't come back for that fantasy but I'm sure you'll have plenty more you'd like to explore in the next year."

  I'd knew Kenderly had psychic powers but I didn't really want to get into what she thought she saw. There was little chance I'd be back to Indulgences because I didn't know what I'd be doing tomorrow. Forget what might happen in a year.

  "Okay, Kenderly." I pulled my carry-on bag towards the gate. "Thank you again. I really enjoyed myself. You guys have a beautiful island."

  "No, the pleasure was all mine," Kenderly said. "Have a great flight."

  "Thanks and goodbye."

  We made it back to the states and Charles was suddenly feeling much better. We drove to the house that we had shared for five years and unfortunately it brought back memories I wished I could forget. Good and bad. When he told me he wanted a divorce, I simply signed on the dotted line and moved out the next day. Everyone said I should have kept the house, kept the car, and took him to court. My friend, Leslie, even hired a Private Investigator to see if he was sleeping around. The fact that he wasn't hurt my heart more. The man simply didn't want to be with me anymore.

  "Bee," Charles called me from the living room. "Stay the night. Just in case something happens."

  "Yeah, okay." I agreed but only because if he died I didn't want it on my conscience.

  His doctor said that he should take his anti-anxiety medication and get some rest. Apparently, according to Charles, he'd had trouble sleeping while at Indulgences.

  I’d slept just fine.

  "You coming to bed?" He moved towa
rds the steps that led to the second floor.

  "No, I'll stay right here." I sat on the couch and put my purse down. "Have a good night."

  "I'm sure having you with me will help me get some sleep," he countered.

  "I'm one-hundred percent positive that it won't," I replied. "Good night, Charles."

  Turning off the lamp, made the room dark and I closed my eyes to block out his stupid staring. Charles was a handsome man; Italian-upbringing, tanned skin and very smart. When he’d asked me to marry him, I was overjoyed. He’d chosen me out of all the women in his circle; the man had picked me and then four years later, he didn't want me. Just like he’d chose me, and he'd unchosen me.

  No explanation, no scandal or drama.

  Our marriage wasn't sparkling but it wasn't lacking. Whenever he wanted sex, I gave it to him. I checked with him about dinner and it was ready. Any events he had with his job, I was there on his arm and in the best the man's paycheck could buy. He didn't want me to work, so I didn't. My successful career as a talent and sport's agent was put on the backburner so he could make it as a partner and not have to worry about my career as well. He chose me and I was more excited about that fact than if he loved me or not.

  I didn't get one ounce of sleep that night as I evaluated every aspect of our union. It was like some arrangement had been made but I was the one that got the short end of the stick.

  "Morning," Charles greeted me around seven in the morning. "How'd you sleep?"

  "Hmm," I mumbled.

  "I slept well, thanks to you." He smiled and sat on the couch with me. "Let's talk."

  "I'd rather not." I cut my eyes to him.

  "We never got a chance to, Bee," Charles argued. "I think it's time we do that."

  "Fine, let's sum this up. You asked me to marry you, I agreed and then you decided you didn't want to be married to me anymore, so I granted you your wish. Now you're back saying you'd like to marry me again." I looked at him. "Does that sum it up?"

  Charles' eyebrows scrunched together with mild irritation. "When did you become such a wise-ass?"

  "When I was discarded like a used condom," I countered.

  "You're different." He was shaking his head. "You're, uh, not my Bee."

  "Your Bee, Charles, is long gone. When she signed those divorce papers, she was cut free and allowed to wander like the bird she used to be." I was glaring at him. "You were never interested in that bird. You just wanted someone to make you feel superior. How's that going for you?"

  I grabbed my purse and stood.

  "We need to talk," he said as he stood up.

  "There's nothing to discuss." My eyebrows were touching my hairline. "We're divorced and I'm going home and that is no longer here."

  I started walking towards the door and he said, "But, I love you."

  The laughter started to bubble up as to how absurd and awkward it sounded coming from his lips. I slowly turned around and said, "You don't love me, Charles. You love the idea of me, but me personally, you could care less about. Until you come to grips with your reality, you'll always feel unfulfilled. Believe me, I know."

  "I came looking for you at that place. Indulgences," Charles spat. "You were making out with a man on the beach in front of everyone and I'm willing to forgive that. If that's not love, then what is?"

  He had the nerve to stand there as if he had a valid point.

  "Are you fucking kidding me?" I gasped. "You think that's love? Let me tell you what love is. When a man goes above and beyond to make sure you don't feel slighted. When he allows you to be the woman you are, no matter how ridiculous you may be. When he doesn't allow you to talk badly about yourself even when you've made bonehead decisions. Love, Charles, is not allowing me to be stifled by your constraints but letting me be free. You do none of that. You don't even know what that is. You want me to fit into your little box in your little world and that's it. That's not love. That's a pet. I'm no one's pet."

  "So, that guy, Travis, he loves you, huh?" Charles spat, his face red and features twisted in disgust.

  "I have no fucking idea but I know you don't." I turned around, opened the door and made my exit.

  There was no way, I'd ever get caught in that maze with this man trying to figure out my purpose. Shit, forget trying to even get him to love me. It didn't matter what love was, at this point in life, I knew what it wasn't. It wasn't a life with Charles.

  "Welcome back, Beyoncé," Marvin howled. "I mean, Bianca."

  "Oh, my gosh," I laughed. "You're such a flirt. It's only been five years."

  "Well, you've left that much of an impression. Your old clients will be so happy that you're back. I mean, are you kidding me? Randall Jefferson, the small forward for the Wizards, is on the lookout for a new agent. His was setting him up, so how about we set you up to meet with him first?"

  "You don't waste time, do you?" I had barely unpacked my desk.

  "Hell, no." Marvin's face grew serious. "You were one of our top agents at this company. Nobody brings what you bring, so no, I'm not playing around. I'll set up the meet with Randall and you also have an appointment with a company for a possible endorsement."

  I exhaled loudly and said, "Well, okay."

  "I'm so glad you're back." He walked to the door of my office. "Seriously, Bianca. It's your time."

  Strangely enough, I believed that. It was a new leaf and a new day. Charles had left me alone for the time being and I had my old job back with the Neilson & Graham Agency. Marvin didn't hesitate to hire me back and there was no interview process. He was sad to see me go but always said I'd have a place to come back to. Being a sport's agent was hard work but I enjoyed helping athletes map out their careers even when it extended beyond their preferred sport. There was joy in that for me which is one reason why I missed working.

  Lunch had rolled around so I was headed to a lunch meeting with the company that wanted to pitch their endorsement with some of the athletes. Why Marvin had me meeting with them was totally crazy since I was brand new back on the scene.

  I arrived at the restaurant early and started to read through the memos over the past three months. There were many changes, briefs, new regulations and rules, especially for college students.

  "You must be Ms. Norman?" a familiar voice asked.

  My heart started to beat quickly and my panties were moist just from the sound of his voice. Slowly, raising my head to see the only man who could do such a thing, I nearly screamed.

  "Travis?" I asked.

  "Hey, sweetheart," the stranger smiled and I almost didn't recognize him.

  His hair was cut low, the entire beauty of his face was on display and he seemed happy. Not grouchy, upset or even surly, but genuinely happy.

  Wow.

  His fantasy must have been fulfilled.

  "Wow, Travis," I said as I stood up. "You look so good. I almost didn’t recognize you."

  "Why because I'm showing my battle wound?" He laughed, as he pointed to his eye.

  "No," I smiled. "Because you're so damn happy."

  "Only because you're here." He sobered.

  "What the hell are you doing here?"

  "Meeting with you." He laughed. "There’s so much I need to catch you up on but let's eat. I'm starving and I've already checked, this place has the best coconut shrimp in town. I'll order a double since you'll just eat mine; for old time’s sake and new futures."

  Travis pulled me towards him and whispered, "I missed you."

  Oh God.

  Butterflies were swirling around in my stomach, my palms were sweaty and my heart was fluttering. It had been well over a month since the last time I'd seen him. My vibrator hummed to the tune of his memory on many a night but I hadn't reached out or even tried to find him.

  We were seated when my brain finally caught up to my mouth.

  "Travis, what are you doing here?" I asked in confusion. "You live in New York City and how'd you find me?"

  "Sweetheart," he grabbed my hands. "Calm down. It’s okay
."

  The waiter came to our table to take our drink orders. It was my first official day on the job so I probably shouldn’t have been drinking, but when the man from my fantasy island showed up, I wanted a tall one.

  "Water," I answered.

  "Same," Travis nodded towards the young man.

  "Okay, I guess I should catch you up on everything." He sat back. "I didn't get my fantasy."

  "Why? What happened?" I exclaimed.

  He eyed me, then said, "It seemed pointless. You know, like, what I thought I wanted was no longer a necessity for me anymore. I didn't want to go back to a place where I was basically ostracized, so I could be in the 'cool' crowd and ostracize someone else. I just didn't want to do the superficial asshole anymore."

  That made total sense.

  "Why didn't you change your fantasy?" I asked. "Kenderly and Antonio would have let you change it."

  "Yeah, but it seemed pointless. Especially, after I found out you were gone. It wasn't the same, so I left and quit my job." He nodded because I gasped. "Yeah, I started my own company and even in the first thirty days, I've signed on ten athletes to endorse my brand. Come to find out, this battle wound is mysterious but signals a closer." He laughed. "That's what one of my clients said."

  "Wow, Travis." I knew I was smiling brightly. "That's just...WOW."

  "Yeah, it's been a ride but I'm loving it." He was truly beaming and I could tell, he enjoyed every moment of it.

  "So, tell me all about it." I buckled in for the scoop. "What has athletes running to endorse your brand?"

  "You're not going to believe it." He shook his head. "I swear it came to me when I was leaving Indulgences."

  "Well?" I was sitting on the edge of my seat.

  "Indulgences Water," he said.

  "Stop," I gasped.

  "Swear to God." Travis was smiling and shaking his head. "With everything going on in Flint right now, we are highlighting the aspects of the Indulgences Island with Antoine’s permission of course and focusing our efforts to bring attention to what is happening in Flint, Michigan. It’s a real travesty.”

  “Yes, I mean, how in the hell can that even be? A state of emergency was declared for goodness sakes and celebrity spotlights focusing on this travesty is genius.” I exclaimed.