The Demarcation of Jack

by Blakely Bennett

  “Oh, no. That’s definitely not necessary,” she said, looking over at Jack. “How’s it feeling?”

  “Not great,” he said.

  “If nothing else, ice and an ace bandage will fix you up,” Marc said. “Stay off your feet as much as possible in the first twenty-four hours and don’t worry, we’ll come see you.”

  “We can all sit on your bed and watch the closed-circuit TV.” Summer reached back and patted Jack on his leg.

  The group rode in silence until Becky turned to Jenna and asked, “Are you coming out to the island this afternoon?”

  “Tomorrow. Well, I have until tomorrow to make up my mind. I hadn’t thought about it really,” Jenna said. “Besides, it’s couples only and Jack’s—”

  “And single women,” Becky chimed in. “You should join us. It’s lovely, and the people on the island are a great deal friendlier than those sticks-in-the-mud on the beach.”

  Jenna felt her face flush. Glancing at Marc, she said, “I’m not a single woman.” She saw him raise an eyebrow, and then she quickly looked back at Becky. “Besides, I can’t even think about that right now. I’m too stressed over Jack’s ankle and what that means for the rest of our stay.”

  She could still feel Marc’s gaze, but dared not raise her eyes to meet his.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Do you need a wheelchair, sir?” the hostess asked as they got off the bus.

  “No, thank you. I think I can make it.”

  “They radioed ahead. The doctor is waiting to see you. It’s right this way.”

  “If you won’t be needing us,” Summer said, “Becky and I are going to get something to eat.”

  “Where will you be?” Marc asked.

  “The patio bar. Kokila should be working today,” she said over her shoulder and winked.

  “Okay,” Marc said.

  Jack hopped on one foot, supported by Marc on one side and Cliff on the other. Jenna trailed behind. They made their way down a hallway off the reception area into a fifteen-foot square room adorned with numerous tacky pharmaceutical ads and a paper-covered patient examination table.

  “Well mate, it looks like you’re all sorted. I’ll just take my leave then,” Cliff said.

  “Thanks for all your help, buddy. I appreciate it,” Jack said, reaching out to shake hands.

  “Thanks for the beer, and I’ll keep a cold one ready for you when you’re out of here and in fighting form again.”

  Jenna, Jack and Marc introduced themselves to a handsome older man in a long, white lab coat.

  His handshake was firm and reassuring, his smile genuine and warm. He examined Jack’s foot with the gentleness normally afforded newborn babies. After a few minutes, he looked at Jenna and said, “I don’t see any reason to send you into Ocho Rios.” He looked back at Jack and said calmly, “I’ll have the nurse wrap your ankle in ice. Keep it elevated and by tomorrow, you should be feeling a lot better. You can use these crutches to assist you back to your room.” He placed the crutches against the doorjamb. “Take two aspirins and call me in the morning.” He grinned.

  “Thanks, Doc.”

  “No problem. And at the request of your wife, our staff has forgotten your last name. So I will simply say it was nice meeting you—Jack.” Smiling at Jenna, he reached out to shake Jack’s hand. He picked up his clipboard and patted Jenna on her back as he walked toward the door. “Do try to stay off your foot for at least twenty-four hours,” he said as he exited.

  The nurse wrapped Jack’s foot in an ice pack and ace bandage. “Is that comfortable?” she asked.

  “I guess,” Jack said. “At least as comfortable as a swollen foot can be. You did great.”

  Marc helped him to his feet while Jenna brought over the crutches.

  “Here, take this,” she said, placing it under his arm.

  “I’ll help you back to your room,” Marc said, “but Jenna’s going to have to take it from there. We’ll miss you tonight at the beach party.”

  “I might be able to make it,” Jack said.

  “Oh, no you won’t,” Jenna retorted, narrowing her eyes. “We need to take care of your foot so it doesn’t get any worse.”

  “Don’t be silly. At least you can go to the party. Marc and Summer will take care of you.”

  “I’ll think about it,” Jenna said as she glanced in Marc’s direction.

  “Look, I’m only saying you should go and have a great time. I’m going to be fine, and besides, I can watch the festivities from the balcony and if you come over and flash me, I’ll throw you some beads.”

  *****

  Marc delivered Jack and Jenna to their ocean-view room on the south end of the resort.

  “I’m going to catch up with Summer. Can I get you guys anything?”

  “No. We’ll be fine. Thanks, Marc,” Jenna said as she walked him to the door. “I may join you guys for lunch in a few, but don’t wait on me.”

  “Summer went to lunch with Becky, so maybe you should join me?” His smile lit up his blue eyes.

  Jenna made a quick glance back at Jack before responding. She smiled but said, “I don’t think that would be a good idea.” Her hearted pounded heavily and she tried to get it together before she reentered the room.

  Marc made his way back up the hallway, strode through the airy lobby and out onto the terrace, walking past the Calabash to the terrace bar.

  “So how’s Jack doing? Are they going to join us?” Summer asked.

  “I hope the bloke’s okay. That was a nasty spill,” Becky said.

  “He seems like he’s going to be fine and no he won’t be joining us. Jenna will, well, maybe later. It’s bad to have this happen here in Jamaica when there’s so much fun to be had,” Marc said, straddling a barstool. “I hope he follows the doc’s advice.”

  “Hi, Kokila. How are you today, lovely lady?” Marc asked.

  “I’m great all the time. I’m blessed that way,” she said as she walked away.

  The smell of coconut sunscreen lingered and mixed with the jerk chicken smoke floating on the light, warm Caribbean breeze. The beach teemed with partially nude bodies, capturing the irresistible tanning rays of the sun as a medallion to show off to their envious cohorts back home.

  “We should run up and take a shower.” Summer pushed her glass forward on the bar.

  “And a nap,” Marc said as he slid from the barstool.

  “That’s a good idea,” Cliff said enthusiastically.

  “I’m assuming you mean with me,” Becky said, placing her hands on her hips and pivoting to face him.

  “But, of course I mean you, love,” he said and winked at Summer and Marc.

  “You better.” She hugged Cliff’s arm and said, “Let’s forgo the shower and catch the next ferry to the island, shall we?”

  “Alright then, that sounds good. Catch you later,” Cliff said, strolling away with Becky in tow.

  “Hey, are you guys leaving?” Jenna asked as she approached them.

  “Yeah, we’re going over to the island but Marc and Summer were still at the bar just now,” Cliff said.

  “Have a good time,” Jenna said. She quickly turned around decided to avoid Marc and Summer when she heard Summer call out, “Hey Jenna.”

  “Oh, I didn’t see you,” she said, walking up to the bar.

  “We’re headed to the room for a shower and a nap.”

  “That sounds good,” she said quietly.

  “So are you coming with us?” Summer asked, enthusiastically. “I mean to talk about the plans for tonight—or to shower with us, I wouldn’t mind.”

  Jenna wrapped her arms around herself and said, “Stop it. You keep teasing me.”

  “Maybe, and then again—maybe not,” Summer razzed as she and Marc gathered their things to return to their room.

  “I think I’m safer here,” Jenna said, laughing uneasily.

  “Call us and we’ll make plans,” Marc said.

  “Give us a couple of hours,” Summer said.
r />   “Okay.”

  Jenna climbed onto the stool. “How are you today, Kokila?”

  “Hi there. Good. Nice of you to drop by,” she said, grinning. “What can I make for you?”

  “Can I get a rumrunner?”

  “Going adventurous today?”

  “A little something different. I think I need a change,” Jenna said.

  “Change is good,” Kokila said, scooping ice into a glass and expertly filling it up with the requested concoction. “Here you go. I took it easy on you this time. Next time, the real thing.”

  “Can’t wait,” Jenna said. She took the first sip. Holy sh—damn, this is strong. She cleared her throat and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that first shot to be so harsh.” She sat back for a minute and watched Kokila work the tourists with incredible ease. As soon as she finished with a customer, she migrated back to Jenna. “So will I see you tomorrow on the island?”

  “I’m still debating,” Jenna said, swirling the straw in her drink.

  “That qualifies as something new, right?”

  “Yeah, that’s true.”

  Kokila crossed to the other side of the bar again and Jenna called out, “I’ll see you later. I need to get back to Jack.”

  *****

  Summer entered their room, dropping her clothes as she approached the bed. “Everything seemed to go fine today. I mean, other than Jack’s foot. I don’t think Jenna told him about the kiss.”

  “That’s my impression, too and she did seem a little tense at times. But overall I think it went really well.”

  Summer playfully jumped right in the middle of the mattress and flexed her buttocks three times. She stretched her arms above her and turned over onto her back.

  “If you think that’s going to arouse me,” Marc said blandly, “you are so right.” He sauntered over and lay on the bed next to her. “Come here my little naked nubile nymphet. My beauty.” He enveloped her in his arms and said, “Can you believe we found each other? I have no idea what would’ve happened to me.”

  “I do—and it ain’t a pretty picture,” she said, snuggling into his chest. “I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you. And I will confess, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, too,” she said softly. “Kiss my neck, you fool. Make me a screaming banshee. Go on, I dare you. Make the neighbors call security.”

  “That’s a lot of pressure.”

  Summer laughed and pulled Marc’s mouth to hers. They both groaned as he deepened the kiss and their connection. Sitting up, he brought her with him. They sat facing each other in the middle of the bed, breathing each other in.

  Marc ran his hands along her neck, down her sides, and around to her peaks. As he pulled on her nipples, he dipped his head down and nibbled and suckled her neck. Summer tilted her head to the side, giving him easy access.

  “Ohhhh,” she moaned.

  “You smell so good. I would love to taste you, but only if that’s okay with you,” Marc said as he kissed his way down her body, pushing her legs wide apart.

  “Oh I think that is very okay,” she muttered as she adjusted her body to accommodate him.

  Summer inclined back on her palms, and watched him take in her naked lips and trimmed bush. She could see his blue eyes dilate just before he lowered himself onto his stomach, his legs hanging off the side of the bed.

  “Oh, yes, please,” she said as soon as he touched her swollen bud with his tongue.

  He spread her labia with his thumbs and with a soft, flat tongue, flicked her clit repeatedly, occasionally dipping down to taste her essence.

  Just as he brought her to the edge, she stopped him, and said, “You know what I want.”

  He quickly responded, situating himself in the middle of the bed reaching out for her. She settled herself on his lap, her legs over his, and slowly lowered her hips down with his help.

  “Oh god, always so wet,” he said. As soon as he was fully seated within her, they both resumed their kiss and held each other tight as they rocked back and forth.

  “I’m so close, so so close,” Summer whispered.

  “Lean back for me,” Marc said.

  She angled back on her hands as he wrapped one arm around her lower back, keeping up the pace. With his other hand, he circled around her most sensitive place, causing her first explosion.

  “Yesssssss,” she yelled, throwing her head back as the convulsions ripped through her. She fell onto her back as she enjoyed the high of her release. Her hips still rested on Marc’s lap.

  He waited patiently for her to recover.

  “Again,” she said, a big smile lighting up her face.

  He chuckled and said, “My pleasure.”

  “I’m pretty sure it was all mine. Come with me this time?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Summer grabbed the comforter in both hands, using it as leverage to gyrate against Marc. He resumed his delectable assault as he continued to manipulate her clit.

  “Oh, yes, so good, my favorite way to come. I love how you fill me! I’m so close.”

  “I’m following right behind. Go for it,” he said. Back and forth he plunged, kicking off their climaxes and sending them flying up to the heavens. “Oh babe,” he grunted.

  “Oh yessssssss,” she yelled, finally crumbling back into the mattress.

  Marc collapsed next to her, both of them breathing hard, floating on the ecstasy of their own making.

  *****

  Jack heard a soft rapping on the door and went to answer. When Jenna entered, she saw clothes strewn everywhere and towels draped over the backs of chairs. Her irritation flared over the state of their room.

  “You never remember your key,” Jack said, hopping back to the bed.

  “I need to wear it like a dog tag,” she said. “Sorry you had to get up to let me in. What would you like to order for lunch?”

  “I thought you were picking up something when you went downstairs,” Jack said with a furrowed brow.

  “Yeah, well … I stopped for a drink and then decided to check on you. I figured we could order food in just as easily. So what would you like?”

  “I want some kind of fish.”

  “Do you want me to get you some ice? Beer? Do you need another pillow?”

  “Honey, I’m fine. Stop worrying about me, okay? The beer would be great, though.” Jack grabbed two pillows for his foot and plopped on the bed. “Ow! That hurt,” he moaned.

  “Be more careful, please,” Jenna said, walking over to the telephone. While placing their order, her eyes inspected the room. She concluded it needed immediate attention. As soon as she hung up the telephone, she picked up the dirty clothes from the floor and placed them in a laundry bag, and collected the towels she’d hung outside.

  “Honey, the maid will take care of that when she gets here,” he said, straightening his pillows.

  “I know. I don’t mind doing it. I can’t stand it when it’s a mess,” she said, walking past Jack to the French doors.

  She grabbed the breakfast tray from the balcony table and placed it outside their door in the hallway for pickup.

  “Jenna, why don’t you sit down with me for a sec,” Jack said, while attempting to find a comfortable position.

  “This won’t take but a minute.”

  “Would you just relax, please?”

  “One more thing…” she said and walked into the bathroom. She straightened the vanity and picked up the dirty towels, replacing the top of her bathing suit that had fallen off the towel bar. “You know, since we can’t go anywhere,” she said, joining Jack on the bed. “Maybe this would be a good time to talk about our relationship.”

  Before he could answer, they heard a knock on the door.

  “I’ll be right there,” she called out as she jumped up. She looked back at Jack and said, “I know what you’re thinking, saved by the bell or, in this case, a knock.”

  He broke into guilty laughter.

  She opened the
door and directed the man carrying the tray to the inside table.

  “Please excuse the mess,” Jenna said, escorting him back to the door.

  “My lady, this is no mess. You would not believe some of the other rooms.”

  “Thank you,” she said as she closed the door. She removed the cellophane from the plate of Mahi-Mahi and brought it, along with a beer, to where Jack lay in the bed.

  She looked over at him and said, “So are you willing to take some time, now, to talk about our marriage?”

  “Not sure I have much choice, do I?”

  “Well, that’s true. You are my captive audience and I find it somewhat delightful that you can’t run. But I still think we should set down some ground rules.”

  “Such as?”

  “Well, we’ve had a really good twenty-four hours … mostly.”

  “I agree. It’s been wonderful. Notwithstanding, no pun intended, Dunn’s Falls,” he said as he pointed to his foot.

  “True. Okay, so ‘wonderful’ is a relative term. Anyway, let’s try not to be too defensive and if we start getting a little crazy we can stop and take a breath to relax.”

  “Okay,” he said. “You know I don’t like to fight.”

  “I can’t stand thinking that this is all my issue, but apparently it is because I’m the one who’s angry. I’m the one who’s going through changes, and I guess over the years, Jack, I’ve grown up. I mean, that’s not to say anything negative about you. I mean what we had in the beginning was wonderful. It was crazy and wild and it was Parisian and artistic, but I can’t keep going on with the same behaviors, over and over and over again.”

  “What behaviors?”

  “The rollercoaster ride with you. One day you’re up and you’re manic and everything is great and you’re totally optimistic and then a piece of your art doesn’t look the way you want and you take a dive. Then you start partying and your friends come by. It’s crazy, Jack. I can’t deal with it. I need more stability. That’s all I can tell you,” she said, shaking her head.