“And Randall? When did he come around?”
“It took him a while to work through the angry teenager phase. But I think it was when I was doing a party for P Diddy – or whatever he calls himself now – that Randall suddenly realized I wasn’t the awful father who had left his mother in the dust. Unfortunately it took me a few years to get him free of the brainwashing that his mother had done about me. But now we’re just fine.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” I said, though I wondered how much Randall really enjoyed being with his father, versus what his father could offer him.
“I think you’ve done real nice for yourself, David. In fact, I think I’ll make a flamingo caftan just in your honor,” Miss Elva said, finishing her drink.
To his credit, David only paled slightly. “I’m sure I’ll do my best to wear it proudly,” he said, looking a bit worried.
Miss Elva slapped her leg and laughed so loudly we all jumped.
“Not for you to wear, though I sure do appreciate you being kind enough to give it a go. I just mean as a nod to your path and what you’ve gone through to find your happiness. That’s all. Though I could maybe make you a nice tasteful flamingo robe to wear when you get out of the pool?”
“That sounds like a great compromise.” They beamed at each other in mutual accord, and I had to wonder if Miss Elva had finally found her match.
“There’s Randall now,” I said, nodding to where he strode down the steps, looking cool and precise in pressed linen shorts and a collared shirt. Black sunglasses shaded his eyes, and he smiled a welcome as he approached.
“Miss Elva, Althea, Beau – lovely to see you again.”
“You as well,” I said, and introduced Luna. I could sense his immediate interest in Luna, and I knew she could as well. She would put up a repelling spell soon enough, I thought, and wasn’t overly worried that he would bother her this weekend. That’s the nice thing about having a witch for a best friend. She might look delicate, but the woman could handle pretty much anything thrown her way.
“It’s nice to see you all made it. I hate to interrupt, but there are a few things I need my father for. Would it be okay if we have Calvin take you to your villa? An agenda for the weekend will be in your room, and you can decide which activities you prefer to join. Feel free to ask Calvin to take you anywhere you need; he’ll be at your disposal for the weekend.” Randall smiled at all of us, but I felt like his smile went a bit flat when he looked at Miss Elva.
Maybe it was the margaritas, or maybe it was the story that David had just told us. But I had a feeling the Flamingo Kid still had mommy issues when it came to his father and the divorce.
I’d be keeping an eye on Randall this weekend, that was for damn sure.
After a nap in a hammock, of course.
Chapter Seventeen
“The lonely flamingo,” Rafe scoffed as he zipped about my room later. “No wonder he’s lonely. Just look at him.”
“Like you’re much to look at?” I asked Rafe as I unpacked my suitcase. Rosita laughed from where she sat in the corner, looking dreamily out at the sea.
“I am better than that puffed-up orange man.” Rafe straightened his shoulders and threw his head back, while Rosita merely shook her head and chuckled.
“He’s not that orange and he’s not that puffy. And frankly, even though he’s a little over the top, I think he’s sweet. I’m glad he shared that story with us tonight,” I said as I hung my gala dress in the closet.
Villa Tequila had been as stunning as promised, with an expansive open kitchen and living room, and two wings to the villa – four bedrooms total. I was on the wing with Luna, and Beau and Miss Elva were sharing the other wing. I didn’t even care which room they put me in, but was more than pleased with the one I’d been given. The room was done up tastefully in shades of coral pink, white, and sea blue, with only a playful nod to the flamingo theme – a flamingo vase in the corner. I even had my own en-suite bathroom and a beautiful view of the water. There was nothing more a girl could ask for, except maybe a nap, I thought as the two drinks began to hit me. As this was traditionally siesta time in the islands, I wondered if I could sneak a quick nap in or if I needed to show up for anything.
“Did you get your agenda?” Luna asked from the doorway, and I looked over my shoulder to where she stood, holding a white sheet in her hand.
“I didn’t. Please don’t tell me we have to be somewhere right now.”
“Nope, now is listed as siesta time. Which, according to this, means nap, pool time, or read in the hammock.”
“All of which sound brilliant.”
“What will you do?”
“The bed looks nice, but a hammock sounds great as well.”
“I’m antsy, not sure if I can sleep. Why don’t you nap in the hammock and I’ll keep an eye on you from the pool?”
“Why do you think you need to keep an eye on me?”
Luna rolled her eyes. “I’m going to put my suit on.”
“Fine, I’ll put mine on too.” Maybe a dip in the pool would wake me up.
“I’ve missed this, the blue ocean water here,” Rosita said, startling me as I reached to pull my dress over my head and Rafe leered at me.
“Naked women?”
“You’re not naked yet. I’m waiting.” Rafe crossed his arms over his chest.
I pointed to the door. “Out. Go moon over Miss Elva.”
“Don’t be cruel, Althea,” Rafe said as he huffed off. I looked after him, my mouth agape.
“Pot calling the kettle black,” I said, and then rolled my eyes at Rosita’s sharp look. “Oh, come on. You know how he is to me.”
“That may be, but his heart is hurting over Miss Elva right now. Kindness never goes out of fashion, Althea.”
“Remind me when Rafe’s been kind to me?”
“I believe he’s saved your hide a time or two,” Rosita pointed out and I turned away to change into my simple black bikini.
“Tell me why you miss this. The islands.”
“I think I’ve been to this island before. It had a different name then. Rafe will know. We were both here,” Rosita said.
I straightened to look at her. “Why were you here?”
“Exploring. There was a big expedition to discover more islands. I needed a break from work, so I came along and helped service the sailors – I’m sure you can guess what that meant. But it was good money and I got to see a beautiful island. There’s pirate caves here, as you know.”
“How would I know that?”
“Well, the driver man – Calvin? He said there were caves.”
“But why do you say they are pirate caves?”
“Because they are. When Rafe remembers, I bet he could take you to them. I wonder if his treasure is still there.”
I stopped putting the rest of my clothes away and looked at her.
“You think Rafe has lost treasure on this island?”
“He might. If it’s the right island.”
“Why is it lost? Why didn’t he come back for it?”
“Well, the best-laid plans often go astray, and they usually do with Rafe. He plundered from the wrong people. Though he had time to hide his treasure, he was taken away in chains. I’m not certain if that’s the ship he died on or not. But nobody knew what happened to his treasure.”
“I’m pretty sure it was on another boat. I found it for him. Didn’t he tell you that?”
“Any pirate worth his salt has more than one treasure stashed away, Althea.”
“Should I ask him about it?”
“I don’t know. You just hurt his feelings, so I can’t imagine he’d be open to you.”
“That’s fine; I’m not interested in a treasure hunt right now. I just want to take an actual vacation day and chill at the pool.”
“Suit yourself,” Rosita said.
I left the room shaking my head. Stopping in the kitchen to fill the reusable water bottle that I took everywhere with me, I saw Rafe hover
ing in the corner.
“Rafe.”
“Beastly woman,” he hissed.
“Hey, Rafe. I’m sorry,” I said.
He turned to look at me. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I know what it is to hurt over someone. Come join us by the pool. If you’re lucky you can look down our bikini tops.”
“You promise?” Rafe said, his eyes big.
“I promise. You can hang with us. Don’t worry about Miss Elva. You know she’ll always love you.”
“I suppose I could bring myself to leer at you wenches for a bit,” Rafe sniffed, and zoomed past me.
“You’re welcome,” I called and rolled my eyes all the way to the pool.
Chapter Eighteen
“I could get used to this,” Luna murmured, her head resting on her hands as she leaned against the edge of the infinity pool and looked out over the ocean. Her eyes were shaded by mirrored circle sunglasses that should have made her look like John Lennon, but instead made her petite face look edgy and beautiful.
“It’s not like we don’t live in our own little paradise,” I said, kicking my hammock to swing again, enjoying the light breeze that kept the heat tolerable.
“No, that’s true. I think it’s just the blue of this water. Or maybe the infinity pool – it adds an extra element of luxe, no?”
“It does. I think having the butler on call really seals the deal for me though.” I wasn’t going to lie, I’d been shocked when I walked into the main room of the villa to find a man clad in flamingo-pink pants, a white shirt, and matching pink bowtie offering us his services. Beau had about swallowed his tongue, and I had to stop my mind from going down a very naughty road when trying to decide exactly what services he was offering us. To be clear, it was just his margarita-making services. Well, at least that was all he was offering me. The jury was still out for Beau.
“Ladies!” Miss Elva called, and we turned so we could watch her entrance, as she wanted us to. Clad in a sparkling pink bikini – and I do mean sparkling – and an open robe decorated with green-sequin palm leaves, Miss Elva was a walking, talking, disco ball of gorgeousness. When she stepped into the sun, I raised my hand to shade my eyes. I swear, she could have blinded everyone within a mile with her outfit.
“Don’t go in the ocean with that swimsuit on,” I cautioned Miss Elva as she took off her robe. She draped it delicately on a lounge before wading into the pool.
“You know I don’t like salt water, Althea. Bad for my hair.” Miss Elva patted her pink turban, covered with – you guessed it – sequins. “But, nevertheless, I’ll bite. Why shouldn’t I wear this in the ocean?”
“Barracuda like shiny things. They don’t see well and they are territorial. I also don’t recommend wearing dangly jewelry.”
“Hmpf. If some barracuda comes up on me, I’ll show him what’s what,” Miss Elva said, sitting on a low shelf that ran the length of the pool. She tilted her face to the sun.
“I doubt you’d be fast enough.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I like your sunglasses,” Luna said, intervening in the conversation. In the shape of pineapples and encrusted in gold crystals, they all but covered Miss Elva’s face.
“Thank you. Gucci, you know.”
“I didn’t, but they are fabulous.”
“I wouldn’t be wearing them ’round no barracuda, now. They like shiny things,” Miss Elva said and sniffed.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” Luna nodded her head vigorously. I turned and signaled for our butler/pool boy/waiter guy, and he scurried over.
“A pitcher of margaritas, please, a large carafe of water, and iced coffees as well, if you can manage it, please?” I asked, smiling up at him.
“Of course, Miss Althea. I’m happy to help.” With that, he disappeared in a blur of pink and I sighed, wondering if I would actually enjoy having live-in help like this. I suspected I would abuse my power, and become a lazy tyrant of my household, never bothering to clean up after myself or do a load of laundry again. Best to stay humble, I decided.
“What are you nodding to yourself for?” Miss Elva asked, and I snapped back to reality.
“Oh, I was just trying to imagine what it would be like to have 24/7 help at my house. I don’t think I’m mature enough for that. I suspect I’d just get really lazy and demanding.”
Both Luna and Miss Elva turned to eye me through their sunglasses.
“Excuse me?” I asked, almost toppling out of my hammock as I tried to put my hands on my hips.
“I’m not saying you’re lazy,” Luna began.
“But you’re sure demanding,” Miss Elva finished, raising her chin at me.
“People in glass houses…” I murmured.
“Hey, you brought it up, missy. I was just agreeing with you.” Miss Elva shrugged.
“I’m well aware of my faults, thankyouverymuch,” I grumbled, but perked up when I saw a tray of margaritas working its way toward me.
“I can see the appeal of having help,” Luna said, smiling as the butler arranged a table in the shade with our drinks before delivering us each a margarita with crushed ice.
“But you’d never be alone in your own home. I also really like my space,” I said, taking a sip of the margarita and enjoying the bite of the lime. Standing, I walked to the pool and sat on the edge, dangling my feet in the water.
“Is that why you don’t want to move in with Trace?”
“I guess. I don’t know. I’m comfortable in my house. I like what I’ve built there. I also like that I built it myself, without a man, and created a comfortable space where I can be creative, but also feel safe and cozy when I need to recharge. I love having Trace there when he cooks or spends nights with me, but at the same time I equally love when he leaves and I get my space back.”
“That’s why you gotta do it my way,” Miss Elva said, leaning back to reach for her margarita. “Get your needs met, but never bring them home with you.”
“Do you never have a man at your house?”
“Honey, you’ve seen my house. Now, you know I love it, and I think I decorated exactly as I should to suit my taste. But can you imagine an unsuspecting man walking into that? I mean, I know you all think I’m a bit crazy, but even I know that a man would take one look at all my knick-knacks and hightail it for the door.”
You couldn’t claim that Miss Elva didn’t have a keen sense of awareness, I thought, and yet she continued to surprise me with how clearly she saw herself.
“Plus, no man lives up to me,” Rafe boasted from where he’d come to sit by Miss Elva at the pool. “She can trifle with other men, but they aren’t in her home like I am.”
“That’s true, baby. You’re my big man, aren’t you?”
“That’s right, my lovemountain. Why are you even messing with this flamingo man?”
“We discussed this, Rafe, honey. You know I have some physical needs. All women do. Plus, I like him. He needs a friend. You knew those were the rules if I was going to let you stay around,” Miss Elva reminded him.
“I know, I know. I just think you deserve better,” Rafe grumbled.
I looked around at the gleaming pool and well-appointed guest villa, and opened my mouth to make a comment on just what Rafe could provide Miss Elva that was better than this. But Luna caught my eye and shook her head.
“You just keep on thinking that, lover. You’ll keep me on the straight and narrow when it comes to choosing good partners.”
“Nothing but the best for you, my lovemountain,” Rafe said, his eyes big and adoring.
Ew.
“Rafe,” I said, interrupting this gagfest of a conversation, “Rosita mentioned you may have been here before. That you might have a cave here? Where you stashed treasure? Do you remember anything about that?”
“I was thinking this place looked familiar. It’s been so long, though…” Rafe said, looking around him. “I can say that this place feels familiar to me, but I’m not sure why. I n
eed help remembering.”
“She said you might have been captured here…” I trailed off, unsure if I was bringing up bad memories or not. I wanted to tread carefully so as not to upset Rafe. Despite how much he annoyed the shit out of me, I had to admit he was starting to grow on me a bit.
“Oh!” Rafe zipped into the air and buzzed about like an agitated gnat. When Miss Elva gave me a look, I just shrugged.
“What? I can’t protect him from his past. I suspect he would have figured it out eventually. This way maybe we can be there to help him, instead of have it dawn on him at an inopportune moment.”
“This is it,” Rafe gasped, coming back from wherever he’d disappeared to. I wondered whether he’d managed to traverse the whole island in that span of time.
“Tell me what happened here, baby,” Miss Elva said, patting the side of the pool, and Rafe went to sit next to her.
“This was a bad one, I’ll admit. I think it is the one that got me killed.” Rafe shrugged, seeming at peace with his death now. “I probably deserved it, though. You can only pirate for so long before it catches up with you.”
“What did you do?”
“There was an expedition to bring supplies here. The island had already been discovered, but now they really wanted to build on it. It was going to be the next big place to visit, I suppose – Spanish royalty on board. I… I might’ve stolen from the princess.”
“They let the princess come to an undeveloped island?”
“She was a bold woman for her time. She wanted to see the world and stowed away on the ship. She was discovered halfway through, and at that point they were closer to the island than home. I, of course, knew nothing of this when I took her hostage as they came to land.”
“Naturally.”
“Once I’d cleaned the boat of her treasures, I let her go,” Rafe pouted.
“How’d they get you then?”
“I… well, I kind of took a shine to her while I had her in captivity. Now, mind you, I was never one to force myself on a woman. As you know, any woman would come to Rafe’s bed willingly.”
A Sixer of Tequila Page 8
