by Mika Jolie
The evening was progressing slowly. She couldn’t believe it had only been one hour with two more hours to go. Another wave of laughter rang from Keely and Blake’s direction. Minka closed her eyes in an attempt to shut them out, to not look at them. But most of all, she tried not to look at him.
But, of course, she was drawn to him.
And there he was still, hours later, smiling, kissing, and laughing with her twin sister.
Minka’s heart pounded with that now familiar feeling called pain, a feeling she had been able to mask for the past five years but no longer. Yet, she found herself glancing back at her sister. Her smile was radiant; her hazel eyes, one of the few physical traits they shared, gleamed with happiness.
They were twins, but beyond the shade of their eyes and their curly locks the similarities ended. People never believed they were produced from the same pregnancy or they were from the same gene pool, for that matter. Minka always felt the need to point out the obvious—that they were fraternal twins—and of course, the light bulb would switch on.
“Ah! That makes sense now,” some would say with a polite smile.
She knew what they meant. Any resemblance they shared stopped at their hair and eyes, which they had inherited from their mother. But even then, they wore their hair differently; Keely often blew out her curls, whereas Minka never bothered. On most days, she simply let the curls fall in whichever direction suited them.
She stood barely five foot three inches tall, with curves; perhaps too many curves. According to the latest BMI statistics, she fell in the overweight percentage of Americans. Her hips were curvy and her breasts were more than a handful. No, she wasn’t built like a model, which was apparently what appealed to Blake.
Her approaching parents made Minka want to hide her empty dessert plate. Her mother, a former model in her mid-fifties with the figure and face of a much younger woman, intimidated most women just by walking into the room. The daughter of an African-American father and an Irish mother, she had inherited all of the best traits from both cultures. No one could deny her beauty, so much so that she was able to break many barriers as a model. Her personality also matched her looks. She was easy-going, funny, and laid-back, all traits Keely seemed to have inherited. Her presence overwhelmed Minka.
Her father, a former successful college basketball player, tall with lean muscles, was equally handsome in his early sixties. Due to a knee injury he had acquired in college, he was never able to pursue basketball as a career. Instead, as a graduate of Duke University, he went on to study public relations and now owned one of the best PR firms in New Jersey.
Yet, as they strode across the room with pure elegance, Minka found herself quickly looking around for somewhere to stash the empty dessert plate.
Too bad she was the only one still sitting at the table.
“Are you having a good time, Minka?” her mother asked in her soft, demure voice as she peeked at the plate.
She stared down at her hands. “I’m having a ball.”
“You don’t look well,” her mother continued with what appeared to be genuine concern in her voice.
“I have a bit of a headache,” Minka explained nonchalantly. She lifted her chin and met her parents’ probing gazes. “Doesn’t Keely look beautiful?” she quickly asked, changing the subject. For what it was worth, it wasn’t her sister’s fault she’d inherited all of her parents’ wonderful genes while Minka was still trying to put the puzzle together on whose genes were passed down to her.
At the mention of her star daughter, her mother’s face brightened with so much joy and pride.
So much for concern.
But then again, what was there not to be proud of?
Keely was an established and successful designer. She’d not only inherited her mother’s looks, she’d also inherited her love of fashion. Despite her beauty, she was warm, caring, down-to-earth, and extremely loving. People flocked to her like she was honey. Minka had never met anyone who didn’t want to be around Keely. If they had been strangers, Minka had to admit that even she would be intrigued and in awe of Keely. But, they weren’t strangers; they were sisters. Twins. And all her life, Keely had gotten the better half of the deal, and Minka’s perception of the iniquity between the two of them had shaped the dynamics of their relationship. It wasn’t something she could surmount easily.
“Yes,” her mother responded with obvious pride, “she’s radiant. She will make a beautiful bride. And, of course, Blake is perfect for her.”
“Yes, he’s perfect.”
“Come on, darling,” her father addressed Minka in his calm, gentle manner. “Let’s go say hello to the happy couple.”
For a brief second, Minka toyed with the idea of declining, but as she looked into her father’s smiling brown eyes, she had to remind herself, like everyone else here today, her parents were completely oblivious to her suffering.
The disconnection she always felt from her family was never greater than at this moment. It had started on their tenth birthday when Minka was dressed in baggy jeans and a tank top while Keely wore a beautiful jeweled flare dress. A dress Minka had openly admired and discussed with her parents in great detail. But, in the end, her mother had gently explained it was better suited for Keely’s build.
At that moment, Keely was established as the beautiful one.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you with your sister all day,” her mother observed, but her voice didn’t sound too concerned to Minka.
That’s because deep down, I don’t want to be here. I’m hurting.
Instead, Minka rose to her feet and ran her hands down the skirt of her dress. She wished she had done without the Spanx underneath her dress. It was one thing to wear figure-flattering shapewear for a couple of hours, but all day was torture. At this point she wasn’t sure how long she could ignore the pressure of the corset against her ribs. Maybe she could excuse herself and escape to the powder room to remove the damn thing. But before she could conjure a believable escape strategy, she found herself standing next to the happy couple.
Keely and Blake were engaged in conversation with another couple. Quick introductions were made before the couple excused themselves. Blake turned to Minka with his bright smile before leaning forward to take her hands into his just as his lips touched the side of her cheek.
Her heart sank once more.
“How are you, Minka?” Blake’s deep, masculine voice cut through her like a sharp knife.
In spite of herself, she smiled at her soon-to-be brother-in-law. “I’m well. Congratulations again,” she said calmly. Minka was surprised by the composure in her voice. How did she manage to sound so warm and sincere when she felt so defeated and broken? Her acting ability never ceased to amaze her.
“Of course, you will be my maid of honor.” Keely’s tone was a little higher than usual with excitement.
“Keely, you have so many wonderful friends who are dying to play that role,” Minka objected while hoping her voice sounded calmer than she felt. “Just because we are sisters—”
“Twins.” Keely corrected with a smile.
“Yes, fraternal twins, still, that doesn’t mean I have to be your maid of honor.” Please don’t make me do this. Please change your mind. “Besides,” Minka added with a shaky laugh, “did you ask Claire?” Claire was a famous singer and Keely’s BFF.
Even as she spoke the words, Minka couldn’t help but feel she was losing the battle. Her sister didn’t look one bit convinced.
Keely smiled brightly. “Twins are twins. Besides, if it wasn’t for you, Blake and I would never have been a couple.”
Nausea pained her stomach; the reminder she was the reason they were celebrating their engagement sickened her. Had it not been for her, “Blake and Keely” would not exist.
Just as she mentally started to pick up the scattered pieces of her heart and tried to put it together at least for the duration of their conversation, her sister dropped the clincher. “When we exchange vows, I
want my sister next to me. You are my better half.”
Minka swallowed. She needed to wave the white flag and surrender. Keely had the power to get everyone to capitulate to her charms.
“Of course.” It wasn’t what she wanted, but how could she say so? Keely was her sister. And once upon a time, Blake used to be her best friend. To accept would kill her of course, but what other choice did she have?
She smiled wanly as Keely let out an ecstatic squeal.
Blake reached over and kissed Minka on her cheek. “Thanks, Minx. You’ve made us both very happy.”
She forced a smile, desperately trying not to let the term of endearment affect her. It wasn’t as though she really had a choice in the matter, not when she was up against one of the most beautiful, most beloved couples who ever walked the earth.
“I’m sure we will have a ball,” she added dryly.
“Of course!” Keely answered brightly.
Damn it! How did one person manage to always be so upbeat? Whatever Keely was putting in her water, Minka made a mental note to get some.
She grinned.
Keely grinned. “And don’t fret,” she continued, “you won’t have to do much while on the island. Use the time as a vacation.”
“Thanks.”
An uncomfortable silence fell between them until their parents chimed in, talking about the event planned the next day for the bride and groom and their guests.
“Jason is here,” Blake said, his voice filled with delight.
Minka followed Blake’s attention to the entrance and rested her gaze on the imposing figure. He stood tall, lean with muscles but not overly so, with blond hair resting at the nape of his neck. His eyes were so striking and mesmerizing they could leave one breathless. Even standing several feet away, they captivated her.
Her gaze drifted across chiseled cheekbones, full lips that looked alluringly soft, but she guessed could be firm and stubborn. His face wasn’t bad either, she mused. The man practically oozed sexuality.
Minka had to be dead to not be drawn to him. Amused, she noticed how many women glanced appreciatively in his direction. Dressed in fitted black slacks, a button-down shirt and a blazer, he looked daunting, bad, and sexy all at once. His strong square jaw was covered with a layer of barely tamed beard that only made him more mysterious and fascinating.
All the women seemed to have forgotten they were either on the arms of their husbands or boyfriends. The single ones shifted their already tight dresses to accentuate their assets.
“He’s gorgeous,” Keely whispered in her ear. “Don’t you think?”
Minka nodded in agreement. It was one thing for her heart to belong to Blake, but she always noticed an attractive man. Too bad they rarely noticed her.
That realization hit Minka like a hard brick on her chest. Why, she wasn’t so sure. It wasn’t as if she was expecting this handsome stranger to notice her. No, things like that didn’t happen to her and somewhere along the way she’d accepted that little reality check.
Jason looked around the room before finding Blake. He took long easy strides toward his friend. Within seconds, introductions were being made. Minka found herself looking into a set of blue eyes so pale and vivid they made her think of electricity or a laser beam. Everyone else around him faded away as she became all too aware of him in the crowded space. Feeling suddenly naked under his gaze, she turned away to break the connection and flashed her sister a forced smile. She felt the room close in on her as her lungs tightened. Oh God, she needed air desperately.
“Excuse me,” she heard herself say before the room went entirely black.
Chapter Two
“If you don't scale the mountain, you can't view the plain.”
Chinese Proverb
Jason placed the empty bottle of beer on the table and scanned the kitchen—mainly the freshly-painted, empty walls. A smile curved his lips; soon his vision would come to life. For the past week, most of his time had been spent in this kitchen, removing dust, dirt, and grease spots with water, a little mild dishwashing detergent and a cellulose sponge. Well, many sponges. Now he walked over to the window overlooking the sink and removed the last of the blue painter’s tape on the trimmings. Light from the sunset gleamed through the window onto the shiny utensils on the granite counter top. He ran the knife and fork under the water and put them in the automatic drawer, one of the many modern appliances that fit in with the traditional kitchen. In a day or two, the paint would dry and he could move to the next task on his list. Jason crossed the room to the burlap-covered sliding pin-board chalkboard he had designed himself and erased Paint kitchen on birthday.
His eyes moved to the aged paper pinned on the board. Happy Birthday, Forever Always, Mom. A photo of a waif-like figure with long, corn silk hair smiling into the camera stared back at him. His muscles grew tense as blood boiled in his veins.
He reached into the back pocket of his jeans to retrieve his cell phone, scrolled to Rita’s name and texted, I’m coming over in a couple of hours. He didn’t wait for her to respond. He placed the phone on the granite counter and walked out of the room. On his way up the stairs the doorbell chimed, forcing him to change direction. He glanced at his silver Rolex. He had been preoccupied with finishing the kitchen and completely forgotten about Blake and Keely’s plan to stop by.
“Hi.” He hugged his childhood friend and placed a light kiss on Keely’s cheek. It was good to have Blake back on the island. More so, he was happy his friend had found love.
Jason gave them a quick tour of downstairs, pointing out the upgrades he had made thus far before circling back to the kitchen.
“You’ve done a great job, man.”
From the refrigerator he retrieved a chilled bottle of wine, filled a glass for Keely, then grabbed two beers, handed one to Blake and one for himself.
Pictures of the old, shaggy house that had been deserted after his mother’s death still lay on his desk somewhere and he nodded with appreciation. “It’s a lot of work,” he admitted.
“Are you going to sell it after you turn it around?” Keely asked.
Jason shook his hair, twisted the cap off his beer and welcomed the cold taste of the brew down his throat. “This is going to be home.”
“What about that big mansion where you grew up?” Blake asked.
The two men exchanged a knowing look. His friends were all privy to his relationship with his father. It was non-existent, and that suited him fine.
Broad shoulders shrugged. “The old man can have it. By the way, how’s your sister?” he asked Keely and changed the topic to a less irritating subject.
Her sister had fainted right into his arms last night. At first, he had found the situation amusing but once it became clear she was out of commission, he carried her to one of the vacant rooms and called Forrest, his friend and the town doctor. In the end, all turned out well but he couldn’t get her face out of his mind.
Blake’s pretty fiancée’s eyebrows drew together as if she was mulling over his question before flashing him one of her dazzling smiles. Jason didn’t buy the act. She was worried about her sister.
“She’s well,” Keely answered. “She’s resting. By the way, Claire arrives tomorrow,” Keely continued. “We’ll celebrate your birthday tomorrow night? And you can’t say no. Not an option,” she finished with a smile, determination written all over her face.
If it had been up to him, Jason would have rather spend the night painting a room while enjoying a cool beer, but his friends had insisted they go out and since it wasn’t often all of them were on the island at once, he had relented.
“Will Minka be joining us?” The question was unexpected. Where did it come from? But he already knew the answer, although he had not given it much thought, something about Keely’s sister had affected him.
Keely shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I can ask.”
* * * *
Jason reached out for the redhead’s tiny waist, bringing her close to him. With as m
uch strength as she could muster from her little frame, Rita shoved him away before walking past him. He wasn’t in the mood to play games; that was one of the reasons he didn’t do relationships and was still hanging around Rita. They had an understanding. They got together, they had sex, then went their separate ways. So, why was she pouting her beautiful bright red-colored lips now?
“What’s wrong?” He was going for calm and gentle, but the way her green eyes rolled at him told him he had failed.
“What are you doing here?”
Jason raised a quizzical eyebrow, amused by Rita’s question. Wasn’t it obvious?
“I’m not going to sleep with you,” she continued.
“I want to do a lot of things with you,” he chuckled. “Sleep is not on the agenda.”
He reached for her again and pressed her back close to his hardness, letting her feel the evidence of why he was standing in the middle of her apartment. But Rita wasn’t giving in. She wiggled her sexy little body out of his hold, green eyes sending daggers his way the whole time.
What am I missing here? Did he miss her birthday or something else that women often took notice of and men didn’t?
It wasn’t as if they celebrated birthdays or any other special occasions together. Damn! Jason, you could have at least taken her out to dinner. You know, play the nice guy role.
“I’m not having sex with you tonight. I don’t want whatever this is between us anymore.” She waved her hands between them.
“Us,” Jason repeated. The word sounded so intimate. Everything his relationship with Rita wasn’t.
“The booty call thing,” she clarified. “Do you see what time it is?”
Jason crossed his arms over his chest. He didn’t bother checking his watch for the time. The truth of the matter was Blake and Keely had ended up lounging around much longer than he thought they would. Since he was in no rush, he decided to enjoy his friends’ company. Blake had moved off The Vineyard since college and although he returned once in a while, the last time Jason checked, his permanent address was somewhere in Philadelphia.
