Gloria's Inn

by Robin Alexander

  After the flowers were delivered to the cottages, we filled the vases in the bar. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as each member of the staff came back on duty and began to add their own personal touches. The dinning room and bar were festooned with decorations unique to the Bahamian culture.

  Adrienne introduced me to the two porters, cleaning, and wait staff. One of the cleaning ladies in particular took and interest in the shirt I was wearing and complimented me on it. After asking if it would be alright if she touched the material she gave it a little tug, her eyes where like a child as she studied the cloth.

  It was a simple button down lightweight cotton stretch shirt that I picked up at GAP last year. The shade of yellow reminded me of springtime, which is what prompted me to buy it. I noticed several times the young woman staring at it. I was reminded of how primitive this island actually was. There were no malls or outlet shops here, nor were there any banks or ATM machines.

  Iris put on a big spread for lunch and the entire staff joined us to eat. The good-natured bantering around the table reminded me of a large family gathering. I remained quiet listening to the stories and playful jabs taken at one another. It took me a little while to understand what they were saying because of the Bahamian accent, which would have been easier had, they spoken slower.

  I chuckled to myself. Had my mom and dad walked into the room that moment they would have both fainted from shock. There I sat in a room full of black men and women, Adrienne and myself standing out like beacons next to their dark skin. Unlike, my parents I always thought skin color was simply a color. There were good and bad in all races. I was happy to be among these people and they seemed genuinely happy to have me.

  After lunch we all went our separate ways to relax and mentally prepare ourselves for the arrival of the guests the following day. My chore for the day was laundry. I stripped the bed and took my linens and clothes to the other side of the property. There I found another cottage that housed the washer and dryers and an ice machine. Since none of the other washers were in use I decided to take full advantage. I separated my things into three separate loads, and loaded up the washers.

  I sat just outside the door and read for a while until the washers stopped. After everything was in the dryers I settled back down and began to read. This was a great way to do the laundry I mused to myself. An hour later I finished folding the last of my things, and I had even pressed the yellow shirt I had worn earlier that day.

  After my things were put away and the bed was made I felt ready to face the world. I was getting very used to this way of life. I grabbed the shirt that I had pressed earlier and went off on a mission. I found Sarah tending the plants in the courtyard.

  “Hi Sarah. I said as I walked up. She smiled and said hello, and then I saw eyes dart to the shirt I was carrying. “I washed and pressed this today and I would be honored if you would accept it as a gift.”

  Her big brown eyes widened in surprise. “Oh Hayden I cant take your shirt. It’s too pretty.

  “Please Sarah, I insist. Like I said it’s a gift.”

  “I can only accept it if you would be willing to make a trade.” She said, as she smiled and unclasped the necklace that hung around her neck. It was beautiful in its simplicity. It was a simple silver chain with a bluish and purple shell in the middle. “Would you please consider accepting this as a trade for the shirt?” She asked shyly.

  She handed me the necklace. “Sarah does this necklace represent something special to you? If that’s the case the shirt is hardly worth it.”

  “No not at all.” She assured me. “I made it myself. I make all kinds of jewelry and Adrienne is kind enough to allow me to put in a display case for the guests to see.”

  “Well in that case you have a deal.” She helped me put the necklace on and I was thrilled to have it. I gave her the shirt and she hugged it close to her body. Then she gave me a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. It made me feel so good that the shirt made her so happy.

  I needed time alone to ponder my sanity, so I made my way down the narrow path, keeping an eye out for the slimy kind. Once I had made it down the bluff I kicked off my sandals enjoying the feel of the rocky sands beneath my feet. I walked along the waters edge admiring the beauty of the water, and enjoying the breeze as it cooled my skin.

  I had barely been at this place for a week and I hardly recognized myself. I wondered what was happening to me, but with the peaceful way I felt inside I decided it couldn’t be all that bad. I also questioned my feelings for Adrienne. She was a beautiful woman, but there was something else about her that drew me.

  I had been telling myself that it was not wise to get involved with someone I worked with. Only my mind acknowledged this, but my actions betrayed me. When I was not in her presence I realized how much I flirted with her. I should have never initiated the conversation last night at dinner. I know it made me appear interested, and if the truth be known I was. My sensibilities were at war with mind and emotions, not to mention my body.

  I found myself more often that not thinking about her. When I tried to get my mind off of her by burying my nose in a book, it still managed to wander back to her. When I awoke each morning my first thoughts were of her, and I could have kicked myself for it. I scolded myself for following after her like a schoolgirl.

  Satisfied that I was completely alone I confessed verbally that what had been plaguing me was simply a juvenile crush and I needed to let it go. Even after hearing it pass my lips, I was still not completely convinced. It would really help if she would stop looking at me the way she did. Sometimes I swear she could see into my soul.

  My stomach alerted me that dinner would be served soon, so I turned and made my way back along the waters edge. This was paradise, and yet I felt so alone without that woman by my side. I hoped that the arrival of the guests would keep my mind occupied, and in a few days these feelings would pass. I crossed my fingers as I climbed the bluff to the Inn.

  Chapter 4

  The following morning Saber watched, as I got dressed. I picked up the bedside clock from the floor, that he had slapped off the night before. He always had a unique way of letting me know he wanted out. I made sure he had plenty of fresh water and then I was off to greet the day. On my way to the dinning room for breakfast I got caught up in the excitement of the impending arrival of our guests. I simply could not resist. I ran across the courtyard yelling at the top of my lungs. “Boss the plane the plane!”

  That afternoon I met Adrienne in the bar. At any minute the guests would be arriving, and I was more nervous about greeting them than I was going to admit. I supposed Adrienne sensed my feelings and tried to reassure me that it wouldn’t be as bad as I thought.

  In mid sentence she suddenly paused and a peculiar expression crossed her face. It was quickly replaced by a broad smile that lit up her face. She looked me directly in the eyes with such intensity that it made me squirm and fidget.

  “You will not like one of the guests, but you have nothing to worry about.” She said with the grin still plastered across her face.

  I was a little confused. “Why would you say that I haven’t even met them yet? Oh wait, are you doing that thingy again?”

  Before she could respond the van pulled up in front of the bar. I felt just like tattoo standing next to Mister Rourke waiting for the guests. One of the porters opened the passenger doors and assisted the ladies as they got out. The other busied himself with their luggage, and began loading it on a golf cart to be taken to their cottages.

  A tall woman with blonde spiky hair resembling a Norwegian wrestler rushed over and pulled Adrienne into a bear hug, and a woman equally her size pealed the blonde from Adrienne and took her into her own arms. She was tall as well but had a head full of long brown curly locks, warm green eyes, and her frame was significantly less muscled. Adrienne laughed and hugged them both, enjoying the attention and warm greetings.

  “Shelby I would like you to meet Hayden Tate she is Gloria’s n
iece.” The tall blonde pulled me into a bear hug and I swore she intended to break my ribs. When she finally let me go she in turn introduced me to Myra her partner. She was significantly gentler in her embrace, and my ribs were grateful.

  I can only describe their arrival as pandemonium. There were women everywhere, each of them taking turns hugging Adrienne like a long lost relative. I actually felt sorry for her, because just the few hugs I got left me breathless and sore. She was as gracious as ever and impressed the group and me as well by remembering all of their names.

  We all piled into the bar where Adrienne and I busted our butts filling drink orders. I had never tended bar before, though I had spent many hours on the opposite side of it. I knew how to mix many of the drinks, but when someone ordered something exotic, they got rum and coke. I did make the effort of throwing a little paper umbrella in each one. Of course they picked on me about this endlessly, but it was fun nevertheless.

  Adrienne was right; there was one woman in particular that I did not like. She stared, no wait, leered at Adrienne from the minute she climbed out of the van. Adrienne didn’t seem to notice the way the dark eyed woman watched her every move. This however, did not escape me, and I fought the jealous feelings that rose up within.

  I immediately began to pick her apart in my mind. I didn’t like the way her beady brown eyes darted over Adrienne appraisingly. I didn’t care for her style of dress either, which I deemed trashy. She was trying to hard to have everyone notice the breasts she had spilling out of her blouse which were more than likely man made. I could have gone on for hours, but Adrienne interrupted my evaluation with another introduction.

  Lunch was served in the bar to the delight of everyone. Iris as always put on a beautiful spread of barbecued chicken and ribs with all the trimmings. I was delighted to note that there was no Conch included, but I knew somewhere along the line she would sneak it onto the menu.

  There was so much chatter amongst the group that it was hard to carry on a conversation with the person next to me. The gang was silenced when Blair a petite redhead stood up on her chair and called for our attention. “Hayden I just wanted to tell you on behalf of all of us that we were deeply saddened by the passing of your aunt Gloria. We all loved her dearly and her presence is sorely missed. Gloria always told us that you were a younger version of herself, and I have no doubt we will love you just as much as we did her.”

  The entire room erupted in applause. I felt my face turn bright red as everyone turned their attention to me. I stood and thanked them all for the sentiment, and then quickly sank low in my seat. Adrienne gave me a reassuring smile, but I knew it would be a while before my face returned to its normal color.

  I could not help but notice that Denise the woman that had been starring at Adrienne had parked herself right next to her at lunch. I felt my blood begin to boil as I noticed her stealing glances at Adrienne’s cleavage. Though I had no right to be jealous I still could not help it.

  “I would like to propose a toast.” A petite blonde said as she stood and raised her glass. She was adorable, and I enjoyed the glimpse of her midriff as she stood there holding her glass in the air. “I raise my glass to our wonderful hostesses, my closest friends, and to the love of my life, and may we continue this tradition of coming to Cat Island until we are too old to do so.” Everyone raised their glasses and cheered Rory for making such a toast.

  “So Hayden, what do you think of life here on the island? Have you fallen completely in love with it yet?” Kathy who was seated on the other side of me asked. I remembered she was Denise’s roommate and I immediately decided I didn’t like her either by association.

  Her looks annoyed me as well. She was also sporting a pair of silicone boobies, and didn’t mind letting them room loose out of her shirt. I like make up, but I don’t think it should be applied with a putty knife, which is exactly what she looked like she did. The eye make up took the cake though, she reminded me of a raccoon in heat.

  “I am beginning to get used to it. It’s a far cry from home though.” I smiled my best fake smile as I answered.

  “Well you couldn’t ask for a lovelier person to keep you company could you?” Lacey responded. It was at that moment I had the attention of the entire table, and I could feel my face turning red again.

  “I have to agree with you there Lacey. Iris has spoiled me rotten.” I said as I shot Adrienne a smirk. The table again erupted with laughter, as Adrienne gave me a nod, and a grin.

  Roslyn, Lacey’s girlfriend asked Adrienne. “Are we going to Nassau again this year? I would love to do some more shopping in the open air market near the ship port.”

  I was having a big problem matching all the names to the faces. I tried to pick a physical characteristic of each woman that would help me remember her name. Roslyn was very dark complexioned and looked to be Hispanic. She had beautiful dark eyes and long dark hair. Neither she nor any of the women had any excess body fat; they were all well toned, which made me feel a little self-conscious.

  Her lover Lacey was absolutely beautiful. Had she been taller I would have guessed her to be a model. She was very stylish in her way of dress. I liked her hair too. It was the same shade of mine but straight and hung just past her shoulders.

  “Whomever wants to go need only to sign up and I will charter Bill Sampson’s plane again.” Adrienne answered to shouts of glee and a few moans from the non-shoppers.

  I was tickled pink. I knew that Nassau had a Pizza Hut and my heart skipped double time thinking about a gooey deep-dish pizza. I dearly loved Iris’s cooking but a girl has to have her pizza fix.

  After lunch the group broke up and went to unpack their things. Adrienne and I helped the wait staff in cleaning up the bar. We both relaxed on the chaise lounges and took a break after everything was back in order.

  “So Hayden, were you able to commit any of their names to memory?” She teased.

  “I remember the first two I was introduced to. Especially, Shelby because of the rib breaking bear hug she gave me. After those two it all became a blur. I did however remember one other name, Denise the dark haired woman sitting next to you at lunch.”

  “Oh? Did she spark your interest? You do realize she is one of two single women in the group. She said with a smirk.

  I returned the smirk. “I can assure you that she does not interest me in the least, but she does seem to be very interested in a blue eyed brunette that we both know. Matter of fact I think she went to great lengths to prove that already.”

  She flashed a big toothy grin. “Why does she get under your skin so?”

  She was baiting me to admit I was jealous, and I had no intention of losing this game. Although, I did find it intriguing that she wanted me to come clean. “I don’t like women who make it obvious they are on the prowl.” I think I may have gained a point on that one.

  “Maybe she’s not prowling. Perhaps she is looking for something substantial and is simply trying to be noticed.” She flashed that grin at me again. Little wise ass, I was a bigger ass than her and I aimed to prove it.

  “Unless I am blind, she has you in her sites. She is only here for two weeks so that suggests to me that she is looking for a fling.” I was feeling especially triumphant with that answer.

  “A lot of feelings can be developed in a short period of time Hayden. Maybe she knows if she played her cards right, she wouldn’t be leaving this island a single woman.” She stood and looked down at me no longer grinning. “I have some things to do before we have to prepare for dinner, I’ll see you a little later.

  I sat there a long time chain smoking. She played the game well, and had emerged the victor. Her words rocked me to the core. Would she really consider leaving this island? I was naďve to think that she would want to remain single forever. If she left, I wondered if this place would have the same appeal. I was beginning to understand what she meant by feelings being developed in a short time.

  A few of the girls wandered back into the bar wanting a d
rink, so I climbed behind the bar and played bartender. They sat around the bar chatting and before I knew it I was drawn into the conversation. Temporarily, taking my mind off of the disturbing conversation I had with Adrienne earlier.

  It amazed me what a bartender learned while on the job. I was surprised to discover how loose lipped people got when they had a few drinks under their belts. I wondered how much I had babbled off when I had bellied up to the bars I used to frequent.

  I was especially happy to hear that these girls were growing disenchanted with Denise and I listened with great interest. Leigh who was one of the women sitting at the bar was aggravated by the way Denise had flirted with her lover during their trip to the island. I tried to remember which one her partner was.

  If I had been Denise I would have thought twice about crossing Leigh. I guessed she was only about five feet tall, but had the arms and legs of someone who worked out without ceasing. She was very athletic, and kept her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She looked as though she was ready to enter the kickboxing ring at any minute.

  “Did you notice the way Denise pawed at Blair nearly the entire flight here? I have no problem with them having a chat, but the way Denise touched her every time she said something was really beginning to piss me off.” Leigh said in disgust.

  Leigh, noticed I was trying desperately to follow along reminded me that her partner was the red head that made the little speech about my aunt when they arrived. I remembered Blair then because she had the cutest spattering of freckles across her nose. I committed that couple to memory. Lacey and Roslyn were also at the bar and they made it quite obvious that they were a couple.

  They told Leigh that they had noticed it as well, and some of the other girls had made mention of it too. In addition, I learned that the reason Denise was here without a mate was because her former lover caught her in bed with another woman. Their conversation served to confirm what I already knew. Denise was a ho!