The Dark Side of the Rainbow

by Rita Hogan

  Forcing herself to look into his soft hazel eyes, she smiled. “I am here for both, but mainly business. I am a photographer on assignment to capture the beautiful wonders of Patagonia.” The elevator doors opened and both Landon and Olivia moved into the space along with her many bags. “My plans are to reside here for three months, then do a farm stay for the other half of my journey.”

  Landon nodded in approval. “You’ve done your research well. A farm stay is the best way to experience the real Patagonia. We have many terrific hosts in the area that will be happy to provide you with comfortable accommodations. I would be glad to make some personal recommendations if it would be helpful.”

  “That would be wonderful.”

  The slowing down of the elevator signaled the arrival to Olivia’s floor. Once inside the suite, Landon placed all of her bags by the door of the dressing room and began to make his leave. She knew full well that he owned the place, but needing to keep up the charade, she reached into her purse for some dollar bills.

  “All I have is U.S. currency; will that be okay for your tip?”

  “No need, Ms. Johnson. Add it to what you plan on leaving for your housekeeper. Have a good evening and I hope you enjoy your stay.”

  “Thank you.”

  When the door to her suite closed behind Landon, the stress and loneliness of the day, the last few weeks, and the past twelve years filled her with sorrow. She lay on top of the beige silk and down comforter and cried. “Jacob and Daddy, why did you have to leave me? I miss you desperately.” Spent from her jagged emotions and the long trip, Olivia did not awaken until the next morning.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Her first day in Patagonia was scheduled as a day for errands. The most important task was to find a bank. Clad in dark washed jeans, a brown leather jacket, and matching boots, Olivia made her way to the front desk. With the help of the concierge, who called a taxi and gave her the name of a reputable bank, she was on her way to the center of Bariloche, a picturesque town in the Province of Rio Negro. It was unlike any city she had ever imagined existing in South America. The Alpine-styled architecture was deceptive, causing one to think for a moment that they were in Europe.

  The airport was on the outskirts of the city, making this her first glimpse of the charming village retreat. A small part of her allowed herself to bask in the pleasure of being in a faraway scenic place. As determined as Olivia was to carry out her mission, she was equally determined to capture the best pictures she had ever taken. She would photograph the outer reaches of Patagonia, and Bariloche would be her base.

  The short thirty-minute ride had her at the bank ten minutes past opening with her Kate Spade bag in hand. After completing the paperwork for a mid-sized security box, she made a cash payment for six months’ worth of rent. Once the transaction was complete, the bank official led her to a private room.

  Inside, Olivia placed the bag and all its contents into the security box, including the burner cell phone that belonged to the fictitious Ice Project leader. Thinking of her deception caused her to miss her Aunt Sarah. She pushed aside the gnawing guilt she felt every time she thought of her.

  Before closing the lid, she thought of the contents that had been years in the making. If everything went as planned, in six short months it would all be over. Olivia Nelson would begin to live again.

  After leaving the bank, the photographer visited the local shops to purchase four cocktail dresses, matching shoes, and a few elegant casual ensembles. Her unpacked bags at the hotel were mostly full of outdoor wear and shoes, necessities for the arduous work of photographing nature. It was late spring and the climate was cool, requiring layers of clothing. By mid-summer, during Patagonia’s warmest time of the year, the layers would be needed, but not as many. There hadn’t been enough room in her luggage to pack the items she needed for the other half of her mission.

  In order to attract Landon’s attention, she had to have more than outdoor apparel in her arsenal of femme fatale weaponry. She surveyed herself in the floor-length mirror of an expensive boutique. The red vintage silk dress with a sweetheart neckline would do perfectly. It was elegant and modestly simple. Seduction was on the agenda; critical, in fact, for the execution of her plan.

  In order for Olivia to succeed, it would have to be a subdued attempt. She didn’t have the confidence nor the inclination to walk around half-clothed in order to garner Landon Gray’s attention. It would be hard enough simply to be in his presence. Hopefully, she wouldn’t have to resort to such tactics.

  Three hours and several purchases later, she had completed her errands and made her way back to the Grand Vue. Before emptying her shopping bags and tackling the job of unpacking, the first thing Olivia did was place the key to the bank security box in the hidden lining of her largest piece of luggage. If anyone chose to search her bags, it would be extremely difficult to identify the secret place. The key would remain out of sight until it was time.

  A few hours later, she entered the posh dining room wearing a knee-length, grey flared skirt and a white blouse with perfectly tailored French cuffs. It was a few minutes after six. She took a moment to admire the elegant restaurant, also designed with metro modern flair. Olivia took note of the sleek lines and subtle color palette of the walls, woodwork, and furniture, pausing to admire the very large, but classic, chandelier suspended from the center of the room. The light fixture, out of character for modern design, was unexpectedly stunning.

  The maître d’ seated her toward the center of the fairly crowded restaurant. It didn’t take her long to decide on dinner. After giving the waiter her order, she looked up to see Landon Gray walking through the dining room entrance. He wasn’t alone. Draped on his arm was an extremely attractive woman, the kind who was comfortable in her own skin and didn’t mind flaunting it. The long-legged blonde was the opposite of her more modest self.

  For the first time since initiating her plan, Olivia’s confidence wavered. The research she had done didn’t indicate that he had a girlfriend. In fact, the minimal amount of publicity articles she read contained very little about Landon’s personal life or love interests. Yet, if this was the kind of woman he was attracted to, Olivia wasn’t sure she could manage to gain his attention.

  As the couple followed the maître d’, Landon made brief eye contact with Olivia, giving her a slight nod of recognition. She gave him a warm smile while cringing inwardly as he passed by. Too bad she would never receive an Academy Award nomination, for she was giving the performance of a lifetime.

  While she waited for her meal to arrive, Olivia switched on her electronic tablet to find the marked page of the book she was reading. It was difficult to follow the words as uncertainty clouded her mind.

  Olivia looked up to see the waiter arriving with her salad, along with Landon Gray.

  “Good evening, Ms. Johnson. Do you mind if I have a seat for a moment?” he asked as the waiter placed her salad in front of her.

  “Of course not, and please call me Brooke.” She couldn’t help but note how handsome he looked in his Milano fit suit which had a very subtle brown plaid design.

  “Thank you, and please call me Landon. I am the owner of the Grand Vue.”

  Olivia feigned a look of surprise. “I had no idea. You’re obviously a very hands-on owner.” She was alluding to the airport pickup service he had provided the previous day.

  The quick assessment Landon gave of her appearance caused her to wonder if there were other thoughts than the ride from the airport drifting through his mind.

  Rather than divulge what he truly thought, he changed the subject. “Are you enjoying your book?”

  She laughed. “I can’t seem to get very far, reading the same words over and over.” When he arched his brows in question, she explained. “It was simply something to do. I’m not used to dining out alone.”

  “I imagine it would be difficult traveling all by yourself for such an extended period of time.”

  Olivia shrugged. “It will
become easier. How about you? You left your date.”

  There was a puzzled expression on the handsome executive’s face before understanding dawned. “Oh, she wasn’t my date. Cheryl is the daughter of an investor who is here visiting the resort for a couple days. I was taking her on a brief tour before dinner.”

  “You make a handsome couple.” Olivia immediately regretted the comment. Landon drew silent. There was a look in his eyes that she didn’t understand but would wonder about when he left. She felt as if she were treading on unfamiliar territory. The photographer did not know the first thing about flirting with an attractive man. All along, she knew this would be the trickiest part of her plan. She had thought looking pretty would be enough. Now she was starting to wonder. “I’m sorry if my comment was out of line. I didn’t mean to imply. . .”

  Shaking his head, he assured Olivia in a quiet voice, “No harm done, Brooke.” Landon changed the subject once again. “I was reviewing the passenger list for the cruise scheduled for this Friday. I understand you will be joining us.”

  “I am looking forward to the trip. I will be spending most of my time photographing the sights, but I’m sure I’ll find some time to relax and enjoy myself.”

  “I hope that you do. It is one of mine and the guests’ favorite excursions.” He paused to give her a thoughtful look before standing to leave. “Well, I will leave you to your dinner, Brooke. Have a good evening.”

  “The same to you, Landon.”

  He gave Olivia a brief smile before turning to leave the dining room.

  * * *

  That night Olivia dreamt of Landon.

  The two of them were huddled at a secluded table at the Espresso Room. The din of the other customers’ conversations was barely noticeable. Her shift had been over for the last hour and the couple was engrossed in a discussion of their own.

  Realizing it was nearly time to close, Landon asked Olivia if she would like to go for a walk.

  Reaching for her bag, she stood. “Sure, we can take a walk through the Pearl District.”

  They strolled silently alongside each other, their strides in sync. It was evening, but the district was alive with people milling through the main thoroughfare. They could hear the sultry sound of a street musician’s saxophone playing a familiar song. An assortment of food smells escaped from the various restaurants that lined the bustling sidewalks.

  After a few minutes of taking in the sights, sounds, and aroma of life in the Pearl District, Landon was the first to speak. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these past two months, Olivia.”

  She looked at the attractive young man who had been somewhat of a mystery to her since his arrival in Portland. During the summer, she had become accustomed to seeing him at the Espresso Room; the last few weeks she found herself looking at the door every time the bell jingled to see if it was him. When he strolled through the door each day, she felt something shift inside her. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too, Landon.”

  Suddenly, he stopped to face her. He looked at her for the longest time, warmth filling his hazel eyes. The moment seemed to stretch on toward a lifetime, with the promise of a full and wonderful journey.

  The tender look on his face matched the words he spoke. “I haven’t made the best choices in my short life, Olivia. I’ve recently come to realize how true it is. You make me want to be a better person, the kind of man that would make you proud. Do you know why that’s important to me?”

  Olivia was speechless, overwhelmed by the weightless wonder her soul felt upon hearing his words. There was more, and the girl on the verge of womanhood felt exquisite anticipation of what Landon would say next.

  “I’m falling in love with you, Olivia. You’ve captured my heart and I want to give every part of who I am to you.”

  Slowly, Landon began to move closer toward her, holding her gaze as his mouth slowly descended upon hers. She didn’t resist but gladly accepted the kiss he bestowed. How wonderful it felt to have his lips on hers. Slowly, he pulled away to gauge her reaction.

  When their eyes met, Olivia gasped as she stared into the face of the older, broken version of Landon, the man she had been reunited with days ago. Everything leading up to her journey to Patagonia came crashing down upon her. She saw the two cars racing down the causeway, her brother lying dead beneath the colorful rainbow, and Landon standing before her unscathed.

  With all the fury she felt, Olivia raised her hand, slapping him hard across the face.

  His hazel eyes, which had given her glimpses into his broken soul, were now stung with tears and great sorrow, void of all hope.

  Olivia sat up in her bed gasping for air, crying out Landon’s name. Her mind was frantically searching for the boy she had met that long-ago summer, desperately wanting him to return to her. Sweat glistened on her forehead while tears formed pools of pain and confusion in her eyes. The words of her father, wishing she would forgive Landon, flooded her mind. He’s suffering too, Olivia, she heard him saying in his deep baritone voice.

  Switching on the lamp beside her bed, she stood and walked toward the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. As she dried her pale smooth skin with a soft towel, Olivia looked at herself in the mirror. Earlier, that night in the dining room when Landon had looked at her, she couldn’t place the expression. Now she knew. His light, the vibrancy she had seen in him all those weeks that long ago summer, was gone.

  “I don’t know if I can do this,” she half-groaned to herself.

  The light had gone from her too, snuffed out like a candle in the frigid breeze. The death of her brother had extinguished all hope except in one thing: if she could find a way to make Landon pay, then maybe she could find her light again. Touching her lips, Olivia thought about the imaginary kiss from her dream. Was abandoning her plans for vengeance worth losing herself forever so that Landon could one day find his way?

  * * *

  Landon’s office door was open. Natasha could see him staring out of the window to the right of his large blackened cherry wood desk. His head turned at the sound of her approaching daughter who was running ahead of her. “Uncle Landon!” Isabella shouted with glee, throwing herself into his arms.

  “Izzy!” Cradling her, he blew raspberries onto the side of her neck until she erupted into a fit of giggles. “How is my favorite niece in the whole world?”

  “I’m your only niece, silly,” she said with a laugh, engaging him in their usual tête-à-tête.

  He kissed the bridge of her nose, hugging her close before settling her on his hip.

  “And how are my favorite sister and nephew?”

  Natasha, with her two-year-old son resting on her hip, was a few steps behind Isabella.

  His nephew, Nicholas, held out his arms toward him. “Lanin, Lanin,” he chirped, wanting his uncle to hold him. He took his free arm and pulled the toddler to him, then kissed his sister on the forehead.

  “Have I told you how good you look with kids?” Natasha asked with a smile.

  “Only a thousand times or more.”

  His sister laughed. “They couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “I’m always happy to see my little munchkins.” With raised eyebrows, he looked at Nicholas first then Isabella. “What do you think your daddy has made for lunch today?”

  “Applesauce and mac-‘n-cheese,” Isabella exclaimed with glee.

  A short while later as they sat around the private dining room at the resort, Gaston had, in fact, prepared mac-n-cheese, the gourmet kind made with Gruyere, Beaufort d’ete cheeses, and freshly made elbow noodles. The applesauce was made with fresh ground cinnamon and brown sugar. For the adults, the warm pasta was served with chicken Caesar salad and house made dressing. Even when cooking a simple family meal, Landon’s brother-in-law took all of his dishes straight into the stratosphere of fine cuisine.

  Twice a week they ate lunch together as a family. The ritual had become as important to Landon as breathing. It reminded him how much he needed to be alive. As
much as he enjoyed their company, there were moments when the longing for a family of his own became overwhelming. Today was one of them.

  Gaston set his fork down on his plate. “Landon, are you sure you don’t want me to join you on this trip? It will only be Juan’s second cruise.”

  Finished with his own lunch, the younger man responded, “I think Juan is doing fine, don’t you? We have to let him work on his own sooner or later. The purpose of hiring an assistant executive chef was to keep you from having to do the cruises. If you’re having second thoughts about his abilities, we should rethink things.”

  “Food-wise, I think he’s terrific. I would like him to be more engaging with the passengers since much of the cooking is on display, especially the live demonstration.”

  Unable to resist joining in the conversation, Natasha removed her mommy hat and put on her former executive cap. “Do you think it’s nerves? Can he be taught to be charming?”

  Gaston shrugged. “I have focused a great deal of my time with him on the recipes and technique. I think I should work with him a little more, emphasizing how to connect with the crowd.” He turned to Landon. “Count me in on this trip. Hopefully, it will be the last, unless it’s for pleasure.” He looked again at Natasha. She nodded her agreement.

  “We’ll miss you,” said his wife as she kissed him on the lips. “On that note, I need to be going. Nicholas will be a bear if he doesn’t have his nap soon.”

  Landon stood with his sister while the kids protested about going, but gave their dad farewell hugs and kisses. Natasha held Isabel’s hand while Landon carried Nicholas toward the lobby.

  “Are you doing okay, Landon? I’ve been concerned about you for the last week.”

  He looked at his sister. “I have my bad days. I hit a rough patch recently, that’s all. I’ll be fine.”

  “Promise me you’ll talk to Dr. Kennedy if things become too difficult.”

  They had reached the lobby. “I promise.” Kissing Nicholas, he handed him back to his mother, then reached for Isabel. He swooped her up into his arms and kissed her sweetly on the cheek before she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. “I love you, Izzy.”