by Claire Adams
I got off on the floor before mine and walked to the end of the hall, pushing the exit door and moving out onto the balcony that overlooked the ocean. The wind whipped around me, and the desire to be needed, to be wanted pumped through me, but I ignored it. It would lead to more tears.
After dialing my mom's number, I moved up to the rail and leaned against it.
"Hey, baby. How is your trip going?" My mom's voice was thick as if she'd been crying.
"It's alright. Casey got stung by a jellyfish an hour ago, and I met a really cute guy who isn't interested in anything more than what this week has to offer, but other than that..."
"Oh, Viv. That's not good."
The sound of my mother’s sympathy always did me in. Tears blurred my vision, and I pressed my teeth into my bottom lip as they spilled over onto my cheeks.
"I really just want to understand why," I murmured through my tears.
"Oh, baby. Are you crying? Don't cry, or I will too." Her voice thickened even more.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I hate being a cry-cry head. I just wish I could understand why Jackson felt the need to cheat on me. Ten years, Mom. Ten fucking years."
"Watch your language, please. I'm so sorry. There is no excuse for what he did. He's a man, and men are pieces of shit. Plain and simple."
I didn't believe that for a minute, but after the last few months I could see why many women did. My father was a good man, as was Casey's dad and my brothers.
"That leaves me no hope for a good relationship, Mom. I'm thinking if I could just figure out what I did wrong, or what was missing for Jackson, then I could stop it from happening again." I brushed my tears away angrily.
"This isn't the time for me to do this, but I was calling to tell you that your father and I are filing for divorce."
Ice water raced through my veins as I stood up, shocked being an understatement. "What? Why? You and dad are like the most loving couple in the world."
"We were. A couple of years ago, I walked in on him sleeping with his secretary. I guess his late nights weren't always about scoring the right kind of business deal. He's a cheating bastard." Her anger bled through the phone and left my heart aching.
"What? Two years ago? Why didn't you say something?" I pressed my hand to my chest and rubbed softly as I moved through memories to see if I could see the signs better. They'd hidden it well. Too well.
"I really thought I was one of those women that could get over it. Your dad and I are so damn good together on so many levels that I wasn't willing to simply give up my claim to him." She let out a shaky sigh. "I think he's been faithful over the last two years, but there isn't a moment during the day that I don't wonder if I'm still playing the fool. I'm so angry, Vivian. I'm so far beyond angry that it's destroying whatever was once good between us."
I nodded. "I understand that. I couldn't forgive Jackson for sleeping around on me, and we've been together ten years, not forty. And we weren't even married."
Pain laced me, but I locked it up as a cute couple walked out on the balcony with me and moved to the far end to snuggle each other.
"I had no idea." I wrapped my free arm around myself.
"No one does. How does a man that has everything feel the need to take the one thing he didn't think he had and exploit it? I was so good to your father for all of these years, supporting his dreams and aspirations because I just knew my turn was coming. He's a spineless asshole. They all are." She barked into the phone just before her voice cracked.
The sound of my mother lamenting over the loss of a forty-year marriage broke my heart in half. She had to be asking the same questions I was, searching for the reasons and answers to somehow validate all that had happened to us.
"Mom... what can I do? You want me to come home?" I couldn't stop the flow of tears as memories moved past my vision. There were so many good times that we'd had as a family and they were suddenly washed away by my father's infidelities.
"Just promise me that you'll be careful. I wanted to tell you all of this when you called crying about Jackson, but I couldn't. I just couldn't hurt your hopeful heart, baby. I'm not trying to hurt you now either, but please...please be careful."
"Okay," I mumbled and sunk down to a squat as the air rushed from my lungs. "I need to go. I'll call you later. I love you."
I dropped the call and sat the phone down as I worked to reign in my emotions. I'd almost gone off the deep end with Easton only having known him for a day.
Was I that desperate to belong to someone?
Yeah. I guess I was.
Chapter Fourteen
Two Days Later
Easton
The kisses at the clinic had been too much. The way she tasted and felt beneath my hands was overwhelming. I had no doubt that it had more to do with me not being intimate with someone and less to do with the silly idea that fate had put her in front of me. I hated to pull back from her, but after helping her with Casey, I realized that I was going to dive in deep, and in my fear, I pushed back. She'd taken it well.
"Too fucking well," I grumbled as I lay on the large king-sized bed in one of the nicer single rooms. I'd moved around the hotel for the last two days in a fog, praying that I would run into Vivian, and yet not seeing any sign of her.
By Thursday, I was going stir crazy. Stopping by the front desk, I gave the college-aged girl my best smile and tapped the marble-top desk between us.
"Hi there. I have a new friend that's staying with you guys, and I haven't seen her for a few days. Her friend had a pretty nasty run in with a jellyfish a while back, and I helped them out. I don't need a room number, but just wanted to make sure they were still here." I slipped my hands in my suit-pants pockets. "Her name is Vivian."
The girl lifted her eyebrow at me as if contemplating just what type of creeper I was.
"Please? I think I'm falling in love with her. Please." I glanced down at my hands and back up. It was a partial lie, but I was comfortable with it.
"Last name?" She turned her attention to her computer screen as I internally sighed.
"Last name...shit. I don't know it." I ran my fingers through my hair. "Can you just search for a Vivian and Casey in your system? They're staying together."
"I guess, but I could get into trouble for this." She glanced back up at me as if expecting me to back off. It wasn't happening.
"I don't need room numbers or last names. I just need to know if they're still here." I brushed my fingers by my lips and prayed the girl would just comply with my request.
"Alright." She typed for a few minutes, her fingers flying across the keys. "I have them here until Saturday morning. Everything seems fine on the reservations. I could call their room and hand you the phone if you like."
"No, it's good. Thank you so much for your help." I tapped the desk top once more and turned, walking toward the bar where I was sure to find Kevin. He'd been scarce lately, which was a little unlike him. I was grateful for the reprieve from him, but having spent two days alone with my bad decisions, I was in search of a conversation with just about anyone.
"Hey, Kev." I took a seat at the bar beside him. "How's the job going?"
"It's good. I've done a few write-ups so far, but I'm really looking forward to the one I get to do tonight." He pulled out a pamphlet and handed it to me. "Black Beach has a new club opening. The food is one of the main things they're touting. I'm going to make sure they’re not involved in false advertising." He gave me a creepy smile and wagged his eyebrows. "Plus, I already told them who I was. They're excited to invite me in and give me anything I want."
"Sounds about right." I glanced down at the pamphlet, thinking back on my conversation with Vivian two days before. "Can I borrow this for a second?"
"You bet. Keep it. I have another one in the room." He reached for my arm as I got up. "You going over there tonight?"
"Yeah, I'm thinking about taking a girl I met. She's been talking about this all week." I folded it up and tucked it in my back pocket.
"Nope." I turned and walked out of the bar as I pulled my phone from my back pocket. I decided that texting Vivian might be a little more prudent in case she'd decided that she didn't want to see me again. Not having texted or called each other over the last two days, I wasn't sure who was at fault for the lack of communication, but something told me that it was most likely me.
I hadn't stopped thinking about her for more than a few minutes. I couldn't count on two hands the number of times I'd lost my train of thought in the middle of an interview. Too many for my own comfort. The resort was immaculate and would have a great review from me like it always did, but that didn't mean that I didn't need to focus and do my job to the best of my ability.
This damn girl was driving me mad, though.
Me: Hey. Hope you're doing good. Sorry about the last few days. It's been a bit crazy. You still up for the trip to Black's Beach tonight? I'd love to take you and Casey.
It took her more than ten minutes to answer, but finally I got a response as I was headed back upstairs.
Vivian: We're going to catch a cab, but I'm sure we'll see you there. Glad your week has been productive. Case is doing great. Thanks again for your help.
I growled as I moved off the elevator. She was diverting. I could tell. Her feelings were hurt by my actions, and she had every right to be. I needed to know what the hell happened with her and the last guy she was with. Even if we were deemed to be nothing more than friends, I wanted to be a good friend.
Me: I'd really like it if you'd share that cab with me, or let me drive you guys. I won't get in your way if you need a bit of freedom. I'm just a concerned friend. That place is known for getting wild. Please don't deny me the chance to see you home safely from the party.
Vivian: Case said if you're buying the drinks, she's in.
Me: LOL. Tell her that I'll buy everything tonight. Just let me hitch onto your party line.
Vivian: Alright, but don't expect anything from me. I'm leaving Saturday, and your only job tonight is to make sure that I don't drink myself into an oblivion and end up with a strange man.
Me: Got it. Meet you in the lobby at eight tonight. Thanks.
"Yes," I mumbled and walked into my hotel room, dropping down onto one of the beds and rolling onto my side. I could go and play protection detail for the two girls, no problem. The fact that she felt the need to mention another man left me wanting to choke someone.
The club would be insanely hot, and a great way to touch Vivian once more before she went back to her own life. I deserved to not get to see her again at all, but somehow I'd wiggled my way into her good graces enough to at least have the evening with her.
I most likely had Casey to thank for that. I'd have to find a way to get close to Vivian's friend to get the story on Viv. Some part of me knew that I'd have no luck getting the information out of Casey, seeing that I'd probably been black listed after my actions earlier in the week, but I was willing to try.
*****
I changed into a nice shirt, boots, and a pair of dark jeans before heading down to the lobby. I had no clue as to what the girls would be wearing, but I was hoping that my attire wasn't too far out of place.
They were already waiting for me in the lobby when I got there, and I was grateful for the few moments I had before they discovered my arrival. Casey was in jeans and a tight shirt, but Viv was in a black dress that hugged her hips and left her breasts center stage for attention. The black sandals she wore brought her look down to something more casual. But with the number of eyes on her just in the lobby, I knew it was going to be a long night.
My body reacted strongly to her as I moved toward them, catching the subtle hint of her perfume as I touched her lower back and moved around her.
"Hey, beautiful." I moved my hands to my pockets, knowing good and damn well that I would touch her every chance I got if I didn't. "Hey, Casey. You look beautiful too."
"Thank you kindly, sir. I hear you're our security detail tonight." Casey gave me a warm smile, but it was Viv's tight expression that demanded my attention. Hurt sat at the edge of her eyes, and I hated myself for the possibility of it being my fault.
"I sure am. Let's get over there. It's supposed to be crazy." I offered each of them an arm and luckily they both took it. We walked out to the circle drive toward a sleek black Lexus that the hotel had loaned me. "You girls can both get in the back or one of you can call–”
"Shotgun!" Casey yelled as she released me and jogged toward her side of the car.
Vivian pulled out her phone and moved to the back seat, getting in and not turning to give me a second glance.
"Fuck," I mumbled under my breath and got into the driver's side, making sure to adjust my rear-view mirror so that I could see her better. "Did you guys have a good week?"
"It was good. Lots of food, fun, and sun. I think Miss Moody back there is ready for New York again, but I could honestly stay here forever." Casey pulled her seatbelt on and bounced in her seat. "Everyone has been talking about this club."
"I like New York, too. It's classy and homey for those who were raised there." I glanced up to pin Viv with a stare. She looked up and nodded curtly before turning back to her phone. I'd lost her. I was almost sure of it.
It's a good thing, right? Then why the hell does it feel so bad?
I continued. "Yeah, my co-worker, Kevin is going to be here tonight. He's a food critic." I turned my attention to the road in front of us and drove slowly, trying hard not to run into any of the million people that moved along the sidewalk ahead of us.
"Oh nice. Is he hot?" Casey turned and lifted her eyebrows.
"Not in the slightest, though I might not be the best judge of what a hot guy looks like." I turned on the radio and pulled onto the main strip, pointing out a few things to Casey here and there as she seemed the only one interested in talking with me at all.
"Here we are." I pointed to the club. "Exposé. Interesting name."
"Right? Seeing that we're on a nude beach, it's quite fitting." Casey unbuckled as I pulled up to the valet.
"Make sure you have your I.D.s, girls." I got out of the car and turned to Viv, wanting to say a million things to her.
"Got it." She lifted it and waved it in front of her face before walking toward the door. "That's one hell of a line. We'll never get in."
I moved up beside her and pulled out my business card. "Sure we will. Follow behind me and hold on tightly to Casey."
The large bouncer at the door lifted his eyebrow at me and smirked. "Line's back there, Mr. Big Stuff."
"I'm here to critique the club as part of Wilmington and Branch." I lifted my card toward him and tilted my head. "Get your manager if you need to check me in. I'm on your list."
"And the girls?" He nodded back to Viv and Casey.
"Both mine." I put my wallet back into my pocket and moved back before wrapping an arm around each of them. "Need to double check my credentials?"
"Nope. I know who you are now. Your food critic is already in the back. Enjoy your time here, Mr. Parks." He nodded and moved back.
"Wow. That was cool." Casey turned to face me as I released them just inside the club.
"Naw, just the norm. Part of the gig, I guess." I turned to find Viv gone already. "Where'd she go?"
"Bathroom, I bet. Let's get some drinks and then we can find her." Casey took my hand and pulled me toward the bar.
Now was my time to talk to Casey. I wasn't sure how receptive she would be to discussing Viv with me, but it didn't matter. I needed to right the wrong I'd done. Vivian was back to being as withdrawn with me as she was on Sunday night on the plane. Actually worse.
I ordered three beers and turned to Viv's petite, pixie-like friend. "Did I upset her? Is that why she's barely talking to me?"
"Something like that, but I'm not so sure she's necessarily mad at you. She's just closed back off. I told you that she's just gotten out of a really bad r
elationship." Casey watched me as she took a long drink of her beer. "She's not ready to move on just yet."
"Bad relationship as in the guy was bad to her? Hit her or what?" Anger burned through me at the very thought of anyone laying his hands on Vivian.
"They were together for ten years." She sighed softly as if a memory rushed across her vision. "He finally asked her out in fifth grade, but I had to almost twist his arm to do it. She was a tomboy back then and really into sports. There aren't many sports that she doesn't play, or didn't use to, really."
"Ten years and then what?" I turned to see Vivian walk out of the ladies room, her eyes moving across the hordes of people as she searched for us. I lifted up, using one of the barstools beside me and waved until I caught her attention.
"Then she found him fucking another girl in his dorm room. He'd been sleeping around for years. She's just trying to get over it now. She's been pretty numb for the last month or so."
I cringed as I moved back down to the ground. How anyone would cheat on a woman like Viv was a mystery to me. She seemed to be the full-package deal.
"When did she find out about him cheating?" I wanted to talk to Casey for hours, but knew my time was running short.
"Early February. This was supposed to be their Valentine’s slash graduation trip, but she canceled it after dumping him. We got the airlines to move it to spring break and put it down for the two of us, but I basically had to tell them the situation. We got someone who actually had a heart on the phone when we called them." She turned and lifted her beer. "I didn't tell you any of that."
"Nope. I know nothing." I extended the beer to Vivian. "We got this for you. Hope it's good."
"Yeah. Thanks. Why do you two look like you're plotting my doom?" She gave Casey a cocky smile, but it slid off her pretty face as she glanced back toward me.
It took every ounce of willpower I had not to reach out, grab her, and pull her against me, reminding her how good we were going to be together when we both got over all our shit. I didn't move a muscle. She wasn't ready for anything from me, and I could quickly see why our kiss earlier that week hadn't been the best move on my part, nor the subsequent pushing her back.
