It Started in Paradise

by Nicki Night

  Chloe went to El. Her eyes now glistened with tears, too.

  Joliet got herself together. “He took everything from me. You, my freedom and no one would listen, not the school, our so-called friends, not even you.” Joliet shook her head seeming to remember vividly. She squeezed her eyes shut. After a while, she looked up at El. “When you finally came back to the dorm, you were so angry. I couldn’t believe you accepted his lies without question. There was no getting through to you. You were my friend,” she said, shaking her head as if asking, how could you? Joliet sighed, then shrugged. “We were young.” She pressed imaginary wrinkles from her skirt. “I changed dorms, started seeing a therapist, whom I never told the complete truth, because everyone else at school that I tried to tell only reminded me of what I was up against. One even mentioned that half the girls on campus was after Gary as if I should have been happy that he paid me any attention at all. Gary was the university’s all-star. They doted on him. He said they’d never take my side against his and he was right. This kind of stuff happened, and still happens, on college campuses all the time. I never expected it to happen to me.” Joliet straightened her back, tilted her head and looked over at El. “Eventually, I buried all of it—the memories, the pain—buried it so deep it was almost like it never happened. Hating you became normal.”

  El stood—eyes wide and spilling tears. She looked at no one and nothing in particular. Wiping away the tears, she cleared her throat and began to walk. Everyone watched. No one spoke. With one slow step at a time, El made her way over to Joliet.

  “I had no idea,” El said in a small voice when she finally reached Joliet. “Gary told me you were spreading lies about me around campus, telling our friends that I only wanted him because he was going pro. I believed him.” El looked down at her fingers. “After the draft he just...stopped calling—ran off without looking back. I never heard from him again.”

  Joliet rose to meet her and for some time they just stood face-to-face. Tears continued falling from both pairs of eyes. Donovan and Chloe stood silently in the background, linked by a collective sense of hope.

  Chapter 29

  Donovan was exhausted. The week had been physically and emotionally taxing but he and Chloe had accomplished much. He finally took her out on the boat, recreating the night they sailed in Puerto Rico. They’d gotten their parents in the same room without fireworks twice. The two women even banded together to find Gary, who was serving time for sexually harassing one of his students. That news dispelled any possible doubts El had. A tearful apology set their relationship on a path of restoration.

  Donovan and his parents attended Chloe’s showcase for the restaurant the night before and he went home with her. The two were so tired all they could do was lie in one another’s arms and sleep. Now his entire family was on deck to prepare for The Jacqueline Bosley Foundation’s massive gala.

  La Belle Riviere was a frenzy of noise and movement. Joliet gave orders along with all the other department heads. Every square inch of the place buzzed with activity. Normally Joliet wouldn’t be involved on this level, but she also didn’t normally have huge celebrities for clients who attracted hordes of local and national press.

  Even with the last-minute change of date, Jacqueline managed to sell over four hundred tickets to the event at twenty-five hundred dollars each. That number didn’t include the complimentary tickets for the press and certain families on Long Island that Jacqueline personally invited—including the Chandlers and the owners of The Crest.

  Donovan updated his spreadsheet to make a few more amendments to the expenses for this gala. Jacqueline had paid the balance the week before, but with all the recent changes and additional people, the foundation ended up with new charges. After printing the revised invoices, Donovan shut down his computer and headed home to get ready for the night’s festivities.

  Donovan walked into his house wishing he actually had time for a nap. He thought of Chloe and smiled. Seeing her in a beautiful ball gown would keep him invigorated. He hoped Jacqueline would be too preoccupied to be flirtatious. He didn’t want Chloe getting any wrong ideas just when they were finally getting their relationship back on track. The idea of the two of them in the same room gave him temporary pause. He had nothing to hide but Jacqueline was insistent and she was an important client.

  Donovan’s turnaround was swift. Within forty-five minutes he was showered, in his tux and heading back to the catering hall. On the way, he’d checked in with Chloe to make sure she was still coming. By the time he returned, guests had begun to arrive. Flashes from the cameras of dozens of reporters captured attendees as they exited their cars. Donovan had personally never been but he imagined this was probably what the red carpets were like at those award shows on television.

  Cocktail hour was in full swing. Donovan grew slightly anxious. He couldn’t wait to see Chloe. He felt fortunate to actually have both their parents’ blessings and hoped that his small maneuver for tonight would work out. That reminded him of something he needed to do. Donovan headed into the main room to speak with the band. His mother walked in just as he finished.

  “You look great, Mom!” Donovan admired her ivory gown and pearl jewelry. “Are you ready for tonight?” he asked, leaning lower to kiss her cheek.

  Joliet sighed. “I can’t believe we pulled this off in such a short amount of time.”

  “You’re great like that.”

  Joliet blushed, dipping her chin to her shoulder and then waved her hand dismissively at Donovan. “Oh, dear. Let’s go be fabulous hosts.” Joliet squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and sauntered toward the door.

  Following his mother out, Donovan halted when he spotted Chloe, radiating as she glided through the entrance holding a small silver purse. Thoroughly, he regarded her, starting with the elegant sweep of hair across her forehead to her perfect bun and her beautiful flawless face, with proud upstanding cheekbones. The feminine curve of her neck swelled into sexy bare shoulders and gave him pause. Instinctively he bit his bottom lip, remembering the taste of her skin. The blue hue of Chloe’s dress seemed electrifying. It held her shapely frame as if it understood how lucky it was to grace her curves. Silver shoes peeked from the hem of her dress as she walked. Chloe looked absolutely stunning—more than Donovan could have imagined. The male parts of him awakened.

  Finally, Chloe noticed him watching. He tilted his head, smiled and walked straight to her. The only thing that he was aware of at that moment was Chloe. Her smiled beckoned him. He pulled her right into his arms and kissed her lips as if there was no one else in the room. He hoped he’d have enough control to pry himself away in an appropriate manner.

  Donovan heard someone clear his or her throat. That pulled him out of his trance. Chloe blushed and put her hand to her lips to cover her tiny smile.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Chandler.” Donovan nodded, hugging El before shaking Mr. Chandler’s hand. He hadn’t even noticed them.

  “Donovan.” Mr. Chandler held back his smile and glanced at El. She pursed her lips and shook her head. Donovan could see she held back a smile. “You seem to be pretty smitten with my daughter.”

  “Sir. With all due respect, I’m completely smitten by your daughter.” Donovan looked at her adoringly. “She’s an amazing woman.”

  “I won’t argue with that.” Bobby Dale chuckled deep. It was a mature laugh of distinguished men.

  “All right, now,” Jewel said. Everyone laughed. She swatted Donovan playfully before hugging him.

  “Hey, Donovan.” Jade was the next to receive Donovan’s embrace.

  “What’s up, man?” Chris and Donovan shook hands.

  “Enjoy the rest of the cocktail hour and I’ll show you where you’re sitting once we get inside.” Donovan took Chloe’s hand and led the family to an open table on the terrace.

  “El, Bobby Dale, ladies, young man,” Joliet greet
ed each of them one by one. She and El exchanged genuine smiles. “I’m glad you were able to make it. I’ll have to give you the inside scoop on working with Jacqueline so that you can be prepared for next year.”

  “I’d appreciate that,” El said.

  “Has she arrived?”

  “Not yet but I believe she’ll be here shortly. The cocktail hour will be over in minutes.”

  El and Joliet talked for a few more moments when a gentleman in a tux began herding guests into the main hall. It took a while for all of them to file into the dining room and find their seats. The band played smooth jazz as peopled milled about, mingling and making introductions. Donovan led the Chandlers to their reserved table.

  The music stopped and the guests quieted when the maître d’ took the microphone to prepare the guests for Jacqueline’s arrival. Everyone stood, the doors opened and the guests applauded as Jacqueline glided in with seven young teens around her all dressed as impeccably as her. Jacqueline walked to the center of the dance floor ushering the kids to join her. She then stepped back nearly blending into the attendees on the side and began clapping her hands. The applause grew louder as the teens bowed, gracefully managing being the center of attention.

  Someone handed Jacqueline a microphone. “Let’s give these amazing teens another round of applause!” The room erupted. Some whistled. “It is my pleasure to introduce to you our guests of honor for tonight.” Jacqueline bowed respectfully toward them. They were led to a reserved table up front. “Thank you.” Jacqueline took to the podium with a proud smile aimed at the young people.

  The festivities started there. Jacqueline introduced her friend and fellow actor Brock Sanders who served as the emcee for the event. The room erupted into applause. Women swooned when he took to the stage. Brock announced the scholarship recipients, boasted of their great grades and community service and then let them speak about how the foundation helped to change their lives.

  The evening seemed to soar by. Before Donovan knew it, the presentations were done, dinner was served, checks were written and people were having a good time on the dance floor, including Chloe and Donovan.

  The setting was perfect. Donovan caught the bandleader’s attention and gave him a discreet nod. He’d made sure to clear things with Jacqueline first. It would be a surprise to everyone else.

  “Is everyone having a good time?” the bandleader asked.

  “Yeah!” some yelled. A few hooted and one or two offered up a shrill whistle in response. Donovan was sure the champagne that had been flowing since the cocktail hour had something to do with the whistling and other unintelligible sounds.

  “That’s what I like to hear. Well, right now, we’ve got a treat for you. We’ve received a special request.”

  Jacqueline appeared onstage next to the bandleader. He handed her the microphone. “Ms. Chloe Chandler!” she yelled into the microphone, then pulled it away, mouthing oops. Throwing her head back, she laughed. “Can you please come to the stage?” Jacqueline’s words slurred slightly.

  Chloe’s head reared back and her mouth fell open. She looked at Donovan. He shrugged and she narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.

  “You’re being summoned, Ms. Chandler,” he teased.

  Chloe gathered the lower portion of her dress in her hands and made her way toward the stage. Donovan helped her up the few steps. Jade and Jewel appeared by Donovan’s side.

  “What are you up to, Donovan?” Jewel asked knowingly.

  “Who, me?” He feigned innocence.

  Both sisters looked at him suspiciously. Jewel twisted her lips.

  “She’s onstage. Is she going to sing?” Jade’s enthusiasm was evident.

  “Give it up for Ms. Chandler of the fabulous restaurant, Chandlers, on the marina. We all know who Chandler Food Corp is, I’m sure. I just love those sweet potato pies.” Jacqueline giggled. “Would you do us the honor of gracing us with your amazing voice this evening?”

  Chloe put her hand on her chest and looked down at Donovan. With a smile, she wagged her finger at him. “Sure.” She nodded at Jacqueline.

  “Wonderful! Before I give you this microphone, I have one thing to say.” The room quieted. “That man over there...” Jacqueline looked over the crowd, squeezing her eyes tight in search of Donovan. “He’s smitten by you and quite dedicated. He wouldn’t give me the time of day and believe me, I tried getting it from him on a few occasions.” Jacqueline winked and the crowd exploded with snickers and all-out laughter. “He’s quite the catch, Chloe. You’re a lucky lady.”

  Donovan’s and Chloe’s eyes met across the room again. For a moment they held each other in an indulgent gaze. Chloe smiled, shaking her head once again. Donovan felt his heart swell a little more.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, Ms. Chloe Chandler,” Jacqueline announced. She handed Chloe the microphone, pulled her into a quick embrace and then sauntered off the stage tossing air kisses.

  The band, already prepped, began playing the intro to Anita Baker’s You’re My Angel. Donovan looked over at El, whose hand had now covered her gaping mouth. She looked at her husband and Mr. Chandler opened his arms. El stepped in and melted against his chest.

  Chloe closed her eyes, letting the music pour into her. Donovan had seen her do this so many times before. Chloe started humming the beginning notes. People coupled off on the dance floor. Some stood near the stage alongside Donovan, looking up at Chloe as if they were at a concert. Placing his hands in his tuxedo pants, Donovan enjoyed his perfect view of the woman he’d fallen so hard for.

  As he anticipated, Chloe began singing and before long the crowd was mesmerized. It was as if she’d lifted them, transported them among the stars and then allowed them to all float back on her last few notes. She opened her eyes to a standing ovation.

  Looking right at Donovan, she smiled. He kissed his fingers and held them out to her. At the same time, they looked over at her parents. Even from a distance, he could tell that El had tears in her eyes. Mr. Chandler held her protectively, rubbing her back gingerly. Jacqueline ran onstage and wrapped her arms around Chloe. When she let go, Chloe handed her the microphone.

  “Wasn’t that amazing? Oh! I never expected that. Chloe Chandler, you are incredible. It would be an honor if you would find time to work with some of our young people. We have singers that could certainly benefit from any insight you may have and your superb talent. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give Chloe another round of applause.” The guests obliged.

  Chloe gushed and Donovan made his way to the stage. Unable to contain his urges, he wrapped his arms around Chloe and pressed his lips against hers. He couldn’t control himself around her lately. Oohs and ahs rang out as the crowd cheered.

  “Encore!” someone yelled.

  “Yes!” Jacqueline agreed. “Sing something else for us.”

  “Okay.” Chloe dropped Donovan’s hand and took the microphone. Donovan loved that she was always willing to appease her audiences. Her confidence made her more beautiful. “What do you all want to hear?”

  Suggestions popped out from the crowd. Chloe agreed to one of the upbeat recommendations. It was a good old party starter. She told the bandleader and they began playing. When the intro started, Chloe clapped her hands, prompting the audience to join her. She began belting out notes and within seconds, the dance floor was covered. Jacqueline, his parents, El and Mr. Chandler had gotten into the groove as well.

  When Chloe finished that song, the crowd generously applauded again. She went to hand the microphone back to the bandleader and Donovan took it.

  “Isn’t she amazing?” he said, starting the crowd up again. Some yelled yes, others pumped fists in the air. “That’s why I love her.” Donovan realized what he said only after Chloe gasped—both hands covering her mouth. Chloe’s hands moved from her mouth to her heart.

&nb
sp; “You love me?” Chloe seemed dazed at first.

  Lifting her chin, Donovan looked directly into her eyes. “I do.”

  Chloe leaped into his embrace. “Donovan, I love you, too!”

  Squeezing Chloe in his arms, Donovan spun her around. He hadn’t meant to make a public display of his affection but was glad his heart spoke on his behalf. Leading Chloe off the stage, they joined the others on the dance floor. Slowly, they swayed from side to side despite the upbeat tempo of the song that had been playing. As if following their lead, the music switched to a slow romantic melody as the lead singer serenaded them.

  Chloe whispered the words of the song to Donovan as they danced. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the beauty of her voice. Leaning his forehead against hers, Donovan found her lips and kissed her between the words.

  Donovan pulled back and looked her over—carefully considering each perfectly set facial feature. His study of her was deep and penetrating, ultimately settling on her brown eyes. “I want you to sing to me forever.”

  Chloe giggled. “I want to sing to you forever, Donovan Rivers,” she said and then sang the next words in a perfect pitch. “For always.” She lifted her chin for another kiss.

  When their lips touched, Donovan felt as if they transcended time and space. Then he thought back to where it all started in Puerto Rico—in paradise.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from

  A MIAMI AFFAIR by Sherelle Green

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