Saving Her Shadow

by Lutishia Lovely

  “And staying with us, I hope.”

  “Most likely. You guys are amazing.”

  “What can I do for you this evening?”

  “Recommend something great from the room service menu, or a restaurant nearby that delivers?”

  Hank looked aghast. “On your last night in paradise? Oh, no, my lovely lady. You mustn’t spend this last night all alone in your room. At the very least you should enjoy a delicious meal and glass of wine while taking in a view of all that you’re leaving. I know just the place to recommend, only a short, five-minute walk from our front door.”

  “I’m exhausted, but your suggestion is hard to resist.”

  “You won’t be sorry, I promise you.”

  Kennedy watched as Hank pulled a card from several stacks on his station. She accepted it, gave a wave and headed to her room. After checking off the items on the evening’s to-do list, all except the pillow date, she took a quick shower and donned a striped, cotton mini and flat leather sandals adorned with shells. Simple silver hoops and bangles completed the outfit and a quick shake out of her natural curls, a dash of mascara and a swipe of pure plum lipstick completed the look. She grabbed her pouch, checked for her ID, debit card and cell phone, and after a quick internal discussion decided to leave her digital camera in the room.

  Five minutes later, and Kennedy was glad she’d taken Hank’s advice. The shower had revived her and now a warm breeze caressed her clean skin. The azure blue sky had slid into indigo. Stars twinkled and disappeared as she joined tourists and natives strolling down the paved pathway. As she reached the steps leading to the restaurant on a hill she paused, pulled out her cellphone, and captured the moment. Once inside she was quickly seated on the establishment’s veranda where a row of seats faced the ocean. She ordered the seafood dish Hank had recommended and took the server’s suggestion for a fruity white wine. While eating, she became engrossed with the latest news on social media, DMing friends and posting pictures of the island taken with her cellphone. So much so that she didn’t notice the handsome stranger who had been seated beside her until he spoke.

  “I hate eating alone,” he began without greeting, while looking out on the waves gently crashing against the shore. “But if I have to do it, having a gorgeous woman beside me makes it infinitely more satisfying.”

  Only then did he turn toward her with a smile.

  Well, damn. Kennedy was prepared to be aggravated at the tired line, but the man was gorgeous in a way that was free and unscripted, a face that suggested, “I woke up like this.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I was thinking about ordering that dish. Is it good?”

  “It’s delicious. The concierge recommended it and he was spot on.”

  “Where are you staying?” Kennedy told him. “How have I missed seeing you?”

  “You’re staying there, too?”

  “For the past week, though mostly I’ve been down at the beach soaking up the sun. What are you doing here if I may ask, and more importantly, why are you eating alone?”

  Kennedy turned and swept her arm across the occupied tables. “I’m not alone.”

  The stranger smiled, revealing pearly whites that sparkled, just like his eyes, the color of the sky in her earlier photographs. The brilliant shade of blue against tanned skin, combined with a head of thick and curly brunette hair, and Kennedy once again considered ending her penis drought.

  A server arrived, set down a drink, and took the man’s order. Afterwards, he held out his hand. “Jack Sutton.”

  She picked up a linen napkin and wiped her hands. “Kennedy Wade.”

  “Nice meeting you, Kennedy.”

  “Likewise.”

  For the next forty minutes the two casually chatted. Kennedy learned that Jack was an engineer from Rhode Island, recently divorced, taking his first vacation in more than three years. He was intelligent and funny, easy to talk to, and seemed to genuinely listen as Kennedy talked. When he suggested they split a dessert, she agreed. When he offered to pay the tab, she said yes to that, too. When he asked her to join him for an after-dinner drink back at the hotel, Jack was three for three. They sat in the cushy chairs of the lounge in the lobby and swapped tall travel tales. A yawn reminded Kennedy of the next day’s early rising. She finished her decaf caramel coffee and reached for her bag.

  “Thanks for a great evening, the dinner and the conversation. I enjoyed it.”

  “Are you leaving?”

  “Yes,” she said, and stood.

  “Then so am I.” Jack also stood and reached for his wallet.

  “Oh, no. You did dinner. I’ve got this one.”

  “Are you sure I can’t talk you into extending the evening? The company is amazing and it’s a beautiful night.”

  “I agree on both counts, but tomorrow’s alarm rings early. I have a plane to catch.”

  They bantered back and forth a bit more, but Kennedy wouldn’t change her mind. After paying the tab, the two walked to the elevator and got in. Jack’s finger hovered over the floor buttons. “Which one?”

  “Seven.”

  He pushed seven for her floor, and ten for his. Later, when asked, that would be the last thing she remembered that night.