After policing me for thirty minutes, Emma hunkered down beside Bill, and they spent the balance of the trip chatting and making out ... making out and chatting.
Resigned to the fact that I was about to face Elizabeth and Vanessa, on their own turf, cold turkey sober, I sank into my plush fabric seat and divided my attention between the fringe of the city, its colorful lights flashing beyond the window, and Yvonne and Derek, who shared bottles of booze and bopped in their seats across the aisle. They were a riot, laughing, kissing, hanging all over each other. I guessed they were in love. My mind fixed on Indigo, his face, his neck, his hard inviting body. The way his lips felt on mine, how his hands heated every part of me.
I had to cool my thoughts, so my head rotated often, my eyes scanned. Pete and Casey had been designated the guardians of the group, although I thought Pete started slurring three-quarters of the way to my graduation gift.
I so wanted to sleep, but the noise level was bordering deafening. I let my head roll back and forth on the seat, gazing out the window, daydreaming.
The sun dipped into the Atlantic, feathering the horizon with brilliance, the sky fleecy, like one of Teresa's stuffed bears, striated with pastel pinks, blues, and purples. As we neared our destination, whitecaps closed in on both sides of the highway, mesmerizing, dizzying. I could even smell the salty air through the slightly open windows. The Hamptons appeared to be amazing! And the best was yet to come ...
I was sober enough to know what I was doing, but still somewhat anesthetized, feeling pretty confident about making a positive impression in my proper attire: cream colored Capris, a cranberry tank top, and Grecian sandals. I wasn't smokin', but was very much presentable in my family oriented apparel.
My hair was swept up in a ponytail and clipped with a jewel studded band that matched my top. My gemstone earrings and rose ring were perfect accessories. I also wore a sterling charm bracelet my parents had given to me for Christmas. Of course, my cross hung above my neckline, which showed only a minimal slice of cleavage.
The bus finally pulled to the curb and the doors burst open. Packs strapped to our backs, yawning and stretching, we streamed out looking like weary hikers. My head felt fuzzy and my legs were stiff as walking sticks, which might have come in handy for all of us. A line of taxis idled in front of the train station, our drop off location. All seven of us jammed our bags, and our bodies, into two cabs.
Bill instructed the drivers, and the area we headed into was absolutely breathtaking. The homes were prestigious and gigantic. Manicured lawns ambled on either side of the road, subduing masses of exotic looking plants and trees ... exotic for New York.
When we arrived, Indigo was waiting for us, dressed casually in khakis and sport shirt. I thought he looked intense, expectant perhaps, but he was smiling. At the sight of him, my heart started doing flip flops, and goose bumps rippled across my skin. I couldn't wait to leap into his arms, cover his lips with mine. We'd been apart for too long. My only consolation was that the separation might bring us closer together. It had on my end; I hoped he felt the same. Arms crossed, he leaned leisurely against a stone wall that curved with the driveway, leading to what looked like a granite palace.
Joking and complaining of exhaustion, we tumbled out of the cabs, dropped our backpacks onto intricately set paving stones, and marveled at the picturesque surroundings while catching our bearings. The alcohol, and the long ride, had taken a toll on all of us. But, since we were there to party, I was sure after a few drinks, the line of wilting flowers we formed would soon be hydrated back into shape.
In my peripheral were colorful plants and shrubbery, but my immediate focus was on Indigo as he made his way toward us, covering the distance with long, agile strides. As he walked, he brushed back both sides of his hair, and stared at me with lazy gray eyes. Tongue tied and slackened jaw, I gazed up at him. Before uttering a sound, he pulled me into a bear hug and squeezed so tight, air rushed from my lungs.
"That's the welcome I was hoping for," I said as he released me. I drew a breath. My hands roamed his face, his hair, stalling on his chest. "Did you miss me?" I grinned up at him.
"Like crazy," he whispered, then his lips swept over every part of my face, my neck, settling on my mouth.
I sucked in his breath, his bottom lip, his tongue, then realized we were standing in the middle of his driveway. Grudgingly, I pried my mouth off his, but my hands refused to let him go.
"It's so good to see you. Were you surprised?" He eased our embrace, drawing back to watch my expression.
I was heady, practically speechless. All I could do was roll my eyes toward heaven and sigh. I forced my dimples to deepen. "Surprised?" My eyes opened so wide they burned. "I almost fainted when Bill told me we were coming here."
He chuckled, scooped me up and whirled me in the air. "I've missed that enchanting smile. Not to mention those tantalizing lips."
"I can't describe how much I've missed you, Jimmy," I breathed, my chin nested on his shoulder. "We're gonna have an awesome summer. We have a lot of catching up to do."
Grinning, he kissed the tip of my nose. "And you're making plans." He lifted a brow.
"You better know it, baby." I slipped my fingers through his hair, ruffling its softness. "Thank you for the charter. It was like a vacation cruise! And here we are in the Hamptons, instead of the Bahamas," I teased, then hoped my remark hadn't come off as ungrateful. "So, what kind of party do you have going on here? Family, friends, both ... everyone?" My stomach twisted into knots and my legs felt wobbly as my heels hit the ground.
"No big deal. Just a few of us. Come and see for yourself," he said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, leading me toward one of the most fantastic houses I'd ever seen. The others grouped behind us, chattering enthusiastically. I heard Pete grumble about the zigzagging creases in the back of his woven cotton trousers, and Casey laughingly console him, joking about a travel iron.
Surrounded by stately homes, expensive cars, I naturally made a quick comparison with Poughkeepsie. Even though Indigo welcomed us with open arms, I felt like an intruder. This was definitely more Vanessa's territory.
"How was graduation?" Indigo asked as we walked. He kept leaning into me, kissing my cheek.
"It was awesome. The ceremony was so moving, I almost cried." I buried my face against his arm, then surfaced with a smile. "My family was there, of course, and afterwards we went out to dinner and they stopped back at the apartment for a while. It was really great. You were the only thing missing." I skipped ahead and walking backward, blocked his steps.
"Sorry I couldn't be there." He yanked me close, his lips working from my cheek to my neck. "I'm happy you had a great time. You deserve the very best."
"So do you. How was your big day?" I was caught by the intensity of his gaze, wondering what could be brewing behind those stunning smoky eyes. To ask: "What are you thinking?" seemed so cheesy – words that were spoken in fluffy romance movies. I guessed time would tell all.
"Not half as good as yours, I'm sure ... and don't forget. I'm nowhere near finished like you are." His sigh was so heavy, it could have torn a heart. "I've just completed Step 2. I've got a long way to go. Sometimes I feel like I'll never be done." He focused into the distance.
I patted his arm and grinned. "Like they say, doctors are always practicing."
He turned to me and chuckled. "So true. How did you ever get so damn smart ... and beautiful?"
I tilted my head, scrunched my mouth, and shrugged, which made him kiss me more.
We walked to the back of the house, where a solarium-like addition was edged by a wide patio extending far beyond the main structure. As we rounded the corner, music filled the ocean air, colliding with boisterous voices. When we entered what looked like a huge barroom, I almost dropped with astonishment. It was definitely a multi-million-dollar mansion, inside and out.
Indigo escorted me through a door, and the moment my feet hit the wood planked floor, I did a three-sixty, awed by th
e wall to wall windows inviting in the Atlantic, which was practically in the backyard. I stared up at vaulted ceilings that were so high, the room could have housed another floor. By then, everyone had drifted inside, and we began ooohing and ahhhing like we'd just been transported to another universe.
"Come on, babe," Indigo's arm slipped to my waist. "Let me show you around, and introduce you."
We circled the solarium, with tall doors leading to less significant rooms. When I peered through an opening, I lost my breath to a weight room and spa. Another room looked like a small movie theater.
The barn, as Indigo referred to the humongous rambling structure we'd first entered, held a pool table, and bar that looked almost the size of the one at The Prestige: mirrored, and fully stocked. A chess table was tucked into a corner surrounded by windows. Sofas and easy chairs were scattered about; many occupied. Someone was handing out drinks, but even sober, I was certain I could hold my own with the crowd. Why had I even worried? I felt I handled the luxury rather well.
Two guys mixing drinks grooved behind the bar, and a few others stood alongside girls who lounged on tufted stools. High society celebrated more fashionably: the party was lively, but appeared contained, and not half as wild as the one we'd left behind in my apartment. Still, everyone I met was friendly, flashing smiles, slugging drinks, swapping fist bumps and small talk about school and future plans.
When we stepped through a wall of sliding glass doors, I couldn't help but scream. "Oh my God. Your swimming pool looks Olympic ... and it's sitting right beside the ocean! How cool is that?"
Indigo watched my enthusiasm with delight, doubling up with laughter. "Have I ever told you how adorable you are ... especially when you're not mad at me?" He tweaked my nose, a sign of affection that seemed to bring him pleasure.
My next outburst was, "Oh my God. A dock. It's way out past the waves! Is that the boat you told me about? Bobbing way out there? And a private beach. Oh my God, Jimmy. This is paradise." With everything hitting my brain all at once, my mouth froze, along with my feet. How much extravagance could I handle in one freaking day?
"Yup. We can take her out later for a ride if you'd like." He snatched me from behind, backing me against him, his arms folding around my waist. I covered his hands with mine and we swayed, gazing out over the ocean. Lights dotted the coastline. I watched flickering windows of houses that followed the curve of the beach. Their outlines were nothing more than a distant, untouchable photograph, and I was secured in the pocket of Indigo's embrace. I felt his breath on my neck, exciting the fine fibers of my hair, then his warms lips trailed to my jaw line.
I turned in his arms. "I'd love to go out on your boat ... if it means we'll be alone." When I ran my lips up and down his throat I could feel him swallow hard.
Someone started a fire in a huge outdoor kettle. I felt the waves of heat rush over my body, which Indigo had already warmed. A fieldstone barbecue pit was flaming away, and whatever the group of guests was cooking smelled outrageously delish. My tummy growled.
It turned out the cooks weren't guests, but caterers. They had strategically positioned rows of banquet tables covered with white linen cloths and bowls and platters of every type of delicacy one could desire, including fruits, vegetables, salads, and roasted meats that were of no interest to me. I headed for the chips and dips, reserving the dessert table for later.
"This is amazing, Indigo. I feel like I'm in one of Manhattan's finest hotels." I dragged a sesame cracker across smooth ranch dressing, and munched.
He shrugged. "Once you get used to it, it's like our apartments."
I was sure he was being gratuitous. "Yeah, right." I laughed and squeezed his arm. "I'm waiting to see a carousel next. Where are your parents? Is Vanessa here?"
"They were here earlier, but disappeared upstairs before you arrived." He shook his head. "They're working on a project, or whatever it is they do when they lock themselves away."
I'd never figured Vanessa for a wallflower. She had to be brownnosing.
"We'll meet them later. I want to show you the grounds."
In the distance were sand bars and jetties, dunes and tall grass, and miles and miles of endless beach. The houses were far apart, with each property separated by weathered fences.
"The gardens are gorgeous," I said as we headed down the beach.
"One of my mother's pass times." He spoke into the sky.
I couldn't imagine Elizabeth crawling around in dirt to plant and nurture the stone encased beds filled with colorful flowers and foliage. My expression must have reflected my thoughts.
Indigo chuckled. "My mother orders the gardeners around. That's the extent of her horticultural skills." He guided me to the water's edge, where we kicked off our shoes and traipsed through the tide. "She does do one thing by herself though."
I angled my head. And what could that be, besides throwing her weight around, flashed through my mind.
"She designs clothing. Even sews. She's getting ready for a summer fashion show of her line." As he swept a lock of hair behind my ear, I noticed his eyes wanted to feel admiration for his mother's achievements, but fell short of the glint.
"She has a clothing line?" Duh, of course she would have.
Like the fading sky, he lacked enthusiasm. "Before marrying my father, she was a model."
She still looked like one. "Impressive ... and Vanessa's one of her models ..." That would account for the nose extension.
"She'd like to be, but my mother's very picky about her work ... and her models. They're usually men," he said dryly.
When I recoiled, Indigo laughed. "Come on, let's go inside." He squeezed my shoulders, then looked across the horizon. "The gulls have packed it in for the day. Guess it's time for the formal introduction. " His face tightened, along with his grip on my hand.
We washed sand from our feet, tiptoeing barefoot during the rest of the tour. The interior of the house was even more amazing than the barn, the backyard, the pool, the multiple patios, the five car garage.
The hallways and staircases were so wide, I could have stretched my body across and still left walk room. We passed through the huge kitchen which had its own flight of stairs. I followed Indigo from room to room, one more impressive than the next. The course was ever changing: my feet sank deep into smoky gray carpeting, then padded across gleaming hardwood floors, only to be cradled again by the plush of blood red oriental rugs.
"Does every room have a fireplace?" I asked.
"Not the kitchen or bathrooms." Indigo sounded serious, then added, "I take that back. The master bathroom suite has a gas fireplace."
"I see." I gulped, then my stomach did a flip as we climbed a circular staircase and I stood before the door of an angled room.
Indigo took my hand and led me inside. "This is the sewing room, and my mother, Elizabeth." He waltzed me across the crimson carpet, to the woman who barely turned her head in our direction. Chandeliers lighted the room, highlighting champagne streaks in her already light blonde hair that curled beneath her chin.
"We've met," she was brisk, focusing on Vanessa, who stood like a princess on a round pedestal rising from the center of the room. She looked like a plastic figure on a birthday cake. I assumed it was the platform where Elizabeth measured bodies and hemmed legs.
Vanessa simply nodded when we entered the room. Then a haughty grin broke over her sharp features when her eyes flicked over me. What was that all about, I wondered? Was I not dressed appropriately for the occasion? My face heated, but I willed my cheeks to hide the flush.
"This is Jewelia Delarosa." Indigo seemed to be attempting his formal introduction, but his mother couldn't have been more disinterested, which was fine with me.
Her sharp eyes turned thoughtful, raking over me as if I were merchandise hanging on a rack. "I don't suppose you know of a bronze god." Her words were as sour as her ageless face.
I almost emitted my classic: "Huh?" accompanied by my all too common scrunched up mouth which
personified my curiosity. But in the presence of royalty, I caught myself. Thank you, Grandma ... I owe you so much.
I must have looked either stupid or stunned, because I was suddenly able to glimpse Elizabeth's top row of perfect white teeth. "I've designed an ensemble, and the model I had in mind has gone missing ... from the country, or so I've been informed." She looked like her nose had just come in contact with the spray of a skunk.
No wonder her model left the country ... I held back a belly laugh. Her indignation diminished her presence, but I knew I could never be me with a woman like her.
She was dressed like a model, in a trim, peach colored skirt and ivory top, with a paisley scarf wrapped twice around her neck, the fringed edges sweeping her square shoulders.
Some women were known for their perfume, some for their designer handbags and footwear. I decided scarves were her personal fashion statement.
"What sort of model are you looking for, Mrs. Ballou?" My head still tilted, my words were sincere.
"I told you. A bronze god." She was huffy, and so miserable for a woman who seemed to have so much.
"As in a warrior?" Pursing my lips I lifted a brow, restraining the smart ass tone that was raring to be unleashed.
She hiked her chin, studying me with narrowing eyes: Indigo had taken their color, but nothing else.
"A dark-skinned king? Something like a Spartan?" I smiled.
Her brilliantly blue eyes sparkled with interest. "And ... you know such a person?" Her gaze swung to Indigo, as if seeking affirmation.
He shrugged, the humor in his voice not visible on his face. "I think there's one downstairs, Mother." He aimed a thumb at the door.
"What?" Her exclamation was grandiose. I expected her to start air-kissing.
When Elizabeth's eyes widened, Vanessa's almost squeezed shut, and she couldn't seem to hide a scowl as she stepped down from her podium, crossed her arms over her chest and sulked. I figured she was pissed off because she wouldn't be saving the day after all.
Head Over Wheels (Spicy Young Romance) Page 25
