Taking Her Place

by Jean-Luc Cheri

  I stared at Julian, not believing my ears.

  “I told him,” Julian continued, “that I couldn’t give him a definitive yes yet. I’d have to ask her parents first.”

  Dad quirked his head. “You want to take Beth to Miami with you?”

  I looked at Mom, and was surprised to see she looked like she was about to cry.

  “It’s so wonderful,” Mom said. “Julian, that’s so thoughtful of you.”

  “So she can go?” Julian asked.

  “Of course she can go,” Mom said. “Thank you, Julian, for thinking of her.”

  Julian turned to me. “I guess there’s only one more person I need to ask then. Beth, do you want to go to Miami with me?”

  I grinned wide.

  Chapter 31

  The flight was scheduled to leave at six a.m. Saturday morning, so I was up at three with my bags packed from the night before. Although I told her she didn’t have to, Mom got up with me, making me a few slices of toast as we waited for Julian to come by and pick me up.

  I was nervous, not only about the plane trip, but also about what I was certain was about to happen with Julian in Miami. Julian had offered to get me a separate room, but Mom had poo-pooed that idea, saying it would be a waste of money. If she couldn’t trust her son-in-law with her daughter, she said, then who could she trust?

  I took my toast into the living room and nibbled on it as I thought about what this weekend meant. Julian and I would be taking a huge step together, but the last thing I wanted was for him to think he was trapped with me just because we made love. Yes, I wanted that very much with him, but beyond that I wanted our options to be open.

  There was still the question of how our family would handle it. My mom’s comment about being able to trust Julian with me had made my heart hurt. How would she react when she discovered that, no, Julian couldn’t be trusted with me? When she found out that we hadn’t been good little in-laws down in Florida, but instead spent the weekend fucking our brains out?

  “You look so much like her.”

  Mom’s voice startled me out of my reverie. I hadn’t realized she was standing beside me. I also hadn’t realized I’d gravitated to the picture of Cheryl and me on the mantle, and I was staring up at it as I got lost in my thoughts.

  “Yeah, I hear that a lot,” I replied.

  Mom was quiet, staring up at the framed photo. Finally, she said, “I miss her so much.”

  “So do I, Mom. So do I.”

  “She would want him to be happy.”

  I nodded. “That’s what I told him.”

  “She’d want you to be happy too.”

  “I know.”

  “He seems happy now.”

  “Yes, he’s getting there.”

  “So do you.”

  I didn’t reply. I didn’t know how to answer that.

  Mom continued. “You had to heal too. You may not be aware of it, but Julian has helped you just as much as you’ve helped him.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “Just like his pain is gone, so is yours. I can see it in your face.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m happy for you, honey.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Have you made love to him yet?”

  I froze, unsure that I’d heard her correctly.

  “Who?”

  “Julian. Have you?”

  I turned to her. “Mom! What are you talking about?”

  She smiled. “Please. Do you think I can’t recognize when my own daughter is in love?”

  I shook my head. “No, you’re wrong.”

  “And I’m too blind to see that my son-in-law has fallen back into love? He looks at you the same way he used to look at her.”

  I stared at her, unable to speak.

  She smiled again. “It’s okay, honey. I’ve known for a while now. So have you? Made love to him?”

  I paused for a long moment. “No,” I whispered.

  “Is it going to happen this weekend?”

  “I think so.”

  “You still on the pill?”

  “Mom.”

  “It’s important.”

  “Yes, I’ve been on it since you took me to the doctor a year ago.”

  “Good.” She paused, then said, “He’s a good man, Beth. But are you certain he’s not…” Her voice trailed off.

  “Substituting me for her?” I said, my voice soft.

  “Yes. Like I said, you look so much like her.”

  “I’ve considered that.”

  “Have you asked him about it?”

  “No.”

  “Do me one favor then. Before you take this step with him, talk to him.”

  I nodded. “Okay.”

  “I love you, Beth.”

  “Love you too, Mom. Does Dad know?”

  “No. But don’t worry, I’ll make him understand if it comes to that.”

  I turned to my mother and hugged her tightly. “Thank you.”

  She sniffled softly. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Headlights flashed across the curtains as a car pulled into the driveway. Mom and I pulled apart. She had a tear rolling down her cheek.

  I smiled softly. “Goodbye, Mom.”

  “Goodbye, honey.”

  Chapter 32

  Our plane landed in Miami on time, where a large shuttlebus took our group to the Faena Hotel, which sat right on the ocean in Miami Beach. It was very luxurious, and I stared around at the ornate lobby as we checked in. There were about thirty people in the group, including the spouses, and some of the wives were stunningly beautiful. I felt a little intimidated.

  A young guy with blond hair appeared at Julian’s side. An exotic woman with dark hair stood with him.

  “Julian!” the guy said with a grin as he held his hand out, “you made it!”

  Julian smiled and shook his hand. “Good morning, Tyler. I didn’t see you on the plane.”

  “We took a flight in last night,” Tyler replied. “The board wanted to discuss some things before we all met. Your name came up.”

  Julian’s eyebrows rose. “It did?”

  His friend laughed. “No worries, buddy. You’re right on track, just like I told them you’d be when I recommended you. You’re making me look smart.” He grinned.

  Julian smiled again. “Good to hear. Tyler, I’d like you to meet Beth.” He turned to me. “Beth, this is Tyler Hatfield.”

  Tyler’s smile widened as he turned his attention to me. He held out his hand. “You’re as beautiful as Julian described, Beth. Nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you too,” I said as I placed my hand in his.

  “This is my wife, Ajia,” he said, turning to the dark-haired woman. “Ajia, this is Beth, Julian’s savior.”

  The woman smiled warmly and offered her hand. I held it for a moment as I said, “Very nice to meet you, Ajia.”

  “Likewise,” she replied in an accent I couldn’t place. She seemed nice, but was slightly aloof.

  “Julian,” Tyler said, “can I borrow you for a moment? There’s someone I want you to meet.” He turned to me with a smile. “I’ll get him right back to you, I promise.”

  “No problem,” I said, as I returned his smile.

  They headed off, leaving me alone with Ajia. I decided to make conversation.

  “Ajia, you have an interesting accent. Where are you from?”

  “Morocco,” she replied.

  “How did you and Tyler meet?”

  “He handles my father’s finances. We met when my father invited him to my birthday celebration. We’ve been married for two years now.”

  “That’s sweet. He seems like a great guy.”

  “He is. And Julian is nice too.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “And very handsome.”

  I smiled. “Yes, he’s definitely that.”

  She got a slightly confused look on her face. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of cour
se.”

  “You and him. Are you a couple?”

  I winced slightly. “Things are in transition. We’re not sure.”

  Her look of confusion grew. “I did not know that was allowed in this country.”

  Now it was my turn to look confused. “What’s not allowed?”

  “Tyler told me about what you did for Julian. And your relationship.”

  I nodded. “That’s right.”

  “So it’s true?”

  “What’s true?”

  “That you’re Julian’s sister?”

  I smiled and shook my head. “No. Oh my god, no. I’m his sister-in-law.”

  Her brow furrowed. “In-law? What does this mean?”

  “Julian used to be married to my sister. So I’m his sister-in-law.”

  The lightbulb went on behind her eyes. “Oh. I see.” Then she got a shocked look. “I’m so sorry!”

  I smiled again. “Don’t worry about it. Easy mistake to make.”

  “I didn’t mean to accuse you of that.”

  “Ajia, it’s fine. No offense taken.”

  “So it was your sister who died?”

  “Yes.”

  “So now tradition calls for you to take her place in the marriage?”

  “What? No.”

  “In Morocco, if a spouse dies, any unwed sisters or brothers must take their place.”

  “It’s not like that here. Julian and I are just… winging it, I guess.”

  “Is he good?”

  “Good? What do you mean?”

  “In bed. Is he good in bed?”

  I looked at her in mild surprise. She must’ve noticed, because she said, “My apologies. Moroccan women are known for their frankness.”

  I smiled. “Apology accepted.

  “Well, is he?”

  I grinned. “No complaints so far.”

  She smiled, then laughed.

  Julian and Tyler returned, and Ajia and I shared a smile as Julian and I headed up to our room. As we rode the elevator up to the sixth floor, I filled Julian in on the conversation I had with Tyler’s wife. He laughed at the part where she confused me for his sister.

  “Sister?” he said. “I love my sister dearly, but the thought of doing that with her… I can’t even think about it.”

  I giggled. “How about your sister-in-law?”

  He turned to me. “Now that I can’t stop thinking about.”

  “Do we have time before your meeting?”

  He looked at his watch. “No. I’m late already. Just enough time to change clothes and head out again.”

  “You sure?” I pressed close and ran my fingers lightly over his groin.

  He smiled. “Tonight. You and me. It’s going to be special.”

  I stared up into his blue eyes. “Is it?”

  He met my gaze. “Yes, I promise.”

  I smiled as the elevator door opened, breaking the mood. We followed the signs to our room, and he opened the door with one of his two key cards, then handed me the other. We went inside.

  It was beautiful. Hardwood floors, matching wood furniture, art on the walls, a king-sized bed with a white bedspread and red coverlet. The drapes to the sliding-glass balcony door were a matching red, and framed an exquisite view of the blue Atlantic Ocean.

  “Wow,” I said reverently.

  “This is nice,” Julian replied.

  “Thanks for bringing me.”

  He turned to me and pulled me against him, sliding his arms around the small of my back.

  “If not for you,” he said softly, “I wouldn’t be here either.”

  I smiled. “Yeah, you would have. Maybe not now, but eventually.”

  “Either way, I’m glad we’re here together. I’m looking forward to spending time with you.”

  “So am I.” I hadn’t told him yet about what my mother had said this morning, and I’d decided that I wasn’t going to until after… well, afterward.

  “But I do have to get to this meeting now. What are you planning on doing?”

  I pointed out the window at the beach below. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, it was a dumb question. Did you bring your bikini?”

  “I bought a new one for the trip. You’re going to like it.”

  “Mmm, I like the sound of that.”

  Chapter 33

  Twenty minutes later I was sitting in a lounge chair on the white sand beach, soaking up the hot Florida sun. My bikini was white and consisted of three small triangles of cloth and a few straps. My Dad would’ve killed me if he knew I was wearing it in public. But here, at this luxurious resort, it made me feel like I belonged.

  I recognized some of the wives from our group sitting together, but Ajia wasn’t among them, so I didn’t feel comfortable joining in. But after a while, one of them came over and said hello, and then invited me to sit with them. So I moved my chair over and we all had a nice conversation. They were surprised to discover I was so young, and they all seemed sincerely sorry when I told them about Cheryl.

  They pressed me for details about my relationship with Julian, but I kept it sufficiently vague, telling them that we were in-laws and friends, and that was all for now. But I could tell some of them weren’t buying it, and gave me knowing smiles.

  At noon, we all went up to the pool area, where the hotel had a small cafe. It was all very elegant, and I enjoyed a lunch of tuna and rice. When I asked them how long they thought the meeting was going to last, they told me it probably wouldn’t break up until five or six. That seemed like a long way away, and I was really starting to miss Julian.

  After lunch, I went back up to our room and took a quick shower, washing off the sand and sunscreen. I considered touching myself under the warm spray to take the edge off, but I decided I was enjoying anticipating my evening with Julian.

  After resting for a bit, I went back down to the beach, where I took a long walk up the sand, checking out all the sights. Some college-aged guys were playing volleyball, and asked me to join in, but I smiled and told them I was busy.

  When I got back to the hotel, I hung out by the pool, resting in a lounge chair and getting more sun. I was lying back with my eyes closed, when a pair of hands covered them, and I heard a deep, “Guess who.”

  I smiled wide. Although he was masking his voice, I knew who it was.

  “Julian!”

  He laughed and removed his hands, then sat down on the edge of my chair, his eyes unabashedly taking in my exposed body.

  “Wow,” he said. “You were right about that bikini. You look amazing.”

  I smiled wide. “You like it?”

  “I love it.” His eyes roamed over my body. “I can’t wait until tonight.”

  “Is your meeting over?”

  “No, we’re just on a break. I thought I’d come down and find you.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Just after three.”

  “I miss you.”

  “I miss you too. The meeting should be over around five, and then you and I will go to dinner. Does that sound good?”

  I smiled. “Sounds nice. Then what?”

  “Then we’ll enjoy the rest of the evening doing whatever we want.”

  “Whatever we want, huh?” I grinned.

  His eyes made another trip down and up my body. “God, you’re so sexy.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”

  He leaned down, and we kissed softly. I had to resist the urge to slide my arms around his shoulders and pull him down on top of me. After a moment, he lifted back up. “See you after the meeting.”

  “See you. I’ll be waiting in the room.”

  “Sounds good. Bye, Beth.”

  “Bye.”

  After he left, I decided I was getting too hot in the sun, so I went into the pool to cool off. I swam a few laps, then got out and went to the poolside bar and ordered a Diet Coke. I was half-way done with it when an older guy took the stool beside me. He reminded me of my grandfa
ther.

  “You’re a great swimmer,” he said, giving me a grin.

  “Thanks,” I replied, returning his smile. I was surprised he’d noticed.

  “You look like a natural in the water.”

  “Thanks again. I was on the swim team in school, and I work as a lifeguard.”

  He nodded. “Well, those swimmers are very lucky to have a pretty girl like you watching over them.”

  “That’s nice of you to say.”

  He held out his hand. “I’m Alex. Alex Taggart.”

  I placed my small hand in his. “Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Beth.”

  He squeezed my hand and then let it go. “Can I refresh your drink, Beth? What are you having?”

  “Thanks. It’s just a Diet Coke.”

  “Would you like something a little stronger?”

  “I’m not old enough to drink alcohol.”

  He raised one eyebrow towards me. “Really?”

  I smiled. “Yeah, I’m only eighteen.”

  “You’re very mature for your age. I never would’ve guessed you’re that young.”

  “Thanks.”

  “But I know the bartender here. I’m sure I can get you anything you want. How does a Rum and Coke sound?”

  “No, that’s–”

  But before I could finish my protest, he turned his attention to the bartender. “Raul, can you get my friend here a Rum and Coke?”

  “I really don’t–” I began.

  “It’s no problem,” Alex said.

  Raul came over and filled a glass three-quarters full of Coke and ice, then poured on some Rum to top it off. As he placed the drink in front of me, he scooped up a fifty-dollar bill that Alex had set on the bar. It was obvious they’d done this before.

  “There you go,” Alex said, beaming proudly. “The legal drinking age doesn’t apply to my friends.”

  “Thanks,” I said, but left the drink sitting there.

  “Are you enjoying the Faena, Beth?”

  “Yes, it’s very nice.”

  “It’s owned by a friend of mine. He’s made it quite luxurious.”

  “I agree. Nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at.”

  Alex reached out and took hold of my glass, and slid it closer to me. “Have some,” he said. “You don’t want it to go to waste, do you?”