by S. C. York
“I’m going to call my doctor and ask if I need to do anything or take the morning after pill.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking clearly; I’ll go pick up a script for you if you end up needing one.”
“Thanks.”
I finish rinsing in silence then step past him, getting out and wrapping a towel around myself. Quickly, I dry off and dress. Ryan gets out a few minutes after me and is ready to leave the cabin in five minutes.
“Hey, Chica, wasn’t last night everything we dreamed it would be?” I smile at Eva. She’s still glowing from the gala. I’m so happy for her that she had the magical night we both wished for. Not wanting to spoil her moment I agree.
“Yes, last night was fantastic. I’m so happy for you both.” Picking up a glass of orange juice I toast her and Blake. Thank God there is a full spread of food. I heap my plate high, full of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. Then, I add a muffin before taking a seat. There’s a pitcher of iced coffee already in the middle of the table.
“Jen thought you might need this,” Blake tells me with a bit of humor.
“Wow, I need to give her a tip. She’s been so kind to me this summer.”
“Vanessa, that’s unnecessary. I compensate her well.”
Ryan sits down next to me and the four of us enjoy brunch sheltered by the sun shade over the table on the rear deck of the Majesty.
“Eva what do you want to do for your birthday next weekend?” I ask her.
“I’m not sure, I haven’t thought about it.”
“Let’s go out to Newport. I haven’t taken you girls out there yet and it’s almost August,” Blake says.
“I’d love that,” Eva tells him giving him a quick kiss.
“Anything for you, babe, invite whomever you want.”
“I just want the four of us and TJ.”
“Done.”
We finish brunch and my phone buzzes on the table. My doctor’s name flashes.
“I need to take this.” Excusing myself I head inside to take the call. I explain to her what happened and she suggests I take the morning after pill since I’m due for another shot. With the timing being so close, I don’t want to risk an unplanned pregnancy. My mom would freak out. The door opens behind me as I disconnect the call.
“Do you need me to run into town?”
“Well, my doctor called in the morning after pill just to make sure I don’t get pregnant.”
“Sweetie, I’m so sorry. Just tell me which pharmacy and I’ll pick it up. You’re not alone in this.”
“Thanks, Ryan, but I need to get home anyway. Eva said I could take her car. She plans on staying all day and driving to work with Blake tomorrow.”
“Vanessa, don’t be ridiculous. I’ll take you home.”
“Ry, I have a lot to do today. After I pick up my script, I need to make some phone calls. I looked at a few apartments with my mom and Eva this week, but I didn’t find anything I liked. I need to do more research and respond to a few landlords who left me voicemails.
My job starts in four weeks. I’ve been so wrapped up with you and all this—” waving my hand I gesture to the yacht. “That I’ve lost sight of where I’m heading. I don’t want to leave or this summer to end, but I don’t want to be in a panic later for not being prepared when it is over.”
“I understand.” He puts his arms around me, holding me tight. “Just promise me you aren’t pulling away because of what happened last night.”
“I’m not. I swear. Besides, if I let you drive me home, my mom would never let you leave. I’m talking at least a five-hour interrogation.”
“Whoa. I’ll see you next weekend in Newport. It doesn’t make any sense for me to drive down here when Newport’s only a forty-minute drive from Boston.”
We go back outside and I hug Eva and Blake goodbye. Once back in the cabin I tidy up, then pack all my things.
“Leave them.”
“What?”
“Leave some of your toiletries here. You’ll be back every weekend with me until the end of summer anyway.”
“That’s sweet of you, Ry, but I don’t have two sets of makeup and shampoo. I’m penny pinching, saving all my money for rent.”
“I don’t want to even think about you moving farther away from me,” he tells me.
“I know,” zipping up my bag, I carefully reach up and unhook my Chanel gown. Ryan takes everything out of my arms and carries my things out to Eva’s car. He carefully places everything inside.
“I’m sorry about last night. If I wasn’t such a dick to you, you would’ve had the night you deserved.”
“Let’s just put it behind us.”
He kisses me and as usual, everything else fades away. As I come up for air breaking away, Ryan murmurs in my hair. “I want this to work out. I don’t like that you’ll be even farther away soon, but we’ll figure it out.”
“I want this, too. I already looked at the express train from New York to Boston on Amtrak and it’s only a little over three hours.”
I reach up and pull his face down, twining my fingers into his hair—I never want to let him go. Our lips meet over and over until Charles honks his horn, trying to pull his car into the drive.
“I might as well head back soon, too, and let Blake and Eva enjoy some alone time. I’ll call you when I’m on the road.” He gives me a quick kiss and opens the car door.
I pull Eva’s Wrangler away from the curb. Adjusting the rearview mirror, I stare at Ryan’s reflection in the road until he disappears.
“I can’t get any signal on my phone. Guess that’s about the only downside to being out at sea.”
“Relax, he said he’d meet us at Bannister’s Wharf. Don’t sweat it.”
“I guess. It’s just not like him not to answer any of my calls or texts,” I tell her.
“Maybe he left Boston early to avoid traffic and he’s catching up on work?”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” I tell Eva. She stands at the rail, her hair flying in the wind. She’s carefree and relaxed and her edges are just a little bit softer since being with Blake.
“You wear it well.”
“What?”
“Your relationship with Blake.”
“Thanks. I’ve never been so happy and Charles has been nothing but kind to me. Guess he’s not as stuffed up as he seems.”
“That or he’s probably just so relieved that Blake’s toned down since dating you. You’re both good for each other.”
“I know. This summer’s been like a dream for the most part. I can’t tell you how satisfying it’s been seeing Blaire and Valerie at MYC when I’m with Blake.”
“Who’s Valerie?”
“Oh, she’s that puta who pinched me.”
“Did you tell Blake?”
“Nope. It’s much more satisfying watching her burn with envy,” Eva says taking a sip of the mojito Jen made her.
“I still think you should say something, but it’s your decision.” Sighing, I lie back down feeling the heat of the sun on my skin as Blake and TJ steer Her Majesty toward Newport Harbor.
“What are the plans for today?”
“Blake made dinner reservations at the Cook House and Derek and The Fun Bags are playing at Newport Blues tonight. I definitely want to do both, but first I was hoping you and I could go shopping.”
“You’re the birthday girl, Eva, and it’s your weekend,” I say, amenable to whatever she wants. She picks up the control stick to the sound system and reggae music booms from the speakers overhead. I sip my frozen margarita and lie back down on the bow of Her Majesty. It’s the best spot for sunbathing on the yacht.
A few seagulls fly out in front escorting us as we enter the Newport Harbor and Her Majesty’s horn blows alerting other boats in the water that the queen is arriving. Eva raises her hand, giving a princess wave as we pass by other boaters. Shaking my head at her I say, “You forgot your tiara.”
“You’re right, I should have one.”
�
�Eva, I was joking.”
“No, it’s genius. It’s my birthday and I’ll wear a fricken crown if I want to.”
“Maybe you should slow down on the mojitos, we have all day and night to get through.”
“I’m good. I don’t mix pills with my alcohol like someone else I know.”
“Okay, none of this is going to your head, maybe I’ll just start calling you Her Majesty?”
She just shrugs and goes back to waving.
Turning away from her, I stare at the beautiful scenery passing by. Magnificent mansions sit on the hill where rolling acres of lawn meet the sea. Straight ahead is the Newport Bridge arching over the water high up in the sky, connecting Jamestown and Newport. Passing by Wellington Avenue I wave to a few children playing in the park. The soccer ball they were kicking forgotten as the impressiveness of the Majesty stuns them.
“I’ve always loved Newport. My parents used to take me here a few times a year. We’d stop on our way to visit my Aunt Mel who lives about twenty minutes north in Little Compton. I haven’t seen her in a while. She and my mom go through their own ups and downs,” I tell Eva, but she doesn’t hear me. She’s too distracted by the attention she’s receiving posing in her bikini on the bow.
We reach the deep-water dock that Blake has reserved for the Majesty at Bannister’s Wharf. The wharf’s located directly in the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport and Her Majesty gets a warm welcome from tourists shopping by the docks. They cheer and wave and of course, a few men whistle at Eva.
Picking up my phone I’m happy to see that I finally have a few bars. Swiping my screen I see a new text from Ryan:
Hey something came up. Won’t make it to Newport. Tell Eva
Happy Birthday from me
XOXOXO
I text him back immediately, What’s going on, are you ok?
He types back...I’m meeting with my parents, will call you later.
Of all the things that went through my mind of why Ryan cancelled on me, a meeting with his parents wasn’t one of them. I can’t leave it alone. I hit call, but his phone just goes to voicemail. My shoulders sag and in defeat I put my phone down with a sigh. I know today’s supposed to be about Eva, but seeing Ryan has become the highlight of my life. I think I’ve fallen in love with him, actually, I know I have. I’m pathetic.
After the disastrous date, last weekend and my almost pregnancy scare, I feel like we needed this time together with our friends to get our relationship back on track.
The beautiful scene all around me just feels like a blank wall—there’s no color in my world now if Ryan’s not here to share it with me. Sitting and hugging my knees, my long hair hiding my face, I have a pity party.
“Chica, what’s up? There’s no crying on mega yachts.” Eva finally remembers my presence.
“Does your arm hurt?”
“No, why?”
“I thought it was going to fall off with all that waving you were doing. It was like watching a pageant queen in a parade.”
“True. But my float’s the best,” she says, patting the fiberglass hull. I roll my eyes at her.
“Gee, Eva, your newfound status isn’t going to your head at all.”
“Whatever, Chica, I’m grasping the moment like I told you I would. Why the long face?”
“Ryan’s not coming, something to do with his parents.”
“Huh, I thought he was estranged from them.”
“He is.”
“That sucks. I’m sorry, but it’s my birthday weekend and there is a no crybaby policy onboard. So, ship up! Or, I’ll have you walk the plank.”
Lifting my head at her ridiculousness, I crack a small smile.
“To the best birthday weekend ever. No one deserves it more,” I raise my glass.
Blake expertly guides the Majesty into her slip as the crew throws the bow lines to men waiting on the dock to tie us off. Once all the lines are secured, the powerful engines shut off.
“Come on, let’s take some birthday selfies,” I suggest, trying to lighten up.
Blake and TJ are up on the bridge, shaking their heads at the two of us posing in our bikinis with the world-renowned Newport Harbor in the background. We hand over our phones to a crew member who snaps a few pics of us.
“Hey, babe, are you ready to get this party started?” Blake says walking down from the bridge.
“Yesssss, thank you so much, Blakie. You make me so happy!” Eva wraps herself around him and hugs him tight.
“Babe, are you drunk already?” He holds her up as she sways even though the Majesty is still.
“Maybe a little. I just need to eat, then I’ll be fine.”
“Do you want me to have something made for you here, or do you want to dine in town?”
“Let’s eat out and I want to do some window shopping.”
“Babe, here.” Taking out his wallet Blake rifles through a stack of hundred dollar bills. He folds them in half placing a thick wad firmly in Eva’s hand.”
“Blake, no. I’m not going to take your money. I love the life that you’ve shared with me, but this is too much.”
“It’s nothing, treat yourself.” Eva unfolds the bills counting them.
“Babe? Twelve-hundred dollars? No that’s loco and I’m not taking it.”
“Fine, I’ll just have to buy you something outrageous then.”
“Just feed me,” Eva says kissing him softly and puts the money back into the pocket of his shorts.
The four of us spend the afternoon wandering in and out of the tourist shops on Thames Street walking off a heavy seafood lunch that Blake treated us to.
I miss Ryan.
My phone’s still silent. At least TJ’s here. Linking my arm through his we follow behind Blake and Eva down a cobblestone side street. Blake stops in front of a row of parked Vespas and picks up a helmet that’s hanging on the handle. He hands it to Eva, “Want a tour of Ocean Drive?”
“I’ve never been on one of these,” Eva says hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, just hang on tight to me.”
“That I can do,” she answers.
TJ follows Blake inside to rent the small scooters for the day, leaving Eva and I to pick out which one’s we want to ride.
“Nessa, I know you’d rather be holding onto someone else, but I’ll still give you a good ride,” TJ says coming up from behind me.
Punching him in the arm I answer, “I like it slow, TJ, don’t go too fast around those curves.”
He slaps the helmet on my head and I climb on back of the light green Vespa, feeling lighthearted despite myself.
I hold on tight as he zips us around Ocean Drive, the most scenic road in Newport that curves around the peninsula bordering the sea. It’s New England’s version of the Amalfi coast. This part of Newport is a throwback to America’s golden age, to the days of speakeasies and The Great Gatsby as we rush by mansions built in the roaring twenties.
Smelling the fresh ocean air, I tap TJ’s shoulder signaling him to pull over at Brenton Point. In the park, huge kites and wind socks fly high overhead and kids laugh running with their ice cream cones fresh off the truck. I smile seeing their faces full of sheer joy.
Taking my helmet off, I shake my hair out. Pulling my phone from the back pocket of my denim shorts, I snap a few pics of me and TJ. We get off and walk through the park just enjoying being part of this moment.
Across the lawn there’s an empty patch of thick grass. It’s a perfect spot to watch the waves break on the massive rocks below.
Sitting down I hug my knees, enthralled with the power of the ocean.
TJ turns to me, “So, how are you really, Nessa? We haven’t talked much lately. Blake filled me in on a few things on our way up here.”
I pick a blade of grass, tearing it with my fingers and let it flutter to the ground. Staring out at the ocean until it meets the sky, I snap a few shots on my phone and post them to my Facebook and Instagram pages. Then I feel ready to answer him.
�
�I don’t know. Things are moving so fast. The start of the summer was slow. Each day was the same. The routine was simple: wake up, drink coffee, and go to work. But ever since that weekend on Block Island, my days seem shorter and the weeks go by faster. I’m leaving too soon and I’m scared. As much as I want my career to begin in New York, I never want this summer to end.”
“Nessa, that’s not what I was alluding to and you know it,” he says sternly.
“I know. I guess I’m just embarrassed. I’ve made a lot of mistakes lately and I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I knew what I wanted—where my life was going. Then bam, I met Ryan and now I’m not so sure about anything.”
“It’ll be okay. Nessa, things have a way of working out,” he says rubbing my shoulder.
“I hope so. For once, I hope so. I think I’m in love with him, TJ. I couldn’t stop myself. I’m scared how it’ll work. I just signed a lease on an apartment in Stamford. It’s a studio, a real shoebox, but it’s in a good part of town. And Ryan has his life in Boston, hours away.”
“Has he ever invited you there?”
“No.”
“Hmm,” TJ says thoughtfully.
“TJ, I trust him completely. He wants to get out of the cramped city on the weekends and visit his best friend on the Majesty. After seeing Blake’s lifestyle, I can hardly blame him.”
“Nessa, I wish you the best. I hope you know that. Since I’ve gotten to know Ryan this summer, I believe he likes you too, no games. Whatever happens, you’ll always have me.”
“Thanks, TJ. I love you, you know.”
“I know.” He hunches over, hugging his knees, his eyes downcast.
“TJ, what’s going on with you?”
He shrugs, “Nothing much, I still can’t find a job in my field, and I’m not dating anyone right now.”
“Whatever happened to that girl you met at the beginning of summer?”
“She wasn’t for me. She couldn’t hold an intelligent conversation and I got bored.”
“Oh,” I respond, realizing that’s how Ryan felt about me at last weekend’s tent party.
“We should probably go, before Eva freaks out that we have gone missing on her birthday weekend,” he says dramatically.