by Emme Rollins
“Good.”
“Did you hear anything about the fire?”
“The authorities want to talk to us. We’ll be interviewed in New York. Denise is still in the hospital. Her condition was worse than we thought. It wasn’t really a psychosis. She had like a cocaine bugger.”
“What?”
“She snorted the stuff right into her brain.”
I glanced at Cailey to see if she had heard that, but she was still on the phone. “Oh, my God. I didn’t know you could do that.”
“Yeah, it’s not a fun thing.”
“How awful. I hope she’ll be okay.”
Ally shrugged. “Whatever. The path to stardom is littered with corpses.”
Her cynical view seemed cold-hearted. “I’m sure she had hopes and dreams that didn’t include being a vegetable.”
“Oh, she’ll be fine. She’s outta intensive care now.” Ally glanced at me. “Some people stumble into every pot hole there is. You can’t save everybody. She’s going to rehab, and, if she fails or succeeds, it’s up to her. Like they say, carry the message, not the drug addict.”
I gave her a look.
“I went to meetings with Roger when he first got sober. Good stuff. Heard some really fucked up stories.”
“Does he go to meetings now?”
“Not so much. It’s hard on the road. He had a sober coach, but that didn’t work out so good after he met Denise.”
“Should I get him another sober coach?”
She shrugged. “You’ll have to ask him.”
“He’s so early into recovery.” It was a worry that he might relapse. It was now vitally important that Roger stay on the wagon. I peeked at Cailey, seeing an adorable little girl who needed her daddy. “I’ll talk to him about it.”
“I’m really glad Sharon hired you, Brandi. You’re good people. I hope Roger realizes that, otherwise he’s a moron.”
Those words meant a lot to me. “I’ve only been with you guys a short while, but I can see how’d you’d be my family, my on the road family. It’s important to have a strong support system, especially with this crazy lifestyle.”
She nodded. “Lauren and I can only do so much. Sharon was with him through the worst of it, and I think it burned her out. He was…a disaster. I won’t bore you with the details, but he drove us all over the edge. You almost had to be looped to deal with him, to understand where he was coming from. Crazy shit.”
“Well, we’ll take it one day at a time.”
“Exactly,” she laughed. “Accept all those things we can’t change. Change those we can, and find the courage to know the difference, or however that slogan goes.”
“Amen.”
We were nearing the ocean, because a wide expanse of blue filled my vision. “It sure is beautiful.” I sat up straighter. “I mean, really beautiful. I’ve never been to the tropics.”
“The house is kinda bare bones, but it’s so peaceful. The beaches are out of this world here.”
“I don’t have a bathing suit.”
“He’s got a bunch. Don’t worry.”
“Probably not in my size.”
“Go naked. No one cares.”
“We’re on the Dutch side, right?”
“Nope. The French. Clothing is entirely optional.”
I couldn’t do that in front of Cailey. “I’ll see if anything fits.”
“We’ll go shopping in Philipsburg tomorrow. There are lots of stores on Front Street. You can get whatever you need.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The road had turned to dirt, lined with palm trees and bushes; the paleness of the sand was a harbinger of things to come, as the beach was nearly white in color, a sharp contrast to the emerald water.
Cailey handed the phone to me. “Here.”
“Thanks. What did your mom say?”
“She said I should have a good time.”
“I think you will. Do you like sandcastles?”
“I love ‘em.”
“Me too. We’re gonna build the biggest one ever.”
“Goodie!”
We stopped at a black security gate, so Ally could type the access code into the key panel. The heavy iron gate slid open, revealing an inner courtyard where another vehicle was parked along with a golf cart. Amidst a lush, green backdrop sat a cottage style house with a stone exterior and huge, heavy-looking double doors. A man stood there, wearing only a pair of shorts and nothing else. I recognized him immediately.
“Daddy!”
Cailey had undone her seatbelt, opening the door, while Roger approached, with an enormous smile on his face. “You really did it! You got her!”
“Daddy!”
“Baby girl!” She was in his arms; her little legs dangling. “I’ve missed you so bad.” He kissed her cheek, hugging her. “Oh, my God.” They disappeared into the house together.
I didn’t mind that he hadn’t really greeted me. It had been months since he had seen Cailey, and they needed this time together. I grabbed what few things I had, following Ally into the house. The interior was adorned with beamed and vaulted ceilings, as fans circulated and recessed lighting showcased teak furniture. I went to the French doors, seeing Cailey and Roger strolling towards the ocean, which was about thirty feet away.
“Wow.”
“It’s somethin’ all right.”
“Where’s Lauren?”
“Probably on the phone. The hotel fire’s all over the news. She’s trying to do damage control. Man, does she have her work cut out for her.”
“We’re really lucky Clair let Cailey come. She was pissed about the fire.” I wandered into the kitchen, finding a cup in a cabinet. “What’s to drink here?”
“Whatever you want. I’m taking a walk. Make yourself at home.”
“Wait, where’s my bedroom?”
She smiled slyly. “You don’t have one.”
“What?”
“Lauren and I are in one, Cailey’s got her room, and…you’re with Roger.”
That thought send my pulses racing. “Oh.”
“Is there anywhere else you wanna be?”
“Nope.”
“Didn’t think so. I’ll be back in thirty minutes.”
“Have fun.”
While Roger and Cailey were occupied, I took a shower in Roger’s bathroom, hoping he wouldn’t mind, but I didn’t think he would. When I emerged, he was waiting for me, sitting on the bed. The room had a French door that was open to the beach, with the blueness of the ocean stretching to the horizon.
“Come here.” He held out his hand.
I had a towel around my chest and another wrapped around my head. “Is everything okay?”
“Are you kidding?” I was going to sit next to him, but he pulled me onto his lap. “I really didn’t think you could do it. Clair’s been totally uncooperative. I haven’t seen Cailey in forever and believe me; I’ve tried. I didn’t think you could talk her into it.”
“It was no biggie. She’s worried about Cailey being exposed to drugs and craziness, and I reassured her that would not happen.”
His look was hungry, yet sincere, his attention lingering on my mouth. “I have to thank you for everything, Brandi. You’ve been a godsend.”
“I’m just doing my job.”
“Is that all I am to you? A job?”
“Roger.”
“Am I?”
“I don’t think I ever thought of it that way. I’ve had a crush on you since freshman year. This is more than a job. It’s a dream come true.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I’m hoping you’ll let me get to know you.”
“I’m sorry I’m such a fuck-up. I…don’t want to be someone my daughter can’t be around. Seeing her again,” his eyes filled with tears, “it makes me remember how it was when she was a baby. I was a better person then. Shit happened along the way…I got lost.”
I threaded my fingers through his hair. “You can get it back again. It’s
not too late.”
“I’m still really angry about how Clair left. I’m furious with Lenny. He used to be my best friend. We started out together in LA; we were best buds. He was the only one I trusted in this business. When your best friend steals your girl…it sucks. I wrote some awesome songs with that guy, and he fucked me over when I was at my weakest. He stole my fucking wife.”
“It sounds like you were really out of control, Roger. Clair seemed pretty upset about a hotel incident, where you were high and walking around the ledge of a balcony.”
“I don’t even remember that.”
“But that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Your behavior scared a lot of people. She didn’t want to hang out to watch you commit suicide.”
“I’m not like that anymore. I’m doing that…living amends thing.”
“Yes, you are.”
“I need…you. I…you better not leave me.”
That pulled at my heartstrings, but I had to try to stay grounded. “I won’t.”
“You’re good people. I need more good people, but I’m destined to fuck up again. I’m not perfect.”
“I’m not asking for perfection. Just be good today.”
“You sound like my sponsor.”
“Where is he?”
“I drove him nuts. He’s gone.”
“Do you need another one?”
“Probably.”
“Do you want me to get you a new one?”
“I gotta go to meetings to find one. It’s hard on the road.”
“Do you want me to squeeze them in somewhere? I can do that.”
“Maybe.”
“What about after the tour? Will you do them then?”
“Yeah.”
I smiled. “Good.” I suddenly remembered something. “I held up my part of the bargain. I got Cailey to the Caribbean. Are you gonna do those extra tour dates?”
“All business.”
“Business and pleasure.”
“I’ll only do them, if you’re with me.”
“Deal.”
“But first you gotta take this towel off.”
My brows lifted. “Oh?”
Chapter Fourteen
“Naked is as naked does.”
“What does that mean?” I laughed.
“Nothin’. I’ve gotta see these tits.”
I hadn’t dried my hair; it was a wavy mess. The humidity would destroy all the efforts of a hairdryer anyhow. “Where’s Cailey?”
“With Ally on the beach.”
“I see.”
He tugged on the towel, the cotton falling to my waist. Heat flared in his eyes. “Much better.”
Our lips met, igniting a searing kiss that set me off like a Roman candle, my body exploding with sensation. His cock was rock-hard beneath me, while I dampened on contact, the muscles in my anatomy clenching, anticipating what was to come. He was beautifully endowed, long and thick, and having him buried to the hilt was a thrill unlike any other. His mouth was on my neck, while kisses fell to the pulse at my throat. My breasts were in his hands being massaged and then a nipple was in his mouth.
“Oh, Roger…”
I fell to the bed, the towel drifting to the floor, as he kissed my tummy, positioning himself between my thighs. I’d waxed down there recently, hating the way pubic hair felt. Being bare like this made his tongue feel slinky, hot, and wet. I sighed blissfully, indulging in the sensation and not wanting it to end. He played with my opening while prodding my clit; the tiny organ grew into a sizable lump, as it was teased mercilessly. He stopped for a moment, snatching something from the night table, which looked like suntan oil. I didn’t have to wonder long about what he was doing, because, as he placed his mouth over me, flicking his tongue against my clit, a lubricated finger pressed into the tight bands of my anus.
“Oh, no…Roger…”
“You taste really good.”
“Like soap?”
“No, like you. I love the way you taste. Sweet, like Marzipan.”
I didn’t have an answer for that, because, at that moment, his finger slid into my bottom. The feeling was slightly uncomfortable, invasive, but, once he applied the full force of his skillful tongue against my throbbing clit, I forgot about the discomfort, reveling in other sensations that had begun to emerge. The added pressure left me writhing on the bed, lifting my hips into his face, and moaning helplessly. I hoped Ally and Cailey were down the beach, because with the open door, they were liable to hear me. I didn’t know if I could be quiet with this, as it felt too good.
“Oh, God…oh…fuck…oh… Roger.”
He worked the finger in deeply, while attending to me, his tongue sliding into my silken tunnel, sending me into a fit of moans. I grasped his head, my fingers digging into his scalp.
“OH!” I flung my head against the mattress. “Oh, my-fucking-God!” And then I jerked violently, the force of the orgasm lifting my back from the bed, my breasts jiggling across my chest, while I succumbed to a barrage of convulsions, intense bursts of pleasure that gently subsided. “Oh, wow…”
“You seem to like that.”
“Oh, God…holy…wow…”
Roger lay next to me, holding his cock. “That was hot. You’re hot.”
“No, you are.” I reached for his impressive member, finding it shockingly hard. “I have some ideas.”
“I hope so.”
“Um…” I closed my lips around him, tasting saltiness, but loving it. He stretched my mouth to capacity, but I didn’t mind, opening wider to receive him, sucking the crown forcefully. I brought him to the back of my throat, tamping down the gag reflex.
“Baby…”
While I worked the tip, I massaged the shaft, pressing into the flesh near the base, listening to his moans and knowing that this pleased him. I ran my tongue up and down the length. One ball and then the other went into my mouth, as I laved the soft sacs. While I was thus employed, my fingers worked him over, massaging and teasing, feeling the wetness of pre-come. His breathing was ragged, his body tensing, preparing to expel seed. I didn’t let up for one second, gobbling the tip again and sucking vigorously.
“Oh…Jesus…oohhh…”
“You can do it, Roger. Give me what I want.”
“Oh-God-oh…jeeezzzz…Brandi…baby…”
He was so close, and, as I nibbled around the spongy edges of his cock, he groaned, expelling a sizable dollop of creamy fluid, which fell to his stomach. I licked him while he burst again, tasting the tartness of the offering. Then I snuggled into him, his arm going around me.
“That was nice.”
I sighed. “It was.”
“I’m gonna rest a bit…and then I gotta spend time with my kid.” He grinned. “You’re so sweet, Brandi.”
“Thanks.”
Our eyes met, as the energy of attraction buzzed between us. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
He touched my face. “I hope I never hurt you. I’d hate myself if I did.”
“Roger.”
“This is a good beginning. I really, really like you.”
“I like you too.”
He yawned. “I’m gonna snooze for a few minutes.”
“I’ll go check on Cailey.” I kissed his cheek. “Come out when you’re ready.”
“Um…hum…”
He would take a nap, but that was fine. I wanted to explore the beach. I changed into a dress, the one I had worn the other day, because I didn’t have shorts or a bathing suit. Ally and I needed to go shopping, but that would have to wait until tomorrow, as the sun would set in another hour and the day was over.
Ally, Lauren, and Cailey were by the water’s edge. The little girl had captured water in a bucket and poured it into a moat around a sand castle. I sat with them, marveling at how beautiful it was. The nearly white sand felt soft to the touch. The water was azure and as clear as a pool. Houses lined the beach, but most were hidden behind foliage, blending in with the scenery. A handful of p
eople were in the water, while others walked down the shore. To my chagrin, most of the women were topless, and they came in all shapes and sizes. If I were to imagine a postcard from some far off tropical isle, this is what it would look like.
I can’t believe I’m really here.
Roger joined us a while later, sitting with me, his hand on my thigh, gently stroking the skin, which was pasty white. “You’re way too overdressed.”
“I’m not going naked. I don’t want to scare your daughter.”
“Everybody else is naked.” He pointed to a couple. “Look at them. They’re letting it all hang out.”
I giggled, “They sure are. These Europeans…jeez…”
Cailey ran around happily, her little bikini bottom having gone up her bum, but she didn’t seem to mind. “Daddy! Watch me!” She lifted her arms, her body spinning into a cartwheel.
“Nice!” He’d only been in paradise a few hours, and he already seemed relaxed and easy; his face softened when he gazed upon his daughter. “Do another one.”
“Okay. Watch me, daddy!”
Ally and Lauren took a stroll, stopping every so often to pick up shells. The sunlight was starting to wane. We sat together a while longer when Cailey came over.
“I’m hungry.”
He got to his feet, picking her up, holding her upside down. “Let’s go see if there’s food.”
“Weee…” she giggled.
I waved to Ally and Lauren, who were on their way back. “Let’s eat!”
The housekeeper had dinner ready; a table was set on an extended patio filled with grilled fish, salads, and fruit. Bob Marley played from hidden speakers, and candles had been lit in hurricane lamps, casting a warm glow.
“Are we doing a boat tour?” asked Ally.
“Probably.” Roger chewed his food. “I could rent a yacht.”
“I’ll arrange it, if you want me to,” said Lauren.
“Sounds good.” He glanced at me. “What do you want to do?”
“Whatever you guys wanna do.”
“Do you play Scrabble?” asked Ally. “Love that game.”
“Actually I do.”
“Awesome.”
“I wouldn’t play with her,” warned Lauren. “She’ll kick your ass on the triple word score. I’d abstain.”
“I love a challenge.”