by India Lee
“Aw,” Gemma laughed. “I don’t think she means to actively root against you.”
“Honestly, even if she knew who Queen Bee was actually dating, she might still think Tyler was better for her.” They laughed. “Though I’m sure she’d be torn because she’d love the idea of easy access to Queen Bee.”
Gemma squeezed his hand. “There’s nothing going on between me and Tyler, you know that right?” She propped herself up on her elbows, looking into Lucas’s face. Lucas opened his eyes, squinting at her.
“I trust you,” he said.
“So if I were to tell you I might go on vacation with Zoe and Harper and Tyler might be there, would that bother you?”
“You’re leaving again before school?” Lucas frowned. “I was hoping to get some more time in with you before classes start again.”
“It’s only for a few days,” Gemma said. “And that is if I’m even allowed to go. Aunt Mira and my parents are hell-bent on me ‘getting back into school mode.’”
“I mean…” Lucas sat up, pulling his long legs into his chest. “I know you’re not after Tyler but I’m pretty sure he’s after you.”
“Why’s that?”
“I’m sure there’s some truth to all the rumors. And I mean, among Zoe, Harper and you… you’re the most appealing.”
“Only you think that, Lucas.”
“There’s no way it’s just me. You’re undeniably the most beautiful,” Lucas said softly.
“You’re crazy.” Gemma sat up next to Lucas, planting a kiss on his lips.
“I must be,” Lucas whispered, pulling slightly away from her face. “Because I’m letting my girlfriend go on vacation with Tyler Chase.” Gemma leaned her forehead against his, looking down to catch the flicker of his sweet smile.
~
Gemma sat in front of her laptop, curtains drawn and door shut so she’d have no distractions. Her first year at an actual high school had proven to be nothing compared to the rigid training administered by her on-tour tutor, Irina. Irina was clearly chosen by Mira and her parents for her cold, strict approach to education. She was the type of educator who thought taking sample PSATs was a “nice break” from regular work. Though Gemma struggled and at times even suffered under Irina’s demanding ways, she recognized its benefits the moment she coasted through her first semester at Beauford.
Irina often had Gemma channel the focus and diligence she had as Queen Bee during rehearsals into her schoolwork. But when Gemma did find herself distracted by the hustle of an upcoming performance, Irina would create what she called “The Sanctuary.” Windows were covered, doors were shut and soundproofed (Irina always came armed with heavy wool sweaters to line the crack between the door and the floor). A portable fan would be turned on to create a breeze and a soothing white noise. There was something about that environment coupled with Irina’s stern but genuinely compassionate gaze that made Gemma a powerhouse of productivity.
In her own bedroom, Gemma missed the presence of her tutor and the faint scent of chamomile that had always wafted from her wool sweaters. She did all she could to recreate The Sanctuary, even brewing a cup of chamomile tea just for the scent. You can do this, Gemma thought as she breathed evenly through her nose, remembering something Irina once said about getting enough oxygen to the brain.
Gemma knew exactly how she could get Mira and her parents to let her go on vacation with Zoe, Harper and Tyler. But she knew it would require every ounce of focus and hard work that she could summon. After all, she only had three days to get them all on board.
~
“Well, isn’t it good to see your face,” Mira mused as Gemma made her way into the dining room. It wasn’t often that her family sat down for a dinner together but Gemma had insisted on making a grand gesture to present the news she had. Even Gemma’s grandmother was at the table, sitting with her hands folded, beaming at Gemma with pride. Her grandmother had always looked at Gemma this way, but she couldn’t wait until she saw that same expression on Mira, Emily and Malcolm’s faces.
Emily set the table as Malcolm made his way in through the back entrance, a large platter of barbecued items in his hands. Happy that Gemma showed any desire to spend time with them, he had spent the day prepping food in the backyard, humming merrily. It was clear to Gemma that Malcolm was feeling relaxed for the first time since he had started moving back to Manhattan. She was hopeful that this meant he’d be receptive to her impending requests.
“So, my dear,” Emily said with clear curiosity in her voice. “Are you ready to tell us why you were locked away for so long?”
“Yes,” Gemma sighed. Here we go. She set down a set of a dozen folders in the middle of the table. They were divided by color – green, orange and yellow. “This is why.” Mira, Malcolm and Emily eyed Gemma, then each other. Gemma’s grandmother clapped her hands excitedly. Malcolm reached for a folder first, flipping through one then another. His eyebrows lifted slightly and the corners of his mouth began to form a smile.
“What is this?” Malcolm asked though it was obvious he already knew. Mira and Emily reached for folders too.
“The green ones are schools I’m sure I can get into. The orange ones are reaches and the yellow ones are safeties. These are just printouts of all the applications but my actual applications are all filled out, personal statements and essays all done. When school starts, I’ll start getting recommendations and transcripts and SAT scores together.” She looked across the table, studying everyone’s expressions. As much as she had hoped to see pride in their faces, she knew they would have to first get through shock and awe.
“Oh honey,” Emily said as she turned to Malcolm with a hand over her mouth. It looked as if her eyes were brimming with tears. “She applied to our alma mater.” Gemma bit her lip. She didn’t realize how much this had meant to her parents and suddenly felt inexplicably uncomfortable. She turned to Mira to see her nodding slowly as she read through one of the applications.
“So U. Penn wanted to know who your biggest inspiration is and you expect me to believe that you truly find it to be me?” Mira said as she closed a folder and handed it back to Gemma. “And that this isn’t some gimmick to get us all to agree to let you go on vacation?”
“Oh, Mira,” Malcolm laughed. “I can always depend on you to keep a firm hand but my heart is just a puddle of love and pride right now.”
“Aunt Mira, you are my biggest inspiration. Nothing I do now would have been possible without you,” Gemma said, sincerely. Mira pursed her lips.
“Well, I suppose it was well written,” she said as she rifled through the rest of the folders. “Quite frankly, this is the type of work ethic that I always knew of you and it’s refreshing to see it show itself again. It certainly demonstrates that you haven’t lost the hardworking, studious side of you and well… that you would definitely need a vacation after all the work you’ve done these past couple of days.”
“Oh my God, thank you!” Gemma yelped, jumping from her seat.
“Also, I’m not totally opposed to the idea that you truly idolize me and you’re not just doing this to get on my good side. I trust that you’ll keep me in mind and be responsible since we’ve granted you your wish.” Mira looked towards Malcolm and Emily who were nodding, trying to remain stern despite their glowing pride.
“We trust you, darling. And love you so much,” Emily said. “You are such a good girl.”
Mira arched a single eyebrow, looking toward Gemma in a challenging manner. “Please. Stay that way.”
- Chapter 8 -
As impressive as her early applications were, Gemma still found it hard to believe that Mira had agreed to let her go on vacation alone. Even she couldn’t wrap her mind around doing her own makeup for three days – more importantly, of having the choice not to do makeup at all.
“God help me,” Penelope murmured as she packed a box of Gemma’s lavender contacts into a pouch for her. “No makeup for a week,” she mumbled to herself. Gemma and Armand laughe
d as they watched her run around the room in circles, gathering all the things that Gemma would need to disguise herself on the island.
“Pen, stop acting like a madwoman and sit down,” Armand said once he got control of his giggles. “It is a privately owned island and all the housekeepers and chefs – they see celebrities all the time! They don’t care about a bunch of crazy kids.”
“Tyler said his producer lets other clients stay there all the time,” Gemma piped in. “And they were never photographed.”
“Doubt that,” Penelope scoffed.
“Well, they were never leaked and that’s all that matters, anyway,” Gemma said. At that point, she would say anything to prevent a roadblock on her vacation.
Penelope huffed. “I just don’t want you to be recognized. Those eyelash extensions, girl – they’re dramatic but they’re not a disguise.”
“We’ll have the weave,” Armand said.
“With bangs,” Gemma reminded. “It’s going to make the whole difference.”
By evening, Penelope had calmed down almost entirely. The two glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon she downed were no doubt a factor, but it was mostly thanks to the weave. Shiny scarlet hair tumbled all the way down to Gemma’s ribcage. The bangs reached the top of her eyelids and gave her a rather kittenish look that she knew Tyler would love.
“We’re okay, Armand. She looks good.” Penelope let out a breath, collapsing onto the couch and closing her eyes.
“That’s what I’ve been telling you all day,” Armand said. “She’s ready to go.”
Gemma grinned. She couldn’t agree more.
~
Everything about the trip was gone about in a secretive manner. Gemma, Tyler, Zoe and Harper boarded the Gulfstream G450 well before sunrise. The only other passengers on the private jet were Andro and Mike, Tyler’s head of security. Just a few members of their teams knew exactly where they were going. Gemma barely even knew herself. All she knew was that the small island in Turks and Caicos was private, secluded and beautiful.
“I am so honored,” Zoe said. “To be one of the few people who has ever seen Queen Bee like, practically naked.”
“You’re not going to see me naked, Zoe.”
“Well like, in a bikini,” Zoe said. “Which, by the way, has to come off at some point. What’s the purpose of a private island if you don’t go skinny-dipping?”
“Zoe. Like you ever needed a private island to go skinny-dipping,” Harper mumbled, pushing her leather-trimmed aviators down over her eyes. She leaned back in her seat and promptly fell asleep.
“True,” Zoe giggled. “See, Bee? There’s no excuse not to skinny-dip. If I can do it anywhere, you can do it on a secluded island.” She eyed Tyler. “Tyler’s going.”
He laughed. “Uh. Maybe.”
“Come on,” Zoe whined. “Ugh, you two belong together.” She flopped down on the ivory leather couch, closing her eyes and putting her shades on. “Stupid, boring, fully clothed party poopers.”
Gemma glanced at Tyler with a giggle as Zoe dozed off mumbling.
“See. We belong together,” he said with a smile.
“And we always manage to keep our clothes on,” Gemma joked. Probably shouldn’t have gone there, she thought to herself, though without much care. She was beyond the point of pretending that their relationship was appropriate. There was no denying their sexual tension, or the things they did to relieve it. All she could do was promise herself that she would be on her best behavior during vacation. Mira and Lucas had put trust in her that even she wasn’t certain she deserved. It made her all the more anxious about betraying them.
Rather than tempt herself by talking to Tyler while Zoe and Harper slept, Gemma closed her eyes for a nap. She awoke three hours later to the jet landing at North Caicos Airport. From there, the party of six drove to a dock at which they boarded The Jacotte, a 160-foot yacht owned by Tyler’s producer.
“Omigod, what a peach,” Zoe cooed as a staff member handed her a glass of orange juice. She sniffed it. “I hope there’s vodka in this.”
“It’s like eight in the morning, Zoe,” Gemma laughed. Zoe shrugged good-naturedly, sipping her drink as she leaned back against the seating on the stern of the yacht. Her Missoni caftan blew through the wind as she gave a happy thumbs-up to indicate alcohol in her drink.
“Silly Bee. It’s never too early to drink,” Harper said, gazing out at the turquoise water. “All I want to do right now is sit on the beach with a margarita.”
Gemma had to admit that the idea sounded nice, though she had promised herself she wouldn’t drink too much. She would already be on a private island with one of the most gorgeous boys in the world who also happened to be outrageously in lust with her, if not in love. Not only that, they would both be scarcely dressed. She didn’t need the element of drunkenness to intensify whatever temptations she was bound to have. It was already hard for her to look at Tyler as he relaxed on the boat, looking irresistible in his crisp white button-down and Tom Ford aviators.
“Omigod, I love it!” Zoe exclaimed when the yacht neared the island. All they could see were masses of vibrant green plants dotted with pink and violet flowers. Behind the forest of exotic trees, Gemma spotted the roofs of the thatch-hut villas. There appeared to be a large main villa surrounded by smaller houses, including one at the edge of a cliff towards the top of the island. It was like nothing Gemma had ever seen before.
Once the yacht docked, Zoe and Harper sprinted down the plank wood walkway and past the staff that had been waiting to welcome them.
“What are they doing?” Tyler squinted, carrying their luggage for them until a staffer relieved him of the duty.
“Trying to claim the biggest bedroom,” Gemma snorted. She knew their tendencies by now.
Tyler laughed. “They’re not even going to spend any time in there,” he said. “Zoe’s going to end up falling asleep on the beach half the time anyway.”
“Pretty much.”
“You don’t care what bedroom you get?” Tyler asked her. She shook her head.
“I’m sure they’re all amazing,” she said. “And I’m not going to be spending any time in there either.” When she caught his playful eye, she added, “In any bedroom, for that matter.”
Tyler nodded. “That’s fine. I’ve always preferred hammocks.”
“Tyler!” Gemma smacked him on the arm playfully. She felt his lean muscle and bit her lip, quickly retracting her hand.
“I’m joking,” he laughed.
“You better be.”
“I am, I am.” Tyler let his laugh wind down. “Because hammocks move too much anyway when I’m trying to have – ”
“Stop!” Gemma squealed, covering her ears and running away from him down the walkway. Just hearing the word “sex” come out of his mouth would be too much for her to handle in that moment, even if he was joking. She could still hear his laughter through her hands as she approached the beach, and it made her smile. Though despite her beaming face, the only thought that could cross her mind was, I’m in trouble. I am in such deep trouble.
~
Gemma plunged her hands into her luggage, searching for the white Dolce & Gabbana swimsuit that she had bought while shopping with Zoe one day. While her arms searched her bag for the piece, her eyes wandered about her breathtaking surroundings.
The Balinese inspired house was constructed mostly from stone and coconut wood with accents of woven bamboo. The four of them had easily chosen their rooms, mostly because each one was equally breathtaking. In what seemed like a ploy devised by Zoe, Gemma ended up in the main villa with Tyler, whose bedroom was across from hers. Theirs were the two largest, while Zoe and Harper had purposely claimed the smaller ones in the adjacent villas. Gemma decided that it was a simple test of strength for her to rise to.
Upon finding the swimsuit, she stripped off her clothes in the middle of the room. Her windows were wide open, but the only things beyond them were her private terrace and the magnificent view
of turquoise water.
You’re actually here, she told herself. The realization had yet to fully kick in. However as she stood alone in her luxurious yet earthy bedroom, staring out at the sparkling Caribbean waters, she began to truly feel the distance from New York. She was over a thousand miles from Mira and the rest of her team. No Penelope. No Armand. She stood so wonderfully bare without any makeup or wardrobe. The realization of freedom suddenly ripped through Gemma’s body like a tidal wave. She felt compelled to toss the swimsuit aside and just run around the island, barefoot and naked.
“Bee?”
Her compulsions were quickly zapped upon hearing Tyler’s voice outside her door. Zoe’s followed.
“Bee, get your ass out here, we need to christen the beach together!” she shouted.
“Ew, what do you mean by christen the beach?” Gemma heard Harper’s passing mumble. She laughed.
“I’ll be right out!” She quickly pulled on the swimsuit. Despite being a one-piece, it showed off a fair amount of skin through the rows of cutouts under the bust. Gemma looked at herself in the mirror and smiled with satisfaction. Her lustrous red hair flowed around her bare shoulders and her golden tan flaunted itself against the white of her swimsuit.
“What are you doing?” Zoe whined outside her door.
“I’m coming,” Gemma practically sang, taking a last look at her reflection before leaving the room. She opened the door to just Zoe, whose mouth immediately formed an “O” shape.
“What?”
Zoe shook her head with a knowing smile. “You’re trying to get laid with that swimsuit.”
Gemma laughed heartily. “You actually couldn’t be more wrong.”
“That’s what you think,” Zoe said, readjusting the tie on her multicolored Pucci bikini. “But I’m in your subconscious, girl, and your subconscious wants to get naked with Tyler Chase.”
Gemma snorted. “Whatever,” she rolled her eyes, taking Zoe’s hand and waltzing her out towards the main terrace.