by Lee, Groovy
“I’m sorry.”
“That’s the second time you’ve said that today. And, for the second time my reply is, I’m not. I’ve been working for that company ever since I graduated from college. Everyone was like family to me, and I’m going to miss them. But, I’m enjoying my short sabbatical; I get to spend quality time with my daughters.”
“I hear that. How long will you be here in St. Petersburg?”
“Today’s our last day…”
“Tomorrow we’re going to Orlando,” Rachel burst out.
“I’m taking them to Universal Studios for a few days. After that, it’s back to Nashville. How long will you be here?”
“Today’s my last one, too. I’m flying home in the morning.”
“That means we won’t ever see you again,” was Remi’s sad response.
“It looks that way.”
“But, I like you. You’re the nicest man I ever met—besides my granddad.”
“Oh?” he lifted a well-trimmed brow at the compliment.
“Here,” Taryn nudged a Snickers Bar to her mouth before that girl proposed marriage next.
After lunch had been consumed, Michael and Taryn sat together and watched as the girls jumped over the waves sliding back and forth to shore.
“Your daughters are beautiful,” he broke the lazy hush that fell between them the moment the girls left. “It’s obvious where they inherited it, and their curls from.”
Taryn mouthed a thank-you as she subtly checked to make sure they were contained.
“Having identical twins must be a handful.”
“More like an armload. Especially, since they’re only identical in looks. Rachel is very feminine, a bookworm, and quiet. Remi, as you may have already guessed, is strong-willed, hates school, but has a talent for art. I’d be miserable without them.” A slight feeling of weariness sped through her at the thought of what awaited her back home. “Their unconditional love is the only thing that keeps me going at times. Too bad adults can’t be more like children. We can certainly learn a lot from them.”
“I agree. I like kids; Hope to have a couple myself one day.”
During the brief moment their eyes locked, she was gripped by a longing that was quite overwhelming—like discovering some untouched territory. Something that doesn’t even come close to the usual tug-of-attraction when some guy notices her and smiles his approval; Something that reaches deeper than anything she’s ever experienced. It took everything she had to look away and fasten her attention on the activities around her. He’s still studying her, she can feel it. But, she was determined not to look back. Instead, she centered her attention on the teen-aged boys sailing pass on their boogie boards along the shore; One ended up on his back. People of all shapes and sizes wandered up and down the summery beach. Mothers and fathers with their tots swinging in between them; Single people out to attract and reel in their catch. She looked over in time to see the teen-aged blonde in the blue-checkered bikini cause a sequential bump among her five friends when she came to a dead halt upon noticing Michael. A chorus of whispered “Ooohs” followed the moment she pointed him out. Taryn felt the sting of their inspection when they focused on her. The one with the ponytail, and way too much pink lip gloss, giggled in her hand before nudging the giggling others on in their search. The sound of her name broke through her wondering why she should feel put-off by that display.
“I’m sorry, Michael, did you say something?”
“I asked if you and the girls would have dinner with me tonight.”
The question caught her off-guard, erasing every excuse she was suddenly thinking of.
“I could use the company. The thought of eating alone is not something I look forward to—which is what I’ve been doing for the entire week.”
Tried as she might, her barren mind just wouldn’t cooperate with a viable excuse. Granted, he’s nice—very nice. And, it feels good to have someone to talk to on a grown-up level. But, he’s also good-looking, shoot, downright gorgeous. Something she noticed the moment she saw him. With those big eyes and long lashes; The way his lips curve handsomely, especially when he smiles. Not to mention the rest of him. Surely finding company for dinner would be no problem for him. And, if she said yes, then she’d have to act all calm and not give him the slightest inkling that she’s attracted to him. Men like him can easily pick up on that.
“Remi would love the idea,” he said to her obvious stalling. “Since, and these are her words, I’m the nicest man she’s ever met next to her granddad. And, it would be ample compensation for the loss of my sunglasses. My favorite ones, I might add.”
Her anxious nerves suddenly channeled through her laughter.
“Seems I made my case,” he said with that charming twist to his mouth.
“If you’re going to use blackmail, then I guess I have no other choice but to comply.”
“Great. Where are you staying?”
Taryn wondered if that look of content on his face was as genuine as the joy she felt. “We’re at the Bay Inn South. It’s pass the toll bridge off Highway Nineteen.”
“I’m here on the beach,” he pointed down to the gray resort building of balconies and glass doors overlooking the ocean.
“Well, if we’re going out for a change, I’d better get the girls back to the hotel so they can rest up.”
She called to Remi and Rachel, and he helped her gather up her things. While they stood discarding the trash, the girls took one last look at the ocean.
“That’s enough sentimental good-byes. I thought you were getting sick of the ocean,” Taryn reminded them. “Come on.”
“See you tonight,” he said through her car window, then waved them off.
“This heat is killing me,” Remi slumped against the door on her side of the car in the back seat.
Taryn wiped the sweat away from her forehead and glanced at her daughter through the rearview mirror. “It’s killing us all, Remi. You should be used to this by now.”
The car’s air conditioner wheezed into oblivion the first day she tried to use it. She thought it would be too much trouble to take it all the way back and exchange it for another vehicle. Now she’s sitting in it, sweating with regret.
“How come we always have to wait in this hot sun for those stupid boats to go by?” she scoffed again.
Taryn sighed at the long line of cars waiting for the toll bridge to let down so they could move on. Vapors from the pavement rose to the white-hot sun.
“Mummie,” Rachel called from her side of the back seat. “Are we going out to eat with Michael tonight?”
“We sure are.”
“Yaaay,” the girls sang in unison.
Taryn had to admit she was excited, also. It will be good to dine with another adult, exchanging mature conversation for once, instead of the usual interchange of: “Yes, that’s the shape of my head.”— “I’m sure that marble statue did not wink at you.”—and—“No, you can’t ask him if he has a glass eye.”
“Mummie, can I wash my hair before we go out? I got a lotta sand in it.”
“We’re all getting in the shower when we get back to the hotel.”
“Now look what you did,” Remi glared at her sister.
“What?” Rachel retorted with her own scowl.
“You had to go and open your big mouth. Now, I gotta take a shower.”
“So? You want Michael to see ya all sweaty and dirty?”
“I ain’t dirty.”
“Are, too.”
“Am not,” Remi tried to grab one of her legs.
Rachel flailed her legs around to dodge her hand.
“Girls, girls,” Taryn cut into the flow of are-too’s and am-not’s. At once the yelling halted and two pairs of eyes focused on her. “It’s too hot for this. Sit still, will you? Look,” she indicated to the front of them. “The bridge is letting down. We’ll be on our way soon.”
“Yaaay,” their cries lessened a few tired degrees.
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“You’re very pretty tonight, Rachel,” Michael said from his seat across the white linen table.
“Thank you,” her face lit with pride toward her mother.
Taryn was very grateful he complimented her. After all, Rachel picked that yellow dress just for him.
“And so are you, Remi,” he added.
But, her heart-shaped face didn’t light up the way her sister’s did. “Thank you. But, I don’t feel pretty. Momma made me wear this thing,” she made a fretful tug at the collar of the identical blue dress.
Taryn hid her smile at the thought that she had to practically hold her down and wrestle a good ten minutes to get her into it.
“Well, I’m glad she did. I’m the envy of every male here for being in the company of such beautiful ladies.”
His gaze switched to Taryn, who instantly lowered her eyes to her clean plate with the glazed pansy décor. The warmth he ignited covered her like a blanket; Add to that, him sitting across the table in his black suit, and perfect hairstyle. And the way his eyes seem to just reach out and evoke a soulful response from her is destroying her proper resolve.
“Mummie,” can I go to the salad bar now?”
“Uh—sure, Rachel.”
“Wait for me,” Remi hopped down from her chair and scurried after her.
“Do you think they like it here?” he asked, watching as they stood deciding what to put on their plates.
“Oh, yes,” she inspected the impressive room with its beige colors. Glass chandeliers emitted soft, yellow lighting, while eager-to-please waiters dressed in crisp, white shirts, and black trousers tended to their customers’ needs;
A hush of conversation clothed the atmosphere. “Thank you for inviting us. I think they were getting tired of Happy Meals and pizza in the hotel room.”
“It’s you I should be thanking. You saved me from a lonely dinner with nothing but cable for company.”
“That’s hard to believe—You sitting alone in your hotel room without a girlfriend accompanying you.”
“Sad, but true,” he threw her a beguiling smile. “I’m so single, I don’t even have a shadow following me.”
Taryn couldn’t help laughing at that. “That’s a good one. But seriously, a fi…somewhat attractive man as yourself surely has no trouble in that area.”
“Thank you,” he inclined his head slightly. “But, I’m a serious sort of fellow. You know, meaningful relationships and all that. I’ve settled down quite a bit from my much younger days. Hopefully, the right one will cross my path—soon.”
The way those words trailed away, and his eyes glistened across her face, made it difficult to breathe. She wanted to say something encouraging, even complimentary, but her throat was tight, and the words wouldn’t form. All she could think to say after a nervous silence was ask something silly like, “So, do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“No, I’m an only child. My parents live in Switzerland. But, I have a cousin, who in all respects, is like a brother. He’s my corporate lawyer, and a very good one, too. Quite the lady’s man; Sly, charming, a devout bachelor. He can smooth-talk a ninety year old woman out of her wheelchair if he wanted,” he chuckled lightly.
“Sounds like a character,” she picked up her water glass beaded with cold droplets and sipped from it.
“He bears watching. What about you?”
“I have a younger sister. Our parents are dead.”
“Why did you come to Florida this time of the year? Aren’t the girls supposed to be in school?”
“There was only a week left. It’s just that, when I got laid off, among other things, I wanted to celebrate. Collen and I brought the girls here when they were five to see Disney World. They wanted to see Universal Studios so much. So, I thought while I still have the funds I’d bring them. There might not be another chance to.”
“You mean because of your situation?”
“Fraid so. Collen had life insurance, but I want most of it to go to their education.”
“What will you do when you get back?”
“Look for another job. I’m really looking forward to that,” she grimaced.
After offering words of support, he went on to tell her of his favorite places in Florida. Taryn lost count of how many times her heart missed a beat whenever his mouth formed certain words; Or the way those eyes lighted seductively when he laughed—or when they lingered on her. It’s been a long time since she’s felt any stimulation of attraction. Those comatose urgings are definitely spiraling to life.
But, she just passed it off as something that comes natural when in the company of a healthy man.
“What about you, Taryn?”
“Huh?” she sat up straight. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“Nothing important. But, why the faraway look? Does Florida bring back special memories for you? Are you thinking about your husband?”
The question smacked her so hard, that the sting had her fingers wounding tightly around the napkin lying in her lap. “I…no.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get personal.”
“It’s not you, Michael. It’s me,” she forced a smile to her face.
Just then, and much to her relief, she heard the thump of glassware and turned to see Remi sliding in her seat, her salad plate brimming with plump strawberries, orange cantaloupe, and a big bunch of green grapes threatening to fall over the edge. Rachel’s plate was more modestly decorated. Taryn glanced once more at Michael. Their eyes briefly touched as the waiter wheeled over a cart of shrimp and salmon dinners, and began placing them in front of the correct person.
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Michael pulled his rental into a parking space of the hotel lot and clicked the engine off. As Taryn emerged from the interior, she glanced up at the twin-engine plane blinking its way across the full moon. A mellow breeze streamed from the bay next door where boats of all sizes bobbed silently in their private slips. Remi and Rachel skipped across the parking lot, leaving Michael and her to walk together.
“What are you going to say to Michael, you two?” Taryn asked when they reached the steps leading up to their room.
“Thank you for dinner, Michael,” was their sweet response.
“You’re more than welcomed,” he bowed his head playfully.
“I wish you weren’t leaving,” Remi added, her head strained back as she looked up at him, her small eyes drawn sadly. “I like you. And, I wish you could go with us to Universal.”
He knelt down and caressed her hands in his. “I like you too, Remi. And, I’ll never forget you; Nor you, Rachel.”
He was rewarded with arms being thrown around his neck in secure hugs. Reluctant as she was to admit, Taryn enjoyed his company and was going to miss him even more.
“Okay, girls,” she took the hotel key out of her purse and held it out. “Go up to the room and get ready for bed. I’ll be up in a minute.”
“I got it,” Remi seized the key from her mother’s hand then bolted.
“You always get the key. Hey, wait for me.”
“I’ll race you.”
“I’d better get up there,” Taryn turned to Michael. “Before they wake the entire complex.”
The moon cast a faint light across his face, revealing his own pleasant smile. Suddenly, she was aware of his overwhelming attraction, and her body reacted—again. Their night has ended, and she wondered what he had in mind as they stood there in watchful silence. (Kiss her?) Deep inside she felt a need for him to, but her level head reminded her of the futility of such a move.
“Good-bye, Taryn,” he offered his hand.
At once relaxed, she extended hers. “Good-bye, Michael. And thanks again.”
“Drive safely tomorrow.”
“You, too.”
As she mounted the steps, that same nagging feeling from earlier on the beach pricked at her, the feeling that she couldn’t leave it like this—just walk away. He’s a s
tranger. You don’t just outright trust someone you’ve met hours ago. But, there’s something about him that puts her at such ease. Something she can’t turn away from. She looked back down to see him still standing there—watching. Especially, when he looks like that. It was then she made her decision.
“Michael, would you care to join us for the next few days? The girls would love it.” The thought that she would absolutely love it sailed through her mind, and it almost shamed her.
His eyes widened for a quick second before exhaling a thank you.
“I have to warn you,” she came back down a few steps. “Remi and Rachel can be a handful. They’ll be dragging you from one end of those parks to the other.”
“I look forward to it.
“Then I’ll see you early tomorrow morning. Say around eight?”
“Not a minute later.”
She said good-night once more and walked up toward her room. When she got to the top of the landing, she dared to glance back to see him still standing there observing her with the most pleasant look dawning his handsome face as she disappeared around the breezeway.
CHAPTER TWO
To say that Remi and Rachel were thrilled to have Michael accompanying them to one of their favorite places in the world, was an understatement to the highest degree. Taryn had to beg them repeatedly to stop jumping on the beds and help her pack before he arrived. The car ride to Orlando was a delight. And for the first time since arriving in Florida, she could lock her troubles away from thought, and enjoy the vacation she came here for.
The week at Universal Studios was more fun than Taryn could have imagined, all thanks to Michael. And was she ever thankful for his patient help with the girls, especially after that fiasco on the Jurassic Park River Adventure, which included a towering T-Rex, topped off with an 85 foot plunge into total darkness. (The high-pitched screams of two terrified eight-year olds can definitely attract a crowd) After the girls calmed down enough to walk on their own, they kept to the more kid-friendly parks of Dr. Seuss World and Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.