Denial

by Jackie Kennedy

  “Shhh,” Maggie said. “Celeste’s trying to play her shot.”

  Suddenly aware of Maggie’s ploy, Amy blushed furiously. She looked over at the brunette and smiled apologetically. Maggie was a good golfer, and because Amy had a similar handicap, they often teased each other. It was routine for them to try anything to get an advantage.

  Celeste smiled then prepared to take her shot.

  “That’s some killer smile she’s got.”

  Amy nodded and watched Celeste take the shot.

  “She’s good,” Maggie said, watching the ball travel down the fairway. “You sure Joshie was right when he said she hadn’t played in a while?”

  “I don’t know.” Amy shrugged. “You asked him.”

  “Hmmm, I expected this round to be easy,” Maggie whispered. “I bet Josh a hundred bucks I’d take her.”

  “Well, there’s your answer,” Amy whispered back then grinned. “Josh would never look a big fat gift horse in the mouth.”

  Maggie glared at her then reached into her bag, removed her driver and strode off.

  Amused, Amy watched her cousin take a few practice swings. She smiled at Celeste when she approached and stood next to her. Since Celeste’s return home, Amy hadn’t spent any time with her. If she were honest, she hadn’t gone out of her way to be around her.

  Feeling awkward, Amy watched Maggie prepare for her shot while surreptitiously eyeing the brunette.

  Aware she hadn’t said anything to Celeste, and knowing she should make some sort of effort, Amy asked, “Are you going to lunch at your folks after this?”

  Celeste shook her head. “No, I’ve got plans.”

  “Oh,” Amy replied. Not able to think of anything else to say, she watched Maggie tee off.

  “Uchhhh,” Maggie cried out when her shot landed in the rough. “Ya bugger!” Throwing her club down, she stormed past them muttering she needed to pee and was going to find a bush...somewhere!

  Celeste eyed Amy. “Is she always so sweet-natured?”

  Relieved she could see the humor in the situation, Amy nodded. “Yes, especially, when losing—”

  “Money to Josh,” Celeste interrupted.

  “Yes,” Amy said in surprise. “How did you know?”

  “I used to play a lot of golf.”

  “Did he tell you Maggie expected to win?”

  “Yes.” Celeste smiled slowly.

  “Oh?” Amy replied. She suddenly realized Josh and Celeste had set her cousin up. “Does he always get a return on his bets?”

  “Mostly.”

  Surprised at being teased, Amy eyed Celeste.

  “Are you settling in okay?”

  “Yes,” Amy replied. “I’m still missing home, but I’m getting used to it now.”

  “Missing anything in particular?”

  “Yeah. Fish and chips.” Amy grinned. “I miss that the most.”

  “Really?” Celeste said in surprise then laughed warmly. “Fish and chips, huh…who knew?”

  “What do you miss when you’re not in Paris?”

  Celeste looked thoughtful. “Lots of things, but mostly movies. The French take their movies very seriously.”

  “Really?”

  Celeste nodded.

  “Sorry folks,” Maggie said, striding toward them.

  Knowing she didn’t have the heart to tell Maggie she was being royally swindled, Amy just nodded and tried to hide her amusement behind a comforting smile.

  †

  After losing badly to Celeste, Amy and Maggie headed to Josh’s parents for lunch as arranged.

  After lunch, Maggie left as she had plans for the afternoon.

  While Amy was waiting for Josh, Camille, Josh’s mother, insisted she relax by the pool, which she did and promptly fell asleep.

  When Amy opened her eyes some time later, Celeste was making her way over to her. Surprised, she sat up.

  “Oh, hi,” Amy said. She looked at her watch then raised her hand to shade the sun. “I thought you had a lunch date?”

  “A change of plan,” Celeste replied. “Something came up and Alex couldn’t make it.” She removed her sarong. “Have you met Alex?”

  Eyes widening, Amy nodded. She watched Celeste reveal a black bikini. She couldn’t help but agree with Maggie that she had an amazing body. Celeste still had the build of a swimmer.

  Her dark hair was off her face. Her olive skin offset the clarity of her hazel-green eyes. Amy eyed her appraisingly. Her eyes drifted down and lingered on her tanned chest and full breasts before moving to follow the outline of her defined stomach. She stopped at the small tattoo around her belly button. Intrigued, she studied its detail.

  Celeste cleared her throat.

  Amy looked up.

  Clearly amused, Celeste lifted her brow inquisitively.

  “Uhmm…” Amy uttered. Dismayed she was caught staring, her cheeks flared. “Yes,” she said, turning pink. “Yes. I’ve met Alex. He’s…he’s a really nice guy.”

  Feeling exposed Amy hurriedly stood. Looking for a distraction, she picked up her T-shirt, and slipped it on before tightening her ponytail.

  Moving closer, Celeste whispered in her ear, “Your label’s sticking out.”

  Amy almost choked on her tongue when Celeste’s fingers lightly brushed the back of her neck as she tucked the label away. In complete surprise, she looked at Celeste. Tingling coursed through her. Her blush deepened. “Thank you.”

  Celeste smiled.

  Needing a distraction Amy asked, “Would you like a beer?”

  Celeste nodded.

  Amy reached into the cooler and opened a beer. She passed it to the brunette. Trying to shake off her sudden nervousness she said, “Your mom insisted I relax with a few beers.” She looked into the cooler. “Camille must think I drink like a fish, there’s a stack in here.”

  Laughing, Celeste settled on the lounger next to Amy’s. Lying back, she drank some beer then sighed heavily. She placed the bottle on her tanned stomach then looked up at her. “Join me?”

  “Oh…Okay,” Amy replied. Slowly, she sat down on her lounger then stretched out.

  Celeste closed her eyes. “This is lovely,” she said almost wearily. “I miss being home.”

  Amy nodded. “Yes, I know what you mean.”

  Celeste looked at her.

  Feeling a sudden twinge of homesickness, Amy peeled the label from her bottle. “You must have found it difficult being away from home.”

  “Yes.” Celeste watched Amy’s fingers. “I didn’t intend for it to be so long, but my work makes it…difficult.” She clicked her tongue. “I haven’t really stopped in the last year.”

  Aware something had happened in Somalia, Amy wanted to ask her if she was okay, but instinctively knew the question would not be welcomed. “You’ll be glad your home now,” she said lamely.

  “I…” Celeste shook her head. Her face darkened.

  “What?” Amy asked gently.

  “It’s…complicated,” Celeste said then half-smiled.

  Aware Celeste’s thoughts weren’t in a good place, Amy changed the subject. “I don’t know if Josh has mentioned to you, but I’m throwing a bachelorette party.” She paused then asked. “Would you like to come?”

  “Yeah, Josh mentioned it,” Celeste said. She looked at Amy. “He said you’re having some friends over from Scotland.”

  “Yes,” Amy replied, shredding the label. “They’re coming to Sarasota first. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have another one here as well. You know…for the friends I’ve made here.”

  “I know the Scots have a bit of a reputation when it comes to those kinds of parties,” Celeste said her eyes sparkling with humor.

  “True.”Amy grinned. “But, don’t worry. Generally only the bride-to-be is targeted for complete humiliation.”

  Celeste laughed.

  Camille called out hurrying toward them.

  “Hi, Mom,” Celeste said, shading her eyes.

  Leaning down, Camille
kissed her daughter on both cheeks and took her hand, tugged on it. “Come, I have something to show you.”

  Standing, Celeste smiled at Amy apologetically.

  Amy sat up and watched them disappear. She rubbed her neck, surprised it still tingled where Celeste had touched it.

  Chapter 6

  That evening, Amy stretched out on the sofa and smiled at Josh when he entered the living room carrying two glasses of orange juice, and a large pack of sweets.

  Accepting the glass, Amy put it down on the polished floor.

  Josh sat down. He took a long drink before placing his glass and sweets within easy reach.

  Amy put her feet on his lap

  Taking her right foot, Josh began massaging it.

  Amy groaned with pleasure and lifting her arms, covered her eyes. She loved it when he massaged her feet. Enjoying his skilled manipulation, she murmured approvingly.

  As he worked on her foot, Amy thought about how this time last year, marrying Josh was the furthest thing from her mind. She realized how dramatically her life had changed in the last twelve months.

  When they began dating two years ago, neither had expected the relationship to turn serious. Back then, Josh had come to Scotland to finish his doctorate in software and electronics, and his temporary status was half the appeal, she liked the idea that it wouldn’t be long-term, but somehow their relationship went from casual to serious and last year, Josh made it clear that he wanted more. He wanted to make it permanent.

  When he proposed, Amy had refused, explaining that at only twenty-four, she wasn’t ready. That had changed with her father’s death. It had devastated her so much that permanency suddenly appealed.

  “How’s Maggie settling at the hospital?”

  “She loves working with kids,” Amy replied. “I don’t how she does it, being a nurse and working with sick kids must be one of the most difficult jobs there is. Don’t you think?”

  “Totally,” Josh said, focusing on her foot. “Do you think this whole situation about her not wanting to wear the dress is about getting at your mom?”

  “Since my parents’ divorce,” Amy said, lifting her arms from her eyes, “Maggie’s never had time for Irene. In fact, I think she’s hell-bent on pissing her off as much as she can.”

  Josh smiled. “I know it’s not the wedding you want. But we can’t really let Maggie turn up in some crazy outfit.” He rubbed her foot soothingly. “And we know that she’s more than capable of it.” He looked at her. “Do you want me to talk to her?”

  “No,” Amy replied. She smiled at him appreciatively. ”We’ve already talked.” She wiggled her toes. ”And, I’ll have a good chat with her when we’re in Barbados celebrating my last days of freedom.”

  “With your friends from Scotland?” Josh said, visibly relaxing. “I doubt you’ll have any time for a heart to heart given how crazy those chicks are.”

  “Josh,” Amy said and laughed. “Crazy is allowed. It’s a celebration.”

  “Talking about celebration,” he said. “Thanks for including Sophie and Celeste. I really appreciate it.”

  “Well, just following instructions,” Amy teased. “You were the one who asked me to have a night here so I could invite your sisters.”

  “I know, and like I said, I really appreciate it,” Josh replied. “Anyway, I hope your night doesn’t get too crazy. You’re flying out the next day, remember.” He said squeezing her foot. “The good thing is that Sophie is actually going, and it’ll be good for her. She does nothing but hunch over her laptop.” He lovingly rubbed up her leg. “This trip will mean a change of scenery, and an opportunity to get out of the routine she’s gotten into lately. And, it’ll give you and Celeste a chance to get along better.”

  Amy looked at him in surprise.

  “I’m not that dumb you know,” he said. “I know you haven’t really hit it off with her since the time she came to visit me last year.” He looked at Amy. “I’m not making excuses, but she was exhausted from the flight. You know there was a series of delays. And,” he added, frowning, “I’m worried about her.”

  “Why?” Amy asked suddenly intrigued.

  “Celeste still hasn’t told me what has happened to her in Somalia, and I know it’s serious.” He rubbed the weekend growth on his face then sighed. “She’ll talk when she’s ready, I suppose.”

  “You’re right, it’s time Celeste and I got over that hurdle,” Amy said reassuringly. A note of humor crept in. “But, I still haven’t forgiven you for dumping me at the airport.”

  “Honey, we’re talking over a year ago,” he replied. “I thought it was ancient history.” He leaned over, grabbed her hand, and kissed it. “Didn’t I make it up to you that night?”

  “Ah. So that poor, pathetic performance….was you making up!” she teased.

  “Hmmm. Poor performance was it!” Josh said. Reaching over, he tickled her sides.

  Amy squealed.

  Smirking, Josh stopped then picked up the remote control.

  The blue screen flickered.

  Amy thought about her conversation with Sophie. Unable to resist finding out more about his twin, she asked, “Sophie was telling me about Celeste’s marriage.”

  “Hmmm.”

  Wanting attention, Amy flopped her feet back onto Josh’s lap.

  “Uggghhh.”

  “You’ve never really told me much about that,” Amy said. She pushed a foot into his hands. “Or that her ex-husband was a nut?”

  Josh sighed.

  Typical bloke tells you nothing. “What’s the story?” Amy prodded him. “What happened?”

  “Look,” Josh said, pressing the pause button. “There’s not much to tell. She married young, and the guy was too possessive, end of story.”

  Amy wiggled her toes.

  Josh grabbed a foot, and massaged a familiar tension knot with both thumbs.

  Amy groaned.

  “I didn’t really know the guy. She met him at med school. When they broke up, he was weird.” Josh worked the knot out. “I think she broke up because eventually she couldn’t go anywhere. At her graduation, he put a guy in hospital for giving her too much attention.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “C’mon. You’ve seen her?” Josh said, releasing her foot. He picked up his orange juice. “Nick couldn’t accept she got attention. And, boy, does Celeste get attention.”

  Amy nodded. “I know what you mean, Maggie thinks she’s beautiful.”

  “Just Maggie?” he queried. “Not you?”

  “Okay,” she said reluctantly. “I guess me too.”

  Josh raised his eyebrows. “She’s got some kind of allure.”

  “Allure?” Amy said. “What? Like a Venus flytrap kind of allure?”

  Josh laughed. “Get those claws in, tiger.”

  Amy grinned.

  “All I know is that when we were in high school, I was plagued with horny teenagers wanting to ask her out. Celeste had the pick of the bunch, but she really only had time for her homo friend Alex.”

  “Josh!” Amy said, surprised at the uncharacteristic attitude. “C’mon, you know better than that. Alex is a great guy.”

  Amy had met Alex several times over the last few months. She was aware he was a childhood friend of Celeste’s, and she had gotten to know him as he regularly visited the Cameron household.

  “Just teasing,” Josh said. He stifled a yawn. “Let’s see…when Nick came along they were inseparable.” He thought for a moment. “At first I didn’t notice his jealous streak because they were so close, but after a while, they drifted apart. I used to wonder if Nick would have been so heavily involved in Celeste’s life if her swimming hadn’t ended when it did.” He drank some juice then smacked his lips. “Celeste was a swimmer on her collegiate team. Back then, she didn’t have much time for anything, but swimming and studying.” He looked at Amy. “Time’s in short supply when you compete.”

  Amy watched with interest as sadness filled his eyes.


  “Her swimming career ended when she was kayaking with some friends and it overturned and busted her shoulder pretty badly. It was a tough time for her.” He lightly ran his finger down his right cheekbone. “And she was left with the scar as a reminder.” He raised his brow. “I think Nick was nothing more than a distraction.” He paused. “Celeste’s not the only gorgeous one in the family.” He lowered his voice. “The ladies find me irresistible.”

  “Oh,” Amy replied, eyes twinkling. “Don’t you mean irritating as hell?”

  “Do you want me to show you how irresistible I am?” Josh said. He picked up her foot and began kissing it.

  Knowing where it would lead and wanting the conversation to continue, Amy sat up.

  Miffed, Josh stretched his arms then sighed heavily. “I’m glad Maggie’s is out tonight. I want you to myself.”

  “Don’t change the subject on me. I’m interested in finding out about your sister.”

  “Oh c’mon, is it too much for a guy to ask to be alone with his hot, soon-to-be-wife?”

  “Tell me.”

  Josh sighed. “Okay, I guess I’m going to have to tell you something or you’ll be at me all night like some old cackling witch.”

  “Oh, honey,” Amy said, fluttering her eyelashes. “You’re such a sweet-talker!” She pressed a hand to her heart. “Tell me or else.”

  “Else what?”

  “Or else no conjugals tonight…big boy!”

  “She hates anyone drawing attention to the fact we’re twins,” Josh said quickly.

  Amy laughed.

  Josh winked. “And when she went to med school, she didn’t tell anyone because of the attention it would bring.”

  “Why?”

  “Why are you so interested in her now?” he asked. “You weren’t last year.”

  Amy stuck out her tongue. “C’mon, answer the question.”

  “People have a thing about twins,” Josh said. He leaned over the arm of the sofa and put his empty glass down then picked up the family-sized pack of sweets he’d brought in earlier. “Can we watch the movie now?”

  “No, I want to talk.”

  “Oh, c’mon,” he said. “I know you’ll like it.”