“Wow, Mom, was that a smile?” JC asked sarcastically.
Tess ignored the comment. “Did you put copies of your passports in each of your suitcases in case it gets lost or stolen? Be sure to keep your phone in your…”
“Front pocket, we’ve got it. You’ve gone over this ten times already.” JC rolled her eyes.
“You know we’ll be responsible.” Tracy reminded her. “Look Mom, it took me two months of bribing JC with Starbucks to get her to come with me and I planned this entire trip by myself. I’ve been dreaming of going to France, Venice and Rome for-”
“Don’t forget about Greece.” JC interrupted. “That’s where all the really hot guys are going to be. According to the movies I’ve seen, Mr. tall, dark, and handsome is going to be waiting for us when we step off the plane.”
“Mom, are you sure you don’t want to come with us to Europe? It’d be so much more fun.” Tracy asked as they passed through airport security.
“Yeah, come with us. There might even be cute old men your age.” JC hunched her lean body forward, imitating an old man using a cane as she peered through her long caramel hair.
“Thanks, JC. Thanks a lot. Maybe you could even drum me up a guy without a wheelchair or a walker or a cane, since they’d be my age.” Tess joked back, completely conscious of her forty-four years.
“Maybe you’ll find a hunky Polynesian fire dancer in Bora Bora,” JC’s jade eyes sparkled mischievously.
“All right, that’s enough out of you, missy. I have no interest in hunky fire dancers.”
“Maybe it’s about time you get interested,” JC mumbled under her breath.
“Seriously, Mom, are you positive you don’t want to come with us instead?” Tracy reiterated. “You’re going to be by yourself in the honeymoon capital of the world.”
Detecting worry in Tracy’s brilliant blue eyes, she slipped her arm over her daughter’s shoulder. “I know you’re concerned, but I’ve made up my mind. I need to do this.”
When Tess had informed her three kids ten days ago that she booked a trip for herself, they’d thought she was joking. The fact that her destination was Bora Bora only made it worse. They thought she’d finally gone off the deep end. Merely taking off, escaping on an unplanned and unpredicted spur of the moment trip seemed completely out of character for Tess. Usually, every trip she took needed to be neurotically organized and planned to perfection. This trip would be difficult. Bora Bora wasn’t exactly a place where people went to feel sad or recover.
It was a lover’s paradise.
Her twenty-three year old son John thought she acted so irrational, he offered to go with her.
Tess explained to her children that this trip would help bring her closure. Her perfectly planned future vanished a year ago. She hated not knowing where her life was heading, only existing from day to day. It needed to change. She needed to say goodbye.
For the last ten days, Tess had rehearsed saying goodbye to her girls, convincing herself they’d be fine. Just let them go. Say goodbye and let them get on their plane. They’ll be safe. Approaching their gate, she pulled her girls in for an airtight squeeze. “Have a great time. Take pictures for me. Stay with your tour group.”
“Yes, Mom.” Tracy smirked.
“Remember, don’t put all your money in the same place in case you get pick-pocketed.”
“Got it.” JC shook her head with an impish attitude. “Try to have some fun, Mom. It’ll be good for you. Love you.”
Tracy tossed her long dark coppery hair to the side as she adjusted her backpack. She kissed Tess’ cheek and whispered in her ear. “I hope you find what you’re searching for. I love you, Momma. Be safe.”
Tracy and JC sauntered away, turning back to flash their beautiful smiles. Tess exhaled deeply as she waved goodbye, “Try to keep your little sister out of trouble!”
Standing alone, Tess realized exactly how much she’d come to depend on the love and closeness of her kids over the last year. It seemed as though they were taking care of her, instead of the other way around.
She knew Tracy would watch over her little sister. She’d always been the mature levelheaded child. It was JC she worried about. Her youngest daughter was boy crazy.
Tess rushed toward her gate to make her flight on time. Happy couples, young and old, filled the gate area, leaving her with an uncomfortable pit in her stomach. Tess couldn’t help but wonder if she’d made the right choice traveling to Bora Bora by herself. Richard was gone and he wasn’t coming back.
Waiting for her flight to be called, she settled back into her seat, and closed her eyes. Damn I miss you. It just doesn’t make sense. Hell, nothing makes sense anymore.
It’d been over a year since his death and she still couldn’t believe he was gone. Richard had always been active, healthy and in perfect shape. How could he die of a heart attack? It seemed like only yesterday she received the worst news of her life. The horrific memory of running down the hospital hallway, door after door passing by in slow motion still brought tears to her eyes even now. The agony on her son’s tear soaked face as he stood in the sterile hallway was etched into the fabric of her memories forever. She was too late.
Tess and Richard were married twenty-five years, sharing a love most people only dreamed of. She couldn’t get past the fact she hadn’t made it to the hospital in time to tell him how much she loved him. Nightmares still haunted her. She would never be able to hear him laugh, hold his hand, kiss his lips, or tell him how much she loved him again.
Tess’ phone rang jolting her back to reality. “Hi, John.”
“Hey, Mom, I’m glad I caught you before your plane leaves. Did the girls’ plane get off okay? I tried to call them, but it went to voicemail.”
“They should be in the air already.”
“They’re going to have so much fun.” A hint of envy hung in John’s husky voice.
“Hey, you could’ve gone with them.”
“Yeah, umm, no, thanks. Between Tracy and her museums and architecture, and JC chasing her hot guys… I think I’d rather stay home and work. Maybe get a little riding in, too. Anyway I wanted to tell you…”
“I know. You think it’s a bad idea to go to Bora Bora by myself. I’m going to be sad and lonely…your sisters already discussed this with me.”
“Actually, I wanted to tell you I understand why you’re going, and I support your decision. We just want you to be happy. You need to start smiling again. It’s not good for you to be sad all the time Mom. If this is what it takes then I’m behind you one hundred percent.”
“Oh.” Tess’ throat tightened. “Thanks for being my rock the past year.”
“I love you, Mom. Be safe and I’ll see you in two weeks. Come home with a smile on your face. Okay?”
“I’ll try. Don’t forget to bring in the mail and be sure to-”
“I know. I’ll take care of everything.”
Tess could always count on her son to be dependable, just like his dad. In fact, other than his dark brown hair, John was a spitting image of Richard. He sported his father’s jade green eyes, and muscular physique. Even their mannerisms were identical. His smile, laugh, and hand gestures mimicked his fathers.
Tess jumped at the woman’s voice announcing, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are now boarding Pacific Air flight 227 to Bora Bora.”
After three flights and a boat ride, Tess watched painfully as two blissful couples sat beside her on the boat gazing in awe at the breathtaking tropical surroundings. Glancing down at her luggage that contained Richard’s ashes, she almost uttered out loud, God I miss you. Turning her thoughts and gaze away from the lovers, she stared out over the indescribable turquoise lagoon emulating a painter’s pallet of blues and greens.
Tess glimpsed the thatch roofing of the over-water bungalows in the distance. Lush tropical valleys lay between black jagged mountains and swaying palm trees lined the soft white sand beach.
Soft Tahitian music serenaded the boat passengers as the
y approached the dock. Resort staff greeted them with warm smiles. A lovely, older, dark-skinned woman handed each passenger a lei and a cool wet cloth infused with the fragrance of Tiare flower.
Tess dabbed her neck with the refreshing cloth. She ambled down the dock following the pathway bordered with pink hibiscus flowers. Swept away by the tranquil setting, her heart began to soften as she strolled by the exotic landscape and beachfront villas.
“Paradise,” she whispered, taking in the sultry air and sweet scent of the exquisite lei draped around her neck. For the first time in over a year, she felt at peace. Bora Bora had become her home away from home. Coming here felt as comfortable as slipping into her favorite jeans.
The resort was everything had come to expect and more, filled with traditional Polynesian architecture and exquisite furnishings hand crafted by local artisans. Tess admired the craftsmanship of the open-air lobby while waiting for her turn at check-in.
“Ia Orana, Mrs. Mathews.” The clerk greeted and offered a Mai Tai. “Thank you for staying with us again. It appears you will be staying in one of our beach bungalows with a private plunge pool. Would you be interested in upgrading your stay to an over-water bungalow? There are several available.”
“No, thank you. The beach bungalow is my favorite.” As soon as the words left her lips, she remembered the lure of the plunge pool. She and Richard used to walk through the gate of their private bungalow, undress, and slip into the warm water. Never even bothering to unpack.
“Of course. Mrs. Mathews you’re in bungalow-”
“Actually, do you have an over-water bungalow available near the coral gardens?” Tess asked, realizing the plunge pool wouldn’t have quite the same ambiance as it on previous trips.
“We have bungalow 35 available. It’s at the very end of the North Pier facing the lagoon. It’s ideal for snorkeling and you have a view of Mount Otemanu.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“If you’d like to finish your drink, your luggage will be taken to your bungalow momentarily. Enjoy your stay.”
Tess sipped her Mai Tai and munched on fresh pineapple.
The pier leading to her bungalow perched on stilts above the turquoise lagoon. She stopped to watch an eel swim beneath it and spotted a gray figure with ghost-like movements just under the sand. Tess exhaled heavily, pleased with her decision to switch rooms. The over-water bungalows came equipped with a glass panel in the floor giving her complete access to watch the fish swimming below.
Stepping into her bungalow, she relaxed taking in the tranquil décor of rich mahogany furnishings and vibrant Tahitian art. Tess opened the glass doors leading to the deck where two chaise lounges sat and a private outdoor shower beckoned.
Standing at the edge of the luxurious bed, she stared down at pink flower petals fanned out perfectly into the shape of a heart. “I sure as hell won’t being needing those.” She tossed her bag onto the crisp white linens, scattering the petals to the floor.
A ladder at the edge of the deck gave access to the lagoon merely yards away from the coral gardens. Unable to wait for the pleasure the warm waters gave her, she changed into her bikini, grabbed her snorkel gear and slipped into the turquoise lagoon. Drifting above the coral, she swam side-by-side with vibrant canary-yellow, electric-blue, and tangerine-orange schools of fish.
After snorkeling, Tess retreated from the late afternoon sun. She wasn’t in the mood to see the famous Tahitian Fire Dancers, so she ordered room service, dinner and a bottle of wine. The romantic sight of lovers holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, and knowing where the night would lead them wasn’t something she wanted to think about.
Tomorrow Tess would book a private excursion with Mr. Rene on his boat, just as they’d always done in the past. Swimming with black-tip reef sharks and stingrays had always been their favorite excursion. Plunging into the clear water, observing sharks as they swam within two feet of them seemed almost dream-like. All their friends back home thought they were crazy, even by Las Vegas standards. Nevertheless, for Tess and Richard, it was always first on their to-do list. Well close to the first thing, she thought with a smile.
The night grew darker as she finished a second glass of wine, gazing up at the stars as they began to put on a brilliant show. The memories filling her mind now were as vivid as the fish swimming in the coral beneath her bungalow. Tess knew this beautiful blue lagoon is where Richard would want to be. She’d brought his ashes with her, so he could swim in his favorite underwater playground forever and Tess would swim with him one last time.
Chapter Two
The next morning, Tess awoke to the sound of Tahitian music playing softly in the distance. Sunlight filled the room, and a balmy breeze blew through the open glass doors. Gazing beyond the end of her bed, Mount Otemanu crested over the top of her toes, giving the illusion that they were holding up the towering volcanic peak. She giggled, If this place is heaven on earth, it must be Mother Nature’s bedroom.
Dangling her feet over the side of her bed, she extended her arms, stretching out the best night’s sleep she’d had in a year. Tess ambled to the bathroom inspecting a basket on the counter filled with soaps and oils infused with the scent of vanilla and coconut. She rubbed on the oil leaving her skin silky smooth and then ran her fingers through her long, wavy, rich brown hair, giving it the perfect amount of luster and control. No brush needed. This is paradise.
Tess threw on a little blue dress and strolled down to breakfast poolside, enjoying delicious fruit and a cup of strong coffee. She wandered over to the activities desk, lounging on a luxurious white chaise, and waited for the woman behind the counter to finish checking in new guests. She inhaled deeply again, catching a whiff of the orchid leis the couple wore around their necks.
Tess could only see the back of the couple from where she sat. The man had a fit athletic build and dark, brown hair peppered with gray. The woman dressed in heels and a red, backless dress, accentuating her pale skin. Though sunglasses covered much of her face, she was very attractive with long, blonde hair falling to her waist.
He spoke to the Tahitian woman in a deep friendly voice that sounded familiar. Tess studied the man, listening harder to see if she knew him. He casually stood at the counter in flip-flops, dark jeans and a white dress shirt. If he’d turn to the side a little, I can get a better look. He turned away and Tess shrugged. No, I don’t think I know him.
The woman draped her arm around him, tilting her head to the side so the large woven black hat she wore wouldn’t brush against his face. Tess listened as she asked, “Can you tell me where the nearest shopping district is? I didn’t see any big buildings as we flew over.”
“Shopping district?”
“You know. A mall or shops, places like Gucci, Bebe…”
“We have a lovely boutique here at the resort and there are several shops and local craftsmen at the outdoor market on the main island.”
“Are you serious?” the blonde whined. “Tommy, you said you’d take me shopping. Now what am I going to do while we’re here? I didn’t bring anything nice to wear because I was going to buy a new dress.”
If Tess hadn’t seen the woman’s arms around the man, she’d sworn the girl was his daughter. A very spoiled daughter.
“Mariah, I told you I’m coming here to relax, not to go shopping. I need some down time. There’s a beautiful pool you can sunbathe next to. I want to try some snorkeling and go hiking, too. I’m sure you have something to wear in the suitcases you brought.” Irritation sat heavily in his voice.
“Hiking! I thought you were teasing when you said that. I can’t sunbathe too much. I have a shoot in two weeks. Besides, how many days can you look at fish underwater?” She pouted, running her fingers through his hair.
He subtlety shrugged her off.
The clerk offered them a Mai Tai, stating their luggage would be taken to their room momentarily.
Tess’ mouth gaped open with the look of “unbelievable” written all ov
er her face when the man turned from the counter. She recognized him immediately.
Tom Clemmins, famous actor and Hollywood hottie was staying in her resort.
His lips pulled to one side, grinning at Tess. She timidly smiled back. Her face turning redder by the second, Tess was embarrassed for eavesdropping on their conversation. She stood, moving toward the counter. As he passed by, their shoulders almost brushed and his dark eyes locked on hers, making it impossible for Tess to look away.
“What can I do for you, Mrs. Mathews?” the desk clerk asked.
“What? Hmm? Holy crap it’s hot.” Tess muttered, wiping the trickle of sweat from the nape of her neck.
“Would you like a wet cloth or a cold drink?”
“No. No, thank you. I need to book a private shark tour with Mr. Rene.”
“He has an opening tomorrow morning if you’d like a half day tour. If you’d prefer a full day, it will be several days before he has anything available.”
“Tomorrow morning is perfect.”
Tess smiled to herself, listening to the couple on the chaise behind her. That poor girl isn’t going to win this argument. There aren’t many shops on the island. Especially not the names she’s dropping. Tahitian people were very humble and the most elaborate things here besides the resorts, were their pearls. Tess almost laughed aloud at the thought of the young woman meandering through a pearl farm in the outfit she had on.
“How many people will be joining you tomorrow, Mrs. Mathews?”
Tess’ smile faded from her lips, “Just me.” She shuddered, sensing someone was staring at her from behind.
“You’re all set. Private tour for one. Mr. Rene will be waiting for you on the dock at 7:45am. You should eat breakfast prior to leaving and Mr. Rene will prepare lunch on a beautiful private motu. Can I be of any further assistance?”
“No, Maruruu.” She smiled appreciatively.
As she turned to leave, Tom Clemmins and his girlfriend were finishing their drinks. Tess knew she wasn’t his wife because it was well publicized he dated a lot and had never married. She wondered if they were staying on the same pier as she was, or if maybe they had a villa. He flashed a grin at Tess as she passed by and his girlfriend still pouted her beautiful lips.
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3) Page 27