One Way Ticket

by Tricia O'Malley

  “I won’t let anything happen to you,” Jack promised and stepping forward, he raised an arm. “And, I’m about to teach you a new and island-tested solution for when your car breaks down.”

  A truck that looked as destined for the landfill as their Suzuki slowed to a stop.

  “Hey, Jack.” The driver nodded. “Got a problem?”

  “Our car’s broken down. Can you drop us at Tranquila?”

  “No problemo. But the cab’s full. Hop in the back.”

  “Thanks, Manuel.”

  The driver nodded and Paige gaped when Jack rounded the back of the truck and held out his hand to her.

  “But there’s no seatbelts…”

  Jack just grinned at her and she took his hand.

  “I’ve got you, Paige. You’re gonna be just fine.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “They sound crazy.”

  “Oh. They are. Or not. I can’t decide yet,” Paige was digging through the small closet where she’d hung her clothes. “Maybe they have it all figured out? And have not a care in the world?”

  “Maybe. I’ll need to be updated regularly,” Jane said. Her friend had narrowed in on CeCe and Whit, demanding more information on their shenanigans.

  She’d called Jane first thing the next morning before the impending arrival of Yoga Soulone’s group. Paige was grateful for a familiar voice to debrief about what had happened since she’d arrived on Poco Poco Island. While Paige felt some uncertainty with her situation, they’d both agreed that her current state of affairs certainly wasn’t boring. So there was that, Paige thought, as she pulled a deep blue dress from the closet. It was kind of like bungee jumping – there was a chance this could all go really really badly, but at the same time the adrenaline rush was fun.

  “How am I going to face Horatio?” Paige changed the subject to more important matters.

  “Like the badass you are?” Jane asked. Briefly she turned her mouth from the phone and shouted something unintelligible to a child behind her. There were a few screams and then silence settled. “Listen, I know I only saw you for a brief, chaotic moment before you hopped a plane to wherever the hell you are. But you didn’t seem at all like a woman that was heartbroken about losing her man. You kept talking about all you’d done for the studio. So is it really the man you’re upset about losing or your job?”

  Paige paused at that.

  “I…okay, I’ll admit I was really proud of my job. I liked what I did and I thought I was good at it. And with Horatio…”

  “How many hours of sleep have you lost over him since you left? A broken-hearted woman stays up obsessing over the man she lost. Be honest.” Another crash sounded in the background behind Jane.

  “I…well, none,” Paige admitted. “My pride’s hurt, I suppose. I should’ve known better or seen the signs.”

  “That’s a victim mentality. He lied to you. That’s on him. Full stop. You did nothing wrong. You can hold your head high and know you did a good job running his business and were a respectful partner to him. You have nothing to be ashamed of here, Paige. It’s Horatio who should be embarrassed when he sees you.”

  “I don’t think he even knows that emotion.” Paige couldn’t remember Horatio ever being embarrassed.

  “Well, just hold your head high. Look at you now! You’ve left a little studio and are running events for a hotel on a tropical island. I think you’re the real winner here. Plus, you don’t have to look at his stupid man bun anymore.”

  Paige snorted. “It was kind of dumb, wasn’t it?”

  “God, I wanted to pull it on more than one occasion. I’m just glad that I get to say that out loud now. What is he…like mid-thirties and rocking a man bun?”

  “I mean…it fits his look, I guess.”

  “It’s stupid. I gotta go. The middle child has discovered the laundry soap.”

  “I love you. Thanks for the stern talking to. I needed some mothering today.”

  “Call me anytime. I’m happy to kick you in the ass whenever you need it.”

  “Is that what good moms do? I wouldn’t know,” Paige laughed.

  “Yes, they boot you in the ass when you’re being dumb and then they hug you and make you a grilled cheese. I can only metaphorically do those things for you, so instead I’ll tell you I love you and I know you’ve got this. Make me proud, girl.”

  “Love you, too,” Paige said, but Jane was already gone, presumably to stop her child from drinking soap. Even if she wasn’t used to being mothered, the pep talk felt good. She had always been able to rely on Jane for good advice.

  “You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Paige repeated to herself. “No need to slink away and hide.” She put the blue dress back and instead pulled out a silky pink number that was more figure hugging. Large hibiscus flowers in red were splashed across the fabric in a fun tropical print. It was a dress she wore when she wanted to feel pretty and powerful and what better time than now? She slid a jeweled headband on her head to pull her hair off her face and let her curls tumble down her back. Tucking simple silver hoops in her ears, Paige stopped in front of the mirror and studied her face. A few days in the sun, even though she’d been largely in the office or running about, had kissed her cheeks with a touch of color. Deciding against any makeup, Paige grabbed her tote full of folders, her laptop, and cell phone, and left her cottage ready to handle whatever came her way.

  “Damn, mama…” Luis whistled from where he trimmed the branch of a plumeria tree. “You are looking spicy today.”

  “Too much?” Paige paused in front of him and twirled.

  “What are you going for?”

  “My ex-boyfriend and his mistresses are in the group arriving today.”

  “Then you look perfect. Just sexy enough, but in charge, you know? Like you belong here. This island might be good for you, mama.”

  “You think? I hope so. Oh, I loved your idea about the flower necklaces you mentioned at dinner yesterday. Do you think it would be too much trouble?”

  “I already started on them. They’ll be done by the time the group arrives.” Luis gestured to where a bucket of flowers sat at his feet. “I like that you are open to my ideas.”

  “Are you kidding me? You have great ideas! I mean, you keep this garden looking amazing. I’m always happy to listen to any suggestions you have. I’m new here, so I will take any help or advice, too.”

  “You’re a good one, mama. I’ll make you a special flower necklace, okay?”

  “I’d appreciate that. Oh, what did you think of my ideas for the welcome packs?”

  “It’s good. Not too much, but just enough. The local body scrub is nice. Along with a pretty sarong? They’ll love it.”

  “Good, that’s what I’m going for. Classy, but not breaking the bank.”

  “Nailed it. Good luck with the ex. Let me know which one he is. I’ll put the eye on him.” Luis made a complicated motion with his fingers. Paige didn’t want to ask more about what the “eye” was, but nodded before giving him a little wave and continuing on her way to the office. She still had a million things to do and had made lists upon lists. Well, not really a million, but it would still make her feel better to run through the programs and make sure everything was just the way she wanted it to be. Nerves hummed low in her stomach, but she rode the wave of anxiety through the morning as she worked and kept an eye on the flight arrival information to make sure the plane would be on time. Once Paige saw that the flight had landed, she took a few deep centering breaths, and closed her laptop.

  “You’re gonna nail this, Paige. Fuck Horatio,” Paige said out loud to herself.

  “Well, I hope that’s not how you greet him.”

  Paige’s eyes popped open and her hand flew to her mouth.

  “I…oh, god, Jack. You scared me.”

  “Having a little pep talk, were you?”

  “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

  “Just so long as Horatio doesn’t hear that, I don’t really care
.”

  “He won’t. I promise. That was my baser side coming out. Dark energy stuck in my chakras and all that, as Horatio would say.”

  “Well, we’ll have to figure out how to work that energy out.” Jack gave Paige a slow grin that set off a flash of heat low in her stomach. “Just not on Horatio. From this moment on, he is nothing to you but a guest – our primary guest. Understood?”

  “You don’t have to worry about me.”

  Jack looked her up and down.

  “You’re looking very nice today.”

  “I thought I’d dress up to greet the guests.”

  “For what it’s worth, I think you’ve done a great job so far and I think we’re lucky to have you. This is Horatio’s loss and our gain.” With that, Jack disappeared from her office door as quickly as he’d arrived.

  Huh, Paige thought, as she pressed a hand to her solar plexus. Maybe Jack had actually helped move the dark energy out – perhaps not in the way he’d insinuated, but his words had been like a cool balm to the fire of her anger. Now, she threw her shoulders back, stuck her chin in the air, and went to greet the new guests.

  Just guests, she reminded herself. She could do this in her sleep.

  CeCe and Whit had assumed their usual positions at the bar, and Paige hoped that they hadn’t gone too deep into their martinis. She had yet to come up with her strategy for how she’d deal with them when it came to guests. Remembering Jack’s assurance that they were surprisingly good with the clientele, she had decided to do her best to try not to control every aspect and would let the experience unfold as it would. CeCe looked sexy in a fitted mint green wrap dress that hugged her curves and a braided silver and gold twist of a necklace at her throat. Whit had boat shoes, pressed linen shorts, and a Bermuda shirt on. Paige wondered who was pressing their clothes – was there even a dry cleaner on the island? She couldn’t imagine CeCe or Whit getting up every morning and ironing their outfits for the day.

  When a sharp wolf whistle pierced the air, they both turned to look at Paige as she approached them. Paige laughed at Martin who waved to her from across the reception hall where he was setting out welcome snacks.

  “Paige, you look gorgeous. Simply gorgeous,” CeCe trilled and came forward to air kiss her on both cheeks.

  “That Horatio is going to eat his tongue when he sees you,” Whit agreed. Paige sighed and wondered if she had been smart to share her personal story with everyone. Too late now, she thought, and glanced to where Mariposa had joined the group behind the bar. Her mouth dropped open.

  If Paige looked pretty, then Mariposa looked positively decadent. The bartender wore a simple white halter style dress that hugged every inch of her generous curves. The white made her dusky skin glow, and she’d slicked her hair back into a sleek knot and hung large turquoise drops from her ears. Some trick of eyeshadow made her eyes look luminous in her face and if Paige wasn’t firmly in the heterosexual camp, she’d be ready to switch teams just looking at Mariposa.

  “Wow, Mariposa. You look fantastic,” Paige breathed. Mariposa flashed her a wide smile.

  “Americans like to tip.” Mariposa shrugged a shoulder.

  “I suspect you’ll make a killing. You look like you should be on the cover of a magazine,” Paige said. She watched as Mariposa lined up a row of tiki glasses, each mug done in a different color and character. “What are you making?”

  “Just a welcome rum punch. It loosens people up when they are hot and sweaty from travel. Most people arrive here stressed. A little rum punch helps them chill out.”

  “Good idea. Save one of these for me at the end of the night.”

  “You got it.”

  “They’re here in twenty,” Luis called from across the reception hall where he was laying out flower necklaces. “Miquel texted me from the airport. They’re on the bus.”

  “Perfect. Just enough time for a quick tipple,” CeCe said and reached to where a martini had appeared for her at the bar. Paige did her best to disguise her look, but CeCe caught it. “Don’t worry, darling. I’m an old hand at this. I won’t be the one you have to worry about.”

  With that, CeCe sipped her drink as the bartender turned the music on the overhead speakers louder.

  “Don’t worry…about a thing…”

  But now all Paige could do was wonder who she really needed to worry about?

  Chapter Fifteen

  The look on Horatio’s face was priceless.

  Actually, Paige was having a hard time deciding which looks were better – Horatio’s frozen mask or Nadia and Lily’s shocked and murderous expressions when they saw her at the front of the reception hall. Paige’s nerves quickly disappeared, and she found herself enjoying the moment. Pasting a bright smile on her face, she moved forward with Luis, strands of flower necklaces hanging from her arms.

  “Welcome. Namaste,” Paige repeated over and over as people recognized her and said hello.

  There were thirty people total in the group, and Paige knew most of the guests by name already. She’d sorted them into cabins based on their personalities and well-established friendships. Some of the guests were happy to see her, while others looked between her and Horatio in confusion. She wondered what story he’d told people about her departure from the studio. The only two who refused to greet her were Nadia and Lily, and she was more than happy to pass them over to Luis for their flower garlands.

  “Paige, what a surprise.” Horatio stopped in front of her, and Paige handed him a flower necklace which he slipped over his neck.

  “Horatio. I trust your flight was pleasant?” Paige kept her tone smooth and stayed in customer service mode.

  “It was, yes. As pleasant as flying can be, I suppose. Is there a reason you are on this…retreat?” Horatio glanced around the open reception hall and then back to Paige. He looked…well, exactly like a mid-thirties yoga guru should look, Paige supposed. She was surprised not to feel a tug of anything for him except a brief flash of annoyance that she’d wasted several years with this man. Horatio’s hair was tucked in his typical man bun, and he wore a long flowing tunic in beige, and loose striped pants beneath the tunic. Beaded bracelets jumbled together at his wrists and several hemp necklaces were clustered around his throat.

  “I’m not on the retreat,” Paige clarified. “I’m running it.” She smiled sweetly at Horatio and was rewarded when a hot flash of anger zipped across his face before he schooled his features again. Gotta work on those chakras, Horatio, Paige thought to herself and bit back a smug smile.

  “Is that so? How convenient, I’m sure.”

  “I’d say so. Since I already know all the guests, I’ve been able to tailor much of the programming to their specific needs.”

  “Won’t I be running the retreat?” Again, the flash of anger. My, my, Paige thought. This man did not like being out of control. Interesting how she had always accepted it without question before.

  “No, you’re here for a retreat run by Tranquila Inn. We’ve meticulously designed the programming to suit our guests’ needs. Speaking of, you’ll likely want to get settled. We’ve arranged for all of the guests to be in their shared cottages. I’ve got your cottage over here along with your roommates.”

  “Roommates?” Horatio glanced at her as he walked to the table where folders and keys were laid out. “I didn’t expect to share.”

  “Ah, yes, seeing as how we understand you adhere strongly to an open-door policy, we’ve grouped everyone in their cottages in what we hope will be enjoyable pairings.” Horatio shot her another sharp look, but Paige kept her customer service smile pasted on her face. She was really beginning to enjoy this. “You’ll see that you’re in cottage number three. This is one of our most well-appointed cottages with lovely ocean views.”

  “And my…roommates?” Horatio sniffed as he took the key from Paige.

  “Horatio! We’re with you!” Nadia and Lily scampered over to Horatio and turned their backs on Paige. She wasn’t surprised they refused to speak to h
er, but the look on Horatio’s face was worth every moment of stress she’d felt leading up to their arrival. Horatio looked askance at the two women who all but clambered over themselves to reach him. Paige wondered what had happened to his open-door policy? From his expression, it looked like Horatio wanted nothing to do with the two bendy yogis she’d recently discovered in bed with him.

  “Luis will show you to your cottage. There’s a welcome reception in this hall tonight. You’ll have time to rest and rejuvenate before then. All of the information you need is in your folders and your welcome gifts are in the room. Namaste.” Paige faded away before Horatio could ask her anything else, and Luis stepped forward to gesture to the group to follow him. Luis shot Paige a questioning glance, and she winked and nodded to Horatio. Luis rolled his eyes behind Horatio’s back and made a quick gagging gesture before Horatio turned back and Luis beamed at him.

  Paige suppressed a giggle and quickly greeted a few friendly regulars who gave her hugs before everyone disappeared to find their cottages or wandered to the bar. Happy voices filled the reception hall, and Paige took a few deep breaths. It hadn’t been as bad as she’d feared, though she was certain that she’d be dealing with a difficult Horatio as he adjusted to not being in control.

  “I’m presuming you didn’t tell Horatio to…” Jack came to her, and Paige gave him a sharp look to stop what he was going to say.

  “I most certainly did not.” Paige laughed.

  “You look a little too pleased with yourself. What did you say?”

  “It appears he thought he would be in his own cabin.”

  “Isn’t the description clear about shared cottages on the retreat info?” Jack’s forehead furrowed in confusion.

  “It is. But Horatio likes to be in charge. So I reminded him of his open-door policy and roomed him with two of his favorites.”

  “Let me guess…the women you found him with?”