“Tim, what is it?” I inquire with a scolding, but playful, stare.
“Honey, I’m not David—don’t give me that look!” he declares. We laugh as we settle into our seats.
“You two always look so fabulous…What are our plans for the evening?” Tim grins as he searches our faces for a response. He’s neglected to mention the thorn in my side, the cause of my arm and thigh pain—Kate.
“Honestly, darlings… I may just drop you two off at Scarlet’s and head to dinner with Benjamin,” Elizabeth notes with a warm but tired smile.
“Of course, Mom. Would you like me to drive?” I question with concern.
“Wait!” Tim startles us. “I’d be more than happy to drive Elizabeth’s Lexus,” he declares as his grin grows wider.
“Of course you can, Tim. Are we ready to leave?” They stand and I follow them out of the airport.
“There you are!” an unfamiliar voice hollers at us once we’re outside. I’m confused and fearful that Kate has found me. I tense up and prepare to fight back.
“Hey, lady, did you figure out where you’ll be staying? How rude of me. Scarlet and Elizabeth, this is Kim. Kim, these are the lovely ladies I spoke so fondly of.” Tim beams as he gestures toward us. Elizabeth and I smile politely at Kim then extend our hands.
“Hey, nice to make your acquaintance,” Kim offers before pulling us each into a tight hug. She’s lovely, with long golden hair, beautiful green eyes, and what I imagine a chronically optimistic person as—jubilant. Kim directs her attention to Tim.
“Hon, it’s a mess, but the agent is sayin’ it should be fixed by tomorrow. They’re givin’ me a free rental,” Kim declares as she claps her hands and shakes her head up and down. I stare at Tim in confusion.
“While Kim and I were boarding, someone decided to leave her luggage in Chicago. Can you believe it?” Tim divulges then shakes his head in disgust.
Kim interjects, “All of my vacay stuff was in my luggage. I’m down here for a much overdue vacation. I plan on exploring until I get tired of Florida,” Kim shares as she smiles at each of us. What a free spirit. To be honest, I’m unsure what to think of her. She’s sweet, but her Southern accent has me curious as to why she was on Tim’s flight from Chicago to Naples.
“Miss, may we have a word?” A male travel agent dressed in a blue uniform joins our group. “Miss Night, your car is ready.” The travel agent smiles when he notices Kim’s elation.
“Great. Would y’all mind waiting for me? I’m unfamiliar with the area,” Kim requests before following the agent.
“Of course; take your time, dear,” Elizabeth offers with a smile then pats Kim’s shoulder.
After approximately ten minutes of waiting, a Toyota Prius appears and is later abandoned by a different travel agent before Kim rejoins our group. Elizabeth takes the lead then shows Kim where we’re parked, as well as where we’ll wait for her.
Tim reminds Elizabeth that he’d like to drive, so she hands over her keys. She gestures for me to take the front seat. I quickly make myself comfortable in the passenger seat then check my phone. David sent a text while we were conversing with Kim.
“She’s nice,” Elizabeth says. I turn to check on her; she’s comfortably lying across the backseat.
“Are you all right, Mom?” I inquire.
“Honestly, I think I need to go straight home—I’m tired,” she announces before draping her arm across her face. While we drive toward the exit, Elizabeth turns to her side then falls asleep.
“Is she all right?” Tim whispers. He agrees that it’s odd seeing such an energetic person lying in the backseat like a drunk.
“Ben says she hasn’t slept much since Kate…” I respond with a lopsided smile. He shakes his head then continues to drive as Kim follows us to my parents’ home. We drive in silence as Tim focuses on traffic. I’m mentally elsewhere.
For a moment, I reminisce about meeting Tim—it was all a result of his flirtatious personality. Since I was his last girlfriend before he came out, he truly gave his all. However, we quickly became too comfortable—we became lifelong friends. We had attempted intimacy; I enjoyed what we did, but Tim later informed me he had to fantasize that I was a cute guy from one of his classes.
When Tim finally let me into his reality, I felt so empathetic for him—I was unable to be upset with his deception. He cried when he recollected his mother’s expression when she found him with his childhood best friend. The neighbor boy was kissing more than Tim’s mouth, right as Tim was on the verge of completing. They were high school freshmen.
As soon as his mother discovered Tim’s true nature, she purchased a ticket for him to finish high school in Chicago. He had to live with his aunt and uncle. Of course, Tim wasn’t any better in Chicago. After a year, he was sent back to Florida. By then, his parents had moved and were able to give Tim a fresh start. However, they were enthralled with a local church, “For Tim’s sake,” Tim would imitate his mother’s voice.
My brotherly love for Tim flourished as he told me about all the inner turmoil that resulted in frequent suicide attempts. I felt so angry that his parents emotionally abandon Tim. Benjamin and Elizabeth were open-minded by never sharing negative comments about Tim’s sexual preference.
“Park up front.” Elizabeth’s instructions startle us. We laugh as we emerge from her car right as Kim pulls up. Kim leaves her rental, a cheerful smile on her face.
“I truly appreciate y’all helping a gal out,” she declares as she follows us to Elizabeth’s door.
“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Kim. Tim, darling, please leave some time for me while you’re in Naples,” Elizabeth requests as she gives Kim then Tim a quick kiss and hug. “Scarlet, call me if anything happens,” she instructs with a glare in her eyes.
“Yes, Mom,” I respond as Elizabeth sways then grabs her forehead.
Ben appears to say his hellos then offers a quick goodbye. Tim, Kim, and I walk toward Kim’s rental and drive away.
“This is a beautiful neighborhood,” Kim exclaims. After we park the rental, they unload while I excuse myself to my bathroom. Tim’s waiting on my bed as I open my bathroom door.
“Hi,” I say as I join him. We lie back and stare at my ceiling. It’s as if we’ve flashed back to our past—when we’d lie on the bed and talk for hours.
“Where’s Kim?” I ask .
“She wanted to freshen up, so I showed her the spare bathroom,” he replies.
“Oh, all right,” I answer before letting out an exaggerated sigh.
“What is it, babe?” he questions as he searches my face for a response.
“I just… I’m not sure I’m up for going out tonight. How long did you make your visit for?” I question more harshly than I intended to.
“Why? What is it? You want me to leave?” he retorts before playfully shoving my arm.
“No. Of course not. It’s just this whole Kate situation,” I divulge before I rest my head on his shoulder.
“Forget that psycho ever existed. I have an open flight ticket. My boss fired me, so… I’m considering a new area in which to start over,” he shares before checking my face for my reaction. Instantly, I become sympathetic for Tim—how awful it must be to be fired.
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry you were fired,” I offer with remorse before kissing his cheek. I hear Kim in the hallway, so I run to my bedroom door to let her in.
“Your home is beautiful,” Kim declares with an ear-to-ear grin.
“Thanks. My sister and her ex-husband had it built, but he was unfaithful, so now Violet and I share the place,” I reveal before gesturing for Kim to make herself comfortable.
“Wow! We could all fit in this bed.” Kim exclaims as she spreads her hands over my bed. I laugh and agree with her. Tim, of course, is sleeping with me, but Kim placed her stuff in one of the spare bedrooms.
We agree to have a movie and wine night at home. When Tim mentions the Keys, Kim invites herself and, honestly, she’s so upbeat, I know
she’ll provide great company.
For two weeks, we’ll stay at a local Key West spa and resort—Tim informs us that we will divvy up the cost later. We plan to leave Friday morning, so we schedule the days preceding our trip.
“I want to be fabulously low-key in your Tacoma. We don’t need any unwanted attention,” he shares in a matter-of-fact tone. Kim and I agree.
“I need a full-on pampering day before having any spa folks touching me. You know they talk behind your back,” Kim divulges with a serious stare. Tim nods in agreement.
“We should have the car loaded on Thursday, so that we can leave early Friday morning. Check-in is at three. There will be a fall celebration at Ocean Key Resort and Spa,” Tim adds.
“I’m so excited for this trip. Work consumed my life,” Kim shares as she repositions herself then lets out a yawn.
We decide to conclude our planning, then relocate to the living room where we each find a relaxing spot to enjoy The Sex and the City movie. I make fresh, air-popped popcorn for everyone to indulge in as we polish off a bottle of Evodia.
Thirty minutes into the film, Kim’s snoring softly. Tim decides to finish it, so I excuse myself to my room. I open my door at the end of my ringtone. DAMN! I’ve missed a call from David.
“Where were you?” David questions in a voice identical to the cockatoo from the movie Jack and Jill. I laugh hysterically as some spit escapes my mouth. I’m so glad I’m alone, I blush in gratitude.
“What was that?” David probes, which causes me to imagine his cute smirk.
“Nothing!” I snap.
“Oh. OK. So, is Tim well?” he questions.
“He’s all right. He made a friend on his trip. She needed a place to stay, so she’ll be staying in one of the spare bedrooms. She’s also going on our trip to the Keys.”
“Sounds like a fun travel group.”
“I guess.”
“Don’t you like her?” he probes.
“No. No. She’s sweet. I’m just concerned about Elizabeth. Do you think me leaving would make her drink more? Two weeks feels like too long to be away from everyone,” I say more to myself than to him.
“What’s wrong with Elizabeth? Is she drinking? Two weeks will be over before you know it,” David offers.
“I know it will. Benjamin said she hasn’t slept much. Could you let me know if anything happens while I’m gone?” I request as I consider Kate directing her anger at my family.
“Of course. Will you contact me every day while you’re gone…Hello?” His voice is strained.
“I’m here. I’ll try to call, text, or email while I’m gone. Who knows? It may be boring and dull in the Keys during the fall,” I say as a meek smile forms.
“You think so?”
“Every area has a fall festival. The Keys must be majestic during the fall,” he offers then grows silent. I imagine him smiling—it makes me miss his face. A reminiscent memory of our last sexual encounter sweeps through my mind.
“Maybe I should just stay and go to the local festivals with you. Then we could continue with our bodily explorations,” I offer seductively then grin at my candor.
“Scarlet, it was your idea to go. Please believe me when I say that I want you to stay, but it’s necessary that Kate believes you’re gone. It’s for your safety, babe.” He’s curt with me. I release a deep breath.
“Honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready to go. I was excited, but now… Now I’m considering staying. I have the weirdest feeling.” Relief overcomes me as I share my concern.
“Are you paranoid about Kate following you to the Keys?” David questions in a whisper.
“Sort of.” I search my room as David consoles me.
“I’ll think of you every day, and longingly wait for you to call, text, or email me,” he says in a romantic tone. I’m lucky to have such a thoughtful person that loves me.
My stomach begins to throb, and I feel my monthly announcement that always appears when it’s inconvenient for me. “I’m suddenly ill—must be my nerves. I’ll call you tomorrow. I hope to see you before we leave Friday,” I say it with optimism to entice David to drive over and stay the night.
“All right. Sweet dreams, my love,” he says in between yawns.
“Same to you, sweetheart.” I end our call before he responds with something sappy. With haste, I text him a heart icon. I place my cell on my bed then grab my monthly undies. Cramps are for the birds!
After I’m dressed in my bloated-tummy, comfy clothes I tiptoe through the house to the kitchen. I stumble, looking for the kitchen light—the wall feels unfamiliar. I quickly grab a glass and fill it with water. As I turn, I accidently splash cold water on Tim.
“Yikes! That’s cold!” he bellows through laughter. I observe him stroll over to the cabinet then watch as he prepares a cup of water. He returns to me to clink his cup against mine before saying, “To a wonderful fresh page in our adventure! I seriously needed this,” he whispers as he places his chin on my head.
“I want to be excited… I was excited—but now I’m disturbed by thoughts of Kate,” I share then pause as Tim hugs me tighter. “And. I’m on my monthly… Good thing it’s fall,” I announce reluctantly. Tim jolts his head in my direction, but it’s dark so I imagine him giving me an odd stare. “Honestly, who wants to be sloughing their uterus lining during a vacation? However, hopefully, my period will be gone before we leave.” I grimace then excuse myself.
“Feel better,” Tim offers as he hugs me tighter. “Be sure to check your lady bits!” he whispers before letting out a snicker.
“Gross,” I respond as I imagine Tim’s facial expression then laugh.
“Shhh! You’re going to wake Kim. She said she was looking forward to sleeping,” Tim snaps in a whisper.
We leave the kitchen, linked by our arms. Like a gentleman, he opens my bedroom door and encourages me to go first.
“What side can I have?” he questions from the end of the bed as he pouts
“I like to be close to the bathroom, so you take the right side,” I respond as Tim face-plants into his designated pillow.
He’s snoring once I return from brushing and flossing my teeth. I snuggle up next to him, giving my pillow a quick fluff before drifting to sleep.
When morning arrives, I open my eyes to an empty bed and a barely-lit room. I hear Tim and Kim in the kitchen and decide to wait before joining them. I extend my legs from one corner to the next and enjoy having my bed to myself. Tim sleeps like a baby. He snores but not in a rude manner—he barely moved. David’s a hog with the bed and sheets, but I don’t mind. Thinking of David makes me miss him, so I send him a morning text:
“Morning, babe; I hope you’re having a delightful day. Love you.”
I sit up then stretch. The bedroom door creaks open as I’m entering my closet.
“Scarlet?” Tim inquires as he enters my room.
“I’m in here, Tim,” I respond as he joins me in my closet.
“Good morning, sleepy head,” he announces with an infectious smile across his lips.
“Good morning,” Kim repeats with a larger smile than Tim’s.
I question if anyone has had breakfast. They respond that they enjoyed some coffee and toast. I select comfy clothing for today: dark skinny jeans, a navy striped tank, and a comfy cream colored sweater—all from this year’s Victoria’s Secret catalog. My gold flats complete the outfit.
“Cute!” Tim says approvingly as we walk out of my closet. Kim excuses herself to shower. Tim walks to his luggage; I observe him as he selects his outfit.
“Should I shower in the spare bathroom after Kim?” he questions over his shoulder.
“Yes, could you tell Kim where the towels are before she showers?” I ask through a sweet smile.
“All right,” he says as he exits my room. I walk into my bathroom and scold my reflection. I untie my hair then start my shower.
After thirty minutes of primping and pampering, I achieve an easy, breezy look. I smile at
my reflection then step out of my bathroom. Tim and Kim aren’t finished, so I slip into my flats and search for my purse, cell, and keys.
“Would ten minutes be too soon to leave?” I ask my guests.
“I need fifteen more,” Kim says as she slips on a red tank top. She paired black skinny jeans and a navy-striped, button-up sweater with her red tank. Tim has on pressed jeans and a button-down shirt. Fifteen minutes later, we’re finally leaving my room. I grab an apple and bottle of water.
“Tim, are you all right with driving?” I inquire as I hand him my keys.
“Of course!” he announces as he snatches my Tacoma keys.
After locking the front door, we climb into my truck then leave Quail West. We drive in silence until Kim says, “What’s a good place to get our paws worked on?” I quickly mention Pretty in Pink Hair and Nails, then instruct Tim to get on Main and take the second right. We’re the sixth car in Pretty in Pink’s parking lot. After locking my Tacoma, Kim and I follow Tim into Pretty’s.
“Hello, full service for three?” A small, tanned redhead inquires with a smile. Her sense of urgency is evident because, as we sign in, a group of five older women walk in behind us.
“Hello,” I greet the group as I recognize two of the older ladies that are Pretty’s regulars. The Pretty’s clients before us were having their hair styled. Our group lucked out and were able to sit at the same time in the massage pedicure chairs. Tim and Kim roll their jeans up then slip off their shoes—I follow their lead. As we move our shoes to the side, three young girls join us then settle in front of our massage chairs.
“Hi. I’m Amy, and this is Lu and Mixy. We’ll be helping you,” the oldest of the three informs us. The other girls nod then smile. The six of us converse about the beautiful fall weather, our plans for the weekend, and then gossip about current scandals.
Tim and Kim finish before I do—they selected a clear coat. I opted for a soft lilac color on my toes. As my nails dry, I observe as Tim and Kim seated in our next section.
“Your nails are dry, dear. You can move to the nail area,” Amy instructs as she points to the next area. I grab my shoes, slip into my one-use pedi sandals, and then wobble over to sit next to Kim since there’s no chair next to Tim.
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