by Kim Desalvo
Tia’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve always admired you, Tia, but the strength you’ve had over the past couple years has made me appreciate you more than I can even explain. I never really knew how hard you had it after Nick died.” She hurried to explain. “I mean, I understand the grief, the mourning, the sense of loss…but what I didn’t get until just recently is how hard it is to try and reassume your identity once you’re on your own. I guess I’m still trying to figure out how to reinvent myself.”
“You’re always going to be amazing to me,” Tia whispered. “You know that, right?”
“I do,” Lexi nodded, “and like you, I’ll figure out eventually who I want to be now that I’m on my own.” She wrung her hands in her lap, choosing her words carefully. “Maybe it’s just so many changes all at once,” she said. “I just have to figure out how to juggle them, is all.” She rested her forehead against Tia’s and smiled. “And you know what? This little pity party is over! I just came out here to clear my head a little and try and get some perspective; not to set off an alarm that I’m in pain or something. I’m really not, I promise, and I also promise that I am having a really fantastic time, and that I couldn’t be happier! Now, let’s head back, shall we? There’s a party going on over there, and I want to be part of it!”
“You know what you need is a little Bo,” Tia teased. “He always puts you in the right mood.” She felt Lexi stiffen.
“I think Bo’s found himself a new flirting partner,” Lexi replied, trying to keep her voice casual. Tia, of course, saw right through her.
“Oh my God!”
Lexi scrambled. “Oh my God, what?” she said, standing and turning away so Tia couldn’t see her face.
“You’re jealous!”
Lexi stiffened her spine and turned back to face Tia. “What?” she said, shaking her head. “That’s ridiculous.” She tripped over her words, and didn’t sound at all convincing, not even to herself.
Tia put her hands on her hips. “Not from where I’m standing. It’s pretty clear from here.”
“I have no claim on Bo. He can flirt—or be with—anyone he likes, and it looks like he’s made his choice already.”
Now Tia’s eyes widened as a realization sunk in and she turned her hands palm up. “Holy crap. You’re hot for Bo.”
“What are you talking about? We’ve never…he’s never…you have no idea…” She walked over to the tree and plucked another hibiscus, rolling it nervously between her fingers.
“Sit back down here right now, Alexis Marie,” Tia ordered. Lexi sat, defeated, and tried to meet her friend’s gaze. “Are you?”
“Are I what?” Lexi mocked.
Tia stared at her for a minute, waiting for her to speak.
“You’re asking me if I’m ‘hot for Bo?’” she asked, making air quotes around the words. Still, Tia didn’t speak. “I mean, he certainly is hot,” she added with a smile, “but that’s not the kind of relationship we have. Shit, we flirt, we joke around…admittedly we say a lot of vulgar things…but that doesn’t mean…”
“What does it mean?”
Lexi’s shoulders slumped. “I honestly have no idea.”
And there it was. Leave it to Tia to see right through her and hit the nail on the head, she thought. The jealousy was there, no doubt about it. At first she tried to tell herself that it was just because she felt like her and Bo’s flirting was their own; that they had something unique that neither of them shared with anyone else. Watching him dance and laugh and ride jet skis with Margo, however, made her think things that she’d never pondered before; mainly, could what they shared go deeper than either of them had even considered? Had he ever considered that they could be more? Could they be? She felt more comfortable around Bo than anyone else in the world; except for lately, after what happened in LA. She missed what they had together but it was more than that. She missed him. More than once over the past two days she longed to go into his arms and she had to admit that it was more than comfort she was seeking. Oh God. She was hot for Bo.
Tia put her arm around Lexi’s shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. “I can’t think of a better time or place to figure it out.”
“Believe me, I’m working on it.”
Paddy, Siobhan, and Lexi’s parents joined Dylan’s and Tia’s, and the eight of them volunteered to wander the grounds and cut some flowers from the many gardens on the property. Kelley hosted a little flower arranging class, using her artistic eye to create gorgeous displays that would serve as centerpieces for the reception, as well as the girls’ bouquets.
“Let’s go for a little sail, mate,” Dylan said to Bo after lunch. “I need some time with my best man,” he added for Margo’s sake as she was opening her mouth to invite herself along.
“Of course,” she said, running her hand down Bo’s arm. “See you later?”
“Um…yeah,” he said, grateful that Dylan was saving him. Margo was a great person, but she was really turning it on thick and he wasn’t quite sure how to brush her off.
“You actually know how to control this thing?” Bo asked, slipping into a life vest and climbing onto the catamaran.
“I guess we’ll find out pretty quickly,” Dylan teased, smiling as Bo’s face twisted into mock fear. “Just don’t forget to duck when I say ‘boom,’ and we’ll probably make it back alive.”
“Oh, well, that makes me feel a whole lot better.”
Once they’d cruised out a distance, Dylan let the sails slack and handed Bo a beer.
“This is one hellova party, Strummer Boy.”
“It’s even better than I dreamed.”
They sipped for a while in companionable silence as they watched the various parties on the beach and bobbed in the gentle water.
“OK, so I have to ask. I know it’s not any of my business, but what’s going on with you and Lexi? And you and Margo?”
“Nothing, on both counts,” he sighed.
“Neither of them look like nothing.”
“Margo’s a great girl, but not for me.”
“And Lexi? There’s something off between the two of you. Did she turn you down?”
“Haven’t even asked.” Bo sighed, and took a healthy swallow from his bottle. “I’m not going to go into any detail, but something happened back in California the night we appeared on Tony’s show. Something I should have fixed a long time ago, but I just didn’t know how to do it. I’m not sure I even can anymore.”
“Well, it ain’t gonna fix itself, mate.”
“I know. This is gonna sound pretty stupid, and I wouldn’t say it to anyone but you, but ever since I figured out that there were these crazy feelings there, I get all tongue-tied when I’m around her.”
Dylan patted him on the back and smiled. “I totally understand.”
“I’m going to figure it out. I have to figure it out.”
“I’m sure you will.”
“Damn, I hope so, brother. I’m running out of time.”
Chapter 45
Tia and Dylan weren’t the only ones ready to scrap the bachelor and bachelorette parties—the whole group agreed that they were having entirely too much fun together, and decided to forgo the separation of the sexes in favor of another bonfire on the beach. A makeshift stage was set up, and the many musicians in attendance played together, sharing musical styles and genres. When InHap hopped to play a little set, the group sent up a cheer.
“I’m going ask the love of my life help us out with this one,” Dylan said, reaching out his hand to Tia. Most of their guests hadn’t heard them sing together live, and she was proud and honored to join them on I’ll Pull You Up. “This one’s for all of you who could join us for this special time, and especially for those who can only be with us in spirit.” He looked to the stars, touched a kiss to his index and middle fingers, and held them up to the sky. Tia did the same, sending her thoughts to Nick as Dylan sent his to Shelby. Their guest sang along with them, and Tia felt more pow
er in the song than she ever thought possible. They clapped together when the song ended, and Tia jumped from the stage as the boys jumped into a more upbeat tempo. “This one’s for you, Tia,” Dylan growled with an obnoxious grin as the guitar jumped in to match Bo’s beats.
Hot summer sun sweat drips from naked skin
Got some nice cool shade to pull you in
Make my mouth water bring your appetite
In my enchanted garden you’ll find every delight
Want to squeeze ripe melons so firm and sweet
You’ve never seen so many tempting treats
Come and take a stroll through my garden
A myriad of flavors sure to tantalize
You’ve never seen a place like this Eden
Here we can get downright uncivilized
Come and climb upon my magic beanpole
Don’t even need a green thumb to make it grow
Once you’ve spent some time in my garden
I’m hoping that you’ll never want to go
Close your pretty eyes and open wide
I’ll slip a tempting flavor right inside
Like a delicate flower you open for me
Lapping up the nectar like a honeybee
My garden’s got it all to fill your every need
Won’t you come right in and help me plant the seed
Leave your inhibitions run wild and free
Come and spend time in Eden with me
The repeated the chorus, Dylan’s smile growing as he took in the grins of their guests. It was just a silly, obnoxious song, and the audience of friends and family were having fun with it, razzing Tia and laughing out loud.
“Now that’s one hell of a wedding song!” Sean exclaimed when they finished and took an over-exaggerated bow.
“I got more where that came from,” Dylan laughed. “Why don’t you come up and join us, Sean—I know you know this one.”
Sean jumped up eagerly and grabbed a guitar, nearly beside himself to play alongside his favorite band and have the chance to impress Gina with his guitar skills. Other musicians jumped up to join them and Dylan stepped down to dance with the love of his life. The crowd danced under the moonlight of another perfect Caribbean evening.
Tony tipped his glass toward Jessa. The mood was festive, the music was incredible, and everything so far had gone off without a hitch. He was feeling damn good about the whole thing, and part of it was because of the interesting woman who sat beside him. He stood and put his hand out, bowing. Jessa took it, and they joined the group to dance beneath the moon.
When they finally wound down, Dylan moved from the little stage to a chair and picked up his guitar.
“This is the last day in my life I’ll have a fiancé, and I couldn’t be happier about that. I have a little something for my soon-to-be-wife,” he said, and everyone got immediately quiet as he began to strum. Tia sat beside him, mesmerized as always by her fiancé’s talent as well as his thoughtfulness.
Under the moon and the stars, he sang his wedding song for her.
In my mind, I’m back in gay Par-is,
serenade upon the tower, new love for you and me…
I look at you, and moon glow fills my eyes,
Hand in hand we skip upon the stars
And swim through starry skies…
You…wrap me in your heaven—
Blue skies and sunshine
Good God you take my breath away
You…make me a new man
Oh baby, we’re so good together, but even though we’ll have forever…
I’ll still need another day
So now we pledge our lives forever more…
There’s a promise in the whisper of every wave to kiss the shore
Enchanted by the smallest things you do
When I look into your eyes, I have the greatest view
Wrap me tight in your heaven
bright shooting stars
Good God you take my breath away
You make me a better man
Baby I know we’re so good together
But even though we’ll have forever…
I’ll still need another day…
Hold me close in your heaven…
Float in the clouds
Good God you steal my breath away
I’m yours, I am only your man…
We’re best when we’re together,
But even with forever…
I’ll still need another day…
When he strummed the final chord, there was an audible gasp; an intake of the wind by every silent guest that sat on the beach. Tia couldn’t speak—she could only smile at her perfect man as tears of joy burned in her eyes. Dylan set his guitar on the back of the chair and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and looking deep into her eyes. “I love you, baby girl” he whispered, “I’ll always love you.”
“Always and forever,” she whispered back, and he kissed her so reverently, so sweetly, that she swooned.
One clap sounded, and instantly, the rest of the crowd joined in an enthusiastic round of applause. Tia turned to Dylan with a tear in her eye. “I can’t even begin to tell you how you complete me,” she smiled, and Dylan took her mouth with an intimate kiss.
“I mean it, you know. Forever isn’t long enough to give you all the love I have.”
They took a moment with each other before turning toward their audience—their true friends and family—and taking a little bow. “Hey,” Dylan said to the crowd. “I just want to tell you all how happy we are that you are all here to share this incredible time with us.” Tia nodded her agreement. “This is the most special time in my life, and I want to thank you all for your support, your love, and your friendship—it really means the world to both of us, and we couldn’t imagine a more perfect wedding. Each of you has been there for one or both of us over the course of this crazy year, and we will continue to need your love and support as man and wife.” He paused, not having planned the little speech. “So, ah, anyway, thank you very much.”
People started separating from the crowd to come up and hug them both, and only Bo saw Lexi slip away after embracing the couple. Ready or not, he thought, giving his friends a hug and slipping off in the direction she’d gone.
He caught up with her around a bend on the beach, out of sight from the bonfire. “Come on,” Bo said, putting his hand on the small of her back and steering her further away from the roaring bonfire and toward the breakwater. “Let’s take a walk. Tell your old friend Bo all about it.”
She wiped away a tear and turned to him. “That’s sweet,” she said, her voice nearly lost in the wind. “But it’s nothing, really. I’ll be OK.”
“Not taking no for an answer,” he said simply, keeping pace with her.
They found a little secluded spot away from the partygoers and took a seat on a fallen palm that had been smoothed by the waves. The light of the bonfire didn’t reach here, and overhead a million stars splattered the dark night sky, and gentle waves lapped up on the shore just a few steps away.
They simultaneously sucked in huge breaths and said at the same time, “I’m so sorry about what happened in California…”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for, Lexi, that’s all on me,” Bo said.
“I came to your room before I left—I didn’t want to leave things uncomfortable between us—but you didn’t answer the door…”
Bo felt relief and hope settle in his bones. She hadn’t run off because of him—she’d actually come back! “I went down to the gym to burn off some energy—I came up to your room after, but you were already gone.”
Lexi’s heart lightened at the news. “Oh God, that’s a relief. I thought you never wanted to see me again.”
“Now that’s never going to happen.”
“I’m so glad. I really missed you, Bo.”
“I missed you too.” Oh I want to tell you how much. “Well, I’m listening,” he said gently. “It’s obvious you�
��ve got a lot on your mind—why don’t you dump the burden?”
“Oh Bo,” she started, her lips pursing and her eyes going distant. “I just don’t think I can really talk to anyone about it,” she exhaled slowly, then turned to meet his gaze. “Is it really that obvious that something’s bothering me?” she asked, trying to force a wan smile.
“It is to someone who knows you,” he replied, then added, “but you’re doing a good job of hiding it, don’t worry. I’ve got insight, though, you know. Mad skills.”
The ghost of a smile touched her lips. “It’s not a big deal, really,” she said wistfully. “Just something I have to deal with.”
“You don’t have to deal with it alone, you know,” he said. “I’m a good listener, and it might help to just get it off your chest. Is it your ex?”
“In a way,” she said, taking a deep breath and letting it slip back out through clenched teeth. She made a decision then, and figured there was no one she could trust more than Bo Collins. He waited patiently for her to continue, and she finally took another deep breath and stared off toward the sea.
“I know I can trust you, Bo, but I don’t ever want Tia or Dylan to find out,” she said softly. “I don’t want them to feel guilty or responsible in any way.”
“That’s not my style,” he said sincerely. “I would never betray your confidence. I hope you know I really mean that.”
Her shoulders dropped, and she turned her head slowly, stretching the muscles she’d been clenching so tightly over the past few days. Finally, she spoke.
“It might be a long story,” she said. “I have to start at the beginning.”
“I’ve got nothing but time,” he said softly, reaching over to pat her sweetly on the shoulder.
She inhaled deeply, and pushed the breath out through clenched teeth. “OK,” she said. If you’re sure you want to hear it, I’d appreciate a sympathetic ear.” He nodded, and she continued. “It all started, I guess, when Ryan and I were watching a movie one night—oh, a couple years ago or so. I don’t remember the title—it wasn’t that good of a movie, really—but it starred Alexis Janice.”