One Week in Your Arms

by Patricia Preston

  As she finished the task, she got a text message from Kayla.

  How’s life in Paradise?

  What Paradise? I’m at the hospital. She explained briefly what had transpired.

  I don’t believe it! How can you be in Hawaii and work? Come on, get out there and have some fun!!!

  I’m going to see a lighthouse this afternoon.

  That is so you! What about the rich guy? What is he doing?

  He’s playing golf. She didn’t mention what had happened this morning. How are things going there?

  Same as always. I’ve finished my charts and I’m heading to Nashville to have dinner with my parents. What a way to spend Saturday night.

  I wish I were home and having dinner with my parents and Sophie.

  They’ve opened a new girls clothing store. Little Divas. I’m going to take Sophie there and buy her an outfit. Kayla was Aunt Kayla to Sophie. Kayla had no children or nieces or nephews, so she and Sophie had adopted each other. And Kayla, who was a clothes horse herself, loved buying cute outfits for Sophie.

  She’ll love that. I miss everybody.

  It’s just a week. Not a lifetime. Sometimes I think you are a lost cause. You’re on vacation! Have some fun! Get laid! LOL! Talk to U later.

  While she finished her lunch, Marla wondered if Kayla was right. Maybe she was a lost cause. She was a homebody. She loved Lafayette Falls. She had no desire to live anywhere else. She loved her family and her daughter. She felt happy and secure when she was with them.

  Sure, the island was exotic and the Kingsford Resort was beyond majestic. Like a television commercial, it was the place of ideal vacations where reality was suspended. Plus she was with Carson. How many times had she dreamed of this?

  Yet it was not right. She could never make it right.

  But that didn’t mean she couldn’t have a good time the next few days.

  Her next text message was from Julia, who had arrived at the hospital and was waiting in one of the hotel’s SUVs. Marla got her things together and disposed of her lunch tray. Then, she slipped off the scrub jacket she wore over her clothes.

  It was time to become a tourist and have fun like Kayla suggested.

  She and Julia had gone to an art and craft show where she had bought beautiful shell necklaces for all the employees at the clinic. She picked out a lovely hand-carved Hawaiian vase for Nolana. At another vendor’s stall, she bought tropical print silk scarves for her mother, Kayla, and a couple of other friends. She found a cute Hawaiian doll for Sophie. When you pressed the doll’s arm, she said, “Aloha.”

  During the shopping trip, Marla bought herself a wide-brimmed sun hat along with some splashy Hawaiian-print beach dresses, tank tops, and shorts, plus a fun pair of bright yellow sneakers. It was the kind of stuff that had tourist stamped all over it.

  At the Kauai Museum, Marla learned of the legendary Menehune, mythical elf-like people who worked at night on the island accomplishing great construction feats such as roads and dams. They completed such tasks in only one night. She’d picked up a book on the Menehune she could share with Sophie.

  She wished she had Sophie with her so she could experience the island firsthand. The array of colorful plants and trees, unusual birds, the sweet scent of flowers and fruit, the roar of waterfalls, and the constant salty breeze were such a joy for the senses. She reveled in it and asked the driver if they could put down the windows of the SUV.

  A native Hawaiian, he was happy to drive slow and talk about life on the island, as she looked out the window like a little kid, eager to see everything. Even Julia, who had been to the island several times, seemed to enjoy the ride with the windows down.

  Marla marveled at the old Kilauea Lighthouse. It was the first lighthouse she had ever seen, outside of photographs. Surrounded by ocean cliffs and emerald slopes, the white lighthouse with a red roof stood on Kilauea Point where Hawaiian seabirds thrived in a protected habitat. Marla used her phone to take photos of the historical setting, and decided she needed to purchase a camera when she got back to the resort.

  By the next day, she had a digital camera and she was armed with a large floral tote packed full of tourist pamphlets and brochures. Carson shook his head and told her it would take two weeks to go to all those sites.

  Along with the Crawfords, she and Carson took a tour by helicopter and she was thrilled by the flight over the lush Hanapepe Valley. When the helicopter descended into a narrow valley near the Jurassic Park Falls and landed, she couldn’t contain her excitement as they started the short hike to the falls overlook.

  “I can’t believe we’re at Jurassic Park Falls! This is great!” She led the way down the dirt path that cut through the jungle toward the falls. “I remember going to see Jurassic Park when I was a kid. I went with a bunch of my friends and we were all terrified. I never wanted to see another dinosaur movie again.”

  She looked back at Carson, who had a ball cap pulled low on his forehead and sunglasses hid his eyes. He was smiling and so were the Crawfords. She knew they found her amusing. They were all seasoned travelers. Carson had been all over the world. They had seen places she would never get to see in her lifetime. “I guess y’all must think I’m from the backwoods.”

  Carson laughed, and Julia spoke, “Of course not, dear. We love your enthusiasm.”

  Her excitement bubbled up when she saw the three-hundred-and-sixty-foot waterfall. “Oh! Wow!” She covered her gaping mouth as water rushed over the top of a cliff and cascaded over the rocky mountainside into a lagoon.

  “It is so beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like it,” she yelled over the loud roar of the falls and Carson nodded. She snapped photos with her new camera and hoped she got some good shots. She thought she’d like to have one framed. Then she took a picture with her smartphone and sent it back home to several of her friends and Nolana with a text message: I’m at Jurassic Park Falls!

  There were more photos taken at the falls. She took photos of the Crawfords and Carson. Likewise, Carson had his smartphone out taking pictures of her with the waterfall in the background. She posed with the Crawfords. Carson posed with Truman. She and Julia got together. Then she and Carson stood together, arms around each other as Julia made their picture.

  The perfect fake couple on the perfect fake vacation.

  She pushed that thought out of her mind as she boarded the helicopter. She was trying to make this a real vacation, and for the rest of the day, she marveled at astonishing sites like the Waimea Canyon, which had its share of stunning waterfalls hidden in emerald jungles. They flew over the uninhabited Na Pali where deep valleys and sharp cliffs were cut from a volcanic dome. She saw more waterfalls, and this time, a couple of the waterfalls had been crossed by rainbows.

  At Hanalei Beach, the surf thundered as they spent some time on the crescent-shaped beach. She didn’t see any shells in the golden sand and Carson told her that seashells were a rare find on the beaches of Hawaii compared to other places. She decided she would pick up a couple of seashells at one of the gift shops to take home to Sophie.

  Their day ended with a traditional Hawaiian luau that included Hawaiian music and stories told by hula dancers and fire knife dancers while a feast of Hawaiian food was served.

  Exhausted by the time she hit the bed, she had no problem going to sleep and she was glad when she awoke on Monday morning with no itinerary. She had been going nonstop for days. Flying to California. Flying to Hawaii. Packing. Unpacking. Shopping. Seeing the sights.

  Doing nothing sounded like heaven.

  After she showered and washed her hair, she slipped on one of her new tops, splashed with bright yellow and red flowers, a pair of black shorts, and her yellow sneakers. Maybe she’d check out the spa today. Get a massage. And go to the beach. Just sit there and watch the waves roll in. Be a total beach bum.

  That’s me today.

  When she walked into the kitchen, she found Carson sitting at the granite-topped bar. A cup of coffee in one hand and a new
spaper in the other. He was dressed in a white shirt with a striped tie and navy trousers. The aftershave he wore carried the essence of herbs and musk. For a moment, she imagined stripping him and having her way with him.

  Instead, she said, “I see you’re ready for your meeting.” He and the land developer from Texas were going to meet at nine. “I hope things go well.”

  He laid aside the paper. “I’m counting on it. I spoke with Gary Warren a few minutes ago,” he said. “Noah and Ella are doing well, and they’re flying home today. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

  “That’s good to hear.” She smiled, happy the Warren children had recuperated and pleased that Carson had taken such an interest in their welfare.

  “You look very sunny today.” His gaze swept over her.

  She grinned and quipped, “For a moment there, I thought you were going to say sexy.”

  “You’re always sexy, Marla.”

  “What can I say?” She trotted into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. She directed the conversation to a trivial matter. Something less combustible than being sexy. “I think I’ll check out the spa today.”

  He chuckled. “You don’t want to hike a canyon trail?”

  “I’m not up for hiking anywhere today. I want idyllic. I want to sit on the beach and commune with nature.”

  “If you go to the beach, pay attention to the warnings.”

  “I’m staying on the sand. Not going in the water.” She had read the warnings in the hotel brochure about the ocean currents and that tourists shouldn’t underestimate the power of the waves. She did not want to be carried out to sea or be snack food for a shark.

  A soft tone echoed through the penthouse. She lifted her brows in surprise. “Is that the doorbell?”

  “Yeah.” He looked as surprised as she did. “Did you call room service?”

  “It’s probably the maid.” She went to answer the door. It was not the maid.

  A striking brunette with dark blue eyes and a rope of diamonds around her neck stood on the threshold. She wore a red silk top and a long print skirt that floated to the floor. There was something oddly familiar about her beautiful face.

  “May I come in?” the brunette prompted.

  “Of course.” Marla blinked, coming out of her trance.

  The brunette entered the foyer. “You must be the doctor that Truman and Julia are raving about.”

  “Olivia?” Carson stepped into the foyer, and Marla suddenly recognized the brunette.

  Olivia Blaise. Movie Star. She had seen several of Olivia’s films, and she definitely recalled seeing Olivia at a red carpet event on TV years ago. The camera had scanned the crowd, and she’d seen Olivia walking the red carpet with Carson at her side. They had made a stunning couple.

  Marla debated on whether she should excuse herself and give them some privacy, or stay and help him explain the real reason for her presence. Either way, her stomach roped into awkward knots.

  “It’s great to see you, Liv,” Carson said.

  “Carson, I’m not sure if I should hit you or hug you.”

  He opened his arms, inviting a hug. As they embraced, he said, “I’m sorry. I had every intention of being there.”

  “Do you have any idea how deeply you disappointed everyone?” Olivia sighed. “Especially Great-Aunt Edith? She’s ninety-two. She may not have another birthday, Carson.”

  “They grounded the flights out of London. There was nothing I could do,” he replied. “I called her.”

  “It’s not about calling. It’s about being there. You know how Daddy loves adding pictures to the Blackwell page on that ancestry website,” Olivia said as she strolled into the living area, followed by Carson.

  Marla noticed Olivia had a different accent than the one she used in movies. She had a Texas drawl much like Carson and the Crawfords. “Daddy wanted a picture of Aunt Edith and all her nieces and nephews. Everyone was there but you.”

  “I know. I felt like shit,” Carson admitted.

  “Are the two of you related?” Marla couldn’t suppress her growing curiosity or her disbelief that Carson was related to a movie star.

  Olivia nodded. “I’m his cousin, but I’ve always considered him a brother. Until lately.”

  Carson’s remorseful expression remained as he introduced them. Then he said, “I’ll make a trip home to see everyone next month.”

  “I hope you’ll do that. You know, we were raised to put family first.”

  “Yeah,” he agreed and he roped his arm around her shoulders. “And I’m really glad to see you. Are you here making a film?”

  “No, I came here to see you and to get away from everything. I’m going to take some time off.”

  Marla didn’t want to intrude, but she didn’t want to appear impolite either. She decided to take on the hostess role. “Would you care for a cup of coffee?”

  “Sure.” Olivia wanted a cup of black coffee. Carson declined.

  In the kitchen, Marla slipped her phone out of her shorts pocket and sent a message to Hot Rod, who was one of her close friends and allies on the medical staff. He was also an Olivia Blaise fan.

  Guess who I just met? Olivia Blaise!

  As she poured the coffee, she heard Olivia explaining that she had stopped by Carson’s office and found out where he was. “Simon and I flew down last night. I wanted to see you before the media storm.”

  “What’s going on?” Carson asked.

  “I’m going to have a baby,” Olivia announced, and Marla turned to look in the living room where Olivia put Carson’s hand on her stomach. “Say hello to the newest member of the family.”

  His jaw dropped. “A baby?”

  A wide smile brought a bright light to her eyes. “I’m so happy! Carson, the doctor said everything is fine this time. It’s going to be a Christmas baby!”

  “That’s great.” Carson pulled her into his arms and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you and Simon.”

  “We’re getting married in September. I want you to be one of the groomsmen.”

  “I’ll be there. I promise. I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything.”

  “You better be there.”

  Marla returned to the living room with Olivia’s coffee. “Congratulations,” she said as she handed Olivia the coffee.

  “Thank you.” Olivia took a seat on the sofa and Carson sat beside her. “I’ve waited so long for this. To have a family of my own. To be a mommy.” She sniffled and brushed away a tear. “I’m sorry. I have these moments when my emotions just overwhelm me.”

  “It’s okay, doll. Cry all you want.” He took her hand. “I know the day I become a father, I’ll be blown away. I can’t imagine what that will feel like, but I know it’ll be the happiest day of my life.”

  Marla looked away, her hand pressed against her chest.

  “I’ve heard some great things about you.” Olivia smiled at her. “Truman and Julia are gushing all over the place about how Carson has finally lucked up and found love at last.”

  Marla shot Carson a pointed glance.

  He cleared his throat. “Well, I wouldn’t say things have progressed that far.”

  “No,” Marla added quickly. “I know Truman and Julia love Carson, and they want him to be happy. But, to be honest, we’re just friends and we don’t have any plans for the future.”

  He sent a thorny look her way. “That’s right. Who knows what the future will hold?” He shrugged. “Marla may end up back with her ex-husband, Ben. And maybe I’ll take Enola Kalle to the Alps.”

  Set off by his comment, Marla shrugged while wondering who Enola Kalle was. “Sounds good to me.”

  They glared at each other, and Olivia squirmed on the sofa. “I guess Truman and Julia must have gotten the wrong impression.”

  “Something like that,” Carson muttered.

  Marla’s phone started vibrating. She quickly pulled it from her pocket, thankful for the diversion. “I need to take this call. It was great to meet you,”
she told Olivia, who looked utterly confused.

  “It was nice to meet you, too,” Olivia responded.

  Marla hurried through the penthouse door but not before she heard Olivia say, “Enola Kalle? Carson, tell me that was a bad joke.”

  “This whole trip’s been a bad joke.”

  Chapter 13

  “Watch me, Mommy. I’m doing the happy dance!”

  Marla’s cousin, Lydia, whose smartphone had a video chat app, held the phone for Sophie, who danced to the music from Peanuts. She waved her hands in the air and shuffled her feet, mimicking Charlie Brown and the gang.

  Marla stood on a covered walkway outside the hotel. The distant sound of waves crashing against the reefs, the murmur of palm fronds in the breeze and the sweet scent of plumeria surrounded her. Yet the glory of paradise didn’t compare to her child.

  “That was great,” she said as Sophie finished her dance.

  Her little girl rushed up to the camera on Lydia’s phone. “I’m going to the beach, too! This is the best summer ever!”

  Sophie was excited about going to the Gulf Coast. Lydia had invited Marla’s parents and Sophie to spend a couple of days on the coast with her and her family.

  “I’m gonna make the biggest sandcastle ever!”

  For a moment, Marla could only stare as she looked at Sophie’s face, framed by waves of dark hair. Sophie’s deep blue eyes, straight brows, square jaw, and the dimple in her right cheek were identical to her father.

  “Oh, Sophie,” Marla whispered as she touched the screen of the phone.

  Sophie frowned. “Are you sad, Mommy?”

  “No.” Marla smiled. “I just wish I could be there with you, sweetie. I miss you so much.”

  “I miss you, too. When are you coming home?”

  “I’ll be home Saturday,” she answered. “Give me a kiss.”

  They blew each other a goodbye kiss. Then Marla spoke to her cousin and her mother both before the conversation ended. Afterward, she answered several text messages including one from Hot Rod regarding Olivia Blaise.

  Can you get me a nude photo autographed?