by G. E. Stills
“Kat!” Nolan yelled seconds later and then lowered his voice “You need to try on things over there in the changing room.” He nodded his head toward it.
“Oh,” she smiled. Marching toward the indicated area, she did not even check to see that he was following with his arms filled. The dressing room attendant met them at the door, took the selections from Nolan and escorted her to one of the stalls. Kat did not close the door when the attendant left. She stripped off her blouse tossing it to the padded bench and lifted the bra. Putting her arms through the straps and fitting the cups over her breasts she emitted a loud groan when she tried to attach the rear hooks.
“Are you okay?”
She looked up and saw the attendant standing in the doorway.
“I was just groaning in complaint. Why do the creators of these clothes place the fastening attachments in the most awkward places to get to?”
The attendant just cocked an eyebrow but did not answer the question. “Um, Miss. You’re going to have to buy that bra.”
“Of course I intend to buy it. Why would I not?
“You’re supposed to try underwear on over you clothes. Perhaps I have a type you would prefer. I’ll be right back.” The woman vanished to return moments later with a different type of bra. This type has a front closure. She demonstrated the clip. “In addition it will.” She pressed her own breasts together and lifted them slightly. “You’re gentleman friend will like this type I can almost guarantee it.”
Kat accepted the bra and had a much easier time fastening it. “And you say men like these. Like the way it makes a woman look?”
The attendant chuckled. “Yes. I haven’t met a man yet that didn’t like them. Besides white, we also have them in black, red and blue.”
“Then I will take one of each. I can wear this one?”
The lady grinned. “Might as well, you already have it on. Just let me remove the tags.”
The attendant helped her try the rest of the clothes without mishap. She never asked a question although she raised her eyebrows at several of Kat’s statements.
Nolan did not make any comment at her seeming increase in bust size but Kat had to swallow her laugh. His gaze often strayed to her chest.
The dressing room attendant rang them up and Kat paid her. “And this is for you. You have been very helpful.”
“I couldn’t. I was just doing my job, Miss.”
“Is my money not good for your help?”
Nolan stepped in. “Kat is not from the States. She’s just learning our customs. I taught her about tips. Obviously she is pleased with your help.”
“Very pleased.” Kat chimed.
“Go ahead and take it. It’ll make all of us happy,” he said.
The woman accepted the fifty-dollar tip.
“Next is shoes,” she said after leaving the clothing store. She entered the shoe store and spotted a pair of black heels with five-inch pedestals. “I will try these. I want to see why you say they are torture.”
The salesman slipped them on her feet and she stood. After wobbling and nearly falling just standing, she sat down heavily. “You are right Nolan,” she whispered. “These would be bad to wear. Why do women wear these?”
He chuckled. “I don’t think we have the time right now for me to explain.”
She bought three pairs of shoes. A pair of loafers, sandals and tennis shoes. Patiently, he waited while she went to store after store, trying on a huge selection of clothes. They made several trips to the rental car to drop off her selections.
Returning to the boat they made several trips unloading the car. Shopping bags covered the bed in her stateroom and much of the floor.
“I will let you put these away. There is a stateroom next door for the overflow. He shook his head. “Like a kid in a candy store,” he said softly.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
He chuckled. “Never mind.” He left the room.
I think you should get a suite at the Halekulani. It makes you look more professional than living here on a boat,” he said, over their evening meal.
“If that’s what you recommend, Nolan.”
The next day they moved her into the hotel, and later, began the interview phase for selecting a ship captain. After the final interview of six, she consulted Jar’san.
“So what do you think?”
“I think we should choose Captain Parker. He may not be as experienced as the oldest one, but I’ve researched him, and he’s better suited to our needs. Besides, he’s available right away.”
“Then I’ll let him know.”
In silence, Nolan sat across the table from her drinking lemonade. Not aware of her conversation with Jar’san.
“I’ve decided on Captain Parker,” she told him.
“Okay.”
****
“Captain Parker you have the job. When can you start?”
“Um, well ma’am. When would you like me to start?”
She smiled into the phone. “I happen to know that you’re between jobs. How about today? We have a lot to do, and not much time to do it in. I’ll expect you here in…” she consulted her watch, a very nice looking one that Nolan had picked for her. “Let’s say two hours, here in my suite.” She gave him the room number.
“I’ll be there.”
Picking up the phone once more, she dialed a rental agency and arranged to rent a warehouse near one of the piers. Next, using a list that Jar’san had provided, she began ordering parts for some specialized equipment she intended to build using Jar’san’s instructions. Silently, Nolan sat back and watched.
“What?” she asked when she noticed the look on his face.
“I’m trying to get a grasp on your transition is all. I mean when I rescued you from that island, you knew very little other than technology, and suddenly you’ve become a shrewd business woman.”
“So I’m doing okay?”
“You’re doing great. You don’t need me here.”
The phone rang ending their conversation and caused her to forget his last statement. It was one of the vendors arranging for delivery of more electronics parts.
Later while deep in mental discussion with Jar’san, she absently acknowledged it when Nolan announced his intention to go check on his boat. She barely noticed when he left.
When the Captain arrived, he took a seat across from her.
“Captain Parker, I’m going to demand a lot from you. In addition, though I assure you it’s nothing illegal, I want what we will be doing kept secret from all except the crew you hire.”
He looked at her sharply. “O…kay,” was his guarded answer.
Writing an amount on a piece of paper, she shoved it over the table to him. “I trust that will be a sufficient salary.”
He looked at the amount and an involuntary whistle, quickly, silenced, slipped through his lips.
“That is ample and will buy a lot of silence.”
“Good. Half of that amount will be paid to you right away and the rest will be paid in the form of payments, spread out over a year contract. Fair enough?”
“Fair enough.”
She suppressed her grin. The amount she offered had given her his full attention. Just as she desired.
“So here’s what I need in a boat…”
“Ship ma’am, they’re called ships when they’re larger than a small one that can be operated by a single person.”
She smiled at him. “Very well Captain Parker, here’s what I need in a ship.” She ticked of a list of her requirements. “I need one small enough to be crewed by four in addition to yourself. One capable of going anywhere on the ocean. Think you can find one and a crew Captain Parker? In a relatively short time?”
“I’m sure I can. One thing ma’am if I may.”
“Yes.�
��
“Instead of calling me Captain Parker, I’d feel more comfortable if you’d just call me Tom.”
She smiled. “Very well Tom, as long as you stop calling me ma’am. I’m not that old. Call me Katrina, or better yet Kat.”
“Okay, Miss Katrina. In private I will call you Katrina, but not in front of the crew. Addressing you as ma’am in front of them is a show of respect.”
Smiling again, she said, “Well It’s a start. Kat…please. I will call you Captain Parker or Captain in front of them.” She pulled out her new cell phone –– another item that Nolan had helped her pick–– and gave Tom her number. You know what I require, so get busy.”
“Right away, Kat.”
Nolan still hadn’t returned. Going downstairs, she hailed a cab and went to the warehouse to meet the rental agent. The cab had no more than left, before some of the items she’d ordered started to arrive.
It was late in the evening when she got back to her room. She had one message. It was from Nolan.
“I guess I missed you. Sorry. See you later.” The message stated.
Why didn’t he call? I would have told him where I was. For a moment her lip puckered but she had too many other things on her mind to think about it more.
Nolan picked her up the next morning and they drove to the warehouse. “Where were you yesterday?” she asked.
“I just hung around the boat. Fixed a few things. You seemed to have everything under control here.”
At the warehouse he sat in a chair off to one side, while she deftly assembled electronic equipment following Jar’san’s mental directions. Occasionally, he signed for more deliveries. Late that night, he delivered her back to the hotel, and left for the night for his boat.
They were at the warehouse the next day, when her phone rang.
“Kat, this is Tom. I’ve hired a crew, subject to your approval of course. I’ve also located a ship, I think. One problem. It’s not here at the islands. It’s in San Diego.”
“I see. Well then, I guess you and the crew should fly over and look at her. If it meets my needs, and your approval, let me know and I’ll wire you the money to buy it. How soon can you and the men meet me at the airport?”
“Should be able to be there in a couple hours.”
“I’ll see you there then.”
Turning to Nolan, she did not even have to ask.
“I know. The airport,” he said.
Finding Tom, she and Nolan were introduced to the crew. After paying for the plane tickets with a credit card, something else Nolan had helped her acquire, she handed it to Tom.
“Use this to pay for your accommodations in San Diego and anything else you require.”
After the flight left, they returned to the warehouse. She was soon immersed in assembly of parts once more.
“Kat.”
“Hmm,” she answered distractedly.
“I’ve got a few errands to do. Would it be okay for me to pick you up here later?”
“Sure.” She hardly noticed when he left.
Later that day, they delivered her Mil’ort. After Nolan brought her back to the hotel late that night, the only thing she could think of was a shower and falling into bed.
“See you in the morning, Kat.”
“Okay. Night.”
In what seemed like only a few moments later, she answered the door to find Nolan, standing in the hall.
“How about a nice breakfast for a change, Kat.”
“Sounds like a great idea. Let me get my purse.”
They were just about out the door, when her phone rang.
“Kat, this is Captain Parker, the ship looks fine. It’s all ready for a cruise. If we purchase it today, we can set sail tomorrow or the next day for sure.”
“Okay.” Jar’san provided mental photos of the ship via the internet. “I’ll take your word that it’s what I want. I’m headed for the bank now. I’ll need the owner’s information about where to wire the money.”
After a brief pause, Tom gave her the information.” Talk to you in a little, Tom.”
She hung up and glanced at Nolan. “Sorry about that lengthy breakfast. Will you give me a ride to the bank?”
“Yep.”
After spending the afternoon working in the warehouse, they returned to the hotel. Standing at her door, Nolan asked, “Kat, You’ve been working every day and running like a crazy person. I think you should take some time to relax. I’d like to take you out tonight for a real meal. One served at a fancy restaurant, instead of prepared in a microwave or delivered to your room. In fact, there’s a nice one here in the hotel.”
“I’d like that. It sounds really nice.”
“Then I’ll be back after I’ve gotten ready. Okay?”
“You know where I’m staying. I’ll be here waiting.” She watched him walk down the hall. When the elevator doors closed, she rushed into her room to start getting ready. The prospect of having a fancy meal with Nolan made her heart race.
CHAPTER SEVEN
When she answered his knock and opened the door, he stood agape. The many silver flecks in the grey cocktail dress she wore shimmered in the light, causing it to shed a kaleidoscope of colors. Baggy sleeves fell to her wrists when she lowered her arms. A wide black belt circled her waist.
God does she ever wear anything that she doesn’t look drop dead gorgeous in? No, not in my eyes she doesn’t. The emotion that surged to life in him once more at seeing her was all too familiar and no matter how hard he tried to resist it was getting ever stronger. It was the same feeling he had once held for Leah and left unchecked threatened to be even stronger.
“So are we going down stairs to eat, or are you just going to stand there with your mouth hanging open? Maybe I should change if I look that bad.”
“You look stunning. Let’s go eat,” he managed. Extending his arm, they sauntered down the hall to the elevator.
All during the meal he stole secretive glances at her in fascination. How was it possible for a woman as fit and trim as her to eat so much? Then he reminded himself that she was part alien. Maybe her metabolism is different from a human one.
She sat back from her plate at the end of their dinner. “I can’t take another bite. This meal was delicious.”
Glancing at her plate, he smiled. There were just a few bites left of the huge steak and lobster plate in front of her. When the waiter brought their check, she promptly grabbed it and pulled some bills from her purse.
“Keep the change.” She told the waiter. Looking at the time on her watch, she said to Nolan, “It’s still early. I’m not ready to turn in yet. Bar?”
“Sure.”
They strolled to the bar and slid into a booth. After asking him what he wanted to drink, she ordered for them. “A blue Lagoon and a whiskey sour,” she told the waitress. “I’m so excited,” she said to him when the waitress left. “It appears at last I’m going to get my ship and start my mission.”
“Looks like. I think Captain Parker is a good man. He’ll take good care of you.”
All during the evening, she talked of her plans to begin her search once the ship arrived.
“Kat, you better slow down on those Blue Lagoons. They’ll sneak up on you.”
“I feel fine. I really like the way they taste.”
As the evening wore on, her speech became slurred and her eyes turned glassy.
“I think maybe I should take you up to your room. I’m sure you have a big day planned for tomorrow.” Although he did not say it, he was thinking, before you get sick or pass out.
With him holding her up, they stumbled to the elevator. Halfway up, she became silent in mid sentence. Only his quick reaction kept her from falling, when she suddenly slumped toward the floor.
“I tried to warn you, Kat.” He chuckled. Hefting her over his s
houlder, he carried her to her room in an unladylike position. Fishing her key card from her purse, he let them in and laid her on the bed. Next he removed her shoes and belt. With a shrug, he covered her. Kat’s lips curved into a silly smile, and she snuggled her head into the pillow, never once opening her eyes. Shifting a little, she hugged the pillow, got comfortable and slept on.
For a long time he sat at the desk staring at the blank piece of paper. Finally he started to write. When he finished, he propped it against her purse where she’d be sure to find it.
Crossing the floor, he gazed down at her. “I’m going to miss you Kat. God, how I’m going to miss you.” Kissing his hand, he pressed it to her cheek. Quietly, he let himself out of the room.
****
Her eyes rolled beneath her closed lids. It felt like someone had poured gravel in them. Her queasy stomach motivated her to leave the bed and hurry to the bathroom, where she promptly lost the remains of her meal from the night before.
That finished, she looked in the mirror. Two bloodshot eyes looked back at her and she was convinced someone was pounding the inside of her skull in an attempt to get out. The cocktail dress she wore was full of wrinkles.
“I look like shit.” She groaned. “I feel even worse. Nolan, you tried to warn me.” Even her low murmur, made the hammering in her head worse.
Stripping, she stepped into the shower and bathed under a cascade of steamy water. After drying, combing her hair, and taking care of her morning bathroom duties, she slid into her panties, shorts and top. Now, other than the throbbing pain behind her eyes, she felt like a person again. Absently, she dialed his number. While waiting for him to answer, she slipped on her tennis shoes.
No answer.
“That’s strange. He always answers.”
Maybe he’s on his way and is in a no service area. I’ll go downstairs, have a cup of coffee and try him again. Maybe we can have that breakfast we skipped yesterday.
Reaching for her purse, she saw the note propped up against it. She read it. With shaking hands, she collapsed into the chair and read it again, and then again.
Kat.
By the time you read this I’ll be gone. We shouldn’t be together anymore so don’t bother trying to find me. Captain Parker is a good man. He’ll take care of everything you need to get accomplished on your mission. I’ve taught you most of what I can teach and you’ve made remarkable progress at leaning on your own.