“I heard that! Ever hear of the pupil exceeding the teacher? We’re a classic case,” Summer said, chalking her stick.
“Enough talking, spitfire. Let’s see what you’ve got,” Marc said as he gathered the balls into the rack.
“Let’s give them a fighting chance and let them break,” Summer said, leaning into Jack and laughing.
“I think someone needs to be taught a lesson. What do you think, Jenna?” Marc said. He lined up the balls and removed the rack.
“Most definitely. That wrap needs to come off, don’t you think?” she said, tossing her head in Summer’s direction.
“Totally agree,” he said, positioning his cue stick to break. The crack sent the balls scattering chaotically in every direction. “We’re solids. I think we should trade off each shot to make the game more interesting. What do you say?”
Summer looked at Jack who nodded. “Works for us,” she said. She leaned her cue against the wall and stood next to Jack. “That makes it Jenna’s turn to sink a ball.”
Marc loomed in close, right up against Jenna to show her the best possible shot. “Okay, you want to hit it a little left of center but not too hard,” he said close to her ear.
“Yeah … ah thanks. Speaking of not to hard … or hard, could you back up a bit please?” Jenna felt her blush rush from her chest to her cheeks.
“Hey, hey, hey. Easy there buddy,” Jack said, laughing uncomfortably.
Summer moved in close to Jack and whispered, “Maybe I can help you with your next shot.” She squeezed his ass and then turned her focus back to the pool table.
Jenna bent over and took a nice easy stroke sending the cue ball toward the corner pocket. Go in, go in, go in, she thought. YES! “Woohoo,” she yelled, jumping up and down. “Your turn,” she said to Marc, handing him back his stick.
Marc hit a side shot into the far pocket with ease.
“I can’t imagine what it’s like when the two of you play each other for real,” Jenna said, taking the stick from Marc. He pointed to the four ball sitting next to the side pocket. “Thanks,” she said, peering up over her shoulder at him.
He moved around the table. “Focus your attention on this one spot.”
The cue ball slid softly along the felt striking the four ball, barely missing the pocket.
“Excellent try,” he said as she handed him back the stick. They both walked over to the bench and sat down.
Jack went first and easily sank his first attempt. Summer followed by hitting a shot behind her back.
“Does she ever miss?” Jenna asked Marc.
“Not often,” he said, watching Summer move around the table.
“Jack, go for this one,” Summer said. “It should be a fairly easy shot.” She then grabbed ahold of his butt and said, “I’m just holding you steady.”
Jack laughed and missed the pocket, giving Marc and Jenna the chance to win the game.
They picked off the four remaining solids with ease, leaving Jenna with the last shot.
“Eight ball in the left corner pocket,” she said. Carefully following Marc’s instructions, she zeroed in hitting the cue ball dead center. The eight ball rolled a straight line to the corner pocket, dropping solidly into the hole. “Off with it, missy,” Jenna said triumphantly to Summer.
Summer held the sides of her wrap. “You got to flash,” she said.
“Fine by me,” Jack said, enthusiastically.
Summer took her time, pulling open the sarong slowly, tauntingly exposing her nakedness.
“Nice,” Jack said, applauding.
Marc and Jenna laughed at Summer’s antics.
“What time is it?” Jenna asked.
“It’s a little after six. Is it time to go up?” Summer said.
“Let’s play one more game and then call it,” Marc said.
Marc and Jack paired up against the women and lost on an easy shot missed by Jack. Marc kissed Jenna lightly on the lips. “I’ll see you at 7:45,” he said.
“Jack, come get me when you’re ready. Let’s get something to eat and go dancing,” Summer said. She embraced him in warm hug.
“We’ll figure out something,” Jack said, watching her saunter over to Marc. “Are you ready?” he said to Jenna.
“Yeah, I think so,” she said, glancing back at Marc as they strolled from the recreation center.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“I really would prefer casual,” Marc said, looking in the full-length mirror in their hotel room.
“This is casual,” Summer said. “Try this together. It could be quite cool in the restaurant.” She handed him a white pullover that showed off his upper arms and a black denim waist-jacket that accentuated the shape of his upper back. “Wear your black drawstring pants and your sandals.”
Marc stood in front of the mirror with the palms of his hands forward. “I’ll never quite get the reasoning behind outfits.”
“You’re not supposed to. Trust me. You look great!”
“Does my hair look okay? It’s still a little wet from the shower.”
“You seem a little nervous. Don’t worry, I’d date you myself,” she said. “Have a good time. Be nice and come home on time,” she kidded.
They embraced, rocking back and forth in their own thoughts. Marc bent down and kissed her.
“Thank you for us,” he said. “Have a wonderful time tonight and I’ll see you later.”
Before Marc had a chance to leave, there was a light knock on the door.
“Hey, Jack, are you ready for this?” Marc asked as he opened the door.
“I’m here but I’m not absolutely positive I’m ready for it,” Jack said, stepping through the door. “Hi, Summer. This feels a little weird, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, a little maybe, but you guys will get used to it. Everybody’s clued in on what’s going on, so why not just enjoy yourself?” Summer said as she pushed Marc out the door.
“See you in a while,” he said. He then blocked Summer from closing the door. “Is she ready?”
“Should be close. You guys have a good time,” Jack said reflexively while starring at Summer.
She closed the door after giving Marc a parting kiss. She turned to Jack and said, “You look good.” She sashayed up close to him. “What shall we do tonight?”
“I brought a bit of a joint. Thought we could smoke, maybe dance a little or if you want to and it would be my honor, I’d love to do a clay rough out of you.”
“Do we have enough time?”
“Sure. It won’t be totally finished, but getting the basics is no problem.”
“Let’s eat quickly then and get started.” She untied her robe as she strutted to the bathroom and partially closed the door. “This is so cool. Will it look like me?” she called to him.
“It’ll be you, only miniature. It’ll end up about sixteen inches tall.”
Summer pulled on a black turtleneck, a pair of blue jeans, and slipped into a pair of sandals. As she reentered the room, she held out her hand to Jack and they left.
*****
Marc stopped on the terrace to look out over the Caribbean Sea at the light show on the horizon. The lightning danced across the sky, snaking its way through the monstrous thunderclouds offshore. The crescent moon shone brightly against the clear skies over the resort. Marc greeted several familiar faces on his way to Jenna’s room. He knocked and impatiently waited with the eager anticipation of a young boy on his first date.
The door opened slowly and there before him stood Jenna.
“You look terrific … so radiant. May I come in?” he asked, moving forward without taking his eyes off her.
“I’m very nervous,” she said. “Can I get you anything?”
“Your dress is fantastic.”
“Thank you. I made it myself,” she said, shaking her head as the words came out of her mouth. “Kidding around. I’m sorry.” God, relax and shut up, she thought as she drew a deep breath.
“Well, shall we stroll over t
o Le Gourmet?”
“Before we leave could I ask you for a small favor?” she said, casting her eyes to the floor.
“Sure,” he said, lifting her chin so he could see her face.
“May I … would you kiss me, because last night I was so … I don’t exactly remember what it felt like.”
“It felt like this.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her fully on the lips. She melted into his embrace, relaxing into the new sensations he stirred in her. It had
been so long since she felt so open, so stimulated, so alive. She kissed him back with equal passion, savoring the uniqueness of his kiss. He escorted her on a journey of abandon, dancing his tongue around hers and she followed his lead.
“Wow … mum … nice. Very nice,” she said, placing her hands on his chest to steady herself. “Thank you. I think I’m ready now.”
“Then we’re off,” he said. He took her hand in his and led her to the door.
“Yes,” she said, but thought, I could stay here and kiss you all night.
The line for Le Gourmet threaded into the far side of the lobby. They fell in line, still holding hands, next to a large clay pot embellished with African figures dancing on the side. Several planters held small decorative palm trees throughout the lobby. The couples moved slowly, but steadily forward, filling the main dining area. Jenna elegantly stood, holding a brocaded clutch purse matching the slinky black dress that draped softly over her body. She adorned her slender neck with a silver necklace made of repeating hoops and her lobes with earrings to match. She decided to wear her hair up in a twist allowing wisps to frame her high cheekbones.
Jenna let go of Marc’s hand, placed it on his shoulder as she raised herself on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. “I feel like we’re doing something illicit, something my parents would’ve grounded me for,” she said, laughing as her heels touched the ground and she blushed at her own silliness.
“For me, it feels right, but I’ve believed for a long time that I’m capable of loving more than one person,” he said, resting his hand on the small of her back.
“On an intellectual level I understand that,” she said. “And frankly, I’ve never met a happier couple than you and Summer. But this is all a little foreign to me. Exciting, stimulating, but also dangerous.”
The couple behind them touched Jenna’s shoulder letting her know they were next in line. They followed the maître d’ to a table for two on the upper level of the restaurant near the grand piano.
“This is amazing,” Jenna said, scanning the elaborate chandeliers, the linens, the fine china and crystal glasses on the tables. The tuxedoed waiter removed Jenna’s napkin from her plate and placed it on her lap. He handed her the menu as the busboy filled her water glass.
“Can I order you something from the bar?” asked the waiter.
“Would you like to share a bottle of white wine?” Marc asked.
“Yes, that would be nice,” she said. She stared at him as he perused the wine list.
When the waiter walked away, Marc said over his menu, “What are you going to start with?”
“The escargot ravioli.” She glanced up from her menu. “What are you going to have?”
“That was my first choice, as well. Should I pick something else and we can share?”
“Yes, I’d love that.” She took a sip of her water to ease her nervousness.
“What else sounds good to you? You’re the food critic.”
“It all sounds wonderful to me. Let’s see … umm … the ravioli is a warm appetizer, let’s try one of the cold ones. The Marlin drizzled with wasabi vinaigrette?” she asked, slightly shivering from the cold draft hitting her shoulders.
“Sounds great. I guess you like spicy foods, too. Would you like my jacket?” he asked as he stood to take it off.
“Thank you,” she said as he slipped his jacket over her shoulders. She felt enveloped by the warmth of his trapped body heat. “I love spicy foods as long as it doesn’t obscure the other flavors of the dish.” She looked up as the wine steward approached to open the bottle at the table.
He presented the bottle to Marc for his approval.
“Yes, that’s it,” he said.
Throwing the golden napkin over his black tuxedoed arm, he proceeded to open the bottle of wine with flare. He poured a small amount in both glasses, handing them forward for their tasting. Jenna swirled the wine around the glass and smelled its fragrance. She closed her eyes and took a sip allowing it to reach all the taste buds on her tongue. She swallowed. “It’s light and fruity. It leaves a wonderful aftertaste. Umm … delicious,” she said, holding her wineglass delicately in her hand. She opened her eyes, suddenly realizing that both men were watching her intently. She blushed.
“You’re a lucky man,” the waiter said.
“I know,” Marc said. He reached across the table to touch Jenna’s hand.
The wine steward filled their glasses, placed the wine in a bucket of ice by the table, and walked away.
She searched his face. “I can’t believe all that I’m feeling in such a short time. How long have we been here? Four days?” She placed her wine glass on the table, nervously tracing the rim. “I feel … I feel like I’ve lived an entire lifetime. I can’t stop thinking about that amazing kiss. You know I usually don’t talk like this with anyone other than Jack.”
“Talk like what?” he said softly.
“Saying everything I’m thinking. I usually censor myself. I feel terrified and freed at the same time. Jack and I are doing better than we have in such a long time and then there’s you. I’m overwhelmed and stimulated and exceedingly happy but apprehensive, as well. Does that make sense?”
Marc stroked the top on her hand. “Complete sense,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m anxious but I do experience some trepidation in opening my heart to you. I haven’t felt this way about another person in a very long time. In fact, since the first moment we met I’ve found myself physically aroused and drawn to you. We’ve had relationships with other people over the years, but I feel that we, as a foursome, have incredible potential.”
Jenna was saved from responding as their waiter delivered their appetizers. “Oh, this smells so good,” Jenna said, to avoid the magnitude of his statement. “You’ve got to try this. The escargot melts in your mouth.”
“Wow. That is delicious,” Marc said, smiling. He waved his hand to get the waiter’s attention. “Could you help me move my place setting around closer to her? He settled back into his seat as the waiter walked away. “This is better for sharing, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I do,” she said with a demure grin.
Marc touched her face as he brought his mouth to hers. “And kissing,” he said in a husky voice. He softly caressed her lips and as the intensity grew, he pulled back. He then cleared his throat and said, “Would you like to taste my dish?”
A bit dazed she said, “Oh, yes, sure,” and opened her mouth for a bite.
They spent the five-course meal talking, sharing gourmet French food, and chilled wine. Jenna asked Marc about his children and shared more about her own family. They delighted in the flaming pineapple crepe as the finale to their meal.
Marc pulled out Jenna’s chair and asked, “Would you like to go for a walk in the gardens?”
“Sure, that would be nice,” she said. She removed his coat and handed it to him. “Thanks for the use of your jacket. I hope you weren’t too cold in there.”
“No, it was perfect. All of it,” he said, throwing the jacket over his left shoulder and wrapping his right arm around her.
“It was, wasn’t it?” she said, looking up at him.
*****
Jack withdrew the key and unlocked the door. After opening it, he allowed Summer to enter his hotel room ahead of him.
“Your place is so yellow. The yellow bedspread, and oh, look at the cool tile and yellow curtains, too. I love it. Our place is much more masculine. It’s predominantly green and we have carpet.
The setup’s the same though, but the mirror image of ours. Wow, look at your view,” she said as she walked through the open French doors. “Have you guys had the chance to watch any weddings in the gazebo?”
“No, not really. We’ve been a bit busy with you guys,” he said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “Not complaining, you understand. That’s more Jenna’s thing than mine. I can think of better ways to spend my time.”
“Like what?” Summer asked, turning around in his arms to face him.
“Like this,” Jack said. He nibbled up Summer’s neck and then kissed her passionately.
“Hmm … that is better,” she said. She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him again.
“Okay, whoa,” he said, ducking out from under her arms. “That’s getting me a little too hot.” He sat down on the chair near the balcony table and lit a cigarette. “Would you like one?” he asked, holding out the pack.
She sat in the chair across from him. “No thanks, but I wouldn’t mind smoking some Caribbean herb.”
Jack stood up and retrieved the joint from his wallet. “My lady,” he joked.
“Thanks,” she said. She leaned forward to put the tip into the flame that Jack held for her and drew in the smoke. As she held it in, she asked in a squeaky voice, “How strong is this? I haven’t been high in ages.”
“Pretty strong. One or two pulls should do it,” he said, taking the joint from her outstretched hand.
She blew out the smoke. “I think that will do it for me. I can feel it already. So tell me, what do I need to do to pose for you.”
“Tonight I just want you to stand but in the future I would like to sketch you in a yoga pose. You know the one where you balance on one foot curling the other leg behind you? I would need to sketch it from several angles.”
“It’s called Nataraja-asana, The King of the Dance posture. You want this done in the nude?”
“I forgot you haven’t seen any of my work. That’s all I do,” he said, standing up.
The Demarcation of Jack Page 18