Wait for the Rain

by Murnane, Maria

  She skipped into the dressing room, and Skylar and Daphne watched her.

  “She really is like a kid,” Skylar said.

  After an afternoon of shopping and wandering around town, they returned to the beach house, a bit tired, sunned out, and ready for some downtime before dinner. KC ducked into her room for a nap, saying she was too wiped out even to make herself disappear on Daphne’s bed wearing her new dress.

  Skylar had to dial into yet another conference call and quickly settled at the desk in the living room. “I feel like this is my office,” she groaned as she reached for her headset.

  “At least you have a nice view, right?” Daphne said.

  “That’s the spirit.” Skylar chuckled and put on the headset. “Now shush, I need to switch gears into professional mode.”

  Despite all the activity of the day, Daphne wasn’t feeling sleepy, so she decided to go for another walk on the beach, this time in the opposite direction. She and KC had explored a sliver of that stretch during their workout, but she was interested to see what else lay beyond the patch they’d covered.

  Before leaving the house, she popped into her bedroom to check her phone—which she’d left plugged in on the dresser while they were out shopping—to see if Emma had returned her text from earlier in the day. The screen was blank.

  Daphne frowned. While a part of her hoped her daughter’s lack of communication was because she was having too much fun on her vacation to even think about her phone, a bigger part of her hoped it was due to poor cell reception. She felt a bit self-centered admitting that to herself, but it was true. She missed her daughter, and she wanted her daughter to miss her back. At least a little bit.

  She set the phone down on the dresser, then reached for her straw hat and tote bag and quietly made her way into the kitchen so as not to disturb Skylar’s call. She heard snippets as she retrieved a bottle of water from the refrigerator and tiptoed through the living room toward the French doors, the sound of Skylar’s fingers flying over the keyboard providing a musical backdrop to the conversation.

  “Walk on the beach,” Daphne mouthed the words and pointed to the ocean.

  “Sounds bueno,” Skylar whispered with a quick smile, then immediately returned her focus to the conference call. Daphne was amazed at her ability to slip in and out of worlds so seamlessly.

  Daphne gently closed the glass doors behind her, then walked across the deck and glanced up at the cloudless blue sky. She’d applied and reapplied sunscreen a couple times already, but she could still feel her fair skin burning in the hot sun. She hunted inside her tote bag for a bottle of sunblock and her sunglasses, sprayed herself down one more time, then put on the straw hat and glasses and made her way down the steps. Once off the deck, she removed her flip-flops to enjoy the feel of the beach between her toes, but it was too hot for her skin, so she quickly trotted down to the shore. The clear green water felt soothing on her bare feet, the wet sand soft.

  She took a quick look back at the deck, then set off on her walk.

  After wandering quietly for a few minutes, Daphne noticed that the houses lining the beach were becoming more secluded, the gaps between them noticeably larger. Soon what she was passing no longer qualified as houses so much as mansions. Or full-blown estates.

  Each one seemed to be more stunning than the next. The architecture differed from structure to structure, but nearly all of the residences were white. To Daphne the collective effect was reminiscent of the pristine, shingled, white-and-gray houses of Nantucket.

  It was simply . . . beautiful.

  Daphne stopped and put her hands on her waist, gazing up at one of the mansions. These were clearly the vacation homes of the über rich, toys of those so wealthy there was no need to even consider renting them out. It was hard to fathom that kind of wealth. She was still getting used to the gorgeous place Skylar’s boss was kindly letting them borrow. The house she was staring at right then was from another world entirely. She wondered what that type of life would be like. Were the people who owned it happy? The popular refrain said that money can’t buy happiness, but Brian had always told Daphne that he wondered if whoever had coined that saying didn’t have a lot of money.

  “How could you not be happy if you were rich?” he would say. She’d never really challenged him about it, but looking back now, she saw the comment for what it was—a reflection of his immaturity, of his relatively shallow values.

  Come to think of it, she’d never challenged him on most of what he said. I used to think he was wise just because he was five years older, but he wasn’t even thirty when we met. Oh, how her perspective on age had changed.

  She turned around to look out at the ocean. A memory of Skylar’s comment from earlier flickered to life: she’d described Daphne as vanilla.

  It had stung to hear Skylar choose that word to describe her, but Skylar was right. It had been gradual, but over many years of pouring her energy into her daughter’s activities, of struggling to calm the waters with Brian, of smoothing the way for everyone else to be happy, Daphne had lost track of what made her happy. And it wasn’t money.

  When she and Brian had met, she’d loved dancing and traveling and taking chances. She loved staying up late and drinking wine and laughing over lively conversation. She loved exploring and wandering and wondering. All the seeds for a picture-perfect future were there, but then everything started to change. Daphne began to wonder what their marriage would have been like, what her life would have been like, if he’d just . . .

  She balled her hands into fists. Stop thinking about it. It’s over.

  She glanced up again at the extravagant house, then picked up a rock and hurled it into the ocean, farther than she had yesterday. As it sailed through the air, she was surprised to hear herself repeat the thought out loud—as a shout. “It’s over!”

  She watched the rock hit the water, making a small splash that quickly disappeared. Almost immediately the sea regained its smooth veneer, leaving no trace of the rock or its impact. Daphne stood there for a few moments, then checked her watch and decided it was time to head back to the beach house. She took a deep breath and felt a jolt of buoyancy as she exhaled. It’s time for more in my life. No more vanilla.

  Skylar would be proud.

  “Hey, woman, how was the walk?” Skylar greeted Daphne with a broad smile. She was still sitting at the desk in the living room, her headset now dangling around her neck.

  Daphne pointed outside toward the new swath of beach she’d just explored. “Gorgeous. I think we’re at the tail end of a ritzy neighborhood. Some of the houses that way are unbelievable.”

  Skylar closed her laptop, then removed her headset. “So I’ve been told. That’s a glimpse into how the other half lives.”

  Daphne laughed and looked around the expansive living room. “Like we have it so bad. This place is amazing.”

  “Hey, I’m not knocking it or complaining in any way. I’m just speaking the truth, which is that I’m well aware that our current digs are hardly extravagant. Some of the estates along that part of the island have their own helipads.”

  “Well, for me, this place is certainly extravagant. But I agree that it’s just because I haven’t been exposed to the lavish things you have. You’re pretty much the only high roller I know.” She knew Brian’s parents were well-off, but she couldn’t imagine their flying all over the world like Skylar did. They were too reserved to actually enjoy their money.

  Skylar shrugged. “Extravagance is relative. Trust me, my life in New York is far from the upper echelons. You ready for a drink?”

  Daphne glanced at the kitchen. “I don’t know if I can do alcohol yet. I think I need some coffee, to be honest. I should have followed KC’s lead and taken a nap.”

  Skylar waved a finger at her. “Don’t even think about pulling the rip cord early again tonight. You promised, remember? And if there’s
one thing I admire more than your vocabulary, it’s that you never break a promise. It’s hard to get you to make one, but once you do, I know it’s golden.”

  “I know, I know: enough with the guilt. I’m well aware that I told you I would rally tonight, thus the suggestion of a caffeine infusion. Is KC still passed out?”

  “I think she’s in the shower.”

  “When do we need to leave for dinner?”

  Skylar glanced at her watch. “In about an hour. Just enough time for you to shower and change and have a cocktail with us on the deck. After your caffeine infusion, of course.”

  Daphne nodded. “Got it.”

  “Did I hear someone say something about a cocktail on the deck? I feel like a new person after that power nap.”

  Skylar and Daphne both looked toward the hall. KC was standing there, her wet hair pulled back into a ponytail. She wore a pair of cutoffs and a bright teal T-shirt that read “St. Mirika!” in white lettering.

  Skylar held up her forearm as if to shield her eyes. “What in the name of Holy Jesus are you wearing?”

  KC glanced down at the shirt. “Isn’t this great? I bought it when you two were in that jewelry store.”

  “Why is it shouting at us?” Daphne asked.

  KC laughed. “I have no idea, but I love it.”

  “What happened to that adorable white dress with the flowers?” Skylar said.

  “I thought that was for Daphne’s birthday dinner.”

  “Then what about the dress you brought with you?” Skylar asked.

  KC shrugged. “I can’t find it in my suitcase. I must have forgotten to pack it.” She glanced down at her shirt. “No worries, though. I’ll just go with this.”

  Skylar covered her eyes with her palm. “God help us.”

  KC grinned and raised a hand in the air. “So what about that cocktail? I’m in!”

  Chapter Eight

  “What’s the plan for tomorrow?” KC sipped her rum punch, then set it down as the waiter handed her a dessert menu. “And you’d better not say shopping. I already paid those dues.”

  Skylar gave Daphne a look. “What is wrong with her? Who doesn’t like shopping? It’s like not liking chocolate. Or sleeping. Or breathing. It’s just not natural.”

  Daphne smiled and took a sip of her drink. “Don’t ask me. I gave up trying to understand what makes her tick about a week after we met. It was easier just to watch her run around like a wind-up toy.”

  KC rubbed her hands together. “So, what’s on the docket? Doug told me about some gorgeous cliffs on the other side of the island. Should we go check them out? Or maybe go zip-lining? Do they have that here? Or parasailing? I’ve always wanted to try something high-flying like that.” She turned toward Daphne, her eyes bright. “Any of those would be a killer way to celebrate your birthday, don’t you think?”

  “I guess so,” Daphne practically mumbled, not wanting to let on how much the idea of anything high-flying frightened her.

  “I’m exhausted just listening to that list,” Skylar said. “Did you know that some people go on vacation to relax?”

  Daphne was grateful for Skylar’s objection. When she was younger, she hadn’t been so scared of heights, had she? She didn’t think so.

  “Well, we have to do something adventurous to ring in Daphne’s fortieth,” KC said, then leaned over and patted Daphne’s arm. “Maybe we’ll kick it off with a nice run on the beach.”

  “Can we call an audible on that?” Daphne asked. “After today I’m afraid to find out how much my body’s going to hurt when I wake up. I’m already feeling it.”

  “A little soreness is good,” KC said. “It’s like a receipt for your hard work.”

  “We’ll see,” Daphne said. Is this what it feels like to get old? She glanced at the dessert menu, wondering how much time she had left before she’d be reaching inside her purse for her own pair of reading glasses.

  Skylar tapped her fingernail against her drink. “If I have anything to say about it, your muscles won’t be the only thing hurting in the morning.” She gestured to the waiter for another pitcher.

  “Oh no,” Daphne said. “More rum punch?”

  “Oh yes,” Skylar nodded. “More rum punch.”

  “Oh mama,” KC groaned.

  “Oh shush,” Skylar said.

  KC looked at Skylar. “Anyhow, back to tomorrow. What are we doing? You still haven’t told us the plan, but I know you have one. You always have one.”

  Skylar paused to let the waiter set a fresh pitcher on the table. When he was gone, she refilled their glasses, then picked up her drink and smiled. “You are correct. I’ve made arrangements for us to spend the afternoon at the nicest spa on the island.”

  Daphne’s ears perked up. “A spa?” She hadn’t been to a spa in ages. I could use some pampering.

  “There’s a pretty famous one on the island called Serendipity, and from what I’ve seen, it’s gorgeous. I booked us each a facial and a massage, my treat.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Daphne said.

  “Please. I want to. I’ve been itching for a fancy spa trip myself lately, so it’s not like my motives are purely altruistic.”

  Daphne smiled. “Okay then, you can treat.”

  “Where is it?” KC asked. “Will it take all day?”

  “It’s at the Four Seasons on the north shore, but God forbid you spend an entire day relaxing, so I thought we could stop at the monkey forest on the way. How does that sound?” Skylar said.

  KC pumped her fist in the air. “Now we’re talking!”

  Skylar pressed a palm against her forehead. “Only you would be more excited at the idea of seeing a monkey than of getting deluxe spa treatments.”

  KC grinned. “Come on, even you have to admit that going to a monkey forest sounds awesome.”

  Skylar shrugged. “Okay, I’ll take that. Who doesn’t like a good monkey?”

  “How does it work?” Daphne asked. “Is it like a zoo?”

  Skylar shook her head. “Not at all. The monkeys run around completely free, no cages or anything. You can even feed them bananas if you want. They sell them right there. I’ve been to the one in Bali, and it’s pretty cool. But you have to be careful with your sunglasses, because the monkeys will jump on your shoulder and take them right off your face.”

  “For real?” Daphne asked.

  “Oh yes. They’re not afraid of humans at all. In Bali I saw this guy holding a yellow-and-orange-striped Popsicle, and a monkey ran up and stole it right out of his hand, then bolted up a tree. The monkey must have thought it was a banana.”

  KC clapped her hands together. “I can’t believe we’re going to see real monkeys! I might not be able to sleep tonight.”

  Skylar shook her head slowly. “Once again, I don’t know how to respond to that.”

  KC pointed at Skylar. “Hey, city girl, if you’re allowed to dream about having someone travel with you just to make your hair pretty, I can get excited about seeing some monkeys.”

  “She has a good point,” Daphne said to Skylar.

  Skylar laughed and touched the sides of her head. “I have a lot of hair. It’s hard to deal with.”

  KC did a little dance in her seat. “Monkeys! Woo, I’m so excited!”

  Skylar looked at her askance yet again, then picked up her dessert menu. “Okay Curious Georgia, let’s order something sweet, then get out of here. We need to change venues so you can re-create that move you just did on an actual dance floor. The night is young, we are young, and the Castaway is awaiting.”

  The Castaway was hopping. As the trio approached the entrance, they were greeted with the unmistakable music of a Jamaican steel drum, whose sound Daphne had always thought had the mystic ability to elevate the mood of everyone within earshot. The inside area of the bar was long and a bit crampe
d, especially near the front door, but the entire backside of the structure was open, leading onto an expansive deck area off the beach. A dance floor front and center was surrounded by cushioned chairs and love seats, the talented three-man band tucked away in a corner. A string of white paper lanterns lined the inside walls and also framed the outdoor area, wrapping the entire place in a warm, festive glow.

  “I already love it here!” KC snapped her fingers and began to bob her head from side to side.

  Daphne inconspicuously glanced around to inspect the demographics. The place wasn’t packed, but both the inside and outside areas were quickly filling up with revelers. Inside, most people were tucked up close to the bar, chattering loudly over cocktails and rows of shot glasses. On the deck area, some couples and small groups of friends were already having fun on the dance floor, while others huddled together and watched from their seats. Still others stood by themselves or nestled in small groups, and nearly everyone swayed gently to the music. The Castaway was inviting and friendly, and as Daphne scanned the crowd, she saw faces smooth, wrinkled, and somewhere in between. She was also hard-pressed to find one that didn’t have at least a hint of a smile on it.

  Including hers.

  Skylar ran her hand over KC’s ponytail. “I completely agree. The vibe is groovy, and I don’t throw that word around lightly. Now, who wants a drink? I’ve heard this joint has the best rum punch on the island.”

  KC raised her hand. “I’m in. I’m not gonna lie. I’m loving the rum punch.”

  Daphne shook her head. “I’m good for now.”

  “You sure?” Skylar gave her a look that asked, Are you doing okay?

  Daphne smiled. “I’ll have one in a little bit, I promise. For now I’ll take a water.”

  “Okay, be right back. Why don’t you grab us a place to sit if you can find one.”

  Skylar squeezed her way toward the bar, and as soon as she was gone, KC pinched Daphne’s waist. “All good with you? You look a little uncomfortable.”