by Carrie Banks
“Like you need any help with that,” I snort.
“I hired a tutor for my SAT’s. I’m going to get into a good college. I’m hoping Ivy League. I joined CrossFit. And you know what? It makes me more appealing to people and employers. I have big dreams to get out of our small town, and I’m too busy achieving them to wait around for a guy to call or text to meet up. I do the meeting up. I just signed up for Mandarin Chinese lessons at Sea Crest Community College. I’m already fluent in Spanish. With Mandarin under my belt with an MBA someday—I could get an international business degree. Maybe study abroad, who knows, the possibilities are endless. No one in my family has ever done anything like this.
My abuelo, was a fisherman in Hill’s Head, before the gringos with money came in turning it into rows of summer homes. My mom started out as chambermaid at the Sea Crest Hilton, and now she manages the entire housekeeping department. An achievement, but I crave more—so much more.” She finishes, twirling in a circle, and I see both the dream and determination in her eyes as she flops on the floor next to me.
“You’ll do it, Gabby. If anyone can it’s you. You have more drive and confidence than anyone I know.”
“Gracias.”
“I can’t believe we haven’t even started senior year and you’re taking classes at a college already.”
“Well, I want to be successful and have my own career. I’m not looking for a long-term romance or a man to get me what I want.”
“Have you considered which schools to apply to?”
I cringe at the thought of her going away, which is totally selfish of me since I already have my own future plans.
“If I can get a scholarship, I’m going to Brown or Dartmouth. My tía lives in Rhode Island, and if I do some light housework for her, she’s agreed to let me stay with her rent free while I earn my degree. Even with an academic scholarship, I still won’t be able to afford to stay in the dorms.”
“Wow, Gabby. You have it all figured out. But I’m confused. What about Barron? Are you guys together now or is this just a summer thing?”
She eyes me coyly, “Well, I kind of want it to turn into something more, but if it doesn’t—I’ll be alright. I won’t be too far from him either way. In fact, I still plan on working at Foster’s. I’ll just ask if I can cut back to part time. I know everything you are saying about him and it’s all true, but trust me, I know what I’m doing. Barron’s changed. He hasn’t touched anything, but an occasional drink and he’s been so supportive of me furthering my education.
He’s going to be traveling a lot this year. Charles wants to expand the business more into the European market. He’s planning to send Barron over to negotiate the deals when he’s on break. So, he won’t be around much anyway. There won’t be any awkward coffee machine run-ins if things don’t work out.” She gives me a tight hug, “Thanks for being a good friend. But I promise, I’ll be okay.”
“You always did have a stronger backbone then me. I don’t know how you do it. I swear you’re more like a guy when it comes to relationships.”
“Yeah, well… I’m not into girls, but if I was...” she picks up her beach towel and whips my butt with it.
“Ouch,” I shriek.
Rolling on the floor together, laughing hysterically, a feeling of peace settles over me—like everything’s going to work out.
I just have to have faith.
The door creaks and I look up, seeing JD and Dex in the doorway with their mouths hanging open.
“What? Dex wanted to see what all that shrieking was. He was worried,” JD says innocently.
“Just us girls, having fun.” Gabby replies winking at them.
“Come on. We have to meet Ryan soon,” I say, slapping her on the knee and zipping up my bag.
Two days.
I get to spend two whole days with Ryan Stone on the Her Majesty.
Am I ready?
CHAPTER TWO
RYAN
“Is everything set?”
“Yeah. I’m having the surprise ferried out here while we take the girls to the beach.”
“Good. I want everything to be perfect for her.”
“You really like this girl?”
“I do. She’s nothing like B or Emily. I actually give a fuck.”
“Gabby said that Tess is a virgin.”
“She is.”
“You cool with that?”
“I am.”
Barron smirks, “Because you’re planning on taking it away from her.”
“It’s her choice, but she’s a girl worth waiting for. Don’t talk or treat her like another one of my hookups. What’s up with Gabby, anyway?”
“She’s cool,” he shrugs, looking away.
“Uh-huh. If you fuck it up, I’ll be hearing about it I’m sure.”
“Just don’t fall in love, Ry. We’re Harvard bound man. We can’t tie our selves to high school girls.”
“I might to this one. She’s special…there’s just something about her.”
“What are you going to do if your boss at the internship pulls a few strings?”
“I don’t know. I don’t.”
“Let me give you some advice. You’re nineteen. Don’t fuck up your future over a summer fling.”
“She’s not a fling.”
“It doesn’t matter. We both know it won’t last forever.”
A pit forms in my stomach at the thought of ever letting Tess go. When Abby died, I needed to get the hell out of Boston and stay there. But I already had accepted HSB and was trying to find another college with the same pedigree to avoid being so close to home.
So far, things have been okay this summer because I’ve been distracted by thoughts of Tess. Whenever the pain and rage of losing Abby comes back, I focus on my golden girl. When would I see her again? What would I say? Now that she’s mine, I’ll fight like hell to keep her.
What am I going to do if my boss at my internship gets me transferred to London Business School? He likes me a lot and his colleague in the UK can pull strings over there and possibly get me in. It’s the best in the UK, rivals Harvard, and I could male more connections. Get away from my parents and the tragedy that still haunts me… but I’d be an ocean away from her.
“Don’t stress about it now. We still have a month or so of freedom left before we have to hit the books again. Things will work out.”
I look out over the horizon. “I used to think that, until Abby, died. Now, I don’t believe that anymore.” My throat closes up as I think of her. Summertime was ice pops and sidewalk chalk. Trips to the beach where I’d teach her how to ride the waves…
“Fuck.”
I break down and let the tears fall. “Fuck… fuck…fuck!” I roar.
“Hey.” Barron puts an arm around me and lets me cry.
“What’s going on?” JD runs up the steps to the bridge.
“Fuck. I-I’m sorry.” He backs away not knowing what to do. I swipe my eyes, “It’s all good. I need a minute below deck anyway.”
Barron watches me go with a frown as JD steps back awkwardly.
I want to drink and get lit. But I won’t. I can’t. I need to stop self-medicating the wrong way and focus on staying clean and sober.
From the steps outside the bridge, I see Tessa. She shines so bright. Her golden hair reflects the sun. She and Gabby are laughing and chatting. I don’t want her to see me like this. I don’t want the ugliness still living inside me touching her.
My heart skips a beat as I remember all we shared last night.
I’ll wait for her, but I hope she chooses me.
I want to be special to her.
Someone she’ll never forget.
CHAPTER THREE
TESSA
Her Majesty’s horn blows loudly, a warning to other boats that the queen is coming through. Barron expertly guides her out of the harbor and turns out to sea. He and Ry planned an entire day for us and gave strict orders to change into bikinis—and stay in them.
; I close my eyes and let the thrumming of Her Majesty’s powerful engines vibrate through my body as she drives through the water.
I could get used to this.
“I feel like a mimosa. Maybe I’ll use the wave phone to ring the galley.”
I look over at Gabby lying on the deck lounger next to me and shake my head, “Look at us—two townie girls living the dream,” I joke, scrounging through my bag for my oversized sunglasses. The sun broke through the clouds and it’s turned into a beautiful Fourth of July day. “Do you think JD’s going to feel like a third wheel for the rest of the weekend?”
“I’m sure he’ll be alright. Barron promised to let him captain, under his supervision, of course.”
“They’ve become fast friends,” I remark.
“It makes sense. They both are yachting freaks and Barron does know him from SYC.”
“Isn’t this crazy? Me and Ryan, you and Barron—even JD fits in. It couldn’t be more perfect.”
“There you go again. It’s just a weekend. Keep your guard up and have fun but don’t plan any weddings! Christo, this is what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“Okay, okay—but I did have your bridesmaid dress already picked out in my head. A gorgeous soft peach, you would look amazing in it with your dark hair and caramel skin. It’s strapless, of course—and in my daydream we were older, like twenty-five.”
“Stop already! Wait, what do you mean, bridesmaid? I expect to be matron of honor, chica!”
I grin, half-sitting up and slide my sunglasses up with my left hand, “I didn’t get much sleep last night…wake me up when we get to Bluffs Beach.” I wink and pull my shades down.
“I didn’t sleep much either.”
I turn my head and we both burst into a fit of giggles.
***
A shadow blocks out the sun. I open my eyes seeing his gorgeous face staring down at my bikini-clad body. He bends down, kissing me softly on the lips. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re here.”
I thread my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer for a deeper kiss. I force his lips apart, invading his mouth. With his hands braced on either side of my chair, he nudges my knees apart with his leg and starts to lie down on top of me.
“Hello? Did you forget I’m right here?” Gabby pipes up.
“Yep,” I let go of Ryan and trace my finger across my lips missing the feel of his mouth already.
“Tessa, didn’t tell you?”
Gabby looks at him puzzled.
“She pretends to be all sweet, but she’s really into exhibitionism. I had to drag her away last night after I busted her trying to spy on you and Barron in the hot tub.”
“Stop!” I smack him on the arm as he lets me up.
“Yeah right, I know my Tess. She would never.”
“Come on, your picnic at Bluffs Beach awaits. Grab your gear and meet us on the aft deck. Barron’s already dropped anchor and he’s getting the Zodiac ready.” Ryan says, reluctantly getting off me.
“What’s up JD? Aren’t you coming?” He’s standing at the rail with a somber look in his eyes.
“I think I’ll stay aboard. You go ahead. I’d be out of place anyway.”
He looks wistfully at the beach in the distance but shakes his head.
“It’s not like that,” I say, gently tugging his hand.
“Nah, it’s cool. I was kind of hoping Barron would let me man the ship, maybe sit in the captain’s chair for a few hours. It’s more my thing, anyway.”
“Definitely JD. Just don’t take off and leave us stranded!” Barron jokes as he runs up the stairs from the lower deck to see what the holdup is.
“How did you know I was planning on making a run with your beauty to the Florida Keys?”
“I’d hunt you down, JD. You wouldn’t get far.”
“I don’t know about that. I could drive her engines hard all night long, Barron. I’m a seasoned captain myself.”
“Okay! Boys! We get it! Come on, I’m hungry,” Gabby says grabbing Barron’s arm and leading him down to the lower deck.
“I’m sorry, JD. I wasn’t expecting any of this—” I tell him gesturing around to the yacht.
“I know. Just be smart.”
“Okay,” I tell him kissing his cheek. I watch him climb the deck stairs making his way up to the top deck until he disappears.
***
My body jostles again at every wave the outboard hits as we make our way to shore, cutting across the rough surf. I’ve never been to this side of Block before and it’s truly breathtaking.
Massive rugged bluffs jut out along the coastline. The rock varies from a deep brown to clay red and the waves are wild as they break over the reef that shoots up from the ocean floor.
Barron expertly maneuvers through it all, forcefully landing us on the beach where he cuts the engines.
I’m thrown forward by the impact but Ryan’s arms wind tightly around me, keeping me safe. He gets out first and the two men pull the Zodiac farther ashore.
“This is amazing. I’ve never been out this far on the island before.”
“This is the best spot for spearfishing. The surfs a little rough right now, but it should calm down in the next hour or so,” Barron replies with an easy smile.
The beach is strewn with rocks and broken shells. But there is a small patch of smooth sand at the base of a massive bluff.
“Ladies, may I present you with an al fresco dining experience at one of the most private and ruggedly beautiful places on the Barron Foster summer tour— Mohegan Bluffs.” Barron finishes with a bow and pops open a bottle of champagne. He hands us a cup.
Gabby and I whip out our phones, capturing the rugged beauty of the bluffs and beach. I hug her tight as we pose together taking selfies until Barron offers to snap a few.
“Take a few of us,” Ryan calls out, pulling me away from Gabby and dipping me in his arms.
“Happy birthday, America,” he toasts, raising his glass.
“I’ve never tasted such delicious champagne before. Barron, this is phenomenal,” I tell him tipping my glass to his.
“Babe, is this the Rosé Champagne?”
“Yes. I wanted something special for you, Gabby. It’s the Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2007. The very one you admired in my wine fridge.”
“That’s a five-hundred-dollar bottle, are you insane?” Gabby’s completely shocked that he would do this for her.
“I was just saving it for a special girl like you.”
“Yeah, right, Foster.”
“I would never waste this bottle on anyone, babe.”
I can tell Gabby is touched when she rubs her body against his pulling him down with one hand for a long kiss, leaving Ryan and me to be the voyeurs this time.
Ryan unpacks the large wicker basket that was secured in the Zodiac and I help him spread out a large blanket. Taking out the containers, I gasp at the assorted sushi rolls Barron’s chef made aboard. They are fresh and perfectly rolled. I lean back against Ryan’s chest and finish my last drop of pink champagne.
As the four of us dine, I smile at Barron and Gabby taking turns feeding one another. I love seeing the softer side of her that comes out when she’s dating someone.
“Bro, you ready to catch some fish?”
“I’m cuddling with my girl here,” Ryan answers, holding me tighter.
“Come on, Ryan. It’s tradition,” Barron says, throwing a wetsuit and dive mask our way.
“Will you be alright here if I go?”
“Sure. I guess he can have you for an hour,” I reply playfully. Ryan reluctantly puts the black wetsuit on, and it clings to every tight muscle on his athletic body. He grabs the fins and then picks up the mask, adjusting the straps. Barron comes over, handing him a long spear.
“Holy crap. You’re going out in the water with that?”
Ryan’s holding a three-foot-long spear gun with a trigger and pointed blade.
“Tessa, we’re experts. We’ll catch dinner in no time,” Ba
rron answers.
“Oh, my God. I’d rather you just let your man in the galley do his thing, please.”
“Relax, I’ll take good care of your boy. I always do,” Barron answers handing Gabby a wave phone and a bag of supplies.
“We’ll be back in one hour. If you need to reach us call. I’ll come up to the boat every few catches to check my phone.”
“Wait. W-what? You’re leaving us here?”
“Yes. We’re going to take the Zodiac around that cove. I’ve got a small anchor we’ll use to moor. It’s the best spot on the island to catch bluefin tuna.”
Barron’s clueless. He probably doesn’t bring girls here often. I’m uncomfortable being left alone on a rocky beach, on the isolated part of Block Island wearing nothing but a bikini. Ryan senses my discomfort and jogs back.
“Here sweets.” He hands me a spare spear gun.
“What’s this for?”
“I’d feel better if you have it—you know in case your ex has psychic voodoo skills. You could at least fend him off until I could come to your rescue.”
“Gee thanks, but I’d probably accidentally stab myself.”
“I’ll take it.” Gabby grabs the spear gun holding it high up above her head. In her bikini, she looks like a pin-up girl gone bad.
“That’s hot babe. Maybe we’ll just stay here after all.” Barron drops his gear.
“Maybe you can take me next time? I love trying new things,” she answers with a wink.
“And I’d love to teach you…new things. I’ll pick you up some gear at Aqua Sports when we get back.” He saunters over giving her a kiss. My mouth hangs open when he grabs her full butt in the palms of his hands, kneading each cheek.
I can’t look away. They are so hot together.
Jesus, maybe I am a creepy voyeur. Barron with his pale blond hair and Gabby, the Latin seductress, are en fuego.
“Let’s go,” Ryan taps Barron’s leg with the sheathed gun. As the boys finally head out, I catch Gabby doing the same thing I am—drooling.