by Kenya Wright
“Just get a damn dress, please.” I interrupted.
Perry twirled his hands in the air. “Very well. If you want to look like a little whore then fine.”
I scowled. “You’re enjoying this.”
“I am.” He hit my back and gestured toward the back. “May the shopping adventure begin. We need dresses with sleeves. Freddy’s arms are too big. And heels—”
“No heels,” I growled.
Perry pouted. “Then sandals, but we’ll have to paint your toes.”
“What?” I growled.
“You’re going to be my lovely guest as we go onto the island. The people who are around me, reflect me. You must look as good as possible or someone’s going to say something to Father or my uncles.”
I didn’t know how Caden and Perry’s family fit in this situation. The less anyone knew about me being on the island, the better.
I nodded. “Okay. Nail polish. Fine.”
“And make-up.”
“Okay,” I muttered.
“And jewelry.”
“Fine.” I fisted my hands. “But, I stop at panties and a bra.”
“That’s fine. There are several breast prosthetics that allow you to go braless. You just attach them to your chest and—”
“No.”
“But your dress will fall flat in the front.” Perry looked at my face and left the entire idea alone.
The poor clerk had done her best to make me believable, painting my lips and brushing shit all over my cheeks and eyes. I already thought women wore too much crap on their face and loved that Dawn kept her beauty fresh and simple. No fake lashes and glitter hiding those beautiful eyes. Unfortunately, the clerk had coated my face with gunk. I had to admit it, I no longer looked like myself, but I damn sure wasn’t pretty either.
The dress was simple—white and breezy, covering my arms and forming around my huge frame. It wasn’t tight but still it felt unnatural.
I’m wearing a dress for you, Dawn. Are you happy? I’m racing around the world and wearing a dress for you.
Adjusting the sunglasses on my face, I growled and kept my head down. The blonde hair from the wig hid part of my face. The rest fell over my shoulders. The long flight was unbearable. Perry had to freshen my make-up by the time we finally made it to Cape Town, South Africa.
On his yacht, Perry whistled at me. “You’re looking good, Freddy. You’re lucky the ride isn’t that much longer, I’m close to having my way with you.”
“Shut up, Perry.”
“You should close your legs.
“What?” The bottom of the dress was scrunched up on the side as my hairy legs lay out on the deck chair. “You don’t like the view?”
Perry took a swig from his martini. “You should’ve shaved your legs.”
Minutes later, Perry’s yacht pulled into the island’s port. Private security guards climbed onto the boat. They held flashlights. I kept my mouth shut and head down low. If anything, I looked like a big, bulky gorilla of a woman. I doubted they would stare too long.
Thank God for the moonlight. We couldn’t have done this during the daytime. Or could we?
The guards looked my way and then exchanged uncomfortable glances with each other as if they were used to Perry bringing men in dresses onto the island.
Fuck. That’s what it is.
The realization of Perry’s real reason for getting me in a dress made sense. And finally, I understood why he hadn’t said anything.
Perry brings men up here. Max had joked that he was into chicks with dicks. I guess so.
Not one to judge, that news relaxed me. It all made sense on why he’d want me to be dressed high end and believable. Perry drowned in money. I bet he grabbed a good-looking crossdresser off the street, took them to that boutique, dressed them up, and brought them to the island. It would be a safe place for Perry to play without too many public eyes watching him. I was sure his family knew about his interests but didn’t talk about it or address the secret with him. Our families were all about stacking bones in the closet. And when the closet became too crowded, we bought a new house with a bigger closet.
How many cross-dressing lovers has he had here?
Perry had everyone’s paperwork and passports, even my fake ones. It took ten minutes for security to go over the paperwork and look over the boat before giving us permission to come on the island. Not that they did much of a thorough job, it was his family’s island which meant Perry was their boss.
Once the men left, Perry extended his arm to me. “Come on, baby. Let me show you around the place.”
A growl was my only response. I kept my arm and hands to myself.
“When I tell the guys what happened, they’re going to go crazy,” Perry exclaimed.
“How about you wait a few months before you tell them. This is a secret mission.”
“Oh, that’s right.” He held one finger in front of his mouth and extended his hand toward me.
I looked at it. “What?”
He laughed. “We’re supposed to hold hands.”
“I’m not touching your hand and you’re enjoying this more than you should.”
“You’re a lady. I’m supposed to help you down the ramp.”
“Get your ass in front of me and don’t even think about holding my hand.”
Laughter barreled out of Perry’s chest as we left.
We stepped on the island and past the rest of the little port authority in no time. My sandals smacked against the sandy dirt.
“So, I have a question,” I said.
“Go ahead.”
“Do you come here a lot?”
Perry shrugged. “I come here enough.”
I kept my pace with him. “With who?”
“Friends.”
“Friends that are men and wear dresses?”
Perry stopped. “Why? Look. This is just us having fun. I don’t really like stuff like this. I barely go in that shop or even—”
“No. No.” I waved my hands. “Perry, I’m not judging. I’m just trying to gauge my chances of sneaking around the island. I don’t care if you like to dress an elephant up in a dress made from meat and have the elephant lick your balls.”
“I don’t by the way.” Perry winked. “At least I haven’t considered it until now.”
“What I’m saying is. . .will the people on this island be used to a man dressed like a woman here? I know it sounds crazy but—”
“Yes.” Perry avoided looking my way. “Maybe. Although many will probably say that you are the ugliest transgendered woman I’ve brought here.”
I touched my chest. “That hurts my feelings.”
And then Perry did something unexpected. He hugged me and refused to let me go. “Oh, Freddy. You’ve always been accepting of me. You’re one of a few that have never done anything to me. It’s like you really don’t care about the things that most do.”
I climbed out of his arms and tried to keep the awkwardness out of my voice. “Thanks. I just try to enjoy my life and let everyone else enjoy theirs.”
Perry beamed. “I won’t take your cars now.”
“O-kay.”
“Let’s go.” Perry walked forward. “Since you know my secret, then you’ll be happy to hear that there are more dresses in the spare room that will probably fit you. There are even a few ball gowns.”
“Oh great. How did a girl like me get so lucky?”
Perry chuckled to himself. “Any questions?”
“Are you sure you’ve never heard of a man named Caden?” I asked again.
“No. Father or my uncles would’ve told me his name. But we let tons of people use the area. I don’t know. Anything’s possible. I could ask them.”
“Let me know what you find out.”
So Caden said he had an island, but Perry says this island is owned by his family. Did Caden lie to Dawn? Who the hell is he? What’s the truth?
“So where are we going?” I asked.
“There’s several to
wnhouses around here. I have a key to one of them.”
A large property loomed at the top of the hill, sitting like a crown in the middle of the lush, green island. It was a double-story mansion within a few meters of the sand and calm turquoise waters.
Didn’t Dawn say she had to use the stairs in his island home? I think so.
The house had a Southern American appeal to it. Six enormous white columns framed the front. Wide verandas encircled the house on both stories. Even this far, I could tell the railings boasted delicate ironwork. It was massive windows and manicured gardens, everything a rich southern belle would get wet over. I half expected some old dressed blonde with candy curls to walk out on the porch as she sipped lemonade.
“Who lives there?” I asked.
“That’s like a business spot where my family hosts business things.”
“Business things?”
“Basically, I don’t know.” Perry laughed and hit my back. “You and I are the New Age Rat Pack, remember our old nickname in college? Remember the motto? Fuck our fathers and fuck what they do. All I know is that I can come on the island as much as I want and no one will bother me or ask questions.”
“Have you ever been up there?”
His face held an uneasy expression. “Well, I also know that I can fuck, fight, drink, and destroy anything on this island, but I can’t go near that house. Father was adamant about that. Therefore, I ask that you don’t go near there either.”
A bad feeling coursed through my veins. Perry’s family may have owned the island, but there was more going on than Perry understood. He might not have known who Caden was, but I was certain that the house had something to do with Caden.
What’s going on? Is this a wild goose chase?
I had no idea where Dawn and Caden were. It was a hunch, but I was sure he brought her to the island that she mentioned in her diary. I had no other place to turn to. With the tragedy in Miami, there was no way she’d gone back there. I had people watching her family and friends’ places. She hadn’t shown up at any of those spots either.
She’s here. She must be here.
We stopped in front of the second house. Perry handed me the key. “Okay. This is where I end. I’m going to hang around for a while and then leave. Our port authority mainly confirms who’s coming on here. Once they realize it’s family, they keep their eyes closed and turn their attention to other things. It’s not their job to watch us. Their job is to watch out for trespassers.”
I took the key from him. “Thank you.”
“And whatever you’re doing here, it better not be stupid. Don’t get me in trouble with Father.”
“I won’t.” I shrugged. “I’m just really into this maid and she took a job here.”
Perry smirked as he held a skeptical expression. “Sure, Freddy. A maid. Listen.” He pointed at me and attempted to glare. “If you damage anything here, I’m keeping the boat.”
“I won’t.”
“Give me your word.”
“Fine.” I gritted my teeth.
He ran his fingers through my wig’s hair. “Thank you, sexy.”
I batted his hand away. “I’m not that type of lady, Perry.”
He doubled over with laughter.
Perry left and I let myself in.
Things are going my way.
It must’ve taken six hours to even find anyone that knew about the island. Coming up with Perry was a godsend. We hadn’t talked since our college years, but he remembered all the times I protected him from the abuse that came from the others. Our gang had been a perverse one—bored rich boys chasing pussy on an Ivy League campus. There was no motivation to study. Who else would our fathers leave their businesses too? And all our fathers’ corporations had boards that wouldn’t let us come too close to the day-to-day operations. There was no need to study or try. Our destiny had already arrived.
Perry came through. God. The angels. They’re all on my side. Now what?
I shut the door behind me and turned on the lights.
It was more of a high-end beach cottage than an island guest house. There were solid wood tables, a chaise longue, and rich leather couches. The huge kitchen boasted stainless steel and marble ¬finishes. A bar and lounge area was located upstairs and probably presented a magnificent sunset view.
Peeking out of the window, I stared at that massive house again. Lights glowed at the top levels in two different rooms. People were living there but was it Dawn and Caden.
Perry said he wasn’t allowed to go there? Why not? Did Caden really own it?
I moved the curtain back over the window and dialed her. Her voice mail picked up, after three rings. She still hadn’t been answering my phone calls. I tried another option and texted her.
Me: Max is alive.
Dawn: Good! I’m so happy.
Me: Where are you?
Dawn: I will be back in Miami in two weeks.
Me: That’s too long.
Dawn: We can talk then.
Me: What about now?
Dawn: I’m so sorry. I just need some time.
Time with him?
I gripped the phone hard and almost broke it in half.
No. You can have time away from me, but it will also be away from him. You want to go off on your own? Fine. You want to go off to an island with him? Hell no. He’s had his chance. He fucked up. Move on.
While I didn’t know how Caden fucked up, I knew he did. Dawn would’ve been with him if he hadn’t done whatever the hell he’d done.
What did he do anyway?
That damn diary was filled to the brim with how much she loved and pined over him, but I hadn’t yet gotten into the diary’s douchebag moments. And after hearing how he touched her beautiful pussy, I was damn sure ready to read about him being a dick.
Fucking took her friends and her to an island and spoiled them. I could do that and more.
I would give Dawn the world if she just gave me the chance. Better yet, she didn’t have to give me the chance. I would seize the opportunity myself.
I have to know how he messed it all up. That’s the solution. Make her remember and finish this guy.
Chapter 25
Dawn’s Diary
After that one morning, Caden didn’t touch me anymore.
It’s like I’m dating the Pope. A finger-fucking one.
A week had passed. My friends had already left after enjoying an incredible Fourth of July celebration. I remained with Caden on the island, enjoying his company and slowly falling for him. The days were passing by so fast. Each evening when he asked me if I wanted to go, I shook my head and said no. His eyes would light up and he’d hold me for the rest of the night, before walking me to my room.
He showered me with attention, rubbing my feet after a long hike and taking me on shopping sprees to the little boutique at the edge of the island. The few residents had formed a small town. There were three long roads, no stop lights, and just a few stores and restaurants. Nothing much but impressive, nonetheless.
And my whole stay, Caden spoiled me.
During the day, we rode his horses all over the island, racing each other on the beach and trotting along as the sun set over the water. We hiked and picnicked but most afternoons we lounged on the beach. Laying on our blankets cooled by the sand, a huge umbrella shading us. The sound of crashing ocean waves mingled with Etta James crooning “At Last.” Caden played her and that song so much, I knew all of the lyrics on the first day and could probably play the song on piano by the next.
At night, we dined on exotic foods and expensive wine. He’d flown some top South African chef over to create the most amazing dishes—pasty-stuffed quail, whipped goat’s cheese mousse, and 36-day-matured Angus beef topped with crispy sweetbreads and mushrooms. Before dessert, the chef would scatter fragrant chamomile flowers around, filling the air with an aromatic fragrance. And then he would fill our stomachs some more with freshly baked cakes soaked in burnt butter, roasted sunflower seeds, honeycomb
crumbs, and passion fruit sorbets.
One evening Caden’s chef made us a large bowl of buttery, Madagascan-pepper popcorn and paired it with this lovely Pinot Grigio. We went into his private theater and watched Alfred Hitchcock films throughout the night.
“We can watch another director if you want.” Caden snatched the bowl from me. I’d been gorging on the lovely kernels since the film began.
“No, I love Hitchcock and I’ve never seen Spellbound.”
“No?” His voice rose with shock. “We have to take care of this. What others haven’t you seen?”
“I’ve really only seen three Hitchcock films Vertigo, Rear Window, and Birds.”
“You’re going to see every Hitchcock film before this summer is over.”
I grabbed the popcorn back. “Oh, really?”
“Yes. Did you know Hitchcock had a fear of the police?”
“Why?”
“He did something bad as a kid. Nothing too big, but his father really wanted to teach him a lesson about breaking rules. He made little Hitchcock walk to the police station with a hand-written note asking the officer on duty to lock him away for five minutes as punishment.”
“Wow. And that traumatized him?” We kissed and touched each other constantly.
“Yep. That made me like him the most.” Caden grabbed a handful of popcorn from the bowl. “Kids don’t belong in jail. Even when they do something wrong. Jail fucks you up.”
Too much resentment lay in his voice. I turned to him. “Were you put in jail when you were a kid?”
“Hitchcock loved practical jokes too. I read his life story. Once he hosted a dinner party where all the courses were dyed blue with food coloring. Other times, he played tricks on actors and actresses on set—”
“Why won’t you tell me anything about your personal life?”
Caden stirred in his seat. “Why do you care?”
“Because I want to know more about you.”
“I want to remain private.”
I sighed. “So…”
“What?”
“Are we just a…fling?”