by Nia Arthurs
“We all make mistakes,” I mumbled. A memory of my nails digging into Deacon’s back as I gasped against his lips took over. I shook my head. “Trust me. I’m no better than you.”
“Yes, you are, Angel. You’re so committed to your faith and you always challenge me to grow as a human being and as a teacher. You’re a great role model to the kids and to everyone on staff.”
Conviction stung my chest. I couldn’t listen to him anymore. “Get to the point. What do you want, Humphries?”
“Peace. Our friendship back.” He squirmed. “Nothing about yesterday was normal. It’s been a crazy few hours, right?”
Crazy? I almost laughed.
Crazy was hooking up with a man I’d just met when I’d spent my whole life avoiding stunts like that.
Crazy was that same, one-night hookup offering way too much money to pay for my father’s chemotherapy.
Crazy hot.
Crazy temptations.
Crazy propositions.
I’d set all the patients from that asylum free. He had no idea.
Humphries eased closer. “I’m never setting a foot in San Pedro again.”
“Did you know,” I said wistfully, “that my dad used to come here on family trips? He bought ice cream and ate it on the beach while watching the waves.”
Humphries listened intently.
I pooled my hands together and stared at my fingers. “More than anything, I want to bring my dad back to San Pedro and buy him a cone.”
“You talked about your mom last night.” Humphries swung his arm over the back of the bench and leaned toward me. “You hadn’t mentioned your parents in a while so I thought things were getting better, but is your dad still sick?”
My stomach tightened. “He has cancer, Humphries. That’s not like the flu.”
“Sorry.”
“No,” I squeezed my eyes shut and breathed in through my nose, “I’m a little on edge. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Things are really hectic with my family right now. Yes, my dad is still sick and my mom quit her job to stay with him.”
“It must be hard. All the chemo.”
“We’ve only done one round. He needs another, but we…” I stumbled over the words.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Deacon’s voice filled my head.
“What?”
“It costs a lot of money.”
Humphries made a duck face. “If you told the staff and Principal Amy, we could set up bake sales and maybe do a raffle.” He patted my shoulder. “You’re a valued member of our school, Angel. We’d do anything to help.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Don’t let your pride cloud your judgment.”
Deacon again.
I hated that man for making me contemplate things I shouldn’t.
“And I’ll help you.” Humphries let his hand rest against my shoulder. As if I hadn’t noticed. His thick lips trembled, struggling to hold back his smile. “I’ll be there every step of the way.”
“Humphries?”
“What?”
“You believe that God provides, right?”
“Always.” He nodded smugly.
“And sometimes the doors that open aren’t the ones you expect.”
“All the time.” He lifted his voice like a preacher. “God works in mysterious ways. He’s too creative to take the route most expected and too big to perform the same miracle twice.”
“So… even if that door might lead somewhere dangerous, I’ve got to walk in and trust that I’m making the right choice.”
He frowned as if catching my drift. “It depends. Doors that lead to psychotic island owners are ones you should probably stay away from.”
“Miguel!” I hopped up.
Humphries scrambled to his feet too. “Why are you calling him? He’s deaf, remember?”
“Right.” I charged across the boat, holding my arms out at my sides to keep my balance when it bounded over a big wave.
Miguel stood at the helm. He was in an outfit similar to the one he rocked last night—brown shirt, rolled up khakis and sneakers. His long, brown hair and bushy beard looked even more matted out in the sunlight.
Our eyes locked and a corner of his thin lips curled up in welcome.
I had no idea how to sign or communicate with someone who couldn’t hear so I enunciated my words and spoke slowly, praying that I wasn’t being insensitive.
“Are we close to San Pedro?”
He nodded.
I hoped he wasn’t just pulling my leg and he really understood. Holding my phone up because I figured props would get my point across, I tried again. “Signal?”
He nodded.
I checked my phone, half-expecting the network bar to be empty as it had been since we left Deacon’s mansion.
But it wasn’t.
I grinned and dialed my mother’s number.
As it rang, I chewed my fingernail and stared at the outline of San Pedro. It was stunning. Boats danced near the piers. Mangroves dotted the yellow shore with greenery.
No wonder this island was dubbed ‘La Isla Bonita’.
The line clicked and my mother’s voice sounded over the line.
I jerked my gaze away from San Pedro and said, “Good morning, Mom.”
“Hi, baby.” She yawned loudly in the phone. “Your dad said you’re coming home today. Do you have enough money for a taxi? If not, just head straight to the hospital and I’ll pay the fare.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. There’s been a change of plans.”
“What change? Honey,” she lowered her voice to whisper, “where are you getting all this extra money to vacation in San Pedro?”
“It’s not a vacation, Mom.”
“Then what?”
I swallowed and blurted, “I found a job.”
“Really? Where?”
“With a family that really needs my help.” I was stretching the truth a bit, but I didn’t want her to worry. “They want me to start tutoring right away. It’s an emergency situation.”
“Do I know them?”
“They’re white people, ma. You wouldn’t know them.”
“Are they nice?”
My lips buzzed as another memory of Deacon’s kiss descended. “Uh, yeah. Maybe a little too nice.”
“Huh?”
“Anyway, I just wanted you to know so you didn’t worry.”
“It’s all happening a little fast, but I’m happy for you. Even if it’s for work, you get to stay on a beautiful island for a little longer. Should I leave your dad for a quick minute and pack a suitcase?”
I gasped. In all the commotion, I hadn’t thought that far.
“Forget it. I’ll just send your clothes on a water taxi shipment. You said they wanted you to start immediately.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. To be honest…” she hesitated. “I’m glad to get you away from here for a while. Your dad is spouting nonsense, but don’t worry, I’ll whip him back into shape.”
Emotions clogged my throat. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, honey.”
“And,” I glanced at the mainland, “I’m working on another loan. Just wait. Dad will get his treatment no matter what.”
My mother said nothing for a few seconds.
“Are you still there?” I asked.
“I’m sorry, Angel. I don’t know what else to say. I’m so sorry.”
“Mom, stop apologizing. You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“A child should never have to bear this kind of responsibility for her parents. When I think about what you go through, I can almost understand why your father wants to—why he wants to go, but… I love him. I can’t let him give up.”
“And you won’t. I’ll do everything I can to get the money. I swear. Just wait, okay? I’ll call you.” I hung up.
Humphries cleared his throat. “What do yo
u mean by that? What job, Angel?”
“Were you listening?”
He gestured to the bench. “It’s a small boat.”
My gaze skittered away.
Humphries strode closer, his eyes narrowed. “What job were you talking about? Is it with that guy?” His words echoed against the stillness. I glanced back and saw Miguel staring at us.
He’d shut the boat’s engine.
We were in San Pedro.
“Go,” I said.
Humphries grabbed my wrist. “Come with me.”
“I’m not.”
“Angel, please…”
“Let go.”
He tightened his grip. “No. I can’t let you do this.”
A new hand joined our tussle.
Miguel.
He squeezed Humphries’ wrist until he released me. Pointing to the wharf and then back at Humphries, Miguel stood firm.
Humphries cursed. “You’re going to regret this, Angel. If you mess with that guy, you’ll get hurt.”
His warning shook me, but I’d made up my mind.
No matter what dangers lurked behind the open door, I was walking in.
20
Deacon
I was in the office with Reid in my lap playing with his tablet when I heard the boat’s engine throttling outside.
Like the little genius he was, Reid recognized the sound instantly. “Boat, Dada.”
“Yes, Miguel’s back.”
Reid wiggled around, almost taking a dive to the floor.
I caught him before he fell and scolded. “Stay still.”
“Boat!”
I tried to hold him back. To be honest, I didn’t want to see the boat that had carried Angel away.
“Boat!” Reid screamed. I heard the climb in his voice and knew he was edging on throwing a tantrum. Although a relatively well-behaved kid, when Reid lost it, I had a hard time controlling him.
Today, corralling a bawling toddler did not appeal. I’d only gotten a few hours of rest early this morning and Angel leaving had soured my mood.
“You want to see the boat?” I asked.
Reid calmed a little and nodded.
I stood and swept him into my arms. Instead of heading straight to the vessel like I knew he wanted, I took him to the balcony.
Bad move.
Immediately, my eyes landed on the hammock flattened to the ground. Looking at it, a rush of sounds and sensations attacked me.
Pleased moans.
Silky brown skin.
Bruised lips.
Swaying coconut trees.
Sprawling stars.
Memories of holding Angel, her heat pressing against mine, seared my brain.
“Boat!” Reid yelled, his clamor striking the vision of Angel.
“Let’s be careful, buddy,” I murmured. “I can’t set you down on the floor until I clean this mess up.”
Reid danced, babbling happily.
I took two giants steps to the railing. Reid and I peered over the balcony’s edge and watched the boat bobbing in the channel. A long rope anchored it to the dock.
The boat was empty.
Miguel must have gone home and Angel…
Angel must be on her way to catch a boat to Belize City by now. She and Humphries were probably sitting together. His hand somewhere near her body, hovering over her, making an excuse to talk to her.
I gritted my teeth. “That’s enough of the boat, son.”
Reid started bucking and crying. “No. Boat.”
“Reid!” I barked impatiently.
He went still, tears in his eyes.
There was a knock on the door.
I sighed.
Miguel probably made the trek from his house to tell me he was back.
A part of me wanted to ignore him. I was sure Angel had gotten to San Pedro safely. Of course she had. Miguel wouldn’t let anything happen to her and Humphries would take it from there.
The knocks grew more insistent.
I picked Reid up. “Let’s get the door.”
My son sniffed and nodded.
I headed downstairs and opened the front door, my right hand up and ready to sign. That hand dropped when I saw who stood outside.
“Angel?”
“Hi.” Strands of dark hair fell over her plump cheeks. Full brown lips, slightly parted, hovered between an awkward smile and a nervous frown. My fingertips burned, eager to touch her, to make sure she was real.
Reid’s head lifted. “Hello!”
If Reid saw her too, then she couldn’t be a figment of my imagination.
Stunned, I welcomed her. “You’re back.”
“Yeah, Miguel brought me. It was a little confusing trying to explain why I wasn’t getting off the boat.” Brown eyes, now a sparkling honey in the sunlight, turned slowly in my direction. “But we understood each other eventually.”
“Does this mean…?”
“Yes. I’ll accept the position.”
Joy flipped through my chest.
I’d only ever experienced that emotion a handful of times. Even Reid’s birth had been tainted by death. And every kill was smothered with danger.
A happy, astonished chuckle flew past my lips.
My Angel was back and I could not be more ecstatic.
“But first there are some details I’d like to add to the contract,” she said.
“Of course.” I swept my arm up the stairs. “After you.”
She strode inside.
I glanced at the sandy lawn peppered with palm trees in search of Miguel, but I didn’t find him. He must have gone back home. I made a mental note to leave him a bonus for bringing Angel back.
We headed up the stairs and into the living room.
Reid and I both stared at Angel. It was a… new experience. Having someone invade our space for this long.
She’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail. It was the first time I’d seen her with her hair away from her face. My gaze slid over her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, and her jaw. The style suited her and I hoped she wore it more often.
“Could you stop—why are you looking at me?” Angel huffed.
“Because you’re beautiful.”
A red hue stole beneath her warm brown tone. Clasping her hands in front of her, Angel spoke in the voice of a teacher addressing the school vandals. “If we do this, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say things like that.”
“You’re asking me to ignore the facts.”
“I’m asking you,” her eyes flashed my way, “not to cross any boundaries.”
I set Reid down. “Let’s talk.”
My son waddled over to Angel and surveyed her curiously.
“Hi, baby.” Angel wiggled her fingers.
Reid snatched her hand and pulled her toward the toys still scattered on the floor. He shoved the dinosaur at her and focused, with total concentration, on yanking out every other stuffed animal in the box.
“He wants to play,” Angel said sheepishly. “Maybe we can talk later.”
“We can talk now.” I sat a couple feet from her and Reid.
Her eyes dipped to the floor. “Fine. Here’s my deal. I’ll accept your conditions and I’d like to add my own.”
My brow wrinkled.
“That paycheck is too much for babysitting.”
“Angel…”
“No, listen.” She bounced the dinosaur on the ground for Reid’s benefit. My son laughed. Angel seemed to loosen up a bit. “Instead of just taking care of Reid, let me take care of the house.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m not too proud to clean and cook. I can scrub toilets too.”
The thought of her scrubbing the toilet made me angry. “I’m not asking you to do that.”
“Why not?”
Because her slender hands should never have to work that hard. Because she was my Angel, pure, beautiful, and ethereal. But, I had a feeling expressing the truth would be ‘crossing the boundary’.
“W
ell?”
I cleared my throat. “What happens if I don’t agree?”
“I leave and, this time, I won’t come back.”
I frowned.
Her expression was firm. “Any other objections?”
“Yes, actually.”
“Good. I’m glad we agreed on that. Now to my second point—”
My lips twitched. “There’s more?”
“After we calculate the additional hours for cooking and cleaning, I’d like the balance of the salary to be a loan.”
“No.”
“It’s not fair that you want to pay me in advance. That’s not how things are done in business. This way, I can take your money and not feel pressured to, um, pay you back in other ways.”
“You still think my intentions are to hire a sex toy?”
She covered Reid’s ears and moved her eyes pointedly to him. “Hey.”
I sighed. “Whether you want a physical relationship or not doesn’t matter to me. I would never force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”
“I believe you.” She dropped her hands. “I trust you. I do. Even though this all feels shady and last night happened and…” Her eyes skittered away. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I thought you were that kind of person.”
My chest swelled. Pride surged through my veins. Her trust was a precious treasure that I would keep safe, that I would guard with every fiber of my being. Her arbitrary rules meant nothing to me, but if they kept Angel here, I’d have to find a way to work with them.
I wanted her on this island.
Needed her.
For two years, I’d lived isolated with my son. Since meeting Angel, since gazing into those fiery brown eyes, feelings I’d thought were long gone had started to thaw.
“Is there anything you need from the mainland? Clothes? Food? Feminine products? Make a list. I’ll send Miguel back to get them.”
Angel didn’t answer immediately. She accepted the maracas from Reid and played with them.
Her delicate throat bobbed as finally she spoke, “Thank you. I don’t know why you’re being this generous but, like you pointed out, it’s money I desperately need.” She lifted her chin and said firmly, “I’ll make sure I’m worth every penny.”
I nodded.
While Angel played with Reid, I returned to my computer and amended the contract to outline her additional stipulations.