A Sea of Smoke_A Dark Romance

by Karen Lynn

  Alicia scooted alongside Kristen as they did their walk through. Jake trailed behind, flanked by Alicia's Aunt Cassandra, a talkative, stout woman in her early 50's. Her accent was thick and some of her words awkward, but Jake listened without questioning.

  “So what do you think? The furniture is pretty nice. It makes it a lot easier if we move to Oregon!” Kristen clutched his arm, her face alive with happiness.

  What could he say? The three women stood staring at him, their faces hopeful. Jake took Kristen’s hand in his. “It's great. As long as you like it.”

  “There's tons of closets! I love it!”

  “Come check the yard. It's all fenced and baby proof.” Alicia pulled Kristen away from him before he could finish talking.

  Jake slumped against the wall of the second bedroom, grinning after them. It was smaller than he would've liked, but good enough for a nursery, he guessed. He would have to improvise for his studio. Maybe the enclosed patio that they called a Florida Room. Anyway, her mind appeared to be made up. He didn't dare argue. With a shrug and a bashful smile, he turned to Cassandra. “I think we're taking it.”

  “Taking?” she asked, confused.

  “He means he wants to rent it, Tia,” Alicia called from the garden.

  “That means “Aunt,” Kristen whispered, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. He shrugged, pulling her to him.

  “Alex's room is kinda small.” He observed her closely. Future disagreements was something he wanted to avoid.

  “He can sleep in our room with us then! Then you could use his for painting. It's only six-hundred a month!” Kristen exclaimed, escaping from him to run to Alicia.

  Then it was a deal, what could he say? They signed a month to month agreement, gave Cassandra one month’s rent, and left with the keys. Tomorrow they'd pick up the baby things and set it up with the rest of their stuff.

  * * *

  “Hey, I was thinking of calling my mom to tell her about Alex.” Jake held Kristen back as they were leaving the hospital a few hours later, looking deep in her eyes.

  “You didn't tell her yet? Why not?”

  He shrugged. “I had to be sure.”

  After eyeing him briefly, she smiled. “And now you are! So call her.”

  “Have you told yours?”

  Taken off guard, she stiffened and pulled her hand away. “No.”

  She continued walking to street.

  He caught up. “Why not, Kris? Don't you think it's been long enough?”

  “Not now, Jake. Worry about your mom and I'll take care of mine when I'm ready,” she snapped without looking at him or stopping. It wasn’t the time or place to reveal what happened during her last visit. Her mother’s allegations, the possibility of her father’s violent, abusive nature still invaded her dreams. Coupled with the memory of her brother and their traumatic past, the heartache was suffocating her. She glanced back at Jake, tempted to tell him, then decided against it.

  He stood dead in his tracks. Hurt by her cold attitude, he stared after her as she continued to the car.

  * * *

  Melancholy. It is hard to describe, but when it takes over, you know. Jake and Kristen both knew it was looming over them, but didn't know why. The mood remained somber on the trip home from the hospital, throughout dinner at the tiny Cuban restaurant they loved, and lingered back at the motel. There were no words, they were floundering in a sudden state of muteness.

  Unable to stand it any longer, Jake took to the beach for a run. No matter how fast he raced along the shore, he still couldn’t out run the dark cloud hovering over him. He didn’t get it, they were moving tomorrow and bringing the baby home the following day. Yet, in what should've been a joyous time, the suffocating atmosphere between them rivaled the oppressive humidity outside. Hopeful a call to his mom would shed some light on his dilemma, he didn’t waste another minute.

  “Mom. I have a son,” As soon as the words spilled out of his mouth he braced himself for her outburst. For a few minutes there was only silence. Then he heard her take a deep breath. In and out.

  “You mean, I'm a grandmother?”

  Her voice was soft and very calm; he wasn't sure how to handle it, or what to expect. The women in his life never ceased to mystify him. “Yeah… Mom, his name is Alex.”

  “Oh my God, Jake, that is wonderful! When? Who? Tell me everything!” The dam had burst, overwhelming him.

  Relieved, he couldn't stop smiling. “Slow down, I can't think that fast!” He laughed. He heard screaming in the background. Zora. They were shouting back and forth to each other.

  “Alex? Like your dad?” Rosa had calmed herself.

  He closed his eyes, nodding as if she could see him. But she couldn't.

  “Kristen named him,” As soon as he spoke, the urge to hold her came over him. Unable to pull his eyes from the motel lights in the distance, the sound of his mother’s voice caught him by surprise.

  “Kristen? You are back with her? It’s her baby?” Her excitement gained steam again.

  “Yeah.” How can I explain my feelings? It’s so complicated.

  Zora's voice screeched in his ear.” So it’s true? You and Kristen have a son?”

  “Yeah Zora, it's a long story. When we get out there, we’ll tell you all about it. I know how—” Piercing screams of joy from both of them cut him off. Pulling the phone away from his ear, he had to laugh. He could picture them jumping up and down, hugging, then jumping again, the elation contagious.

  “That's really great, Jake. I'm so happy you worked it all out. How old is he?” Zora again.

  Jake thought back. “About two weeks.” A silly smile crossed his lips. He felt stupid for not knowing his own son's age.

  Zora burst out laughing, then his mother joined in, taking over. “So when do we see this little angel, son?”

  “Soon. I have some business here. Oh, we're in Florida. Miami actually.”

  “Miami—but what about New York?”

  “I don't think we're going back there, at least not to stay. Don't worry, a friend has the cats.” When was the last time he’d given those cats a second thought? He chuckled to himself, proud he’d remembered how concerned she was about them.

  “That's good. I guess you have a lot to tell me. Will you get married? Someday?”

  He should've been prepared for the drill, but he wasn't. He couldn't answer right away. It was a tough question, but a good one. If only he knew the answer.

  “I hope so.” He paused. “She has to get divorced first.” Saying it made it much worse, but he couldn't lie to his mother. That was one of his weaknesses. And she always knew when he made a lame attempt.

  “I see. Well hopefully you have it under control this time.”

  “Yeah, Mom, I think I do.”

  As soon as they ended the call, the emptiness weighed down on him, forcing him back to the room. He didn't want a confrontation, he just wanted her. She sat on the bed, her legs curled underneath her, surrounded by a pile of clothes. When she saw him, she stopped folding them and stared. Without a word, he went to her, pulling her up to him. He caressed her hair taking in every inch of her.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I'm fine. Where were you? I was worried.”

  “On the beach. I needed some air.” He paused, allowing himself to be absorbed by the wisps of silky copper. “I was talking to my mom and sister.”

  She turned her head up to view him. “Really? Were they happy? You told them, right?”

  “Yeah, they were really happy.” He moved back, holding her at arm’s length for a moment, then sank onto the bed to gaze at her. “She was surprised about the name. Why did you name him Alex?”

  For a second, she looked disconcerted. “I remembered what you said about your dad…” Before she could finish, his lips were devouring hers. It was so intense she couldn't breathe. She broke away, her eyes full of questions.

  “I thought so. Thank you.” This time, he didn’t bother to hide the tears in his eyes.r />
  Taking a deep breath, she smiled at him. For once, everything felt right. And safe.

  They let a few minutes pass in contented silence.

  “Do you really think I should call my mom?”

  It was unpredictable. He had to chuckle. “It's up to you.”

  “I know, but what do you think?”

  “Well, as long as you're asking for my advice, I don't think it would hurt.” Vague enough—she couldn't blame him, no matter what happened.

  “Hmm.” She closed her eyes, running it through her mind. “Thank you.”

  Climbing back onto the bed, she gestured to him. Bending down to meet her, she stretched closer, kissing him. The words stung her tongue, but she swallowed them. After they were settled in, maybe she would trust him enough to talk to him about her own family.

  SUNDAY

  LOGAN

  Logan found himself suffering from another vicious anxiety attack, the uncontrollable jumpiness driving him crazy. To ease it, he decided to get drunk. Already on his third vodka, he was halfway there.

  Nick was on his way to meet him. It had been a last minute decision coming back to La Seca, but he needed a serious diversion. On impulse, he gave in to Nick and texted Gina. Now, with his agitation increasing, he regretted it.

  Nick walked in first, an unusual sight in jeans and a black tee shirt. Logan snickered. He couldn't remember ever seeing him so causal, unless the times he was undressed were counted.

  The scent of Nick’s expensive cologne preceded him. “Is she coming?” He sat next to him, searching for the waiter.

  Logan wasn't in the mood for conversation.

  If she shows up fine. If not, I won’t sweat it. We can always dig up another beautiful woman. As long as the money and drinks are flowing, Miami is swarming with them.

  Nick’s close scrutiny gave Logan the impression his presence irritated him. Where most of the time Nick was an expert at concealing it, this wasn't one of them.

  “What the hell is wrong with you? Besides the fact you look like you haven't slept in months, that is.” Nick frowned.

  Logan took his time. He stretched, yawned, and looked him up and down. “Trying to grow a beard again?”

  Nick sucked in a breath, before downing his drink. Not wasting a second, he motioned for another, grunted and shifted his body in Logan's direction. “Whatever. I need to know if you are in or out, Logan.”

  Logan disregarded the bitterness in his tone with an abrupt wave of his hand and leaned back in the chair. Nick’s obvious exasperation increased his amusement and he burst into gregarious laughter, his eyes tearing. “What the hell do you think?” The breathless words slipped out between cackles.

  “If I knew, I wouldn't be asking you. So what's really going on with your wife? I thought the kid wasn’t an issue and you were gonna get rid of the competition and make sure you got her back.” Nick struck back.

  “Yeah, right! Whatever gave you that idea? I told you that shit is over now, so celebrate cause I'm all yours.” It sounded like a joke, but his expression turned serious. He lifted his eyebrows, waiting for Nick's reaction.

  Nick shook his head in contemplation. “Are you sure it's over? What happened?”

  “Nothing! It's finished. Or how do you say it in Italian, so you understand? Finite? Yeah, that's it.”

  Fucking pervert only cares because he wants to fuck her again!

  The truth was he was fed up with Nick and sick to death pretending. Determined not to back down, he shoved his hair out his face and flagged down the waitress for another drink.

  “That's finito, asshole! And you should slow down, Logan. You don't wanna disappoint Gina, do you?”

  Logan's mouth opened, about to come back with a sarcastic remark. The look in Nick's eyes stopped him. He turned to follow his gaze. It led straight to Gina, strutting their way.

  “Well, I see you changed your mind after all, heh, Papi? I knew you couldn’t live without me!” She leaned over to kiss him, thrilled by the hunger in his eyes as her breasts popped out of the top of the low cut red dress. When he didn't follow her lead, she dug her long red fingernails into his cheeks, and clamped her lips to his. Unable to avoid it, his gaze landed on the purple bruise mark on her cheek. Frowning, he wiggled around in his seat, to redirect his line of vision.

  Nick's laughter boomed louder in his ears, his eyes taking on a devilish glow as they devoured Gina's body.

  “Hey, what about me, sweet stuff?”

  Gina grimaced, pulling out of Nicks hands. “What the hell is he doing here, Logan?” She glared at Logan, her hands glued to her ample hips.

  Logan drummed the table with his fingers and continued ignoring Nick's glare. With his head already spinning, he’d put too much energy into getting buzzed and didn’t want to ruin it. “What do you want to drink, honey?”

  “Rum and coke. Don't change the subject Logan, I asked you a question and I demand an answer! You finally text me after our little fiasco and he's here? Why?” Gina’s voice reached a feverish pitch, alerting the waitress, who rushed over.

  Logan ordered another round and placed both hands on Gina’s shoulders, the sheepish grin on his face silencing her. This time when he opened his mouth, instead of words a loud sigh escaped and he threw his head back with a huge smile. Enraged, Gina's eyes narrowed. He couldn’t help it and burst out laughing, unable to stop. Growing madder by the second, Nick maneuvered his way in between them.

  “Sorry, sorry, it's just so funny! You should see your face, Gina!” Logan's cackles slowly faded out, while Gina’s outrage escalated.

  “You motherfucker! What the fuck did you think I was gonna do both of you?”

  As her tirade picked up steam, it brought a lot of unwanted attention their way and a small, excited crowd had assembled around them.

  “Okay, okay! Calm her down, Logan. What the fuck is going on here? I thought you worked it out with her?” Nick appeared to be teetering somewhere between a heart attack, disappointment, and anger.

  Logan wanted to speak but his numbed mouth and breathlessness from laughing so hard, prevented it. All he could offer was another helpless shrug. Sensing he was in trouble, he turned to Nick, certain he would back him up. It didn’t happen.

  “Don't look at me. I thought she knew.”

  Logan didn’t get a chance to blink let alone search for explanations or reconciliation. Gina lunged forward, knocking him off the stool. Nick jumped up anxious to grab her thrashing arms before she turned on him. Logan wobbled to his feet, swaying back and forth. Despite his dazed, drunken state, his survival instincts were sharp. He managed to duck out of reach and stay there until Nick restrained her.

  As Gina continued kicking and screaming a mixture of English and Spanish obscenities, more curious patrons from all over the restaurant converged on them. The commotion caused such an uproar that it wasn't long before the manager and one of his bouncers joined the crowd. Still dizzy, Logan, hid in a corner while Nick attempted to handle the situation by pacifying the manager. With the ruthless extent of Gina's screaming and kicking making it very difficult, the manager took a shot at calming her down. It only served to infuriate her even more.

  “I hate you! You stinking son of a bitch!” Breaking free from Nick, she charged at Logan, thrusting her legs out with such ferocity it sent one of her red high-heel sandals flying across the room. By that time, Nick’s temper had reached a boiling point. Logan suppressed a grin, pretending to be upset by the confrontation as the manager, a meek looking little man, finally realized it was out of his control and had the bouncer forcibly escort her out. Almost immediately the atmosphere calmed and everyone returned to drinking and conversing.

  “What the fuck was that?” Nick latched onto Logan’s arm. Aggravated by his insinuation, Logan glared at him. There was no way he would take the blame for inciting Gina. Why did she have to show up anyway? He never expected it after what he did. Even if he should’ve been honest with her, he would never stoop low enough to admit
it anyway. He was free and clear.

  “How the fuck should I know? You wanted that bitch, you got her!” The entire episode irked him, defeating the purpose for getting wasted. “I'm outta here!” He roughly tugged out of his grip.

  “Not so fast, buddy!” Nick stormed after him. “Let's go someplace else. We need to have a serious conversation.”

  Logan tensed, his eyes landing on a huge rock.

  Just give me a reason to bash your stupid skull in asshole.

  His body trembled as he turned his glare back to Nick. Voices growing closer, distracted him. A firm hand on his shoulder made him whirl around to face a waiter holding Gina’s red sandal.

  Wordlessly taking it from his hand, Logan narrowed his eyes.

  Not today, Nicky boy.

  This time, that tiny, rational part in his brain would win the game. Chuckling to himself, he tossed the sandal in the trash can and followed Nick to parking lot.

  KRISTEN/JAKE

  They decided to get an early start. He wanted to make it all in one trip, straight from the condo to their new apartment. If Logan was in the condo, he would be ready for him. This time he wouldn't hold back. He was fed up with all the bullshit, including Kristen's nagging about avoiding confrontation. So far, it looked good, Logan’s car wasn't in his usual spot in the garage. The faster they packed Alex's stuff in the truck and left, the better for everyone.

  Once again the condo was dark, quiet and unnerving when they entered. The instant they stepped inside, the memory of her last trip there crippled Kristen. She held her breath, the vision of how dismal and unnerving it had been that day clear in her mind. On impulse, she headed to the windows to open the blinds.

  “Leave them!” Jake ordered, irritated. “We don't have time for that.”

  The outburst surprised her; too spooked to argue, she obeyed, returning to his side to clasp his arm. They continued to the nursery set up for Alex. Jake inspected the crib and found he'd brought the wrong screwdrivers. After an infuriating couple of minutes, she finally found Logan's toolbox and brought it to him. He had already lined up the stroller, chest of drawers, changing table, and boxes of toys by the door.