An Island Affair

by Monica Richardson

  “Yes, sir.”

  “It was surprisingly very well put together,” he said.

  Surprisingly.

  “Thank you, sir.” I said it even though I felt disrespected in that moment.

  “Where have you worked since college?”

  Edward attempted to divert Mr. Spencer’s impending line of questioning. “Jasmine will be running the Grove for us. At least until next summer, when my sister Whitney will join her.”

  “What on-the-job experience does she have?” Mr. Spencer asked.

  “She’s overseen the construction so far. She’s worked very closely with our contractor here, Mr. Conner.”

  Jackson gave Charles Spencer a light smile.

  “It’s true, she is a novice,” said Alyson. “We all are. Which is why we were hoping for much more than just capital for this venture—we were hoping for your expertise.”

  “We certainly have been in this business for a long time, and we have a wealth of knowledge. Should we decide to invest in the Grove, we will provide as much assistance to you as possible,” said Charles Spencer. “Darren runs our Nassau property and manages a few others in the States—”

  Darren interrupted his father. “And I would be happy to work closely with Jasmine to bring her up to speed on a few things—recruiting and monitoring staff, promoting and marketing, dealing with contractors and suppliers.”

  His sly grin told me that he was interested in offering more than training.

  I shot a glance over at Jackson. He looked as if he was doing everything in his power not to reach over the table and choke the life out of him. Instead he cleared his throat and kept his poker face intact.

  Alyson interjected, “I would think that Darren would be too busy to offer one-on-one services like that to Jasmine. Perhaps it might be more appropriate to pair her with one of your female managers. Or even your daughter. Isn’t she in the business as well, Mr. Spencer?”

  “Yes, she is. Brittany manages our Cat Island property,” said Charles.

  “Brittany’s still on a learning track herself. I, however, have been doing this since college,” said Darren. “I can certainly bring more to the table than my younger sister.”

  “I remember when you were in college, Darren,” Alyson said with a veiled edge to her voice. The two of them had an ongoing dislike for each other. “You and Jasmine were so in love. Well, at least Jasmine was. She was convinced that you were her knight in shining armor, and that the two of you were going to marry after graduation. Jasmine was always a bit naive when it came to men.”

  I didn’t quite understand how this conversation was relevant to anything. But this wasn’t the appropriate time for her or Darren’s antagonism. If she was trying to sabotage the Spencers’ investment, she was doing a fantastic job of it.

  “I remember that as well,” said Charles. He laughed. “Luckily my son found out about her promiscuity beforehand. No offense, Jasmine.”

  “None taken.” Offense was not what I was experiencing. Confusion was. My promiscuity?

  “Her promiscuity?” Alyson asked what I was thinking. “I don’t remember my sister ever being promiscuous a day in her life.”

  “It was why they broke up,” said Mr. Spencer, as if he knew some truth.

  “Can we change the subject, please?” asked Darren. “This is neither the place nor time for this discussion.”

  I couldn’t have agreed more.

  “I beg to differ,” said Alyson. “There’s always been a bit of contention between our two families. That’s no secret. Wouldn’t you say, Mr. Spencer?”

  “I would have to agree. We were never on the best of terms, which was why I was very surprised when Edward called this meeting.”

  “I believe the contention has been mostly due to misinformation,” Alyson said. “I think that in order for us to move forward, it might not be a bad idea for us to revisit the past—clear the air. It would make for a much better working relationship, should you decide to invest in the Grove.”

  “I agree,” said Charles Spencer.

  “What happened between your son and my sister was a long time ago, but I believe that she has been living with the pain of it ever since. And I think that my sister gets a bad rap all too often,” Alyson said.

  Was that my sister Alyson defending me? I could hardly believe my ears.

  Alyson continued, “Darren, I read about your elaborate wedding in the Eleutheran newspaper. It took place in Nassau two summers ago, at the Atlantis.”

  “Cost me a pretty penny,” Mr. Spencer interjected.

  “I’ll bet it did. It looked expensive,” said Alyson. “What was your wife’s name again?”

  Darren’s demeanor changed. He sank down into his seat a bit and cleared his throat. “Elizabeth.”

  “Oh yes, that’s right. Elizabeth,” said Alyson. “I think the article said that the two of you attended college together.”

  “Yes, we did.”

  “You dated her in college while my sister was at Spelman, right?” Alyson asked the question but didn’t really expect a response. “I remember Jasmine being pretty torn up when she caught the two of you in your dorm together, in a very compromising position. Weren’t they in bed together, Jasmine?”

  I nodded, but did not speak a word.

  “Is that true, son?” Mr. Spencer asked Darren. “I thought it was you who caught Jasmine in her dorm with another fellow.”

  Darren hung his head.

  “Do you and Elizabeth have children, Darren?” asked Alyson.

  “Yes, we have two children.”

  “That’s lovely. It’s hard to believe that you, Darren Spencer, are all grown up and married—with two children,” said Alyson.

  Charles Spencer interjected, “Unfortunately, there’s been a little trouble in the waters. Elizabeth and the children have moved home with her parents for a spell. Just until she and Darren can sort things out.”

  “Sorry to hear that. Separation and divorce can be so difficult...and expensive, too. I mean the alimony and child support could really take a toll on a family’s wealth. I remember when Edward and his wife divorced. She didn’t spare him any grief—or finance, for that matter. It was a good thing we didn’t have the Grove at that time. She would’ve been entitled to a portion of his inheritance, for God’s sake,” said Alyson. “That would’ve caused a hardship on our family.”

  “That is true,” Mr. Spencer agreed.

  “I would think that it would be extremely difficult for Darren to sort things out with his wife while working so closely here at the Grove with my beautiful sister, his ex-girlfriend.”

  “You’ve made your point,” Darren said.

  Alyson spoke directly to Charles Spencer. “So, sir, if you decide to invest in the Grove—which I hope that you will—I would suggest sending your daughter Brittany to provide that on-the-job training to Jasmine.”

  “You’re very discerning, Alyson. And you’re absolutely right,” Mr. Spencer agreed. “And thank you for clearing the air.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “And, Jasmine, I apologize for misjudging you,” Mr. Spencer said and then glared at Darren. “I was obviously given misinformation. Isn’t that right, son?”

  Darren nodded.

  “Please forgive us,” said Mr. Spencer.

  “I accept your apology, sir. Thank you,” I said.

  Edward and I visibly exhaled when that conversation was over, and Jackson relaxed a bit. I wasn’t sure what Alyson’s motives had been. I didn’t know if she was protecting me, the Grove or Jackson, but I was grateful for the reprieve. Although Darren had been the love of my life once, and he was still a very gorgeous man, he hadn’t been forthcoming with his father or me.

  “Now, we should get down to business,” said Edward. />
  “I’ve gone over your business plan,” Mr. Spencer said and I cringed. I wasn’t sure where he was headed, but I braced myself for the worst. However, his next words put me somewhat at ease. “The business plan clearly demonstrates a road map for the Grove’s success, and it gives us a realistic forecast for reaping a return on our capital. That is our main concern here.”

  Edward began his sales pitch. “This is not a unique business in Eleuthera. As you both know, the Bahamas is heavily dependent upon tourism. We have many competitors in this market and even on Harbour Island. The problem with many existing hotels and resorts is that they have a vacationist mentality. The Grove will offer more of a home-away-from-home atmosphere and give the tourist a local, native feel.”

  Alyson picked up the pitch. “Our target client will be the traveler who wants to feel like an islander, and who veers off the beaten path.”

  Mr. Spencer nodded. “Your business plan demonstrated that very well.”

  We spent the afternoon outlining the highlights of our business and negotiating investment terms. It was exhausting, but the reward came when Mr. Spencer announced that he would recommend the Grove as a positive investment to his partners.

  “We look forward to hearing from you soon,” Alyson said to Mr. Spencer.

  We all shook hands.

  “I appreciated your honesty at the beginning of the conversation, Alyson. Although there was some contention between the two families, we’ve always believed the Talbots to be a respectable family,” said Mr. Spencer. “We think this will be a wonderful partnership, right, son?”

  Darren peered at his father. “I think it’s a bit premature to say.”

  “Of course, I will need to speak with our other principals,” said Mr. Spencer, “one being my son here.”

  “Of course,” said Edward.

  “But I’m positive that they will all go with my recommendation.” Mr. Spencer shook Edward’s hand. “We’ll be in touch.”

  * * *

  After the Spencers left, I rushed to the kitchen and searched the cabinets for the bottle of champagne that I had nestled there. I grabbed four glasses and poured champagne into each one. “Let’s toast.”

  “To the Grove!” said Edward as he held his glass in the air.

  “To the Grove!” we all exclaimed in unison.

  “We pulled it off,” said Edward.

  “Thanks to Jasmine’s business plan,” said Jackson.

  “Nope. Thanks to Alyson,” I said. “Thank you for setting the record straight about me and Darren.”

  “I didn’t do it for you. I did it for the Grove.”

  “Still, I thank you,” I told her. “And how did you know all that stuff about Elizabeth and me finding the two of them together in his college dorm?”

  “It wasn’t hard to put it together.”

  “Why haven’t you ever shared this with me? That you knew all along.”

  “Why didn’t you share with me that you were hurt by that creep?”

  “I didn’t think you cared.”

  “I don’t.” Alyson smirked. “Okay, maybe I care a little. You’re still my sister.”

  It was the nicest thing she’d said to me in years, and it warmed my heart. I smiled.

  “And don’t think I don’t know about you and Jackson Conner over there,” Alyson said.

  “What?” Jackson asked innocently.

  “Oh, don’t play dumb with me. The two of you have been running around this island together for weeks, thinking that you’ve been inconspicuous. News flash, you haven’t been.”

  “What are you talking about, Alyson?” Edward asked.

  “Oh, Edward. Wake up. They’re in love. It’s so obvious. Didn’t you see how uncomfortable Jackson was when Darren was coming on to Jasmine? He wanted to rearrange his face.” Alyson laughed. “I had to step in and save the poor man.”

  “Thank you, I guess,” said Jackson.

  “Why didn’t I know that the two of you were in love?” asked Edward.

  “I wanted to tell you, bro. I just didn’t know how,” said Jackson. “I didn’t want you to think that my relationship with Jasmine would affect my ability to do the work at the Grove.”

  “Well, the work at the Grove is impeccable. So it’s obvious there’s no conflict,” Edward said. “Besides, I thought the two of you hated each other.”

  “We did at first,” I told him. “But then something happened along the way.”

  “You have to take care of my sister,” Edward threatened. “Because if you don’t...I don’t know what I would do to you.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that,” said Jackson. “I’m completely devoted to Jasmine.”

  “Blah, blah, blah. All of this is making me want to gag,” said Alyson. “Can we go now? I’ve got a plane to catch. I need to get back to Miami tonight. I have a closing in the morning.”

  “Jackson and I will be in Miami this weekend,” I told Alyson. “Maybe you and I can have lunch or something while I’m there.”

  “We’ll see,” said Alyson. “There’s a café in Little Havana that I frequent. They’ve got the best garlic chicken and the best café Cubano. Maybe we can go there, if you have time. But don’t do anything special on my account.”

  “It’s a date. I’ll see you Saturday.”

  “Fine.” She headed toward the door and opened it wide, then glared at Edward.

  “I need to absorb all of this,” Edward said. “I’ll let you know how I feel about it later.”

  I kissed my brother’s cheek. “He’s a good man, Edward.”

  “I know he’s a good man. We’ve been friends for a long time. I just don’t know how I feel about him doing...you know...things with my little sister. Now, that’s disturbing.”

  “Let’s go.” Alyson pulled Edward out the door.

  She gave me a wink and a half smile as she exited. It almost felt as though I had my sister back.

  Chapter 20

  Jasmine

  We drove the stretch of US-1 toward Miami, with the windows down and hip-hop music blaring on the stereo. Devante stretched his long legs across the backseat of our rental car. An iPod in his hand and earbuds in his ears, he bounced his head up and down. Jackson looked at him in the rearview mirror and mentioned to me how much he’d grown since the last time he’d seen him. Jackson had unofficially been Devante’s mentor since he was twelve years old. Now at seventeen, he was just as tall as Jackson.

  I hadn’t been told the whole story about our trip. I knew that we were flying into Key West and that we had tickets to a Miami Heat game. Jackson had also mentioned something about a teenage boy, nachos and repaying a debt to the boy’s mother. Eventually, I managed to piece all the details together. In exchange for Tracy locating my laptop, Jackson had promised to spend some quality time with her teenage son. Devante’s grades were slipping and his mother was concerned that he was falling in with the wrong crowd. She wanted Jackson to have a conversation with him and get him back on the right track. It warmed my heart to know that Jackson was willing to be the male figure that the teen needed. It was a testament to the type of man he was, and it made him much more attractive.

  It had to be hard for Tracy to raise a young man on her own. I couldn’t imagine our mother raising us alone. Especially the boys, who needed the voice and hand of my father. He’d taught them things that my mother would never have been able to instill. All of my brothers had grown up to be strong, educated and upstanding men. And it was because of my father. Jackson also had a strong man in his life. Although he’d recently changed his opinion of the man who’d raised him, his stepfather still had been there. He’d given him the tools that he needed to navigate through life. And although I thought that Jackson should’ve been more grateful to John Conner for giving him what some y
oung men never receive in a lifetime, I was happy that he realized the importance of giving that same nurturing to Devante.

  I turned around in my seat, and touched Devante’s knee and gave him a smile. He removed his earbuds.

  “Ever been to a professional basketball game before?” I asked him.

  “Never!” he exclaimed.

  “Me either. I can’t wait,” I told him. “Do you play sports?”

  “Basketball and football. I’m on both teams at school.”

  “Are you any good?”

  “I start.”

  “He’s very talented,” Jackson said. “His mother keeps me up on all his stats. I think football is more his game, though.”

  “You mind if I check out one of your games sometime?” I asked.

  Devante shrugged. “Okay.”

  “Cool. Maybe you can send me your schedule, then.” I jotted down my email address on a piece of paper and handed it to Devante.

  He looked at it and stuffed it into the pocket of his jeans, and then waited a few moments to see if I was done talking, anxious to stick the earbuds back into his ears. To his surprise, I wasn’t done and ended up capturing his ear throughout the entire three-hour drive. We talked about everything from sports to music to girls. Through our conversation I gathered that there was one particular girl that held his interest—Ashley. But he was afraid to talk to her. I gave him a few pointers on how to approach her, and he listened intently. I was certain that she’d be his girlfriend by the end of the next week.

  Before we reached Miami, it was clear that Devante had developed a small crush on me. His body language had changed toward me and he was now asking me questions.

  “So you grew up in the Bahamas your whole life?”

  “My whole life,” I told him. “Maybe you can come over sometime, and I’ll show you around. Lots of pretty young girls over there. Of course, you’ll be in a relationship with Ashley soon, so you probably won’t really care about other girls.”