Island Love

by Curtis Bennett

  The following day arrived with the ringing of my cellphone. It was Tina. After we talked, I went out and had breakfast at a McDonald’s around the block. Afterwards, I visited the county office to look into city ordinance laws and I reviewed zoning guidelines and restriction issues. While there, I looked into what permits were necessary to get this ball rolling. I also visited the county health department to look into environmental impact issues.

  I met with Rosalyn Campbell, the realtor, that afternoon around 2:00PM at the site location. She stood around 5’6” and had deep blue eyes and long strawberry-blonde hair. She was dressed comfortably in loose fitting beige colored slacks and a peach colored free-flowing top. She was wearing leather sandals and an ankle bracelet. She appeared to be in her mid-forties. Her slightly plump midriff gave indication that she was the mother of at least two children. Still, she was quite an attractive woman.

  Our business at the site took less than an hour before we wrapped up. We drove over to her office and spent another three hours in conference. Her partner joined in after a point. I glossed over numerous charts and graphs, and reviewed a short power point presentation. Cost estimates, profit projections, and environmental impact issues were all discussed at length. An offer was made by me on behalf of Spirit Cooperation, Inc. The realtors seemed pleasantly surprised by the amount offered but a final agreement would not be forthcoming for another day. As far as I could discern, they did not know that I had prior information that another company was looking into purchasing this property. I was certain that they had already made a preliminary offer. My offer was substantial and final; a preemptive strike of sorts. And I let them know that I was prepared to write them a check once we both agreed on the terms.

  I left Rosalyn’s office feeling very positive about the deal. I had been in enough of these situations to know when things were going the company’s way. The few questions and concerns that I presented them they were more than willing to act on. In the end, both sides made concessions. As I headed towards my car I thought about my string of victories. I was on a roll. And it felt damned good. Of all the wheeling and dealings I had participated in since joining the company I had only one property deal that ever fell through. I had been determined since that fateful day to do my research and my homework and never allow failure to creep into the conference room with me again.

  Driving over to the Oaks Mall, one block east of I-75, I browsed through several jewelry stores in search of a matching wrist and ankle bracelet set for Tina. I was looking for a high end sterling silver product. Throughout the process I was shown rubies, sapphires, pearls, diamonds, and gold, in addition to a few sterling silver items.

  Unable to find what I was looking for there, I suddenly remembered a notable jewelry store not far away; one I once visited with a college friend who was looking for an engagement ring at the time. Returning to my rental, I drove over to Thornebrook Village on 43rd Street and found the store I was looking for…Klaus Fine Jewelry. It was there I found exactly what I had been looking for. Both items were beautiful. I had them gift wrapped and then paid for it. I was certain Tina would love my gift. I could not wait to see her surprised face. I was as happy as any man in love could be. I mean, what more could a man ask for in a woman? Besides that, I considered myself a pretty decent catch too.

  Exiting the store, I made my way over to the crowded parking lot with Tina fresh on my mind. As I neared my rental car I got a sudden chill. I had an eerie feeling that someone nearby was watching me. Looking up and to my left, I froze in place.

  “Oh my God!” was all I heard ringing inside my head. I couldn’t move, let alone speak. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing or for that matter who I was seeing.

  “Marcus?” the familiar voice uttered in disbelief.

  My heart pounded wildly against my chest. Standing in front of a BMW parked near mine, with keys in hand, stood Leïla, my long lost island princess, and in the flesh. She looked as stunning and as beautiful as I had remembered her. If a fashion designer were on hand his description would probably be as follows: “As you can see folks, this lovely model is wearing a teasing sleeveless Carolina-styled design, highlighted by an empire waist, midriff band, front draped sash and long flounced, sheer draped dress. Accenting this adoring and comfortable dress are soft black and white patterns of an abstract print with ribbon trim and dazzling metallic stripes. Ladies and gentlemen, please give her another round of applause.” I imagined her turning gracefully onstage and curtseying politely before sashaying off. But for once, this wasn’t one of my dreams.

  Leïla’s wet looking lips had a luscious pink hue to them. They always gleamed in the sun. Her beautiful dark brown hair cascaded downward like a waterfall to just above her diminutive shoulders.

  What entity or force would dare ponder a scheme so cruel as to riddle my soul and fragile sanity with the circumstance I now found myself in? Or was this Lady Fate’s attempt at sick humor? Down inside I demanded to know. Lady Fate or not, there she stood in the flesh and just a few feet away, the other significant woman that I loved.

  I cleared my throat and heard a word come out of my mouth, “Leïla.”

  Coming to life we closed the gap between us and met in a mutual and emotional embrace. Her divine heavenly fragrance was still able to cast its spell over me. Holding her close, I could feel her trembling as her throbbing heart raced uncontrollably inside of her. I was sure she could feel mine as well.

  Facing her, I saw that her enchanting brown eyes had grown moist. With a thousand different emotions coursing through my mind I grew teary-eyed myself. Bringing my mouth over hers slightly opened mouth I kissed her tenderly and passionately until our kissing became intoxicating.

  After our lips parted, I gazed into the distance, pondering question after question in my head while at the same time deliberating over which one I would ask her first. I had questions I needed answers to. Questions only she had the answers to.

  “Leïla, what in hell’s name happened to you,” I finally asked. “And why are you here in Gainesville?”

  “I have been wondering the same about you as well, Marcus,” she answered reclaiming my gaze. “Didn’t you get the note I left for you in St Thomas?”

  “Yes, I read your note,” I replied, my voice somewhat strained. “That is, after I was told by hospital staff that you had returned to Antigua with your parents. God, why didn’t you call me?”

  “I couldn’t,” she began, her voice quivering. “You see, I didn’t realize it at first but I must have lost my cellphone sometime during that incident on the island. That phone had your number in memory.”

  “I did consider that scenario,” I said softening my tone. “But why are you here?”

  “You Know, that’s the second time you’ve asked me that,” she came back with a puzzled gaze. “Marcus, I told you that I was coming here to finish my undergraduate work.”

  “Not according to what your father told me,” I quipped.

  “You talked to my father?” she said incredulously as she looked at me kinda weird. “When?”

  “When I went down there to search for you,” I said as her face grew more pensive. “Matter of fact, I was at your house the weekend of Memorial Day.”

  “You were at my house? But Marcus, this is the first I am hearing about any of this,” she replied, her eyes searching mine.

  “My father never mentioned anything about you visiting Antiqua or our home.”

  “Well, I did,” I said looking away briefly at a curious passerby. “On top of that he said that you had come to the States early to settle in at your new school, a school he elected not to mention.”

  “I left Antiqua early yes, but I came straight here Marcus,” she explained. “I don’t have a clue what other school my father was talking about.”

  I could see that Leïla was just as conflicted as I was when her father fed me all of those lies. Why he would do such a thing I did not know. So I decided to ask her. “Leïla, why would your father tell
me such lies? Why?”

  “My father has always been very protective of me,” she said, her head bowed momentarily. “I guess he did not want you getting seriously involved with his daughter.”

  “Why would he feel that way since I was already involved with you?”

  “I imagine he thought you were another guy out to steal his daughter away from him and take me away to some far distant land.”

  “Leïla, did you not tell your parents anything about me?” I asked, still searching for the truth.

  “Yes, I mentioned you Marcus,” she said with her head hung low. “I just did not tell them the extent of our involvement,” she answered, now reaching over to touch my arm.

  Taking a step back, I shook my head in disbelief. “Leïla, I thought we were in love. I thought we had something special between us.”

  “I am in love with you Marcus,” she said, almost sobbed. “You just don’t know my father. You just don’t.”

  “I am beginning to wonder if I know you,” I uttered sardonically as I turned away from her, my hands resting on my hips.

  Her voice trembled as she said, “Marcus, I laid in that hospital thinking only of you the whole time I was there. And for the past three or four months there wasn’t a day that went by that you were not on my mind or in my dreams. You have to believe me.”

  Turning to her I said, “Leïla, I don’t know what to believe anymore. With all due respect to you and your family, your father has certainly made my life a living hell the past few months. You don’t know the pain I had to deal with on a daily basis, especially not knowing where you were. That I do not hold against you or hold you responsible for. But it doesn’t erase the pain and suffering I went through.”

  “Listen Marcus, I can understand why you would be upset with me but my life has been anything but rosy since I was wounded on that island and you vanished from my world. I’ve struggled to survive living day to day wondering about you. And that’s the truth. As for my father, I will deal with him later. He’s got some explaining to do. I just don’t want you to be mad at me, baby. Not here. Not now.”

  “I’m not mad at you Leïla, just confused as hell more than anything,” I replied, my voice more tender and soothing.

  “Then hold me, my love, and tell me that things will return to the way they were before we left St Thomas,” she said with supplication in her voice. “And tell me that you still love me. Remember, we made a promise to love one another for all eternity, plus infinity times two, no matter what. Please tell me you still love me Marcus.”

  I was conflicted more than ever now. I was in deep trouble and had no idea what I was going to do about any of this. I did make that promise to her. God, I felt like dying. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Leïla or Tina for that matter.

  “You still love me Marcus, don’t you?” she inquired, impatiently waiting for my response.

  With a thoughtful gaze, I pulled her into my embrace and held her protectively. All the while Tina’s image kept crossing my mind. Swallowing, I assured Leïla that I still loved her. And I did.

  “And I love you too, Marcus,” she cooed.

  Nestled in my arms she rose upward and kissed me on nervous lips. “God, you smell so good,” she added inhaling. She gave me another generous dose of her dreamy eyes.

  “Not as good as you smell,” I came back with a light chuckle. “But thank you anyway.”

  That line seemed to humor her for her mouth broke into a soft smile. Stepping back she reached for my hands then paused.

  “What’s that you’re holding?” she asked, gazing down at my small package.

  After a slight hesitation on my part, I lied, “Oh, it’s just a gift I picked up for my aunt.” Inside I chided myself for abandoning what moral compass I had left in me. But I did not feel that this was the time or place to bring up Tina. Whether I was right or wrong about my decision, only time would tell.

  “I bet it’s a lovely gift,” she replied. “What is it?”

  “It’s a wrist and ankle bracelet set,” I answered.

  “May I see it?”

  “It’s all wrapped up,” I quipped.

  “That’s fine. I know that you have great taste, Marcus,” she said praising me. “Look, I was just out and about doing some shopping and was about to leave this area. Would you like to tag along with me? I’d love for you to.”

  Still not believing she was standing here in the flesh, I continued to stand there gazing at her.

  “Marcus,” she said, drawing close. “Is everything all right? Or do you have something more pressing to do. If so I understand.”

  “No, I don’t have anything pressing to do,” I quipped, snapping out of my fog. “I’d love to tag along with you Leïla. Whose car shall we take?”

  “It doesn’t matter to me,” she replied, her face lighting up in a bright smile. “As long as we are in one another’s company I’m happy.”

  “We’ll take mine then,” I declared with a smile.

  Turning around I unlocked the passenger side door with the remote and assisted her inside. Walking around the car I slid inside. “Where to?” I asked gazing over at her.

  “How about the Archer Road area? Sound doable to you?”

  “Yep, there are plenty of stores and shops around that area.”

  “Okay, let’s go there then.”

  Before we got three quarters of the way to the Archer Road area she had me pull over to a Goodwill Store she had spotted along the way. Fifteen minutes later we returned to my rental carrying a few bags. Had this reunion happened in Ft Lauderdale I would have been a nervous wreck. The possibility of running into Tina there would have been much greater. Right now I was just mystified.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The feelings that coursed through me were indescribable as I continued my drive with Leïla seated next to me. I imagined she felt the same way too because for at least four long minutes we sat speechless before we finally snapped out of our trance. Come to think of it, we did not say much in the Goodwill Store either.

  As if she had been reading my mind she said, as she rested her hand on top of mine, “God, I just cannot believe I am sitting here beside you Marcus. I just cannot believe it. Isn’t it wonderful?”

  “Beyond words,” I answered, feeling euphoric but in a different way and for reasons I dared not share with her.

  “So, I imagine you’re here on business for your uncle’s company, huh?”

  “Yes, I am,” I said making a left turn.

  “How’s it going so far?”

  “I think we’re looking pretty good right now on the deal I’m hoping to close on,” I said spiritedly.

  “Good!” she replied gazing out the dark tinted window at a clothing store we had just passed.

  “Hey, have you heard anything more about those thugs we ran into on the island?” I asked, curious to know.

  “There’s a court hearing coming up in June,” she answered. “Matter of fact, you should be getting something in the mail from your attorney and soon, that is, if you haven’t already.”

  “I’ll probably get it when I return to Ft Lauderdale.”

  “Ft Lauderdale,” she murmured as though she had drifted off to another place and time before returning, saying, “And when will that be?”

  “Tomorrow evening,” I said as I tuned in a local jazz station on the radio.

  “Oh Marcus, I wished we had more time,” she murmured, a touch of sadness evident in her voice.

  I glanced at her and solemnly watched as she took my free hand and cupped it inside both of her warm hands.

  “Please Marcus, don’t leave me. Not now.”

  I struggled for the right words to say. It didn’t help that I felt awkward and uncomfortable in my current role as faithful and devoted lover. I had to pull myself together, I told myself, or this reunion was going to turn very ugly for me.

  “I could always extend my stay into the weekend,” I said, feeling secretly delighted, yet reluctant and guilt
y.

  “Then please stay with me…please Marcus,” she pleaded softly and with an urgency and sincerity that touched me.

  Before I could respond to her plead, my smart phone let out a tone signaling that I had just received a text message. Fearing that it might be a text from Tina, I reached for my cell, which was positioned in an open compartment built into the dash, but Leïla reached it first. I was in a near panic as she picked it up and fixed her eyes on the bright screen.

  “It’s just one of those advertisements,” she said facing me after returning my phone to its resting place. “Something about a free trip to Budapest, I believe.”

  “Yeah, I get a lot of those,” I replied as calmly as I could sound, knowing that I had just dodged a bullet.

  Arriving at the intersection of 34th and Archer Road I paused for a red light.

  “Hey look, there’s a Kohl’s right across the way,” she said pointing straight ahead at the department store.

  “You want to go there?”

  “Please, can we?”

  “We certainly can,” I said gazing over at her lovely face.

  When the light turned green I made my way through the intersection. Seconds later I turned onto an access road and drove a short distance until I was in the parking lot area. I pulled into a space just vacated by another vehicle. Thankfully, we were just a few feet from the store’s entrance. As I turned the car off my phone rang, this time startling me. My blood pressure must have shot up fifty notches as sheer panic set in. This time Leïla allowed me to grab it. I could see that it was Tina calling me. I knew her number by heart. I had never been so close to having a heart attack than now.

  “Hey, I have to go to the ladies room so I’ll meet you inside, okay?” Leïla said and to my relief. “You and your uncle probably want to talk in private anyway.”