by Carrie Banks
I link our fingers together. “Let’s spend the day together. Just the two of us.”
“I’d like that,” she whispers.
We let Cody munch some more grass before leading him to a fenced-in area where trees and the ocean breeze gives him relief from the summer heat. After taking off his halter, I smack his rump and tell him to run free. Maybe, I’ll find him a girl pony. The old chap deserves to love again, too.
***
I drive us down a windy road towards the bay. Tree branches from opposite sides of the road touch, creating an arch my Rover drives under.
“It feels as if we are driving through a forgotten forest.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” I remark as the engine hums as we take a curve.
“Where are we going?”
“Some place Barron showed me a few months back. We’re almost there.” I slow the SUV down, maneuvering through overgrown brush as I turn down a forgotten drive.
The dirt gravel is bumpy, but soon the trees clear. Overgrown wildflowers and wild roses take up much of what was once a cleared yard. She gasps.
“I know. It’s devastatingly beautiful.”
“What is this place?”
As soon as I shut the engine off, Tessa is out of the car. Her eyes are full of questions.
A beautiful mansion is unfinished. The view here is unmatched by any. The stucco walls stand proud but no one ever lived inside them. Ivy and the roses now climb high, curling at the top of the chimney that never had smoke curl up and dissipate into the clouds.
“It’s beautiful. Wild and… sad?”
“I know. But it’s special. I came here a lot when I first moved to Hill’s Head. I came here to drink…to think…to curse…to pray.”
“Thank you for sharing this spot with me.”
I take her hand in mine as I open the back of my SUV and take out the picnic lunch I had bought us at the market. She takes the blanket from me. We walk hand-in -hand silently through the shell of the house and sit in the shade on the other side.
Sailboats dance on the horizon, their huge sails billowing in the sea breeze. The flowers sway at our feet. The sky is cloudless. Cocooned in the woods we are hidden away. Stealing a moment that was meant for someone else.
I open the food and we eat in silence just enjoying the peace in shared solitude. “Tell me. Tell me why no one finished building this beauty behind us.”
I sigh. “It’s terrible. A man bought this land a hundred and some years ago for his true love. He was building her a mansion built of mortar, brick, and stucco. He wanted it to be strong to weather any storm. He did all this before even proposing to his true love. She was titled and came from a wealthy family, but none of that mattered…he came into ‘new money.’ He owned a shipping business and wanted to build this home and show her the future he’d give her if she consented to be his wife. Her family wouldn’t agree to the match and they made plans to elope. But them she caught the flu and died in his arms. He was so heartbroken he couldn’t finish this house. He never returned. To this day his descendants own this land but none of them will ever touch it. He stipulated such in his will as his wealth got transferred from generation to generation.”
“How do you know all this?”
“Because it was Barron’s maternal great-great grandfather. He left journals with the deed.”
“How awful.” Her cheeks are wet with tears as she weeps for the ill-fated love of the couple whose dreams never lived.
“I know. Barron inherited all of it. Charles wanted him to sell and make a profit, but Barron wouldn’t budge. It’s also a source of tension between them.”
“Yeah, I can imagine. I’m proud of Barron for not caving. Many people would have.”
“I know. He can be a wild prick at times, but he’d never do it. He came here a lot after his mom died.”
“That must’ve been so hard on him to lose his mom like that.”
“It was. He was forced to watch her deteriorate. They spared no expense. But in the end money couldn’t cure her cancer.”
“Money can’t cure a lot of things.”
“I wish my parents would learn that,” I snort.
She turns to me, with eyes full of worry. “Are we going to be okay, Ry? We’ve never talked about fall or how this is going to work.”
I swallow hard. I can’t tell her, not after how she showed her love for me and Abbs today.
“I don’t know what the future holds, Tessa. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.” I take the palm of my hand and place it on my heart. “But I do know that you are in here. That what we have right now is what I want. You are what I want. I’d never cheat on you or ruin this. I can’t hit pause and freeze time. I need not only to go to a top-notch university; I need to own it. Earning money is the only way I can free myself from my parents. I won’t take one cent from their crooked dynasty. I won’t.”
“I know. I admire that so much, Ry. You are your own man already in so many ways. But you’re wrong about one thing. We can hit pause. Right here. Right now. This moment is ours. I’m not wasting it.” She moves back, unzips her dress and lets it pool at her feet. My mouth dries as she unhooks her bra and that also falls.
She shimmies her panties down her silken thighs and let’s her hair tumble loose. She’s fucking sexy as hell and all mine. I stand, meeting her eye as I undress. I follow as she leads me through high grass and tall flowers to the small sandy beach. She wades into the clear water to her waist before diving forward. When she surfaces some fifteen feet beyond, droplets of salt-water cling to her tear-shaped breasts.
My mouth waters as I dive under, surfacing only to bring a nipple to my mouth and roll it on my tongue.
Her legs cross behind my back. “You’re right, my sweet mermaid. Time does stop for love. Let’s not waste it.”
My mouth parts on hers. Tongues dance. Hearts fuse. Our souls intertwine. Everything we are bleeds together. Even our breaths become one as I enter her.
I rest, nestled deep inside my girl knowing someday soon we won’t have this. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I love her, but I can’t speak. I choke on the words. Instead, I show her with my kiss; with the way I thrust my hips hitting her spot, just how much I cherish her.
Her lips find the side of my neck. Her nails dig into my back, urging me to go harder. She moves. Riding me as I plunge into her. She throws her head back, panting my name as I pull out groaning hers.
Wordlessly we float, feeling the sun on our faces as we play like we’re both free. Acting as if there is no tomorrow.
I hold her against me. The small waves lap against our naked skin as our hearts slow. Neither of us moves for minutes. Because we both know once we do the spell will break and time will start again.
Finally, I carry her out of the water and wrap us up in the blanket we sat on. We lay pressed together in the sand. Skin to skin. Heart to heart. I hold her close while wishing I really was a king and could rule over this abandoned piece of paradise with my golden queen by my side.
Maybe one day we will.
But not tomorrow. Tomorrow she needs to take another road while I sprint down another. We both have adulting to do before we can earn the right to forever.
“It’s late. I need to get home for a family dinner.”
“When will I get to meet your parents anyway?”
“How about…never?” She laughs.
“They can’t be that bad.”
“He’s not. She is.”
I raise an eyebrow. “My cocky ass grin won’t work on her?”
“No. But Barron’s would.”
“We’ll both come over then.”
Tessa’s face reddens. “She’d legit have a heart attack. Soon. Before summer’s over I’d like to have a cookout at my place. You and Barron need to experience South Sea Crest.”
“I’m not a snob, Tessa. Are you that afraid?”
She shrugs. “Maybe.”
“Don’t be. I’m not rich anymore. In fact, you my little penn
y pincher, probably have a bigger bank account than I do.”
“Ha,” she scoffs. “Not on my hourly wage. But it doesn’t matter. Money doesn’t turn me on.”
“Bad boys do?”
“The baddest,” she agrees, hooking a few fingers into my waist band.
“I better turn back into a raging beast then.” I tease, nipping her neck lightly.
Her giggle bounces back from the half-built walls. “Thank you,” I whisper huskily.
“For what?”
“For giving me a perfect day.”
“Well, there’s plenty more of those to come.”
But there weren’t. In fact, we’d never see another day like this again. It was the last one before the illusion of our perfect world was irrevocably shattered.
CHAPTER FIVE
TESSA
Something’s wrong. I just have a bad feeling in my gut that won’t go away and I can’t get any signal on my phone. Guess that’s about the only downside to being out at sea.
“Relax. He said he’d meet us at Bannister’s Wharf. Stop worrying.”
“I guess. But it’s just not like him not to answer any of my calls or texts.”
“Maybe he left Boston early to avoid traffic or he’s catching up on work?”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
Gabby stands at the rail with her hair blowing in the wind. She’s carefree and relaxed. Her edge is just a little bit softer since she’s been with Barron.
“You wear it well.”
“What?”
“Your relationship with Barron.”
“Thanks. I’ve never been so happy, and Charles has been nothing but kind. I guess he’s not as stuffed up as he seems.”
“That or he’s probably just so relieved that Barron’s toned down since dating you. You’re both good for each other.”
“I know. This summer’s been like a dream for the most part. I can’t tell you how satisfying it’s been seeing Emily and Valerie at SYC when I’m with Barron.”
“Who’s Valerie?”
“She’s that puta who pinched me.”
“Did you tell Barron?”
“Nope. It’s much more satisfying watching her burn with envy,” Gabby replies, taking a sip of the mojito Jen made for her.
“I still think you should say something, but it’s your decision.”
Sighing, I lie back down feeling the heat of the sun on my skin as Barron and JD steer Her Majesty toward Newport Harbor.
“What are the plans for today?”
“Barron made dinner reservations at his favorite restaurant and Greg and The Bone Bags are playing at Newport Blues tonight. I definitely want to do both, but first I was hoping you and I could go shopping.”
“You’re the birthday girl Gabby. It’s your weekend.”
I’m amenable to whatever she wants. She picks up the control stick to the sound system and reggae music booms from the speakers overhead. I sip my frozen margarita and take in the magnificent view from the bow of the boat.
A few seagulls fly out in front, escorting us as we enter the Newport Harbor. The loud horn of Her Majesty’s blows, announcing to other boats in the water ‘that the queen is coming through.’
Gabby raises her hand, giving a princess wave to them all. Shaking my head at her I say, “You forgot your tiara.”
“You’re right, I should have one.”
“I was joking.”
“No, it’s genius. It’s my birthday and I’ll wear a fricken crown if I want to.”
“Maybe you should slow down on the mojitos. We still have all day and night to get through.”
“I’m good. I don’t mix pills with alcohol, like somebody else I know.”
“None of this is going to your head, huh? Should I start calling you, Her Majesty?”
She just shrugs and goes back to waving.
Turning away from her, I stare at the beautiful scenery passing by: mansions sit on the hill where rolling acres of lawn meet the sea.
Straight ahead is the Newport Bridge arching over the water high up in the sky, connecting Jamestown and Newport.
As we pass by Wellington Avenue, I wave to a few children playing in the park. The soccer ball they were kicking is forgotten; the impressive size of the Majesty has them stunned.
“I’ve always loved Newport. My parents used to take me here a few times a year. We’d stop on our way to visit my Aunt Mel who lives about twenty minutes north of here in Little Compton. I haven’t seen her in a while. She and my mom go through their own ups and downs,” I tell Gabby, but she doesn’t hear me.
She’s distracted by all the attention that she’s receiving posing in her bikini on the tip of the bow.
We reach the deep-water dock that Barron has reserved for the Majesty at Bannister’s Wharf. The wharf’s located directly in the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport and Her Majesty gets a warm welcome from tourists shopping by the docks. They cheer and wave and of course, a few men whistle at Gabby.
Picking up my phone I’m happy to see that I finally have a few bars. Swiping my screen, I see a new text from Ryan:
Hey something came up. Won’t make it to Newport. Tell Gabby Happy Birthday from me
XOXOXO.
I text him back immediately, What’s going on? Are you ok?
He types back...I’m meeting with my parents. Call you later.
Of all the things that went through my mind of why Ryan cancelled, a meeting with his parents wasn’t one of them.
I can’t leave it alone.
I hit call, but his phone just goes to voicemail. My shoulders sag with defeat. I put my phone down with a sigh. I know today is supposed to be about Gabby but seeing Ryan has become the highlight of my life.
I feel like he might be the love of my life.
I’m lovesick.
The beautiful scene all around me just feels like a blank wall—there’s no color in my world when he’s not here to share it with me.
Sitting and hugging my knees with my long hair hiding my face, I have a pity party.
“What’s up? There’s no crying on mega yachts.”
Gabby finally remembers my presence.
“Does your arm hurt?”
“No why?”
“I thought it was going to fall off with all that waving you were doing. It was like watching a pageant queen in a parade.”
“True. But my float’s the best,” she replies, patting the fiberglass hull.
I roll my eyes.
“Gee Gabby, your newfound status isn’t going to your head at all.”
“Whatever. I’m grasping the moment like I told you I would. Why the long face?”
“Ryan’s not coming—something to do with his parents.”
“What? I thought he was estranged from them.”
“He is.”
“That sucks. I’m sorry, but it’s my birthday weekend and there is a no crybaby policy onboard. So, ship up! Or, I’ll have you walk the plank.”
Lifting my head at her ridiculousness, I crack a small smile.
“To the best birthday weekend ever, no one deserves it more,” I raise my glass.
Barron expertly guides the Majesty into her slip as the crew throws the bow lines to men waiting on the dock to tie us off.
Once all the lines are secured, the powerful engines shut off.
“Come on, let’s take some birthday selfies,” I suggest, trying to lighten up.
Barron and JD are up on the bridge, shaking their heads at the two of us posing in our bikinis with the world-renowned Newport Harbor in the background. We hand over our phones to a crew member who snaps a few pics.
“Hey, babe, are you ready to get this party started?”
“Yesssss— thank you so much, Barrie! You make me so happy!” Gabby wraps herself around him, hugging him tight as soon as he walked down the ladder from the bridge.
“Are you drunk already?” He holds her up as she sways even though the Majesty is still.
“Maybe a little. I just need to eat, then I’ll be fine.”
“Do you want me to have something prepared for you?”
“Let’s eat out, I want to do some window shopping.”
“Here babe—”
Barron rifles through a stack of hundred-dollar bills from his wallet. He folds them in half placing a thick wad firmly in Gabby’s palm.
“No. I’m not going to take your money. I love the life that you’ve shared with me, but this is too much.”
“It’s nothing, treat yourself.”
Gabby unfolds the bills counting them.
“Babe? Twelve-hundred dollars? No that’s loco and I’m not taking it.”
“Fine, I’ll just have to buy you something outrageous then.”
“Just feed me,” Gabby says kissing him softly and puts the money back into the pocket of his shorts.
***
The four of us spend the afternoon wandering in and out of the tourist shops on Thames Street walking off a heavy seafood lunch that Barron insisted on paying for.
I miss Ryan.
My phone’s still silent, but least JD’s here. Linking my arm through his, we follow Barron and Gabby down a cobblestone street.
Barron stops in front of a row of parked Vespas, picking up a helmet that’s hanging on the handle. He hands it to Gabby, “Want a tour of Ocean Drive?”
“I’ve never been on one of these,” she says hesitantly.
“Don’t worry. Just hang on tight to me.”
“That I can do.”
JD follows Barron inside to rent the small scooters for the day, leaving Gabby and I to pick out which one’s we want to ride.
“I know you’d rather be holding onto someone else, but I’ll still give you a good ride,” JD says coming up from behind me. I playfully smack his arm and get on.
I hold on tight as he zips us around Ocean Drive, the most scenic road in Newport. It curves around the peninsula bordering the sea. It’s New England’s version of the Amalfi coast.
We zip past mansions built in the roaring twenties; a throwback to America’s golden age, reminiscent of the days of speakeasies and The Great Gatsby.
Hell, Barron Foster could pass as Gatsby himself.
I tap JD’s shoulder signaling him to pull over at Brenton Point. In the park, huge kites and windsocks fly high overhead and kids laugh running with their ice cream cones fresh off the truck.