Cross My Heart

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  She paused a moment then continued. “David, thank you for tonight, I had a wonderful time. This was truly memorable.”

  “You’re very welcome. But it doesn’t have to end just yet, does it?”

  “It’s getting late,” she said.

  “But your sons are in good hands, right?” he asked. She nodded. “Great, so why don’t we do something special. Let’s go away, too.”

  “Go away? You’re kidding, right?”

  “No, I’m serious. We’re already on the water. In a few more hours we can be in Miami, the Bahamas or even Jamaica. It’ll be a mini vacation. I’m sure you could use one, couldn’t you?”

  She laughed, assuming that he was joking. Then she thought about her conversation with her sister. It was as if he’d been reading her thoughts. “Wait. You’re serious, aren’t you?” she asked.

  He nodded. “Very.”

  “No, I can’t do that,” she insisted as she moved farther away, physically distancing herself from the suggestion.

  “Why not? We’ll go to the Bahamas and be back Sunday morning. Unless, of course, you have something planned for Saturday. Do you?” he asked, knowing she didn’t after having overheard her conversation with her sister at the bakery.

  “Whatever I have or don’t have planned for Saturday doesn’t matter. No, this is crazy. Nobody goes to the Bahamas just like that. People plan, make reservations.”

  “You’re right. Then again, some people just sail off at sunset,” he assured her.

  “No, I didn’t pack. I don’t have anything to wear,” Natalia argued.

  “Don’t worry about clothes. We’ll pick up whatever you need when we get there.”

  “What about a passport? Mine’s at home.”

  “I’m sure you have a Florida driver’s license with you. That’ll suffice for boat passengers at a private port like this one.”

  Natalia bit her lower lip. This was all beginning to sound like it could really happen. It was sudden and exciting and reminiscent of her life a long, long time ago. “No, I can’t,” she said quickly, resigning herself to painting and gardening.

  “Are you sure?” He moved closer as he asked. “Is there any way I can get you to change your mind?”

  She looked into his eyes, knowing that he saw she was tempted. “This is crazy.” Natalia walked away slowly. The temptation to do something for herself was strong. On the one hand, she had work and responsibility; on the other hand, there was David. She knew that Brice and Jayden would be fine. She thought for a half second more before she turned, smiled and answered. “Okay.”

  David smiled and nodded. He kissed her briefly then headed up to the flybridge. Natalia went back into the salon. She grabbed her cell phone and called Mia and Stephen again. She told them that she’d be away all day Saturday with David. Mia was overjoyed and told her that they’d planned to take the boys to the aquarium, their favorite place, and then Stephen, Mikhail and Dominik were taking Brice fishing Saturday afternoon. Jayden would stay with her. Natalia hung up knowing that everything was fine. They’d be in good hands, but she still felt the pangs of separation. She keyed up their photos on her cell phone.

  “Everything all right?” David asked, walking back into the salon.

  Natalia looked up and smiled. She nodded. “Yes.”

  “Are you sure? We can still head back if you’re having second thoughts.”

  “No, I’m just missing my little guys. That’s all,” she said as she flipped to another photo.

  “Is that a photo of them?” David asked, seeing the image still lit up as her cell phone wallpaper. She nodded, changed to the photo gallery and handed it to him. His heart pounded and his face lit up instantly. The first shot was them playing in water. The joyful smiles on their faces were priceless. He toggled through the rest of the photos, feeling a connection he hadn’t expected and emotions he’d never felt before. “Wow, they’re really handsome, aren’t they?” he said, smiling.

  “Yes, they are. They’re both little charmers with two distinctly different personalities. Brice is the adventurous one. He’s always into or up to something. I don’t know what I’m gonna do when he’s a teenager—probably inject him with a LoJack for teens or something like that. Jayden is more of the lover-boy type. He’s such a ladies’ man. Women look at him and just start drooling, and he loves it.”

  David chuckled, recognizing the attributes in himself.

  “So, are we all set for tomorrow?” she asked, seeing his odd reaction to the photos of her sons. He nodded absently, still thinking about the photos. The feeling of pride overwhelmed him. These were his sons—happy, healthy and handsome. He thought about his own childhood and how very different it was than what they’d experience. Growing up in a loveless home without a father was no way for a child to live.

  “Hey, you’re a million miles away. Are you okay?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I was just thinking,” he said finally, handing her back the cell phone.

  “It must have been something pretty emotional. The expression on your face seemed almost pained.”

  “Childhood,” he said simply.

  She leaned in and touched his arm. “We seldom get over our past. It’s what makes us who we are in the present and what shapes our view of the world for our future. We are who we were. There’s no getting around that. No matter how hard we try to run away from or erase the past, our experiences are always with us. But it’s the experiences that we have now and the relationships that we forge now that make us who we are.”

  He smiled. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. We are exactly who we were and it is what we do now that shapes our present and our future. You’re pretty good at this psychology stuff.”

  “You think so, huh?”

  “I know so.”

  “Working in social services has a way of broadening a person’s view of the world. I’ve seen people on the worst day of their lives and also the best day. The joy I get from handing an adopted child over to her new family is pure exhilaration. And equally, the heartbreak of removing a child from an abusive family is just as exhilarating because I know that that child, even with the physical and emotional scars, will go forward to be a better person and have a better life.”

  “You’re a remarkable woman.”

  “Because I work with families and children?” she asked.

  “No, because you care so much and because you give your heart so willingly,” he replied. “Brice and Jayden are very lucky little guys.”

  “Actually, I’m the lucky one. I learned so much from them. One thing is that some things you just can’t control and you can’t option out. Everything happens for a reason.”

  “Everything?” he asked, thinking about the situation that connected them, unbeknownst to her. She nodded. He turned away. If only she knew how true those words were. They stayed up talking well into the early-morning hours. Their conversations shifted to a myriad of topics until enjoyment finally gave way to exhaustion. “Come on, it’s getting late. I’ll show you to your cabin.”

  Chapter 7

  David took a cold shower that lasted twenty minutes and still he tossed and turned most of the night. Having Natalia sleeping in the cabin right next to him set his nerves on fire, but he suppressed his desires. It was more than the physical. She had gotten to him. The emptiness he’d always felt inside and hidden so well had begun to fill. But he knew that last night wasn’t the right time for them to be together. One sleepless night didn’t bother him—much.

  At daybreak, the vibrant sky came alive and the tranquility of contentment surrounded him as they woke up in the Bahamas. He sat out on the deck sipping mango juice and waiting for Natalia to try on some of the clothes he had delivered to her cabin earlier. Staring out at the horizon, he began to feel guilty. He knew he was doing this for the right reason. He just wasn’t sure now that it was the right way. Maybe Pam was right. Maybe he should have just come out and told her the truth from the beginning. But how do you tell a wom
an that you’re the biological father of her two sons?

  He smiled, remembering the photos from last night. The two boys were handsome, just as he’d expected. They also kept him up all night thinking. He was going about this all wrong and this role he was playing was getting too complicated. To top it off, he was way past getting emotionally attached. His heart was starting to yield.

  Her grace and tranquil personality were magnetic. Her heart was giving and her spirit was caring and open. She was everything he’d always wanted. He genuinely enjoyed being with her. “Good morning.”

  David turned, seeing Natalia standing in the doorway dressed in a flowing floral-patterned sundress. A gentle breeze blew around her body, accenting the sweet curve of her hips and her slender frame. “Good morning. Wow, look at you.” He paused and shook his head. “You look fantastic in that outfit.” She pivoted slightly to show the halter-style dress and billowing bow at the back of her neck.

  “Thank you,” she said, nodding graciously. “And thank you for the clothes. They’re beautiful. But you really bought too many. We’re only gonna be here one day. There are five outfits in my cabin.”

  “I guess it’s a leftover impulse from my sister. She always said that women can never have too many clothes. How’d you sleep?”

  “After a late-night brandy, three glasses of champagne and the motion of the ocean, I slept like a baby,” Natalia confessed. “I can see why you travel by water. It’s so soothing.”

  “Actually, I travel by water for relaxation and privacy. Very few paparazzi can tread water for hours at a time or are fortunate enough to own a speedboat.”

  “So that’s your secret.”

  “Secret?”

  “I looked you up on the Internet the other day. There are a lot of photos of you early on in your career, but not a lot now.”

  “You mean photos with women?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Now it’s like you dropped off the paparazzi radar or something.”

  “I wish. They’re still out there, but I’ve just made it a little harder for them to get to me.”

  “So in other words you can basically do whatever you want now without having photos of yourself plastered all over the magazines and tabloid covers.”

  “Or on the Internet,” he added.

  “Smart.”

  “It doesn’t always work.”

  “Looks like it did this time,” she said, walking over to the rail while looking around at the vast horizon and dazzling beauty around her. The vibrant colors were breathtaking—lush, verdant greenery and brilliant floral displays were everywhere. “Wow, it’s so beautiful here, so peaceful and quiet.” She turned suddenly and looked down the length of the dock. “There’s no one around. Where are we exactly?”

  “We’re in the Bahamas—South Bimini, to be exact. It’s one of my favorite places.”

  “Bimini. I’ve always wanted to come here. It’s so lovely,” she whispered, looking around in wonder.

  “Yes, you are,” he said, staring at her in the morning light. She was a vision. The colorful dress accented her slim waist and the smooth sloping sway of her back and derriere. He couldn’t resist touching her. “I thought we’d grab some breakfast on board then have a look around town. There’s some really fascinating architecture and I think you’re gonna love the shops here.”

  “Sounds perfect,” she said, following him to the table set out on the deck just as breakfast was being served. They ate quickly then started their day. Walking down the dock, they passed a small cottage up on a hill. “Doesn’t this dock belong to the people who live in the cottage up there?”

  “Yes.”

  “So you know them,” she affirmed.

  “It belongs to a good friend of mine.”

  She nodded and continued walking as she wondered who the “good friend” might be. She’d seen him with so many different women in the Internet photos that it had left an impression. Models, movie stars, heiresses, entertainers—they were all beautiful, poised and famous. She’d often read magazine headlines coupling David with other movie stars, particularly his leading ladies. There was one that even had him breaking up a married couple, but that proved to be just tabloid fodder. “A friend as in one from those Internet photos?” she asked.

  He chuckled softly, knowing what she was thinking. “No, sorry to disappoint you,” he said. “My good friend is a musician who comes here to write music when he’s not touring. He grew up in a small community not too far from here called Port Royale.”

  Natalia nodded, happy that he’d elaborated. They continued walking past exquisite homes with scenery that was breathtaking. Talking and walking, the next two hours seemed like only ten minutes. Just before midday they stopped and sat at a small outdoor café for a snack and a quick drink. “This place is so incredible,” Natalia said, feeling the slow, relaxing island rhythm all around her. “It’s hard to believe that people actually live here all the time. I’d never get anything done.”

  He stood and took her hand to help her up. They walked through town hand in hand, stopping occasionally for an autograph or to window-shop. “I can’t believe you’ve never been here before.”

  “Traveling is my sister’s thing, not mine. Tatiana has been to every continent, either as a correspondent or just for the joy of traveling.”

  “What about your other sister, Nikita?”

  “She lived in London and Paris for a time.”

  “But you’ve always stayed in the Keys.”

  She nodded. “Pretty much. I’m basically a homebody.”

  They continued talking as they walked through the narrow promenades and stopped at several street vendors. They laughed and talked, enjoying each moment they spent together. “Oh, look at this. Brice would look so cute in it,” Natalia said, smiling at a tiny colorful shirt in the front window. “I have to get this for him.”

  “Allow me,” David said.

  “No, really, you’ve done enough already. I’ll be right back.”

  David watched as she walked into the small shop and picked up a miniature floral shirt and held it up. She smiled and then began looking for others. She collected another shirt and two T-shirts, one for each child, then turned to show him. He smiled and nodded his approval. She looked around a bit more, then, finding one other item, she paid and left the shop.

  She found David instantly. He was standing with three starry-eyed women. They talked, laughed and giggled incessantly as they took turns taking photos with him. The last to have her photo taken made sure to press her ample breasts into his side. Before the photo was taken, he glanced over to the shop’s entrance and smiled. The buxom woman quickly turned to see who had gotten his attention. Natalia smiled and nodded to David, picking up the one woman’s annoyed reaction out of the corner of her eye. She walked to the next shop and looked at the display. The last thing she needed was to hit the cover of a tabloid. David walked over a few minutes later and suggested that they head back to the dock. She readily agreed.

  By noon, they were back on the boat in bathing suits, preparing to go snorkeling. It was the perfect day, as turquoise water sparkled beneath the midday sun. They dove into the water, skimming the surface and enjoying the beauty along the coral reefs below. Later, they walked along the private white sand beach as the foam water crests danced at their feet and lazy palm trees swayed in the warm breeze.

  “So tell me about acting. Is that what you always wanted to do when you were growing up?”

  “No, not really. I never really thought about it until later. I did some modeling and commercials to pay for college and then I just sort of transitioned into acting.”

  “Are you working now?”

  “Actually, I just finished shooting a movie.”

  “What’s it called?” she asked curiously.

  “Its working title is Cross My Heart,” he said, then began to tell her about the basic premise of a man finding an unlikely love after surviving an illness. She asked more questions as they turned and
headed back to the boat. By the time they arrived, Natalia couldn’t wait to see the movie.

  “It sounds very different from your usual work. What made you decide to do it?”

  “You’re right. It is very different. But it’s a great script and the casting, directing and cinematography are brilliant. I think it’s going to be very well received.”

  When they got back to the boat, Natalia excused herself to call Mia and check on the boys. Mia told her that Stephen and her brothers had taken Brice fishing. Her father and grandfather tagged along to round out the party. She expected them back later. “Are you enjoying yourself?” Mia asked.

  “Yes, way too much,” Natalia answered. “I’m in Bimini and it’s like paradise here. We went into town for a while, then did some snorkeling and afterwards just strolled along a private sand beach. David is really great to be with.”

  “Sounds like you’re finally taking a minute for yourself.”

  “I am, and I don’t feel nearly as guilty about it as I thought I would.”

  “Guilty? Why on earth should you feel guilty?” she asked.

  “I’m a mom. My children are my first responsibility.”

  “Yes, you’re a mom, but you’re a woman, too. Where does it say that motherhood precludes you from having a life?”

  “It’s just that I see families all the time with parents who just seem to give up and walk away. I never want to be like that.”

  “You won’t. You can’t. You’re not wired like that. Just because you take one weekend to enjoy yourself doesn’t make you a terrible person. It makes you human. So enjoy your movie star and come back relaxed, stress free and with tons of juicy gossip to share. Deal?” Natalia chuckled.

  “Great, now get back to that gorgeous man and get wild.”

  “You know what? I think I just might.” Natalia giggled.

  “Now that’s what I’m talking ’bout. See ya later. Enjoy.”

  After Mia hung up, Natalia went back out onto the deck, where David was pouring a tall flute of champagne. “Perfect timing. We’re just about to get under way.”