by K. K. Allen
As I’m roaming the empty, narrow hallways I don’t know what I’m searching for—anything that appears strange, I suppose. A door marked Private sits at the end of the hallway. As I approach a man dressed all in white with a clear glass globe on his head exits the room. The door is closing slowly behind him but I can see some of what’s inside.
The room is white—everything about it is white from the walls to the ceiling. Security cameras line one wall and a huge white kiosk stands up at the side of the room, but it’s what’s in the center of the room that holds my attention. I see just enough before the doors close, and I continue to stand there in shock.
In the center of the big white room sits a large, clear cylinder which holds a whirlwind of a shimmering vapor substance that circulate like a contained tornado.
As the door closes in my face, Johnny appears next to me, robbing me of time to process what I just saw—but what did I just see? All I know is that whatever goes on behind those doors is another secret that Rose is keeping from me—and perhaps the rest of the Enchanters.
* * *
Johnny and I exit the Manatee Viewing Center in silence, not because we feel awkward around each other, but because what do we talk about next?
Our conversation on the Ferris wheel last night changed things. We both know it. We shared a lot of personal information. I’m grateful that we seem to be past the glaring stage, but now we’ve entered something new and much more challenging.
“I can walk you home,” he says nonchalantly.
“My bike is at the restaurant. Can you walk me there?”
We leave the plant by way of the nature trail, through the community beach on the north side of the Island, and walk unhurriedly down Main Street.
It’s like we are walking from old Apollo Beach to new Apollo Beach; past the abandoned homes that look as if they once were the pride of the town, they now sit in weeds, around crumbled concrete. The exterior paint is worn and yellowing in some areas, and the roofs look as though they are deteriorating slowly but painfully.
“It’s great that you volunteer,” I say finally to break the silence. “They need people like you; passionate about their beliefs and willing to give up their time to make a difference.”
Johnny doesn’t look at me but when I see a smile on his face I know I’ve said something he likes. “When I moved here I was lost. I vaguely remember this place from when I was young. For some reason it still feels like home.”
“Why did you come back?”
He shrugs. “I’m not really sure. I just found myself driving my boat in this direction one day. It’s like I’m meant to be here. When I started volunteering it felt natural to stay. Probably because I practically grew up on the water and it all came so effortlessly, but I just wanted to be a part of the rescue as much as I could. Even if all I could do was work the service booths and give speeches to spread awareness, not just with manatees, but with all sea creatures. As a human race, we don’t do enough to protect our environment.”
“Why do you think that is?” I’m curious to know his perspective.
As strong as he is naturally, Johnny looks vulnerable in this moment. I watch his face fall and notice the questions in his eyes. “Humans seem to think they can do whatever, get away with whatever, with no clue that with every neglectful act, comes repercussions. Whether their acts come back to haunt them in their lifetime or their child’s lifetime, doesn’t matter to them. One day all of this will catch up to the world, and they won’t be around to pay their own prices. The world is unfair. So all I can do is everything I can—it will never be enough.”
His passion is mesmerizing.
“You shouldn’t be so negative. What you do is enough. You can’t control others, you can only spread awareness. It’s up to others to make good choices, just as you do, but you can’t beat yourself up over what you can’t control.” I know my words won’t help. It’s the same conversation I have with Rose and Arabella.
I sigh and look up at him. “You’re right about all of it though. There are people deliberately sabotaging our water, you know? I saw it first hand. I don’t know what they think to gain from it.” Okay, so I’m lying a bit. What I can’t tell Johnny is that it’s the Equinox behind most of the pollution in the bay. They’re the ones who want to kill us off, and one approach is to threaten our food and water supply.
“What?” He asks me, curious as to what I know about the pollution.
“I was at the marina a couple of weeks ago and saw two people dumping something into the bay. They ran away before I could see who they were, but whatever they dumped killed every living thing under water within a fifteen foot radius. It was like they were testing their own pollution.”
Johnny stops in his tracks. “They were dumping into the marina?”
I nod, noticing how suddenly tense he’s become.
“Geez Kat. I can’t believe you saw that. I’ll keep an eye out. I’ll let you know if I see them again.”
The intensity in Johnny’s face is new. He’s not the glaring guy who despised me so much when I met him—he’s someone with passion. I’m standing beside him but facing him now. He’s staring off into the sunset. Jaw tight. Expression mixed with deep jumbled thoughts. He’s not angry. He just thinks deeply. It’s insanely attractive.
I reach out to touch his arm. “Hey.”
He looks down at his arm and then at me. “Sorry, sometimes I just feel…”
“Helpless?” I smile lightly meeting his eyes. Knowing. “You do what you can, but not one person can do it all. When people want attention they do bad things to get it. Then they want to hide from their responsibility—from what they’ve caused. It’s human nature, I suppose. We can’t fix bad people. We can surround ourselves by the good ones and motivate others to do great things. You just need to focus on what you can do. I will too.”
Something in his expression changes. There’s a light I’ve never seen before. Trisha was right. Johnny is an onion, but he’s a beautiful onion. Layers can be a good thing, and as I peel back his layers one by one, the more dangerously attracted I am to him.
“I better get back,” I frown, disappointed that we’ve reached my bike. “See you tomorrow,” I smile as I hold myself up with my foot.
It looks as if he’s going to say something to me but he bites his lip instead. I wonder how many girls those lips have kissed.
My eyes flicker away, embarrassed. “Bye.” I grab my bike and push off, unable to keep the smile from my face.
Chapter Sixteen
It takes a few days for Johnny’s shift to align with mine but I’ve been asked to cover for Trisha who is still dealing with the aftermath of her birthday. I arrive at the Island Grille in the late afternoon. We’re working a closing shift tonight and I don’t mind it one bit, except for when I arrive there, Alec and Ava are playing pool.
Seeing them together doesn’t bother me anymore, but the minute Ava flags me down to grab her a coke, I am irritated, but since I’m lucky enough to be waiting on their table I grab her the drink. “Kat. Did I say coke?” She laughs. “Oh no. Can you get me diet?” She turns to Alec. “Babe, did you want anything?”
I tilt my head, a mix of amusement and irritation brews inside of me. Does she have to make a point of calling him babe right in front of me? I may not be into him anymore, but Ava just makes all encounters as uncomfortable as possible.
Alec shakes his head and avoids my eyes in answer to Ava’s question. He can’t even look at me anymore. A pang of hurt hits me.
“Kat,” Johnny calls to me, forcing me to turn. “Can you help me with table 10? I’ll get this one.”
I smile at him, gratefully, but I wonder if he wants to exchange tables because he knows I’m uncomfortable or because he thinks I’m jealous.
I walk by him and brush his arm; a chill runs through me. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Throughout my shift I feel Johnny’s eyes on me, and every time I look up I feel like he’s trying to tell me someth
ing. We are quite busy for a week day, and since there are only two of us on the floor, we barely get a chance to talk. I’m sure I stare at him a dozen times myself, unable to get over his thick, broad shoulders and perfect white teeth. When someone at one of his tables causes him to laugh I can’t help but look up, knowing I’ll get to see a more relaxed and carefree Johnny.
During my half hour break, I walk into the back room and stretch out on the couch, the cushions are so comfortable that I shut my eyes and let myself drift. It’s been tough to get much sleep lately with everything going on. I didn’t realize how tired I was until this moment.
A creak from the break room door sounds and I sit up with a jolt. Johnny grins back at me, obviously amused. “Your friends left. Don’t get too comfortable. I need you out here whenever you’re done doing whatever you’re doing.”
I smile and stand up. “Thanks.”
He hesitates at the door before leaving. “If it’s any help,” he starts. “I don’t think those two have a healthy relationship. It’s not exactly happy in paradise when one person is bossing the other around the entire time. She definitely wears the pants.”
I shake my head. “Their relationship is strange but they seem happy.” I shrug. “I honestly don’t care anymore. She just makes me uncomfortable. I always get the feeling that she’s up to something.”
“Is that jealousy talking?” There’s a look in his eye that I can’t tell is genuine curiosity or envy.
“I don’t like Alec like that anymore.” I am anxious for Johnny to know that I am being one hundred percent honest with him, so my eyes remain on his until his chest deflates slightly and his shoulders relax. There. He believes me.
My apron lays in front of me so I reach for it and slide it around my waist. When I look up Johnny is studying me with soft eyes. “Well, good,” he says, and for the first time since knowing him, I think he’s embarrassed.
I walk toward him, trying to hide my smile. “Is my interrogation over now?”
Johnny’s eyes narrow playfully as his thick build blocks my exit. “No. We can pick it up later.” The look in his eyes boils my blood and heat rushes to my face. I know without a doubt my cheeks are medium rare and my feelings for him are exposed and vulnerable. Never has wanting to kiss someone felt so excruciating.
* * *
It’s safe to say the rest of the night drifts by at an agonizingly slow pace. My excellent memory and senses work for me tonight, as I’m positive without them I would have forgotten every order and dropped every dish. At one point I go to retrieve some silverware from the back and notice that one napkin is uniquely folded—in the shape of a sun with the silverware filling the little pockets that create the rays. I smile.
Later on I catch Johnny watching me from across the room. I’m filling water glasses for a table when I look up and my eyes lock on his. Those intense eyes frustrated me once in a very different way. Luckily my senses kick in and tell me when to stop pouring but my eyes stay on Johnny. I’ve figured it out and noticed that every time he’s at the cash register he sneaks a look at me. It makes me smile now that I’ve caught on. He smiles too and finally looks away, breaking the spell he’s got on me. Well—maybe he didn’t break it but it’s on hold until further notice.
I know that if I want to get through this night without any accidents, I’ll need to focus and stop sneaking glances at Johnny. It takes every ounce of power in me but I manage it. Finally, he is locking the door to the Island Grille behind the final group of the night.
The air in the room is electric. I feel it. I dare not look at Johnny again, for fear I’ll reveal too much. Maybe new music will help with my nerves; we’ve been listening to the same Top 40 hits all day. I walk to the back and replace the satellite radio with an acoustic station. The simple musicality of the music relaxes me instantly.
When I return to the floor Johnny is counting the money in a register. This is always the first thing he does during closing. I start by wiping tables and putting chairs up so I can sweep the floors.
When I begin to sweep, I realize that we haven’t said a word to each other for most of the night. I’m okay with silence, and in this case, maybe it’s safer. Though, silence doesn’t remove the energy between us which is still heavy and clouded with tension.
I grab the glass cleaner and begin wiping the spots on the windows the best I can. This isn’t usually something I do, but I figure tonight I’ll stall as long as possible. Maybe I’ll forage up the nerve to initiate a conversation with him.
As I glance out the window which overlooks the bay I freeze my wiping motions to admire the moon. It’s exceptionally beautiful tonight and looks twice the size it normally does. I love the moon, and not just because it energizes me, but because it has to power to illuminate an entire night’s sky. Without it, the darkness would be so empty.
My eyes flicker to a movement in the glass and I freeze. Johnny’s reflection stares back at me, confirming my desires are the same as his. Suddenly my heart takes off pounding so quickly and loudly in my chest that any contemplation of a response is drowned out. I don’t know how to stop it. I’m not sure if I want to stop it.
His hand presses into mine which is still pressed against the rag on the glass. I’m certain of his intentions. I know this is my cue to turn around but it takes me a second to draw up the courage. Then I’m moving slowly, deliberately toward him, circling my body until I’m directly in front of him.
Johnny’s free hand reaches up to touch my cheek. For someone with such strong hands, he is unbearably gentle. I have to fight the urge to close my eyes. I want to see him before he kisses me. I want to look into his eyes and feel everything he’s feeling.
His thumb strokes my jaw and I let myself give into the sensation by lifting my chin, inviting him in, and finally I allow my eyes to close and wait for his lips to greet mine. When his lips finally touch mine it’s as if my entire body has been set on fire. He’s lit every sensation in me. Every feeling. Every movement is unhurried and filled with passion. I don’t want him to stop.
My hands lift and knead into his hair, pulling his face even closer to mine. My knees just might buckle right here. He makes me strong. He makes me weak. I just want to keep kissing him. He answers back with just as much wanting.
All my breath is lost. I’m certain he can feel the heavy pulse of blood running through my veins and the frantic tempo in my chest begin to slow, but I don’t want to risk ending our kiss to breathe. His kiss deepens, parting my lips with his, pulling me closer and closer with every moment until I’m fully in his arms. His hold is firm, but careful. My knees begin to buckle and I feel light headed—it’s enough to break the spell.
I draw away from Johnny and practically gulp in a deep breath of air but it’s not enough. Something is wrong. I feel faint and my knees really do buckle but Johnny is right there to catch me.
“Kat. Are you okay?” Johnny’s worried voice echoes through my mind, but I feel numb, like I have no control over my body or senses.
“Outside. Need—outside.” My words are broken but Johnny understands. He places his arms under my legs and lifts me effortlessly and he carries me outside.
I immediately feel better under the moon’s energy. I inhale deeply and turn to Johnny, a bashful smile on my face. He sets me down but doesn’t let me go. “I’m better. Thank you.” I can’t bear to look at him.
“I’ve never had that effect on anyone before,” he’s serious but I can see his lip twitching in the corner of my eye like he wants to smile. I take a deep breath and open my eyes to find him above me, staring down at me, entrancing me with those eyes.
That was some first kiss. I would have never thought that Johnny had it in him. Such an improvement from him hating me.
“I’m sorry,” I stumble to find my words. “I—I didn’t eat much today.” Although this is the truth, I know it’s not why I almost fainted. Kissing Johnny took everything from me, and now I know what happens when I lose my powers. I shudder at th
e thought.
“I can make you something. What are you in the mood for?”
I shake my head. “I should get home. I’ll eat there.”
“Okay,” he looks inside the restaurant. “Just let me do a couple of things and we’ll go. Hang out. I’ll be right back.”
As soon as he’s gone I look up at the moon and laugh. I guess I’m not surprised that Johnny makes me faint—literally. Kissing Johnny sucked all of my power from me and all I needed was to re-energize, but it was so worth it.
I watch as he walks toward me, his muscles rippling through his white undershirt. He is agonizingly gorgeous. Somehow I find the strength to pull my eyes off him, long enough to take my apron off and throw my hair up in a ponytail.
Johnny is watching me, I can feel his eyes burning into me and I know he wants to kiss me again. He’s standing right there in front of me now but for some reason, he refrains from making another move. Disappointment washes over me. Is he worried I’ll faint again?
Johnny reaches for my bike before I can get to it and he walks it next to his left side. I’m on his right. “How are you feeling?”
As I look up at him I see concern flooding his face. I am weak for him. I smile. “Never better.”
“Really?” But it’s not a question. He’s pleased.
I boldly reach for his hand and let it linger for a second, our palms and fingertips touching. What if he doesn’t want to hold my hand? In a way, it feels more intimate than a kiss, but he doesn’t leave me lingering long. He winds his fingers into mine, his grip is my safety net.
“I’m happy you don’t hate me anymore,” I tease.
He chuckles. “Me too.” He winks at me. “Trust me, if I knew then what I know now I never would have been a jerk.”
I accept his apology—I had accepted it before he even said anything. “What is it you know now?”