by S. L. Siwik
“Kendall,” I call out harshly, rounding the corner to find the two standing in the living room.
“Aunt Vikkie,” she says with her eyes wide. “I…I…”
I hold my hand out to silence her. “How could you think that?” I feel Blaze quietly standing behind me. He’s not saying anything, but his presence is so commanding that it’s impossible not to feel him near me.
“Because,” she starts, “I feel like a burden to you. When mom and dad died, you were single working at that strip club…” My mouth pops open wide. “Don’t even try to deny it!” she argues, pointing a finger at me. “I know, because mom always yelled about it to dad.”
Jesus Christ! Who is this kid? I know she is acting like a typical teenager, and I’ve gotten away with too many years of her being a dream kid, but what is with this behavior all of a sudden?
“I bartended, which means I served drinks to customers. That’s it! I swear!” I reply in defense. Why am I defending myself to her?
“Oh, I know,” she says, “that’s what dad always said whenever mom started up, that she was making a big deal out of nothing, because you were making an honest living…whatever that means.”
Hearing her words causes a violent pain to rip through me. It doesn’t matter how many years Rich has been gone; I can still close my eyes and hear his voice. I can imagine the fight between Evalyn and him in my mind as though I were there watching it firsthand.
“Your father was an incredible man, Kendall. The world has never had many like him.” Even I can hear the ache in my voice. I need to get this conversation back on track quickly, though. “But, have I ever made you feel like you were a burden to me?”
“Well, no, but-“
“So, why would you ever think that?” I ask. Have I messed up? Have I ever said or done something to make her think I didn’t love her? I run through memories in my head, trying to figure out if I’ve ever said or done something wrong.
She huffs. “Because…you were busy living your life and then you got stuck with me, and…I know I make your life harder.” She glances up at me with guilty eyes. “I’m sorry.”
My heart tears in two. Walking over to her, I place my hands on her arms. “I’m sorry that I’ve never talked to you about this earlier. I was just waiting until you were older so you could…have a better perspective. Please don’t ever think you are a burden to me. You coming and living with me…that’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” I kneel down on the ground, looking up at her. “Kendall,” I whisper, “you saved my life.”
Tears flood her eyes as she throws her hands around my neck. “I’m so sorry, Aunt Vikkie. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today.”
I hug her back fiercely. “It’s okay, sweetheart. But, if you ever feel like that again, talk to me. Talk to me about anything, about everything. I always want to hear it. Always.”
She nods, wiping her eyes. “Okay…I will.” Stepping back, she wipes the tears away. “I’m gonna wash my face.”
She walks down the hall into the bathroom. When I hear the door click, I glance up at Andrea. “What the hell happened?”
“I have no idea what that was all about,” she replies, bewildered. “Before we picked up the food, I was just doing doughnuts in the parking lot. Kendall was fine until suddenly she just opened the window and puked all over the side of the car.”
My eyes widen. “Kendall puked all over the side of Blaze’s Porsche?”
I turn around to see Blaze sigh. He doesn’t look pissed, though.
“Yeah,” Andrea glances at Blaze, “Sorry.” Her gaze trails back to me. “So, I picked up the food. Then I saw a receipt inside his glove compartment for the place he takes his car to be detailed. So, I took it there.”
“Did you put the wash on my tab?” he asks from behind me.
“Will you be pissed if I said yes?” Andrea asks warily, her arms crossed while leaning against the door.
“Not in the least,” he replies calmly.
Her lips curl into a smile. “Then yeah, I put it on your tab.”
“Thank you for taking the car to be cleaned,” he says.
She tosses him the keys. “Thanks for letting me drive that bad boy. We’re gonna have to work out some deal in the future for letting me borrow it again.”
Blaze is pensive for a moment before smiling. “I think you and I could strike a mutually beneficial agreement.”
Her smile turns sultry. “Sounds naughty.”
I raise my brow at her. I know she is my best friend and would never consider it, but I can’t help the jealousy pouring out of me. She notices my stare and picks up the bag of food on the coffee table. “I’ll set up breakfast.”
When she has left the room, I turn to face Blaze who is frowning. “I’m so sorry about all of this. But, the car was in safe hands with Andrea. She’s a skilled driver…Trust me on that.”
“I wasn’t concerned about the car,” he states mildly, “And I know she’s a skilled driver. She told me all about growing up in the gang last night. How she used to do drug runs, and drive bys.”
I stare in shock that Andrea was so open with him about her painful past. “She didn’t have a choice in any of that,” I reassure him, “As soon as she could leave, she did…and never looked back.”
“I know,” he says, “I know about her father and her…initiation. She told me everything. Why she can’t have kids, training you at the club and becoming friends with you. We talked for quite a while.”
“What else did she say?” I ask nervously, wondering what she told him about my past.
He licks his lower lip, deep in thought. “She told me to be patient.” His eyes narrow. “It seems not everyone has trouble opening up about their past to me.”
Alright, so I deserve that one. But, why give him another reason to run?
“Blaze, I apologize for this weekend turning into such a mess, and I’m really sorry about that scene that just happened. I don’t know what’s gotten into Kendall today.”
“Kendall is fine. It’s obvious you two had words to speak that were long overdue.”
I bite my lower lip. “So, why do you look upset?”
“Kendall’s father…That’s the man who broke your heart, isn’t it?” He shakes his head. “I don’t know why I didn’t put it together before. You said he died, but was never yours. You’re raising Kendall, because you’re in love with him, aren’t you?” His voice at the end sounds accusatory.
“No,“ I reply, shaking my head, “I’m not raising Kendall for Rich. I’m raising her for Evalyn. It’s always been for Evalyn. She’s done more for me than anyone in my life. She saved my life more times than I can count, Blaze…literally. And then Kendall saved me. Yes, I was in love with Rich. I saw him first, and I felt an instant connection to him. Then he saw Evalyn. I didn’t have the heart to say anything. She deserved him; she deserved everything.” I stare into his eyes, pleading. “But, don’t be angry with me about it. I’ve beaten myself up over loving him more than you ever could.” I walk over to him, my finger running over his bottom lip. “And he’s not the man I love now.”
The tension releases from Blaze’s posture at my words. “Thank you for the truth.”
“Are you still upset?” I ask, closing the space between us as I wrap my arms around his waist.
He brushes my hair back behind my ear. “Not anymore.”
I lean up, kissing his lips. “Good.” I rub the tip of my nose against his. “And I’ve never been a home-wrecker. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life and done things that I’m not proud of, but I’ve never gone after a married man. That is something I will not do.” Blaze is quiet, pensive. “What’s wrong? I thought you’d be relieved to know that I have some morals,” I say, trying to hide my hurt behind a joke.
“Victoria, I don’t care if you were a home-wrecker. It doesn’t matter to me. I take you as you are. And there are worse things in life than being that.”
I am taken aback by his comm
ent. What the hell does that mean?
Before I can push the conversation any further, however, Kendall is out of the bathroom walking back to us. Hearing her footsteps, Blaze turns towards her. “You alright, Sunshine?”
She nods her head. “Yeah, I’m sorry about before.”
“Don’t be,” he replies quickly, “I’m just glad you’re okay now.”
“So, are we going to eat now? Cause the food’s getting cold,” Andrea asks from the dining room.
“Come on,” he says placing his hand on my lower back. “Let’s go eat.”
Walking over to the set dining room table, Andrea picks up a yellow rose laying across one of the plates, her eyes questioning.
“The color of a rose has meaning. Yellow is friendship,” he explains.
“Very cool. Thank you,” She says before placing it back down on the table. “So, you have roses lying around?”
“I have a red, yellow, and white rose bush in my backyard,” he replies. “I cut them this morning. So, a little of the house here will stay with you when you leave.”
Kendall walks over and picks up her rose. After sniffing it, she glances up at Blaze shyly. “Thank you,” she whispers, unshed tears swimming in the eyes.
“I’m glad you ladies like them. Just a little something to brighten up your morning,” he replies before sitting down at the head of the table. I pinch the bridge of my nose, and my body fills with sexual tension. I want this man…now.
“Blaze, the roses are absolutely beautiful,” I compliment.
He glances over at me, folding his hands on the table. Leaning in, he says, “You put them to shame.” The intensity of his eyes heats the room up several degrees. No, Blaze, not at ten a.m.
I need to focus on something else, anything else, so I concentrate on the plate of food in front of me, opening it up.
What I find inside is a meat and veggie omelet with turkey sausage. I glance up at Blaze in surprise. “Andrea said it was your favorite,” he explains.
I smile widely. “It is.”
His returning smile melts my heart. “Then enjoy.”
After we eat breakfast and the women are dressed in bathing suits, I take them to the yacht. Stepping inside, they all seem to like it, which pleases me endlessly. I want them to enjoy their weekend; I want them to come back and do it again.
“Now this is a boat!” Andrea exclaims, placing her sunglasses on top of her head. “We can do some serious partying in here. Tell me the bar is stocked with wine.”
I nod my head. “Red, white, blush, and fruit infused wine.”
She rolls her eyes back inside her head. “If you weren’t already taken…”
I immediately see Victoria stiffen at her friend’s words. My heart breaks again a little more. I remember Andrea’s words last night during our early morning run in: Just be patient with her. Victoria doesn’t understand how to accept someone’s love. She’s never been shown how.
Patience is what she needs. Patience is what I can give her.
“This boat is so cool, Blaze!” Kendall exclaims. Her eyes are wandering around the room like a pinball, unsure where to look first.
I watch Victoria closely as she takes it all in. “Blaze,” her voice is barely above a whisper, “This is incredible.”
I step closer to her, and in her moment of being stunned, slip my hand on her lower back. “I’m glad you like it.”
She looks at me owlishly, nodding. “It’s so beautiful.”
I lean in toward her, catching a scent of her perfume…the one I bought her. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”
Her lips curl up in a smile. “Would it be the bedroom?” She waggles her finger at me. “I’m already on to you.”
I give her my best smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
My answer rewards me with a laugh. Such a fantastic laugh. She leans in, and replies, “Later, Blaze. I don’t want to leave Kendall alone now. I…” She tugs on her lower lip, worried. “I don’t think it’s right.”
She’s probably right, and I’m probably wrong for what I’m doing. But, doesn’t she understand how badly I need her? I am physically aching for her touch. I’m not sure how I can go the whole day without being inside her. She has become my drug; and I’m now a junkie needing a fix. I have no other way to describe it; nothing else feels adequate enough to explain my raw, aching need.
“So, what are we going to do on this boat?” I see her brow raise above her sunglasses, hear the lilt in her voice, and the devious smile pressing on her lips. She is not helping matters concerning my self-control.
“You ladies may do whatever you’d like. The boat is yours today. I am merely your captain, here to satisfy your every whim.”
I see the shiver that slides down her spine at my innuendo. After pulling herself together, she salutes me. “Aye,aye, captain.”
Victoria takes off her sarong that has been covering her since she changed back at the house. I watch in slow motion as she unties it, and slowly…so very slowly…slides it off her body. I swallow hard, my breaths short as I now stare at her two-piece coral bikini. This isn’t helping matters at all, watching her so close to naked it hurts, her toned, tan legs crossing as she sits down at the sitting area outside. Andrea comes back from the kitchen with two glasses of red wine. Handing one to Victoria, she says to me, “Didn’t pour you one since I heard you’d be driving.”
I nod. “I’ll join you ladies later with a glass later.”
Taking a sip of the wine, they both compliment the taste and quality. Victoria brushes her long blonde hair out of her face, and switches her crossed leg. Andrea is sitting right next to her in the same position, the two mirroring each other.
“Oh, cool! A chessboard!” I turn to find Kendall pulling the game from out of the wall’s entertainment center. “Can we play later?” she asks.
I nod. “Of course. But, first I need to drive, because I’d like to show you something.”
Walking to the helm, I start the engine. With my hands running along the steering wheel, I remind my boat that I’m in a command. It feels good touching the curves of the wheel. Almost as good as touching Victoria, but not quite.
I hear laughter and when I look up, Victoria’s head is tilted back, laughing loudly to something Andrea said, her breasts heaving from the force of her giggles. I groan lightly, feeling the tightening in my pants. That woman will be the death of me. I am sure of it now.
***
The afternoon goes spectacularly, if I do say so myself. Victoria and Andrea sunbathe while Kendall reads a book. A while later, Andrea turns on my iPod, and they all dance to music. I nearly crash the boat into a jetty. Watching her body sway around on the deck, Victoria reminds me of one of those beautiful women in music videos. Only the camera man keeps coming around and only taping her, because he is drawn to her like she is the only one on the boat worth taping. That’s how I feel right now, completely zoned in on her. She is breathtaking, beautiful, playful, simply amazing. I want to join her, to wrap my hand around her waist and pull her close. The sun peeks out from behind a cloud, pouring down its light. Victoria holds up her hand to the sun rays, smiling peacefully. It’s moments like this where Victoria is smiling, unguarded, that it’s all too easy to see her beauty. It feels impossible not to see it, in fact.
The girls play chess a while later, and I realize that Kendall may actually be a genius. I doubt she’s ever been tested, but I’ve never seen a person calculate strategy as fast as her. She beats everyone, but it is a close game with Victoria. After accepting her defeat, Victoria grins so widely that everyone can see the pride bursting out of her. If you have to lose, you want it to be to your daughter. After five games, Kendall still seems hungry for more. Her level is on par with my nephew, Benjamin, whose IQ is nearly through the roof. This girl doesn’t belong in public school; she belongs in a school for gifted students.
As I watch Sunshine, my mind thinking about what I can do for her, I hear my name
being called by an unfamiliar voice.
“Mr. Townsend!” I then hear a loud whistle. I cut the engine, and walk outside to find a boat resting parallel to mine.
“Hey baby! You wanna party with us?” The woman asks me, holding a bottle of Corona in her hand, completely naked. The moment Victoria steps outside, she draws a ragged breath and then covers Kendall’s eyes.
“Now we know what Blaze does on his weekends. Lucky bastard,” Andrea teases.
Another naked woman joins the first, both waving at me. I have no idea who they are.
“Sorry, ladies, not this weekend!” I call out to them.