Chasing Destiny

by Nikki Rittenberry

  When Landon finished his phone conversation, he placed his cell phone on the counter and ambled toward her. He gently pressed his lips against hers and embraced her body in his arms.

  “Damn, I missed you”, he said as he buried his face in her neck.

  “I missed you, too.”

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” Cassie pointed to the mixed drinks sitting on the counter. “What did you make us?”

  “Mojitos; I thought it would be refreshing. We aren’t in the Caribbean, but lord knows it feels like it!” He handed one of the glasses to her and motioned for her to head outside.

  She kicked-off her sandals once she came upon the black, wrought-iron lounge chair and placed her tote on the brick patio beside it. She removed her gauze cover-up and heard a distinct whistle behind her. After lying down, she took a small sip of her mojito and wiped her watery eyes.

  “Landon—how much rum did you put in this thing?”

  “It’s good, isn’t it?”

  “Um, yeah—but it’s strong… really strong!”

  Landon snatched the glass from her hand and took a sip. “It tastes fine to me.” He hovered close to her ear and whispered seductively, “I’m trying to get you drunk so I can have my way with you later.”

  Cassie smiled. “Is Landon Woods insecure? That’s certainly a first”, she stated playfully.

  “I don’t gamble—I prefer guarantees and I can almost guarantee that after one of these, you’ll be putty in my hands. So, hurry—drink-up”, he said as he handed the glass back to her.

  Once he was settled in the lounge chair beside her, she reached into her bag and handed him the wedding invitation. Before he could offer any comment, she interjected. “It’s in five weeks—I can’t believe it’s here already… I was hoping that you would be able to join me?”

  Landon turned his head to face her, shielding the sun from his eyes with his hand. “C’mon, honey… you know I don’t like weddings.”

  Cassie traced the rim of her glass with her index finger. “No, you said you weren’t fond of marriage—you’ve never said anything about weddings”, she replied.

  “I barely know these people, Cassandra. I can’t possibly imagine why I need to be there!” He said, his voice becoming gradually more elevated.

  “Okay, do you really want to go there? First, you’ve met Tanner and Emily on several occasions, not to mention Jacob; you’ve been working closely with him for almost a year now! And secondly, how can you sit there dumbfounded as to why you need to be there? How about this? You would be there for me—we barely see each other anymore! You’re always busy traveling and I’m always busy at the therapy clinic. Think about how great it will be for the two of us to spend some quality time together—away from our everyday distractions.”

  Landon raised his hands and placed them behind his head. He exhaled loudly in frustration.

  “You know what? Just forget it”, she said as she rose from her lounge chair. “I’ll fly to Maine and attend the wedding by myself.”

  Cassie walked toward the pool and placed her glass on the edge of the deck before diving into the tepid water. Her searing skin was immediately rejuvenated, as well as her frame of mind. She swam underwater and finally resurfaced where she had dove-in moments earlier. She leaned her elbows against the deck of the pool and gazed across the expansive lawn as she swallowed the last of her potent mojito. A few moments later she heard a loud splash and then felt his arms envelope her from behind.

  “I’m sorry”, he whispered. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Cassie turned to face him. “I’m sorry, too.”

  “I had no idea that this trip meant that much to you, and if you still want me to… I’d really like to go with you.”

  “You’d do that for me?”

  “If it makes you happy, then… yes, but please understand that I still have to run my business. I can’t guarantee that I won’t be pulled away on an occasional phone call.”

  “Of course”, she acknowledged.

  “Can you give me the dates?”

  “We’ll be arriving in Maine on the Wednesday before the wedding, which is September second, and we’ll be returning Sunday morning, September sixth.”

  “Five days?” He asked. Cassie gave him a playful scowl. “Okay, okay. Five days it is.”

  * * *

  Jacob placed his briefcase on the counter and gingerly tossed his keys and his mail next to it. It had been a long day at the office and unfortunately his work day was far from over. Shortly after he’d secured the contract with Landon’s development company, he had been promoted to junior partner. This was one of his dreams realized, although it came with an immense amount of responsibilities. Not only was he responsible for dispersing and overseeing the many projects assigned to his team, he was also held accountable for his own assignments. This meant that he’d come quite used to bringing his personal work home and he made a mental note to look into purchasing a cot for his Lower Manhattan office the following day.

  After preparing a scotch on the rocks, he retrieved his leftovers from the refrigerator and reheated them. He quickly sifted through his mail and came upon a formal envelope addressed in elegant, black calligraphy. He opened it, revealing the chic invitation inside. The elegant black font was embossed on heavy, white cardstock and the sheer, white overlay was fastened with a violet, satin bow. Emily had unquestionably hand-selected it; she had impeccable taste. In fact, Tanner had left almost every detail and decision up to her except for one. His only request was that their nuptials take place at his parents’ exquisite two-story cottage in Bailey Island, Maine.

  He’d been informed that Emily had invited Cassie to attend the pre-wedding festivities along with the family and bridal party and this meant at some point they would be almost forced to interact. As if that weren’t awkward enough, he assumed that Landon would be present as well. Seeing her again would reopen painful wounds and he was doubtful he was strong enough to witness the two of them together—as a couple.

  After his attempts to express how he felt about her on her voicemail went unanswered last fall, he’d decided to abstain from contacting her again. He’d questioned many times whether or not he’d misread their kiss. He’d certainly felt as though it had reignited his feelings, but maybe it hadn’t for her. Maybe there wasn’t a connection like he’d thought—maybe it had been one-sided. He’d always been gifted in deciphering the female mind, but when it came to Cassie, he was utterly clueless.

  He’d casually dated a handful of women since last fall, but they’d quickly fizzled out. Once his promotion was granted, he’d found it particularly difficult to sustain a relationship. There just weren’t enough hours in the day to fulfill his duties at the firm and entertain the opposite sex, and even if there were, he doubted he’d find anyone that generated the same feelings he felt for Cassie.

  * * *

  “What do you mean you can’t go?” Cassie asked, angrily.

  “I’m sorry, honey. If it were up to me I’d be there with you, but I can’t.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  “Cassandra, this is business. Sometimes last minute catastrophes occur and I have to personally attend to them—this was completely unexpected and it can’t be ignored!”

  “Sometimes? Landon, this happens regularly! Every time we have an event to attend that doesn’t involve one of your prospective clients, you bail—every time! Why should this situation be any different?”

  “Oh c’mon, Cassandra—that’s not true!”

  “Oh, really? Well, let me ask you this… when did you first learn that you were needed in Seattle?”

  Landon hesitated for a moment before answering. “Um… I found out a few weeks ago.”

  “You’ve known for several weeks and you’ve waited until the day before we are scheduled to leave to tell me that you’re not coming?”

  “This is why I hesitated and didn’t tell you at first… You’re completely overreac
ting right now.”

  “You have no idea how insignificant you’ve just made me feel right now.” Cassie got up from her desk and picked up the stack of charts in front of her. “I have to go. I have a patient in ten minutes.” She walked to the door and opened it, signaling him to leave. He advanced toward her and leaned in to give her a kiss goodbye. She turned her head and his lips met her cheek instead.

  “Call me when you get settled tomorrow”, he said.

  Cassie waited for him to leave and then slammed her office door. She’d been comforted in knowing that she didn’t have to face Jacob alone, but Landon’s sudden abandonment changed everything. Hysteria overwhelmed her and she prayed that she would find the strength to defy Jacob’s magnetism.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Maine was a breath of fresh air, literally. Cassie steered her car onto the interstate exit ramp and approached the small town of Bath. It was an all-American little town, complete with its own historic personality. She continued down a narrow, two-lane residential road lined with towering Maple trees on either side. The sizable hardwoods were in the beginning stages of changing color and the leaves were falling with every subtle breeze.

  She finally came upon the historic bed and breakfast and parked her car in the gravel lot. The three-story mansion was a traditional Cape Cod to its core; white wood siding and black window shutters. The brochure had indicated the recently renovated mansion was situated on three and a half acres of gently sloped terrain, nestled against the quiet Kennebec River. The estate had been constructed by a local sea captain in the early eighteen hundreds which came to no surprise; Bath was well-known as the city of ships. Cassie retrieved her luggage from the trunk and began her destination up the porch steps and was soon greeted by a pleasant, gray-haired woman gliding effortlessly on the adjacent porch swing.

  “Good afternoon, you must be Miss Warner”, the kind woman uttered.

  “Um… Yes, how did you know that?” she asked curiously.

  “It’s my job, dear.” The woman held out her hand. “My name is Janice; I’m the innkeeper.”

  Cassie shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Janice. The place is lovely.”

  “Oh, thank you!” Janice stood up from the porch swing and motioned for Cassie to follow her indoors. “I’ve grown pretty fond of it over the years. It’s been in the family for seven decades.”

  “Wow, that’s incredible!” Cassie exclaimed.

  “It sure is. It belonged to my grandfather. I remember visiting here when I was a little girl, although it was his private residence then, not a bed and breakfast.”

  “Well, I’m sure you’ve made a lot of great memories here over the years.”

  Janice glanced around the room. “Yes, I most certainly have…” She was distracted by her childhood memories for several moments before she finally awoke from her trance. “Now, if I remember correctly you had a reservation for two in the Platinum Suite.”

  “Um, actually there’s been a last minute change to my reservation… It’s just me.”

  “Oh, okay. Let me just make a note of that for my records and then I’ll show you to your room.”

  “Thank you.”

  Janice opened her laptop and slowly typed with her two index fingers and then closed it shut before leading Cassie down the lengthy hall. She was sure to point out the main staircase which was accessible from the grand foyer. They continued down the hall, passing the formal dining area on the right and the study on the left, until they came upon something completely unexpected: an elevator.

  This was Janice’s prized-possession and Cassie admitted that although the mansion was over two-hundred years old, it certainly didn’t lack any modern conveniences. Janice opened the black, wrought-iron gate and the two ascended to the third floor. They traveled down the narrow corridor and halted in front of a heavy, wood door with a small sign that read, The Platinum Suite. Janice handed her the key and indicated that if she needed anything at all, to simply let her know.

  Cassie unlocked the door and opened it, revealing the elegant accommodations inside. The walls were painted a deep charcoal, reminiscent of how the sea must have appeared at night. Both the headboard and footboard of the bed were upholstered in ivory micro suede and embellished with silver nail-head trim. The ivory comforter glistened from the elegant crystal chandelier suspended above it and reflected its glamorous image in the mirrored nightstands placed adjacent to the bed. A settee was positioned at the foot of the bed, covered in a platinum striped material and the ivory silk drapes settled into a puddle on the maple, hardwood floor.

  She continued into the bathroom and it certainly did not disappoint. The vanity appeared to be an old, restored bureau with a tabletop, glass sink. The black and white-checkered floor pattern was interrupted by a crisp, white claw foot tub; complete with monogrammed towels that were draped neatly over the side. She felt like royalty and acknowledged that the brochure’s description of the newly renovated grounds were rather modest.

  After returning to the main room, she noticed a small buffet table with a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and a silver ice bucket containing a chilled, unopened bottle of French champagne. A single red rose was arranged in front of it, along with a small card that read: Welcome home. Cassie brought the flower to her nose and inhaled its fresh aroma and then placed it back onto the tray. She was disappointed that she was occupying this romantic suite alone, but she had become quite accustomed to being deserted.

  Cassie removed her clothes from her luggage and hung them in the armoire. She studied her wardrobe closely and then finally settled on a black, long-sleeved dress and a pair of magenta pumps. The hem fell mid-thigh, revealing her seductively sculpted legs. She wore her hair back into a sleek, low ponytail and accentuated her large hazel eyes and voluptuous lips with a light coating of make-up. She felt an overwhelming ache in her heart as she stared at her reflection, uncertain if she was ready to face Jacob. Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself. You’re both adults. You’ve moved-on and he probably has, too. After grabbing her gray, croc-leather clutch, she traveled downstairs and sat behind the wheel of her rental car.

  The drive to Bailey Island had taken longer than she had anticipated, however she didn’t mind—the scenery was breathtaking. Once she left the interstate the road narrowed and drifted with the lay of the land. She finally happened upon a unique, slender bridge that barely appeared wide enough for two cars to pass simultaneously. This one of a kind bridge was constructed of granite slabs. They appeared to be stacked into a pattern that left openings for the strong current to flow through without restraint. She hesitated for a moment before finding the courage to continue and when she reached the other side she realized her worries were unwarranted.

  The road veered to the right and within moments, she spotted the two hefty, white lamp posts she was instructed to look for. They straddled the private drive, beckoning for her to follow. The two-story cottage was covered with weathered shingles and accented with vivid, white trim. She retreated from her rental car and followed the wrap-around porch to the back. She turned the corner and suddenly realized why Tanner had been so adamant about this location for the ceremony and reception. The backdrop was breathtaking and she felt as though she’d been cast into one of the picturesque postcards she’d seen earlier at the airport when she’d arrived.

  The expansive lawn was separated down the center by a substantial wood deck. At the end of the large deck was a small staircase that led to a smaller, more private deck which overlooked the steep, rocky shore. Both decks were lined with glowing tiki torches, illuminating the structure slightly and evoking an intimate aura.

  While absorbing the scenery, she was spotted by Emily and the two embraced on the covered, back porch. Emily was slightly taller than her, with deep auburn hair that gently brushed her shoulders and flawless, porcelain skin.

  “Oh my goodness—I’m so glad you could make it!” Emily exclaimed.

  “I wouldn’t have missed this for the
world, Em.”

  Emily glanced over Cassie’s shoulder and arched her neck. “Where’s Landon? Is he parking the car?”

  Cassie looked down at her feet for a moment before answering. “Um, no… I came alone.”

  “What? I thought he was coming with you?”

  “Yeah, well… as usual, he has more important things to attend to.”

  “I’m so sorry, sweetie. I know how much you were looking forward to spending some time away with him.”

  “It is what it is”, Cassie said, smiling to prevent her tears from cascading down her cheek. “Enough about me—tell me about the wedding. Where is the ceremony going to take place?”

  Emily pointed to the grassy area on the right side of the deck. “The ceremony is going to take place over there, with the ocean and sunset as our backdrop. We’ll have a brief cocktail hour here on the deck while the bridal party takes pictures and then the reception will take place underneath a large canopy on the other side of the lawn to the left of the deck.”

  Tanner stumbled upon the two of them and welcomed her with his embrace. “Hey, stranger—I can’t tell you how much it means to us that you guys could make it!” He glanced around for a moment. “Where’s Landon?” Tanner felt a nudge from Emily’s elbow and groaned softly in response.

  “Unfortunately he couldn’t make it—last minute business complications”, Cassie explained.

  Tanner nodded his head; sensing there was more to it than that, but ultimately decided not to question her further. “Well, that’s okay! We are still going to have a wicked-good time the next few days!”

  He offered Cassie a glass of champagne and then excused himself, as other guests were now steadily arriving. Emily began going into detail about some of the plans for the rest of the week and every word she spoke seemed softer than the one before. A familiar image was staring back at her and she found it somehow difficult to focus on anything else.