“You mean Christmas Eve?” Alyson asked.
“Yes, Christmas Eve. While the rest of the world is drinking eggnog and Christmas caroling, we’ll be talking about strategies for the upcoming year. It’s how we stay ahead of our competitors,” he said. “If you’re a part of the Madison team, we’ll expect you to be there. Right, Jonathan?”
“Well, I’m a big fan of spending the holidays with family. But I suppose if sacrifices must be made, then they just do,” said Jonathan in an apologetic manner. “We’d like for you to be available during the holidays, Alyson.”
“It’s just that my sister is getting married on Christmas Day in the Bahamas.”
“Congratulations to her,” said Jonathan.
“What does that have to do with Christmas Eve, and with you?” Dustin asked.
Besides the fact that the rehearsal dinner is on Christmas Eve, and I’m the maid of honor?
“Nothing. I’ll be there.”
“The Bahamas is a short enough trip from Florida. Fly out on Christmas morning, and you’ll make it just in time for the nuptials,” said Jonathan.
“Absolutely.”
“Jennifer told me that you’re a single woman, no husband, no children. Is that correct?”
“That is correct.”
Dustin smiled. “Family is a wonderful thing. But without it, you can devote more time to Madison.”
Jonathan smiled. “You bring those bright ideas that you just shared, and that energy that you’ve shown me tonight, and we’ll all make a bundle of money.”
“Looking forward to it.” Alyson took a sip of her wine.
Her priorities had quickly changed, and she wasn’t sure how she was going to handle them.
* * *
When she returned to her condo, she opened all the blinds, unleashed the beautiful sunshine and ushered it into her space. She hit the power button on her stereo. The upbeat Caribbean rhythm bounced against the walls, and she danced. With hands raised in the air, she rotated her hips to the music. She opened a celebratory bottle of champagne, one she’d found buried in the pantry. It was a bottle that she had stashed from last New Year’s Eve. Last New Year’s Eve she’d spent the holiday flipping between Carson Daly and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on her television set. She’d fallen asleep before midnight and never got around to popping the cork, and thankfully so. She needed the champagne now to celebrate her new partnership with Jonathan Madison.
“You should come over and have a toast with me!” she told Jules over the phone.
“I wish I could, but I’m babysitting the kiddos this afternoon,” Jules said. “My sister had to work.”
“Well, I’m raising my glass in a virtual toast to you,” said Alyson. “Here’s to us doing great things in the coming year.”
“Cheers! I’m looking forward to it,” said Jules. “And I want to hear all the details. But right now, I have to go before these rug rats destroy my house.”
“Go!” said Alyson as she placed her glass of champagne onto the coffee table and lit a few candles. “We’ll talk later.”
“Let’s do breakfast or lunch tomorrow and catch up.”
“I’ll meet you in Little Havana for breakfast.”
“Oh, how I desire a café cubano!” Jules exclaimed. “Meet at Café Versailles?”
“Eight o’clock.”
“I’ll be there!”
“Don’t be late, Jules. You know how I hate when people aren’t on time.”
“I’ll be there,” Jules assured.
“Okay, I’ve got to go. Someone’s knocking at my door,” Alyson said.
The knocker was relentless, and she was hesitant to answer. Very few people knew that she was at home in Miami. She was gone so frequently, and she did not appreciate visits that weren’t prearranged. And she would let the person on the other side of her door know just how displeased she was.
After a quick peek through the peephole, she swung the door open.
“And to what do I owe this visit?” she asked.
Edward was dressed in an oxford-gray tailored suit. He always looked dapper. A precise haircut and a clean shave was his signature look. He stepped inside. “I’m really shocked that you’re here. You spend so much time on the islands these days. What’s that about?”
“I’m helping Jazzy with the wedding.”
“And spending lots of time with that fellow, I hear. What’s his name?”
“I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
“You know who I’m talking about. Jackson’s friend, the politician.”
“Oh, you mean Samson.” She pretended to be enlightened.
“Yes,” he said. “I’m hurt that you didn’t share your little love affair with me.”
“Don’t pout.”
“Every man who has ever been interested in you, you’ve run away from.”
“Well, there’s no future here, either. He lives in Illinois, and as soon as he’s done gallivanting about the Bahamas, he’s going back there.”
“So where does that leave you?”
“I don’t know! In Miami thinking about him, I guess. Wondering what could’ve been. And before you say it, long-distance relationships never work. Everyone knows that. And I’m perfectly fine without the stress of a commitment.”
“Sure you are.” Edward smiled.
“I am!” she said, and then changed the subject. “And what are you doing here, anyway?”
“I was in the neighborhood.” He picked up the bottle of champagne, held it in the air to see how much she’d drunk.
She snatched the bottle from her brother. “Palm Beach is hardly my neighborhood. What’s really going on?”
Edward collapsed onto the couch and sighed. “Savannah’s getting married.”
“Really?” Alyson asked. “The one you don’t want around Chloe because he hasn’t been preapproved? And the one who’s been spending too much time at the house that you’re still paying a mortgage on?”
“You think I’m overreacting, don’t you?”
“I think you haven’t quite let go of your ex-wife.”
“Things were just fine the way they were. We have such a great friendship, and we’ve gotten this coparenting thing down to a science. Now is not the time to switch things up for Chloe. She’s finally getting it together. The divorce really messed her up.”
“Kids are way more resilient than we think. They bounce back,” said Alyson. “It’s the grown folks who have problems coping.”
“I’m over her,” he tried convincing her.
“Then why is this so hard for you?”
He walked into the kitchen and rummaged through the cupboards until he found a champagne glass. He returned to the living room and filled his glass.
“I’m concerned about Chloe. I don’t know anything about this guy. What if he’s a sexual predator? What if he mistreats my daughter or Savannah, for that matter?”
“I don’t believe that Savannah would allow anyone to mistreat Chloe,” said Alyson. “But if you’re so concerned, why don’t you just go meet the guy?”
“I’m supposed to. This evening, actually. I’m meeting the two of them at Pascal’s on Ponce for dinner.”
“Ooh, Pascal’s. Fancy.”
“I need you to come.”
“No!”
“Yes,” Edward exclaimed. “I can’t do this alone.”
“I have tons of work to finish before I head back to the islands.”
“Please, sis,” Edward begged. “We won’t stay for the entire meal. Just long enough for me to read his ass some rights, and share my dos and don’ts when it comes to my daughter. Now, are you coming or not?”
“Not,” Alyson said emphatically. “This is none of my business, and already very awkward for you. Why should I suffer, too?”
“Because you love me.”
“I do love you,” she said.
“And because you love Chloe.”
“Both very true stat
ements,” said Alyson. “But what’s love got to do with anything?”
“I’ll wait while you go get dressed.”
“I can’t go, Edward. I have a ton of work to do this afternoon, and I have an early morning with Jules. I’m hoping to be back in the Bahamas by tomorrow afternoon. You should do this alone. Get it over with.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He finished the glass of champagne with one gulp and set the glass on the table. Stood. Adjusted his tie.
“You can do this, big brother. And it won’t be as bad as you’re anticipating.”
He kissed Alyson’s forehead before heading for the door. “I’ll call you later.”
She was relieved when Edward left. The last thing she needed was to engage in someone else’s drama. She had drama of her own. She knew that doing business with Jonathan Madison was a risk, particularly if Samson’s intuition was right. The business arrangement was bittersweet for her—she was overjoyed to be taking her company to the next level, but the stakes were high. Besides possibly doing business with criminals, she risked losing Samson.
She couldn’t wait to see his face when she returned to the Bahamas. In just a short time, he’d managed to rearrange her life and her emotions. He’d penetrated her hard exterior and made his way into her heart. She loved the way he made her feel—mentally, emotionally, physically. To imagine her life without him was painful.
She didn’t know what their future held, and she didn’t care. She just wanted to enjoy each breathtaking moment while it lasted.
Chapter 19
It was important that Alyson return to the Bahamas as soon as possible. There were many loose ends that needed to be tied up before the wedding. She needed to ensure that all the bridesmaids’ dresses had been altered, the groomsmen had been fitted for tuxedoes and the menu had been finalized. She needed to speak with the caterers, the cake decorators and the florist. And just as she’d promised, she needed to take her mother shopping for a dress. So many things needed to be done in such a short time. And since she’d be handling the Madison portfolio soon, she needed to help Jasmine finalize as many wedding plans as she possibly could.
Alyson’s head bounced against the leather seat in first class. No need getting accustomed to flying coach, she thought, because she had a feeling she’d be flying first class from now on. With the money she was going to make soon, she wouldn’t be doing anything low budget. She could continue to support her lavish lifestyle without worry. She decided to indulge in a celebratory drink. She’d gotten exactly what she wanted, and she was proud of her accomplishments.
It was midafternoon when she landed and made her way to the Grove, which was still and quiet. Most of the guests were out and about, enjoying an afternoon swim at the beach or a tour of the island. Alyson found Jasmine wandering about the Clydesdale with a notepad in her hand, her hair tousled and a permanent wrinkle in the center of her forehead. The wedding was taking its toll on the bride-to-be.
“We have a situation,” said Jasmine frantically. “Daddy’s tux didn’t ship with the others, and it won’t get here in time.”
“That’s an easy fix. I’m sure Daddy has a suit in his closet that he can wear.”
“A silver tuxedo with a red bow tie?” Jasmine asked.
“He doesn’t have to wear the same tux as the rest of the bridal party, sweetie. He’s the father of the bride, not a groomsman. He can wear a regular old suit to give you away in.”
“And what about Carina’s dress?”
“What about Carina’s dress?”
“It doesn’t fit! It’s too tight, and the seamstress says there’s nothing more she can do about it.”
Alyson shrugged. “Bottom line, Carina’s got to lose weight. She has a few days to lose a few pounds, and I would suggest she get started right away. She needs to miss a few meals between now and the wedding.”
“We’re talking a few weeks, Alyson. I don’t see her losing a few pounds before Christmas.” Jasmine was near tears.
“It’s doable. Bread and water diet.” Alyson laughed in an attempt to lighten her sister’s mood. “Now calm down and don’t be a bridezilla.”
“I’m serious, Alyson. I’m stressed beyond words. I’ll feel better once we get past rehearsal dinner,” said Jasmine. “By the way, can you make sure Jackson’s parents get from the airport to the Grove? Their flight gets in right about the time of the rehearsal dinner. Which means neither Jackson nor I can get away.”
“I’ll send Daddy. He can pick them up and deliver them to the Grove, safe and sound.”
“Perfect,” Jasmine said with a sigh of relief. “Pastor Johnson will get there at six. What time will you arrive for the dinner?”
Alyson was speechless for a moment. “Um...what time would you like for me to arrive?”
“Early,” Jasmine said matter-of-factly. “We have to decorate, remember?”
“About Christmas Eve... Jazzy...” Alyson began to explain that she had a conflict.
Raquel rushed over in a panic, interrupting them. “Jasmine I really need to talk to you about the food for the rehearsal dinner. We’re getting close, and I know you’ve been busy, but we really need to get this menu finalized.”
“I know, I know.” Jasmine threw her arms into the air. “What were you saying, Alyson?”
“Nothing that can’t wait. Go handle the menu.” Alyson shooed them along. “We’ll talk later, after I get unpacked and settled in.”
She was grateful for the reprieve, but knew she’d have to break the news to Jasmine at some point. She took the stairway up to her room, just long enough to drop her luggage off and take a glance in the mirror. She checked her hair and refreshed her lipstick before closing the door behind her. She almost skipped as she went next door to Samson Place. She rushed up the stairs to Samson’s room and knocked on the door. No answer.
“Where are you?” she whispered to herself.
“He’s on the cabana,” said Bijou as if she’d heard her. “We just had a drink together.”
“Thanks.” There was something about that woman that she couldn’t stand, but she’d vowed to never let her know it. Instead, she killed her with a kind smile and a cool demeanor.
She found Samson on the cabana at the bar, just as Bijou had said. He was nursing a bottle of Kalik beer. His eyes were glued to the television as he watched a soccer match. She crept up behind him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
“Don’t you have anything better to do with your time?” she asked.
“No, nothing.” He turned around, faced her with a smile and then pulled her close to him. Kissed her lips. “When did you get back?”
“Less than an hour ago.”
“Good to see you,” he said. “Have a seat. What would you like to drink?”
“The usual. So I understand you just had a drink with Bijou.”
“Well, she was just down here at the bar. I had a drink, and she had one. If you consider that having a drink together, then I guess we did.” He laughed.
“What is with her?” Alyson asked.
“She’s young and infatuated with your man.”
“My man?” Alyson leaned her head back to get a good look at him. “Is that what you are?”
“I’d like to be.” He caressed her face with his fingertip and then grabbed her chin, pulled her in for a kiss. “Deuce, give the lady a cosmopolitan,” Samson said to the bartender.
“Are you new?” Alyson asked the Rastafarian with long locks that spanned the center of his back.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “Today’s my first day.”
“Who hired you?” Alyson asked. “And what happened to Vick?”
“I believe your sister Jasmine hired him,” Samson interjected.
“I guess I’ve missed some things.” She sighed and climbed onto a bar stool next to Samson.
“All this back and forth between the islands and the States. It has to be exhausting,” said Samson. “You miss so much.”
“I won�
��t have to go back to Miami until the week of Christmas,” she said. “I have a meeting on the twenty-fourth.”
“Must be an important meeting. That’s Christmas Eve, in case you didn’t know.”
“I know.”
“And isn’t the rehearsal dinner on that day, as well?”
“I’ll be back in time.”
“Will you, Alyson?” Samson asked. “This is an important day for your sister.”
“I’m going to try my best.”
“Aren’t you the maid of honor?”
Alyson was quiet. He already knew what her position was in the wedding. And he wasn’t making this any easier. The thought of not being on the island on Christmas Eve had already caused her angst. She couldn’t remember a single Christmas Eve that she hadn’t spent with her family. All the Talbot children would arrive home a few days before Christmas. They’d spend time cooking, singing and dancing to Caribbean rhythms while wrapping gifts. They drank wine and told stories until the wee hours of the morning on Christmas. It was an important time for the Talbots, even when there wasn’t an impending wedding.
“Have you told Jasmine that you’re going to miss her rehearsal dinner?”
“She’s got so much going on... I don’t know how to tell her.”
“What kind of meeting is scheduled on Christmas Eve anyway? Can’t it wait until after the holidays?”
“I wish it could.” She took a sip of the drink that Deuce set in front of her. “But the Madisons—”
“The Madisons?” Samson interrupted. “That’s who you’re meeting with?”
“Yes,” she said solemnly.
“So you’re still planning to do business with them, despite my warnings,” said Samson. He laughed sarcastically and took a long drink of his beer.
“Yes.”
“You know, I did my homework. Discovered some pretty alarming things about that company.”
“Really?”
“Just as I suspected, many of Blue Island’s principals are the same as Madison’s. And guess what else I discovered?” He didn’t await her response. “Madison is up to some of the same old business practices that his buddy William Blue was. Bribing building inspectors and city officials, tampering with public records. The city’s chief of development got a new SUV this year...and I can only guess whose name is on the bill of sale. I bet if I were to dig deeper, I’d find Caribbean cruises and payments of mortgages, too.”
A Yuletide Affair Page 13