Only in Paradise

by Michelle Monkou

  “I’m looking forward to all of it.” Athena, with a rueful grin, patted her tummy.

  Cicely closed her door, her retreating footsteps beating a steady rhythm against the wooden floors.

  Athena remained in place until the footsteps faded and the trilling calls of the birds outside seeped into her consciousness. Now she had no regrets. Didn’t mean that a few doubts didn’t rear its head, but she’d done it. With minimal pomp and circumstance, she’d stepped onto the path of her grandmother’s journey.

  After exploring the bathroom and opening the wardrobe in her room, she moved to the louvered window. The unique window, a natural element in the Caribbean setting, opened as she unwound the lever. Each pane of glass moved from a downward slant to a flat plane, opening the view to the lush vista.

  In more ways than she could ever imagine, she had pushed open the curtain to her life.

  Only an hour ago she had entertained the possibility of returning home. But there were too many opportunities for her passion and growth to cave into her insecurities. She didn’t believe it was insecurity, though, when she sensed that Collin watched her with some sort of expectation. She’d say something and the corner of his mouth twitched. She’d react to their conversation and his reply grew curt.

  Maybe he was disappointed in the foundation’s selection. She had something to prove. If her beating a hasty retreat back to the U.S. was his goal, he’d have to wait a while for her surrender.

  A soft knock at her door snapped close the meandering path to homesickness. She ran her hands over her face to wipe away signs of sadness and to cover her emotions with a bright, ready smile. “Come in.”

  Cicely popped her head into the room. “Lunch is ready.”

  “Great. I’m famished.”

  They entered the dining area, which had a large wood table that could feed a small party at a banquet. The other teachers were seated, but a few more empty spots remained, although set with plates and silverware.

  “Cicely, where are the men?” Thelma asked. Her irritation marked not only in her dour tone, but also the frown set in place.

  “They came to the table on time, but looking as if they’d played in the dirt. I sent them to get cleaned up.”

  Athena looked up at the sound of Lorraine’s voice. Her solid frame and her thick gold braids on either side of her head added to the look of a Valkyrie. A French accent, however, skewed the Nordic goddess resemblance.

  Thelma bumped her elbow. “She’s our enforcer.”

  “I can believe that,” Athena replied.

  “I’m not waiting all day,” Cicely complained. “Let’s say grace.”

  Just then, the front door swung open with a loud burst from three men, talking and laughing. From where she sat, Athena smelled the soap that must have had active use. Each vigorously wiped his feet on the bristles of the welcome mat.

  Lorraine’s approving grunt was a sign for them to continue over to the table. Athena was amazed that these muscular men who oozed testosterone were like schoolboys under Lorraine’s critical gaze.

  “Well, stop gawking and introduce yourselves,” she ordered. Her role of den mother rang clear.

  “I’m Gus. I teach French and math.”

  “Hi. I’m Marcus. I teach Spanish and English and writing.”

  “Bill. I teach science.”

  “Hi, guys, I’m Athena. I’m teaching reading and language arts.” They all seemed friendly enough and she was grateful not to have to undergo some type of initiation to the group, although it was only the first day. If anyone would put her through the ringer, it might be the women, specifically Lorraine.

  Their chairs scraped against the floor, eliciting a hiss from Lorraine and a series of apologies. The hub of activity didn’t pull Athena’s attention from one fact: Collin wasn’t there.

  “What about Mr. Winslow? Does he eat with his staff?” Athena piped up before Thelma began grace.

  “Everyone calls him Collin. He doesn’t eat with us, especially on the weekend. He lives off-site.”

  “Oh.” Athena didn’t have time to think about that revelation before she had to bow her head as Thelma said the blessing.

  “Let’s eat!” Cicely declared.

  Athena took the dish of corn on the cob that was offered to her. In a short time, she had almost covered the open space on her plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and portion of roasted chicken.

  “Hey, just because we’ve got a new person in the ranks doesn’t mean that we have to be shy. We’re never this quiet. Stop pretending as if we’re in church.” Lorraine spooned another helping of stewed tomatoes.

  “Collin said you’d be starting right away. Are you sure you want to start that quickly?” Bill asked.

  “She’s capable,” a familiar, deep voice drawled.

  Athena’s fork clattered against her plate. Collin stood in the doorway, his penetrating gaze latched on to her face. She noted that he’d also cleaned up wearing fresh clothing.

  Each person around the table offered an enthusiastic greeting. Athena offered a short wave because if she gave in to the quickening of her pulse, a nervous giggle would erupt.

  The man exuded a strange pull on her senses.

  “Slide over, Bill.” Collin took the seat next to Athena. “My housekeeper fixed one of her favorite dishes that’s not one of mine.” He helped himself to the various dishes that were now more than half-empty. “Do you like your room?”

  Athena nodded, hastily swallowing her food. “I’m so pleased by how nice and welcoming it is. It’s comparable to a hotel.”

  “We want the staff to be as comfortable as possible because this is home for the year.”

  The conversation over lunch stayed in the general interest category, safe and not intrusive. Everyone fired questions at her, poking through her background and her journey to their mutual workplace. Everyone, that is, but Collin. He chatted about various topics, but never asked her questions about herself. However, she took the opportunity to listen for any clues that revealed her boss’s character.

  “Hey, looks like you’re fading fast,” Lorraine declared. She flipped back one of her braids with one hand, while holding the fork like a spear.

  Athena tried to subdue a yawn. “I’m sorry. Guess the travel and heat are catching up with me. I promise to be more energized once I’ve recuperated.”

  Lorraine waved away her apologies. “After lunch, go catch a nap. This evening we’re heading in town for the drive-in movies.”

  “Drive-in?” Athena had never in her life gone to a drive-in movie. Her generation preferred stadium seating, surround-sound movie theaters. Only couples who wanted to get their freak on went to drive-in movie theaters. She glanced around the table at the diverse cast of characters. Nope. They didn’t strike her as the freaky types.

  At that moment, Collin turned to her. Why does it always feel like he’s assessing or studying me? She didn’t want to think about whether he would get busy in the backseat of a car. But she couldn’t help herself. What was his type? Was he a butt and boobs guy? Was he into trophy girlfriends? Did he secretly crave to be a boy toy for an older, rich woman?

  Her cheeks warmed at the possibilities.

  Windows foggy. Car rocking. Tight confinement. And those dark brooding eyes hovering over her. She sputtered. Eyes not over her, but over…a woman.

  “Here, seems like you need a drink.” He pushed his untouched glass toward her.

  Athena gulped the water, praying that the only overt physical reaction was her cough. What he spiked elsewhere made her want to squirm like a kid at an all-day session at church.

  “You’ve never been to a drive-in movie?” Bill asked.

  Athena shook her head.

  “We can take the school van. Sometimes we go in the picnic area off to the side to enjoy the movie while eating dinner,” Bill explained. His Trinidadian accent flowed over every word.

  “Sounds like fun.” She hoped that she sounded enthusiastic and like a team pla
yer. Her preference for consuming food was at a table. But she had embarked on an unexpected journey, so why would anything else be normal?

  “Collin, are you going to the reception at the British Embassy tonight?” Cicely asked with a strange eagerness.

  “Yes. While you all are having fun at the movies, I’ll be working on getting contacts for more donations. Someone has to do the boring parties.”

  “I envy you.” Cicely smiled, her face taking on a dreamy expression.

  Athena guessed that Cicely was the youngest, or had been, until her own arrival. The young woman thrived on displaying her over-the-top emotions. She wondered if Cicely’s desire extended beyond simply attending the reception. Did she want that invitation to be personally extended by Collin?

  “Cicely, I do have an extra ticket. Would you like to come?”

  “Oh, could I? Thank you, Collin. You’re the best.”

  Athena tried to quell the envious stab. Attending an embassy function was a big deal. Who wouldn’t want that experience? Now she had to listen to Cicely’s excited chatter about what she’d wear.

  The men excused themselves from the table. Lorraine’s eyes critically watched over their progress with clearing the dishes. Collin also did his share of the labor and then stepped away from the group.

  “Dinner was great, as always, Lorraine.” Collin touched his forehead in a salute. “Tell Cicely to be ready at seven o’clock sharp. I’m not waiting.”

  Lorraine nodded. “I’ll tell her six-thirty. That way, she should be ready.”

  They all shared a laugh.

  Athena remained where she was, hovering between the dining area and the kitchen. She noted that Collin left without any special remark to her. Even “Have a good night” would have been appreciated. Maybe he wasn’t one for sentimentality. On the other hand, she liked the little niceties of life. There would be time to break him into her quirks.

  With three strong females, she’d have to assert her style in here.

  “Athena, you’d better get your rest for the movies tonight,” Thelma advised.

  “I need help for this evening.”

  “Oh, Cicely, stop carrying on like a girl on her first date,” Lorraine scolded, still cleaning up in the kitchen.

  Thelma waved off Lorraine’s remarks. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you. Now let’s send you in something that will knock off a few socks. If you know what I mean.”

  Thelma winked at Athena and disappeared into Cicely’s room. Lots of giggling ensued.

  Athena closed her bedroom door. For a brief moment, she had a flashback to university life and her sorors after they’d pledged. Frankly she was a little taken aback by Cicely’s open infatuation with Collin. Even worse than that, he did nothing to squelch the behavior. His manner was casual, assured, maybe even expectant toward his employee’s bias.

  Yes, he had all the attributes to make a young girl weak at the knees. As the new woman on the scene, he might have the same expectation for Athena. After all, he had been checking out her body with brazen openness.

  She climbed into the bed. Her thoughts drifted drowsily through the gallery of new faces. She closed her eyes, drifting to sleep with the image of Collin Winslow shirtless and smiling.

  “Athena?” A soft knock sounded.

  Athena opened her eyes, furiously fighting the heaviness of her sleepy state. The room had darkened, bringing on her confusion. For a few seconds she wondered where she was.

  A familiar voice called to her. Athena rubbed her eyes and stretched.

  “Lorraine, please come in.”

  “I tried waking you up earlier, but you were knocked out. We’re getting ready to leave.”

  “Do you mind if I miss it this time? I’m sorry that I won’t make it, but I’m a little out of it.” Athena yawned.

  “I understand. I just didn’t want you to wake up and be alarmed when you realized we were all gone. Tomorrow you’ll feel much better, I promise.” Lorraine stepped out and closed the door.

  Quiet descended onto the house once the others had left for the drive-in. She must have missed Cicely’s departure, too.

  She wandered into the kitchen barefoot and in her lounging pants and T-shirt. She’d unfettered herself from the bra. Like clockwork, her stomach rumbled. A hammock on the back deck invited her. However, she was a little skittish with going outdoors not knowing what species of nightlife existed.

  She peered out of the window, looking up at the sky. Somehow she expected the night to be inky black. Instead the sky was several shades lighter than midnight blue. Stars sparkled and the moon cast its glow, cutting a path across the vast property.

  Before settling on the couch and turning on the TV, she went to turn on each light switch, including the fan. Instead of choosing a thriller, she chose a British romantic comedy to keep her company. When all else failed, a good romance book or movie was a necessary tool in life’s survival kit.

  Collin didn’t really mind the extra task associated with his job to network and hobnob with deep pockets. He loved his school and its potential to risk complaining too much about an embassy reception.

  What he didn’t like was the attention received because of his single status. The more he resisted, the more tenacious became his followers. He was glad that Cicely accompanied him. She made him laugh with her infectious personality. But she also served to keep the more aggressive types at bay.

  “Looks like they are busting at the seams.” Cicely turned her body sideways to enter after the security check.

  “We’re probably breaking all kinds of fire laws,” Collin acknowledged.

  These embassy parties were proving to be popular, especially among the younger jet-setters. A lifestyle that was completely foreign to him.

  “Okay, I’ve got my eyes fastened on Target A.” Cicely primped her hair and smiled at him. She whipped her head and threw back her shoulders.

  “Go get your next victim.”

  “You’re not funny, but I do follow orders well.” Cicely adjusted her dress and strutted toward the newest arrival to the British diplomatic corp. Fresh-faced and looking like he’d just left his mother’s care, the young man succumbed easily to Cicely’s sexy aura. The young woman certainly knew how to weave her web. She didn’t have to say a word. Her hips did all the talking.

  Collin chuckled and resumed focus on his purpose. He headed over to the British ambassador, who had become an advocate of the school program after two years of pressing him to take a look at the accomplishments.

  “Wesley, good to see you.” Collin shook the ambassador’s hand. “I see your staff talked you into throwing another party.”

  “I choose to call it a reception,” the ambassador replied. “I can’t believe that I have a rock band.”

  “It’s a sign of the times and now you’re the best party on the block.”

  “What a reputation to earn.” The ambassador grew serious and took his elbow. “Let’s get to a quiet spot. I want to hear how things are going for you.”

  Collin gladly followed the ambassador. They entered a series of rooms, going through connecting doors, to the ambassador’s office.

  Doors, instead of windows, surrounded the room. Sparsely furnished in dark leather and highly polished wood, the room modeled efficiency instead of high-design. But such trivial things didn’t matter to Collin.

  The ambassador offered a cigar, which Collin waved off. His bouts with childhood asthma took care of any temptation to smoke. Sitting in a closed room with a strong-smelling cigar didn’t bode well, either.

  “I don’t really smoke these unless I have to. I got them as a gift. I noticed that some people need to smoke a cigar to make a deal or agree on a deal.” The ambassador sniffed the length of the cigar.

  “My lungs dictate my choices.”

  “My heart probably does the same if I actually listened to it.” Wesley patted his stomach and grinned. “The wife would love to get me into the doctor’s office, but you know how that goes. I’m not read
y to return home.”

  “Do you think that you’d have to?” Collin wondered if Wesley knew more about his health than he let on.

  His wife tended to stay in England during the summer months and headed to La Isla del Azur in the winter months. Collin had his private thoughts about such an arrangement. But his reservations didn’t match the success of their voluntary separation.

  “I’m now getting up there in age. Going bald, getting fat, people around me are young enough to be my grandchildren. Soon I’ll be put into the pastures.”

  “You’ve never sounded so…mature. Where is all this coming from?”

  Wesley waved his hand. A tired chuckle shook his frame. “Maybe it’s these receptions that make me feel old. Don’t follow my lead and wait all your life to do things for humanity.”

  “That’s dramatic. You’ve been in the international arena for decades. And what you’ve done for the children on the island has been phenomenal.”

  “You’ve helped with a lot of the work.”

  “Well, I need your help once more.”

  Ambassador Piedmont leaned forward. His eyes lit up with interest. He beckoned with his hand. “Come on, I want to hear your latest bright idea.”

  “For the first time, we’ll have a handful of students at the high school level. I want a scholarship program to be created for graduates to go to England for university.”

  “I’m thinking that there’s more.”

  “I want some of your rich buddies to pick up the tab.” Collin paused for his benefactor’s response.

  “That sounds reasonable enough, but—”

  “But I may face stiff opposition.” Collin hated the bureaucracy tied to getting much-needed funds.

  “To say the least. Your prime minister will most likely object that his citizens shouldn’t be sent to a colonial power to be brainwashed. My government’s conservative constituents will argue that we don’t have space to educate in our universities.”

  “For approximately ten children. Give me a break!” Collin pursed his mouth. “My apologies.”

  “I’m only sharing the reality.”

  “But will you help me? We’re making progress. Kids are coming off the streets. Parents have hope. And the pimps and prostitute industry won’t get a chance to recruit.” Collin refused to let Wesley’s caution dampen his zeal. His school had a great staff of teachers. He had a good international program underwriting his school. He was on the edge of gaining momentum.