by Pamela Yaye
Voices filled the air, shattering the silence, and Karma dropped her hands to her sides. Coopers Beach, a seven-mile stretch of soft, powder-white sand along the Atlantic shoreline, was Karma’s favorite hangout spot, and the most beautiful beach in the Hamptons. Hundreds of yards wide, there was ample space to play Frisbee and volleyball, and build sandcastles. Packed with families, teenagers and couples, it was a popular hangout spot on the weekends, and because of the A-list stars sunbathing, Coopers Beach was crawling with paparazzi.
“Let’s get out there. The sky’s clear, the water’s cool and the sun is hot,” Morrison pointed out, affectionately patting her hips. “No time like the present, right?”
“I’m right behind you,” she said. “Lead the way.”
The water was calm, but cold, and Karma shivered as she dragged the small, yellow kayak from the sand to the shore. The things we do for love! Her heart stopped, and perspiration wet her skin. Shaking her head, Karma dismissed the thought. Sure, she and Morrison had a strong bond, and mind-blowing chemistry, but they hadn’t been dating long, and she’d be a fool to think they’d last forever. They wouldn’t. Couldn’t. It was a fling, and nothing more, and by the time the summer ended, she’d probably be a distant memory to him. And that suited Karma just fine. She couldn’t risk him discovering the truth about her past, and shuddered to think what would happen to her business if her well-heeled clients found out about her family. Karma emptied her mind, refused to think about the worst day of her life.
“I’ll help you get in,” he said, moving toward her. “It’s harder than it looks.”
“Morrison, I’m fine. This is the easy part, it’s the sharks I’m worried about!”
After sliding the kayak into the water, with the bow first as Morrison had advised her minutes earlier, Karma placed her hand on the stern, holding it in place. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she put one leg into the kayak, then the other. Tipping it toward her, she slid her butt onto the seat. Without warning, the boat tipped over, sending her crashing headfirst into the water. Mortified, Karma shot to her feet and wiped at her eyes.
Out of her peripheral vision, she saw teenagers on the shore, pointing and laughing, and winced. The water was shallow, only reaching her knees, and Karma felt like an imbecile for falling out of the boat. That’s what she got for agreeing to go kayaking with Morrison, even though she’d never tried it before. He’d arrived at her condo early that morning, and after they’d had breakfast on the patio they’d driven down to Coopers Beach for some fun in the sun. Now Karma regretted her decision.
“Are you okay? You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?”
At her side, Morrison spoke to her in a calm, soothing voice. Wearing a concerned expression on his face, he tenderly rubbed her neck and shoulders. Seeing the compassion in his eyes made her feel foolish and clumsy. “I told you this was a bad idea,” she complained. “I don’t know anything about kayaks.”
“Don’t sweat it. I’ll teach you everything I know.” Morrison kissed the tip of Karma’s nose. “By the time we finish our first lap around you’ll be a pro.”
“Our first lap?” she repeated, her voice shrill. “How many laps are we doing? I’m a novice, Morrison. You have to take it easy on me. I’m a kayak virgin.”
He chuckled, and the sound of his hearty belly laugh made her giggle too.
“When you’re ready to quit just say the word and we’ll head back to shore.”
Karma clutched Morrison’s outstretched hand and climbed into the kayak. Sitting upright, with her feet flat and her legs against the thigh braces, Karma took her sunglasses off her head and put them on. Feeling more confident after her pep talk from Morrison, she grabbed her paddle, eager to put his advice to the test, and slowly rotated her arms.
“You’re holding it backward. The smooth side of the paddle should be facing you.”
“I knew that,” Karma said, flipping it over, and flashing a seductive smile. “I was testing you. I wanted to make sure you were paying attention.”
“Karma, when it comes to you I’m always paying attention.”
Seconds later, they were off, their kayaks moving slowly side by side in the water. The sun was bright and warm, the sky a vibrant shade of blue. Butterflies danced around them, a refreshing scent filled the air, and the tranquil atmosphere made Karma feel peaceful, more content than she’d been in months. Initially, she’d been leery about taking the day off work to go kayaking with Morrison, but Karma was glad she’d accepted his invitation. She enjoyed being outdoors, surrounded by nature, and was having fun at Coopers Beach. Bustling with activity, the beach was filled with surfers, swimmers, gleaming yachts and Jet Skis.
“This is my definition of heaven, and being here brings back great memories,” Morrison said with a pensive expression on his face. “This used to be Emmanuelle’s favorite beach, and we spent a lot of time here when we were teens. We’d pig out at the concession stand, play volleyball for hours and surf until dark.”
“Does losing someone you love ever get easier? Every morning I wake up, and still can’t believe my mom is gone. She was my best friend and now life feels empty without her.”
“I don’t think grief gets any easier. You just learn how to cope better.”
Karma leaned forward in her seat. Beneath the surface of the crystal-clear water, she noticed sea otters, seals, porpoises, and wished she had her iPhone with her to capture the image. “It’s so beautiful out here. I should have brought my cell with me to take pictures.”
A frown darkened his face. “I’m glad you left it in the car. It rings nonstop.”
“You’re just jealous because I have more friends than you,” she joked, smirking.
“No, your clients are selfish and demanding, and they’re constantly taking advantage of you. If I had my way you’d work eight hours a day, no evenings or weekends.”
Karma pretended not to hear him. She didn’t say anything for fear they’d end up arguing again about her work schedule. The sun felt warm against her skin, and the breeze whipped her loose curls at her face. Her stomach groaned, but eating was the last thing on her mind.
Resting her paddle on her lap, she took a moment to soak in the beauty and serenity around her. There was something magical about being in the middle of the ocean, listening to the sounds of nature. It was an indescribable feeling, one she’d never forget. The kayak drifted aimlessly along the water, and when Morrison offered to tow her back to shore Karma laughed.
“Karma, I need you...”
I need you too. His smile aroused her flesh, made her yearn for him. It wasn’t the time or the place to put the moves on Morrison, but Karma shot him a sultry stare, wanted him to know how much she desired him. It wasn’t just his breathtaking French kisses or the outstanding sex; it was his heart, his character, and although Karma would never admit it to anyone she’d been smitten with him from the moment she’d first laid eyes on him. She couldn’t think of anything better than being with Morrison, and when they returned to shore she was dragging him back to his BMW for a quickie.
“I’m thinking of throwing a surprise graduation party for Reagan in June, and I need someone with your skill and expertise to help me plan it,” he explained, his expression hopeful. “I know you’re crazy busy right now with the salon, but it would mean a lot if you could give me a hand with the menu, theme and decorations.”
“Morrison, that’s so sweet. Reagan’s going to be stoked!” Full of ideas, Karma cheered, couldn’t contain her excitement. “Say no more. I’m in. Anything you need, just ask. Reagan’s like a little sister to me, and I’ll do anything for her.”
“Thanks, Karma, I knew I could count on you.”
His voice was full of emotion, and his words touched her heart.
“I told you you’d be good at kayaking,” Morrison said, smiling. “You’re a natural.”
“You’r
e right, this is fun. Who knew?”
Morrison glanced at his watch. “Ready to go to the Bay Kitchen Bar for lunch or do you want to do another lap around and take some pictures with my cell?”
“Lunch!” Karma said with a laugh, unable to hide her feelings. They hadn’t been kayaking long, but her legs had fallen asleep and her arms were aching from paddling through the water. “And, we better hurry. My stomach is growling so loud I bet everyone on shore can hear it!”
* * *
An open, airy space, with a striking royal blue color scheme and a contemporary decor, the Bay Kitchen Bar had a beach vibe and a relaxed ambience. On the top floor of the Harbor Marina, the restaurant provided fine cuisine and stunning views of the harbor.
Sitting on the patio with Morrison, watching the world go by, Karma sipped her watermelon-flavored cocktail. So much for losing weight for the Hamptons Women Association banquet in July, she thought, helping herself to a coconut shrimp on the appetizer platter. I’ve been so busy hanging out with Morrison I haven’t seen my trainer in weeks! Karma refused to feel guilty. She was with Morrison, and being with him made her feel like the luckiest woman alive.
Spicy aromas and spirited conversation drifted from the dining room to the deck. Every table in the restaurant was taken, the adjoining bar was packed, and the waiting area was filled with young, moneyed patrons, waiting anxiously to be seated.
“I need to ask you something, Karma...”
Morrison was wearing sunglasses, so Karma couldn’t see his eyes, but she could tell by the tone of his voice and his stiff posture that something was bothering him.
“Did you pressure my niece to apply to beauty school?”
Shaking her head, Karma finished chewing the food in her mouth, and wiped her hands on the napkin draped across her lap. “No, Reagan came to me with a stack of applications a few days after she started working at the salon, and we discussed her options. I didn’t convince her to do anything. It was all her doing, but I wholeheartedly support her decision and you should too.”
Morrison released a deep sigh, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. “I wish you’d told me about this sooner. These days, all Reagan and I do is argue, and I’m frustrated by her cavalier attitude about school. She has a full scholarship to one of the best universities in the country, and I’m not going to let her throw away this incredible opportunity to do hair and makeup—”
“Being a stylist isn’t a crappy, end-of-the road job, Morrison.”
His eyes narrowed. “I never said it was.”
“No, but you act like it is, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to. I’m just upset. I can’t get through to Reagan.”
“Would it be so bad if she went to beauty school?” Karma pressed. “I’m not an expert, and I don’t have any kids, but isn’t a parent supposed to love and support their child unconditionally? Thank God my mom did, or I never would have found my true passion. She believed in me, when no one else did, and I owe every success to her.”
The waitress arrived with their entrées, set them on the wooden table, then left.
“You talk a lot about your mom, and your grandparents in Brooklyn, but you never speak about your dad. Why is that?”
“Because my aunt Charlene taught me never to speak ill of the dead.”
Morrison picked up his fork. “Then, tell me your happiest memory of your dad.”
“I don’t have any.”
“Come on, Karma. There must be one. I’m curious to know more about your relationship with your father.”
Thinking hard, emotion clogged her throat, and a sad smile claimed her lips. “When I was nine, I went home for lunch, but my dad wasn’t there to meet me. I returned to school, bawling my eyes out, my teacher Ms. Jenkins-Williams was nice enough to give me an apple...”
Morrison leaned forward in his chair, and Karma knew she had his attention.
“During story time, there was a knock on the classroom door, and in walked my dad with a McDonald’s Happy Meal. He apologized for not being home at lunch, and I sat at my desk eating my fries. To this day, I still remember feeling incredibly special.”
“It sounds like you had a great dad who loved you very much.”
“I didn’t. He was angry, and bitter, and I never understood why my mom stayed with him.” Karma was shocked by her admission, but wanted to open up to Morrison about her tumultuous relationship with her father. Wanted him to understand that his actions could have a negative effect on Reagan, and ultimately drive her away. “I asked my mom once, after she’d kicked my dad out for blowing our rent money at the local pool hall, and she looked at me in surprise, and said, ‘I could never divorce your father. He’s family, and you never, ever give up on family.’”
“Your mother was very wise,” he said, slowly nodding his head. “It took losing Emmanuelle for me to appreciate my loved ones, and now I’ll never take them for granted.”
Karma’s cell phone buzzed, and she glanced down at the screen. Reading her newest text message, a grin exploded onto her mouth, and excitement coursed through her veins. She wanted to break out in song, but maintained her composure. Karma wanted to tell Morrison that Reagan had received an acceptance letter to one of the top beauty schools in the state, but she knew he’d be upset, so she kept her mouth shut.
“What is it? Let me in on the secret. You’re beaming, and I want to know why.”
“Babe, I’ll be right back.” Karma dropped her napkin on the table and rose to her feet. “I need to make a quick call, but I promise I won’t be long.”
“Hurry up, beautiful.” Grinning, he tapped the face of his gold wrist watch. “I’m timing you.”
Marching through the patio toward the washrooms, Karma dialed Reagan’s number and put her cell to her ear. The teen answered on the first ring, and she cheered. “Congratulations, Reagan! I’m so proud of you. I knew you’d get in.”
“Thanks, Ms. Karma. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Joining the line for the ladies’ room, she hoped it moved quickly so she could continue her date. “Now what?” Karma asked, tapping her wedge-clad feet impatiently on the ground. “Are you going to beauty school in September, or university?”
“I’m going to do both. I’ll go to university during the day, and take courses at Aveda Institute in the evenings. That way Uncle Morrison and my grandparents will be happy.”
“Reagan, that’s going to be hard.”
“I can do it, Ms. Karma. I’m smart, determined and focused. I’ve got this.”
Karma didn’t want to dampen the teenager’s spirits, because she knew how much Reagan wanted to please her family, but attending university and beauty school full-time was going to be taxing. Making a mental note to speak to Morrison again about his niece’s future, she said, “I know, sweetie, and I believe in you. You’re destined for greatness.”
“I know, right?” Reagan giggled. “Some of us girls just have it like that!”
Ending the call seconds later, Karma peered around the women in front of her to see what the holdup was. She wanted to return to her entrée and her handsome date, and if her hands didn’t have sauce on them she’d ditch the line and head back to her table.
“You Jezebel! Stay away from my husband!” a female voice shouted.
Curious to see who was yelling, Karma glanced over her shoulder in search of the shrill, high-pitched voice. A blonde in a strapless ivory dress, stood directly behind Karma with her eyes narrowed and her arms crossed. Mascara smeared her cheeks, and her nose was running. Either she’d been crying, or she’d been caught in a rainstorm.
“You think you can break up my happy home, but you can’t. I won’t let you.”
Her mouth dried, and shame flooded her body. Morrison was married? No, no, it couldn’t be, she thought, adamantly
shaking her head. He lived with Reagan at his lavish East Hampton estate, and if he had a wife she’d know about it. On Wednesday they’d had dinner at his mansion, on Thursday they’d had drinks with his brother and sister-in-law, and on Friday she’d joined the family for movie night. The romantic comedy had been juvenile, filled with clichéd scenes and jokes, but Reagan and her friends had loved it, and Karma had enjoyed snuggling with Morrison in the back row. Another thought came to mind. Was Morrison legally separated? Was that why the blonde was up in her face? Because she wanted him back?
“Karma, what’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Morrison appeared at her side. He rested a hand on her waist, but Karma shied away from his touch, didn’t want anything to do with him if he was playing her. It wouldn’t be the first time a man had hurt her, but it damn sure would be the last. If Morrison could deceive her, anyone could, but Karma refused to think the worst about the man she—
“Baby, talk to me,” he pleaded. “Why are you mad? What did I do?”
Folding her arms across her chest, Karma hit him with a look. “You’re married?”
“No, of course, not. If I was married I wouldn’t be here with you.”
“This woman says she’s your wife.”
“No, I didn’t,” the blonde snapped, wrinkling her nose. “I’m married to Lorenzo Cardozo, and if you think you can destroy my family you’re mistaken, because I’ll never give him up...”
Something clicked in Karma’s mind, and the truth hit her. Who the blonde was, and why she was confronting her at the Bay Kitchen Bar. Yesterday at the shop, Jazz’s iPhone had died, and she’d asked to use Karma’s cell to call her mom. Or at least that’s what her bestie had told her. She didn’t want to out Jazz to Mrs. Cardozo, but she had to make it clear that she didn’t want the woman’s husband. People were staring at them, glaring openly at her, and she didn’t want the other patrons to think less of her, or bad-mouth her beloved shop.