“Gwen, you must have been missing this crystal dearly,” Aria said, handing it back over as though she were passing a newborn infant. “It’s very rare,” she explained to Monroe.
“The day it fell and rolled under there,” Gwen sighed, “was dark day. Rain. Thunder. I’ve been unsettled ever since. This might bring the sun back around to me.”
“I hope it does,” Monroe said warmly. “Need anything else lifted? Something on the top shelf I can get down for you?”
He watched as Aria pulled a few coins from her pocket and placed them on the table for Gwen.
“You’ve done enough,” Gwen assured him as she escorted them to the door. “Don’t linger where you are. Don’t get stuck in the middle and lose both worlds.”
“I’ll give that some thought. It was very nice meeting you.” Monroe walked tentatively down the steps of the porch, worried his feet might crack the rotting boards if he wasn’t careful.
“There will be another bus in about ten minutes,” Aria said, looping her arm in his as they walked across the street. “Thanks for coming. I could tell it’s not your thing, but you were very nice.”
“I like to see new things. That was new to me,” he said, loving the feel of her delicate fingers squeezing his bicep. “I don’t have to believe in something to understand why other people might. We all need something to hold on to, and if coming here gives you some happiness, I say take it. You should believe whatever you like.”
“I don’t believe in psychics.” Aria laughed. “There was another girl I worked with who took me there one day not long after I arrived. I was so lost. Hurt. Confused. Gwen was kind and reassuring. She taught me the very subtle art of analyzing people. When I realized her powers were more tangible skills I asked if she’d teach me. I’d come around and help her with what she needed, and she’d talk to me about what intuition meant to her. How she wielded it. She certainly believes in the power of crystals and palm reading, don’t get me wrong. But she pairs it with observation. With insight.”
“So that’s where you got your process for discerning good from evil?” Monroe asked with a wry smile.
“She’s part of it. I’ve been blessed by the kindness of many people here. Gwen is one. I will say though, there have been times when things she’s said have come to fruition. I’ve been dumbfounded. What did you think about what she said to you?”
Monroe considered it for a moment as he leaned against the metal pole of the bus stop sign. “I think she delivers her message in a very convincing way,” he said, attempting to be sensitive to Aria’s friendship with Gwen. “What does she tell you when she reads your palm?”
“She worries,” Aria explained. “She doesn’t want me to be lonely. I think she has this vision in her mind of my happily ever after. I actually hate to disappoint her when I come here and nothing has changed.”
“Things will change,” Monroe said, pulling her into his arms and kissing the crown of her head. “It’s not impossible for you to get what you want.”
“If you keep saying that, I might actually start to believe it. Be careful,” she said as she tipped her head up and kissed his lips passionately.
“If you keep kissing me like that, you’re the one who will need to be careful.”
Chapter 24
Tonight’s dress was simple. Pink cotton with tiny lace overlays. Something any guest of the resort might wear to dinner. She was certainly looking the part.
James and Libby greeted them warmly as they stepped into the car that had been ordered for them. “I thought we’d go where cameras won’t bother us in case any of those spineless paparazzi don’t heed the warning they’ve been given. We’ll dine on the beach tonight. There’s a chef visiting a local restaurant, and he’s agreed to serve us.”
“It’s not allowed,” Aria said, feeling sorry to disappoint them. “There is no place on any of the beaches this time of the evening that will let you dine.”
“I wish there were a way to say this without sounding obnoxiously arrogant.” Libby covered her face with her hands. “But when you are a billionaire, the rules tend to bend some.”
Another day, with other people, Aria would have found the idea repugnant. She’d grown bitter by the entitled rich monsters parading around the resort. But James and Libby seemed different. If they wanted to dine on the beach for an ounce of privacy, then didn’t they deserve it?
“It sounds like it’ll be lovely,” Aria said, letting them off the hook. “There is a gorgeous cove not far from here where the waves are calm and the wind is blocked by the bluffs. Do you think your chef would like that kind of spot?”
James nodded. “He’s following us with everything he needs. I was hoping you’d have a recommendation.”
Aria relayed the directions to the driver, and when they reached the beach everyone kicked off their sandals. “We’ll go for a walk while you set up,” James instructed the chef and his team who dutifully hopped into action.
Libby slid under James’s arm and strolled a few feet in front of Monroe and Aria. As if it were an old habit he loved, Monroe reached for Aria’s hand and held it comfortably in his. “You picked a good spot. I know some of this is weird for you. You have strong and well-earned views about servitude and class divisions. Some people, no matter how much money they do or don’t have, are just bastards. But some are not.”
“I know,” she conceded. “I’m surprised I’m enjoying myself. It was strange finding out you were as wealthy as you are though. I thought when you arrived you were a journalist or something. I had no idea until Libby told me you’re some brilliant business mogul.”
“That’s a kinder title than I probably deserve. But I appreciate her endorsement. I have made sacrifices and hard choices to get where I am. I’ve gained a lot, but I’ve lost some things too.”
Libby giggled as she overheard them. “I was just repeating what I’d heard about you. Apparently you have the Midas touch. If Monroe blesses a deal it’s certain to be successful. If he tells you to run the other way, lace up your sneakers and get out of there.”
Monroe looked away embarrassed, which Aria found adorable. “I’ve made my share of mistakes. Good batting average, sure, but far from perfect.”
“Speaking of which,” James cut in, “I suppose it’s as good a time as any to break the news to these lovely ladies.”
“What news?” Libby asked, stopping her stroll and turning to face Monroe and Aria.
Aria held her breath and readied herself for the excitement of her world changing.
James dropped his head. “I know you were enjoying the resort. Dare I say falling in love with it? Monroe gave me the write-up today. It’s too much of a liability to get involved with this property. We’re lacing our sneakers and running in the other direction.”
Aria felt like she’d been struck in the chest. Every free moment in her mind had wandered to the idea that Monroe and James West would swoop in and buy the resort. They’d right the wrongs. Aria’s future could be woven together with that success. Now it felt like someone had pulled the frayed end and began unraveling it at a frenzied pace.
“No,” Libby said, stomping her foot. “I was indeed falling in love with this place. I had already started to think about what changes we’d make. Why won’t it work out?”
James sighed as he explained. “West Oil can’t get mixed up with any PR issues, especially those involving the treatment of employees. Monroe saved us an enormous headache by digging into the issues involving hiring and employment practices here. There’s been some real dodgy stuff going on for years.”
“So fix it,” Libby pouted. “You can turn it around quickly. Turn that PR issue into a win. You’ll be heroes.”
Aria fought back the tears as Libby’s words gave her a bit of hope. Surely two smart people like Monroe and James could whip this place into shape.
“Unfortunately,” Monroe interjected, “the resort can’t run in the green if we reform the staffing issues. The only way this place s
tays afloat is running its employees ragged and not paying them a fair wage. Change that and the profits evaporate. It’s a lose/lose.”
“There is a silver lining,” James said, taking Libby’s hand. “Monroe has isolated some potential property on the other side of the island. We can scoop it up now and when word spreads about the impending tax code changes people will flock here. We can either build a property that rivals this resort and give people a new option when coming to the island, or we can sell the land for a significant profit. It’s brilliant really. On paper I probably would’ve come here and bought the Carle De Blu without a second thought. The things Monroe discovered wouldn’t have been detected by some finance guy in an office.”
Aria’s mouth went dry, as though all the sand on this beach had been poured between her lips. “How do any of the people working at the resort win?” she edged out, her body rigid as she backed away from all three of them.
“Well—” James began but Monroe stepped in abruptly.
“Aria, you have nothing to worry about. You and I will leave here and put it behind us. And the people who gave me the information I needed, I’ll make sure they’re compensated as well. Just relax.”
The vagueness in his statement spoke volumes. Logic told him she wouldn’t be relaxed, so he struck a preemptive blow in telling her to calm down. She reached a hand up and slapped his face, the sting lingering on her palm as she began to cry. “I’m an employee here,” she said, answering the question Libby didn’t have a chance to ask. “I’m one of these people they pay pennies and work nearly to death. No sick time. Lies and red tape. Despicable contracts that make us prisoners here. I’d resigned myself to it, and then I met Monroe. The man who was so interested in what was really going on here.”
“I was,” Monroe said, his hand resting on his cheek, his eyes filled with shock.
“As a means to your own ends,” she chastised. “You acted like you cared about the people here. About me.” She twisted her hands in her hair and held her head tightly, trying to make sense of it. She played back every word spoken between the two of them. “This was all about money? About a deal you were going to make?”
“I told you that’s what I do,” Monroe challenged. “I also told you I’d take you from here. I do care about you. I would never let you languish here. You won’t work one more day on that resort. I’ll see to that.”
“You idiot,” Libby said, her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. “You’re missing the point entirely.”
And just like that, Aria was no longer stranded on an isolated island. Libby’s words had restored the slightest bit of air to her lungs. “I’m going back. Back to my job. Back to the life I had before we met. If you care for me at all, if any of that was real, then do me the kindness of leaving me alone. Let me be.”
“You’re being foolish,” Monroe said with a rapid nervous breath. “I never said I was buying the resort. I never said I could fix everything. I committed to helping you and the people who were willing to share information with me. I’m not some hero. I can’t fix everything going on here.”
“You can’t,” Aria agreed. “It was reckless of me to expect you to. Don’t think you have to walk around feeling bad. You can leave with a clear conscience. As long as you leave.” She spun away from him and began to quickly walk toward the wooden steps that led to the road.
“Let her go,” Libby commanded, and Aria felt a wave of relief crash over her. It wasn’t easy walking away from Monroe. If he begged her, if he pleaded, she might give in. And the only thing worse than the hurt she felt now was the hurt she could expect in her future if she didn’t walk away.
Chapter 25
Aria’s hands were burning. The bleach was settling into her skin, but she didn’t bother putting gloves on. Some child had taken box of crayons in the tub and scribbled on every available surface of the white porcelain. Not something a reasonable person would allow in their own home. But here, where someone else was paid to clean it, there was no reason not to.
“Almost done?” Buckley asked, an arrogant laugh echoing in the bathroom. He’d never smiled as big as the moment he realized Aria was returning to work. Broken. Used. “You missed a spot there.”
“Thanks,” she hissed as she scrubbed a little harder, pretending it was his face. Buckley had been promoted to his role a few years ago, and ever since he’d been wielding his fake title like a weapon. “Don’t you have someone to write up and dock their already pathetic pay? It’s pitiful you think because they’ve given you a miniscule amount of power, you are somehow better than the rest of us. You’re a dog on a leash; your leash is just the slightest bit longer.”
“I’d expected you to be bitter,” Buckley said as though her words didn’t wound him. She knew better though. Her words wrapped around him like a thick wool sweater worn under the desert sun. It choked him, and she’d always been too kind to bring it up. But today was not a day for kindness. “I can’t believe you were foolish enough to think a man like that would have any use for you past a couple days.”
“A man like that is just a man,” Aria said, ignoring the stabbing pain in her chest. “Just like you. Superior doesn’t save you in the end. You feel better knowing you’re one notch above the bottom. But what do you really have? I have the friendship and affection of people I work with. You are feared, not respected. I wouldn’t trade spots with you for all the money in the world.”
“He left this morning,” Buckley announced, and without turning to see him, she knew his grin was wide and self-important. “I loaded his bags myself. He never uttered a word about you. That car pulled away, and he didn’t look back.”
She threw her scrubbing brush into the tub and shot to her feet. The look of fear on Buckley’s face was almost enough satisfaction, but she had more to say. “I’m done feeling bad for myself and my situation. You will never change. You’ll let them pin us against each other and believe you are somehow better than the people who work for you. This place won’t change. But I will.”
Aria hadn’t thought far enough ahead to consider the consequence for this. She walked away from a half cleaned room. Insulted the man who controlled her already miniscule pay. There would be hell to pay tomorrow. But today she only wanted to run.
Hustling through the lobby, she kept her head low and hoped the cloud of bleach following her wouldn’t make any guests pass out.
“Aria,” a breathless Libby called to her from the concierge desk. “I’ve been asking for you all morning, and they wouldn’t tell me anything. We need to talk.”
“I don’t want to be rude,” Aria said, staying rigid as Libby approached, “but you and I don’t have anything to talk about. I’m just leaving.”
“Going where?” Libby asked, looking ready to follow.
“To the water,” Aria explained, starting to walk away and hearing Libby’s high heels clicking behind her.
“Me too,” she replied casually as though there were no tension at all. “We’re leaving soon, and I wanted to see the water one more time. Can I join you?”
Eyes were on them now. Staff was scrutinizing why a guest like Libby would have anything to say to Aria. “Sure.”
“I should’ve put my sneakers on.” Libby laughed as they charged out of the lobby and toward the water. “I forgot how fast anger can make someone walk.”
“I’m not angry with you,” Aria clarified, working hard to soften her voice. Libby had been abundantly kind to her, and Aria wasn’t going to disrespect that connection.
“Good,” Libby huffed as she doubled her pace to reach Aria’s side. “I’d understand if you were, but I’m glad you aren’t.” They wove their way down a few side roads to the small pier that led to the sea.
“It’s a very complicated situation,” Aria began as she kicked off her shoes and pulled at her socks. Toes in the sand was sometimes the best way to ground yourself.
“Remember when you asked me how James and I had met? We kind of laughed it off because it’s also a comp
licated situation.” They stood shoulder to shoulder staring out at the rolling waves as the wind blew their hair around.
“There’s a storm coming,” Aria said, not sure if she were talking about the dark clouds rolling in or her own emotions brewing.
“You can come back from this,” Libby pressed on. “James and I did. My father was killed working for his father. It was handled all wrong, and many years later James and I were thrust together and faced with the painful past. I judged him by the sins of his father. There was no way I thought we could ever find a way forward with all the hurt and mistrust. But we did. And now I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and so is he.”
“Monroe left,” Aria said angrily. Tears were streaming down her cheeks but the wind dried them quickly. “There is no way to move forward if I’m here alone.”
“It sounded like you could have gone with him,” Libby pressed.
“And it sounded like you understood why I didn’t,” Aria snapped. “You called him an idiot.”
“Yes,” Libby conceded. “I knew what he was asking wouldn’t work for you. I’ve come to understand the situation better now. James showed me the business documents and everything Monroe had written up. I had no idea what you were dealing with, but I can tell with a heart like yours there’s no way you’d just hop on that lifeboat and leave everyone else behind.”
“If you knew that after meeting me a couple of times, why was it lost on him?” Aria gulped her emotions down.
“Because men are simple and lost creatures who don’t stand a chance without some help,” Libby said, putting an arm over Aria’s shoulder. She smelled like fresh linens, and Aria felt comfort in her embrace. “I don’t have any specific advice for you because I don’t know Monroe’s true heart. All I can say is do not close the door on him. Even if he’s standing in the doorway looking like a fool who isn’t sure which way to go. Give him some time to figure out if he should walk through.”
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