No More Wasted Time

by Beverly Preston

  No More Wasted Time

  Beverly Preston

  If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher and neither the author nor publisher has received any payment for the “stripped book.”

  This book is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Published by Beverly Preston

  Copyright © 2012 by Beverly Preston

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without the written consent of the author, except for brief quotations used in critical articles or reviews.

  Cover designed by Yevinn Graphic at www.yevinn.com.

  Visit Beverly at www.beverlypreston.com.

  ISBN: 1469905833

  ISBN-13: 978-1469905839

  To Don

  You are the love of my life and the man of my dreams

  Thanks for loving me

  —just right—

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  A book never writes itself, and finding the courage to put my blip of a dream to paper took some coaxing. I would like to thank my family and friends who supported me in my endeavors, listened when I cried, and gave me words of encouragement. Your support and friendship are priceless. Sandy Mohn and Sherrie Lee, you are the best mother and sister anyone could hope for. Karen Collins, you motivated me to keep going and be true to myself. Jewel Peck, you thought my sex scenes were a little too sweet in the beginning; hope you enjoy the rewrites! Lynette Owens, you taught me how to manifest and make my dreams come true. Lynn Bieker, thank you for being my faithful friend for over twenty-three years.

  I would also like to thank Natascha Jaffa, my friend and editor.

  Yevinn Graphics, thanks for making my cover art smoking HOT.

  Geoff Schumacher, you gave me some invaluable advice in the very beginning. Without it, I wouldn’t have gotten this far.

  Morgan Kearns, you inspire me.

  Ellen, I hope you read this someday; thanks for making me laugh. Without watching your program, there would be no dream.

  Finally, I would like to give a big thank you to my kids, Stephen, Cody, Caylee and Jordyn. I couldn’t ask for better children. You inspire me every day to be a better person. Jordyn, thanks for making the best walnut chicken dinner. And a very special thanks to Caylee for agonizing over every line with me, laughing with me, and giving the best words of encouragement exactly when I needed them the most. Love you.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  About the Author

  CHAPTER ONE

  Tess Matthews nearly ran face first into the biggest pair of boobs she’d ever seen.

  “Holy shit! Whew. That was close.”

  The Las Vegas airport bustled with tourists hoping to win millions, party like a rock star or pretend to be someone else for a weekend. The sweltering July heat always brought the craziest of crazies to town and today was no exception.

  “That might’ve hurt.” Tess’ oldest daughter Tracy giggled. “You would’ve had two black eyes.”

  “Two huge black eyes.” Her youngest daughter JC clarified, elbowing Tess in the ribs, encouraging her to peek at the elderly couple dressed-to-impress Vegas style. As if she hadn’t just collided with another woman’s vast amount of cleavage because of them. Her daughters pointed at the woman in her late seventies sporting bleach blond hair, red six-inch heels, black spandex pants and a form fitting purple shirt. Her spray-tanned, saggy arm clung to the shoulder of a frail man dressed in black leather pants and vest.

  “Wow, Mom, was that a smile?” JC asked sarcastically.

  Tess ignored the comment. “Did you put copies of your passports in each of your suitcases in case it gets lost or stolen? Be sure to keep your phone in your…”

  “Front pocket, we’ve got it. You’ve gone over this ten times already.” JC rolled her eyes.

  “You know we’ll be responsible.” Tracy reminded her. “Look Mom, it took me two months of bribing JC with Starbucks to get her to come with me and I planned this entire trip by myself. I’ve been dreaming of going to France, Venice and Rome for-”

  “Don’t forget about Greece.” JC interrupted. “That’s where all the really hot guys are going to be. According to the movies I’ve seen, Mr. tall, dark, and handsome is going to be waiting for us when we step off the plane.”

  “Mom, are you sure you don’t want to come with us to Europe? It’d be so much more fun.” Tracy asked as they passed through airport security.

  “Yeah, come with us. There might even be cute old men your age.” JC hunched her lean body forward, imitating an old man using a cane as she peered through her long caramel hair.

  “Thanks, JC. Thanks a lot. Maybe you could even drum me up a guy without a wheelchair or a walker or a cane, since they’d be my age.” Tess joked back, completely conscious of her forty-four years.

  “Maybe you’ll find a hunky Polynesian fire dancer in Bora Bora,” JC’s jade eyes sparkled mischievously.

  “All right, that’s enough out of you, missy. I have no interest in hunky fire dancers.”

  “Maybe it’s about time you get interested,” JC mumbled under her breath.

  “Seriously, Mom, are you positive you don’t want to come with us instead?” Tracy reiterated. “You’re going to be by yourself in the honeymoon capital of the world.”

  Detecting worry in Tracy’s brilliant blue eyes, she slipped her arm over her daughters shoulder. “I know you’re concerned, but I’ve made up my mind. I need to do this.”

  When Tess had informed her three kids ten days ago that she booked a trip for herself, they’d thought she was joking. The fact that her destination was Bora Bora only made it worse. They thought she’d finally gone off the deep end. Merely taking off, escaping on an unplanned and unpredicted spur of the moment trip seemed completely out of character for Tess. Usually, every trip she took needed to be neurotically organized and planned to perfection. This trip would be difficult. Bora Bora wasn’t exactly a place where people went to feel sad or recover.

  It was a lover’s paradise.

  Her twenty-three year old son John thought she acted so irrational, he offered to go with her.

  Tess explained to her children that this trip would help bring her closure. Her perfectly planned future vanished a year ago. She hated not knowing where her life was heading, only existing from day to day. It needed to change. She needed to say goodbye.

  For the last ten days, Tess had rehearsed saying goodbye to her girls, convincing herself they’d be fine. Just let them go. Say goodbye and let them get on their plane. They’ll be safe. Approaching their gate, she pulled her girls in for an airtight squeeze. “Have a great time. Take pictures for me. Stay with your tour group.�
�

  “Yes, Mom.” Tracy smirked.

  “Remember, don’t put all your money in the same place in case you get pick-pocketed.”

  “Got it.” JC shook her head with an impish attitude. “Try to have some fun, Mom. It’ll be good for you. Love you.”

  Tracy tossed her long dark coppery hair to the side as she adjusted her backpack. She kissed Tess’ cheek and whispered in her ear. “I hope you find what you’re searching for. I love you, Momma. Be safe.”

  Tracy and JC sauntered away, turning back to flash their beautiful smiles. Tess exhaled deeply as she waved goodbye, “Try to keep your little sister out of trouble!”

  Standing alone, Tess realized exactly how much she’d come to depend on the love and closeness of her kids over the last year. It seemed as though they were taking care of her, instead of the other way around.

  She knew Tracy would watch over her little sister. She’d always been the mature levelheaded child. It was JC she worried about. Her youngest daughter was boy crazy.

  Tess rushed toward her gate to make her flight on time. Happy couples, young and old, filled the gate area, leaving her with an uncomfortable pit in her stomach. Tess couldn’t help but wonder if she’d made the right choice traveling to Bora Bora by herself. Richard was gone and he wasn’t coming back.

  Waiting for her flight to be called, she settled back into her seat, and closed her eyes. Damn I miss you. It just doesn’t make sense. Hell, nothing makes sense anymore.

  It’d been over a year since his death and she still couldn’t believe he was gone. Richard had always been active, healthy and in perfect shape. How could he die of a heart attack? It seemed like only yesterday she received the worst news of her life. The horrific memory of running down the hospital hallway, door after door passing by in a slow motion still brought tears to her eyes even now. The agony on her son’s tear soaked face as he stood in the sterile hallway was etched into the fabric of her memories forever. She was too late.

  Tess and Richard were married twenty-five years, sharing a love most people only dreamed of. She couldn’t get past the fact she hadn’t made it to the hospital in time to tell him how much she loved him. Nightmares still haunted her. She would never be able to hear him laugh, hold his hand, kiss his lips, or tell him how much she loved him again.

  Tess’ phone rang jolting her back to reality. “Hi, John.”

  “Hey, Mom, I’m glad I caught you before your plane leaves. Did the girls’ plane get off okay? I tried to call them, but it went to voicemail.”

  “They should be in the air already.”

  “They’re going to have so much fun.” A hint of envy hung in John’s husky voice.

  “Hey, you could’ve gone with them.”

  “Yeah, umm, no, thanks. Between Tracy and her museums and architecture, and JC chasing her hot guys... I think I’d rather stay home and work. Maybe get a little riding in, too. Anyway I wanted to tell you…”

  “I know. You think it’s a bad idea to go to Bora Bora by myself. I’m going to be sad and lonely…your sisters already discussed this with me.”

  “Actually, I wanted to tell you I understand why you’re going, and I support your decision. We just want you to be happy. You need to start smiling again. It’s not good for you to be sad all the time Mom. If this is what it takes then I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

  “Oh.” Tess’ throat tightened. “Thanks for being my rock the past year.”

  “I love you, Mom. Be safe and I’ll see you in two weeks. Come home with a smile on your face. Okay?”

  “I’ll try. Don’t forget to bring in the mail and be sure to-”

  “I know. I’ll take care of everything.”

  Tess could always count on her son to be dependable, just like his dad. In fact, other than his dark brown hair, John was a spitting image of Richard. He sported his father’s jade green eyes, and muscular physique. Even their mannerisms were identical. His smile, laugh, and hand gestures mimicked his fathers.

  Tess jumped at the woman’s voice announcing, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are now boarding Pacific Air flight 227 to Bora Bora.”

  After three flights and a boat ride, Tess watched painfully as two blissful couples sat beside her on the boat gazing in awe at the breathtaking tropical surroundings. Glancing down at her luggage that contained Richard’s ashes, she almost uttered out loud, God I miss you. Turning her thoughts and gaze away from the lovers, she stared out over the indescribable turquoise lagoon emulating a painter’s pallet of blues and greens.

  Tess glimpsed the thatch roofing of the over-water bungalows in the distance. Lush tropical valleys lay between black jagged mountains and swaying palm trees lined the soft white sand beach.

  Soft Tahitian music serenaded the boat passengers as they approached the dock. Resort staff greeted them with warm smiles. A lovely, older, dark-skinned woman handed each passenger a lei and a cool wet cloth infused with the fragrance of Tiare flower.

  Tess dabbed her neck with the refreshing cloth. She ambled down the dock following the pathway bordered with pink hibiscus flowers. Swept away by the tranquil setting, her heart began to soften as she strolled by the exotic landscape and beachfront villas.

  “Paradise,” she whispered, taking in the sultry air and sweet scent of the exquisite lei draped around her neck. For the first time in over a year, she felt at peace. Bora Bora had become her home away from home. Coming here felt as comfortable as slipping into her favorite jeans.

  The resort was everything she’d expected and more, filled with traditional Polynesian architecture and exquisite furnishings hand crafted by local artisans. Tess admired the craftsmanship of the open-air lobby while waiting for her turn at check-in.

  “Ia Orana, Mrs. Mathews.” The clerk greeted and offered a Mai Tai. “Thank you for staying with us again. It appears you will be staying in one of our beach bungalows with a private plunge pool. Would you be interested in upgrading your stay to an over-water bungalow? There are several available.”

  “No, thank you. The beach bungalow is my favorite.” As soon as the words left her lips, she remembered the lure of the plunge pool. She and Richard used to walk through the gate of their private bungalow, undress, and slip into the warm water. Never even bothering to unpack.

  “Of course. Mrs. Mathews you’re in bungalow-”

  “Actually, do you have an over-water bungalow available near the coral gardens?” Tess asked, realizing the plunge pool wouldn’t have quite the same ambiance as it on previous trips.

  “We have bungalow 35 available. It’s at the very end of the North Pier facing the lagoon. It’s ideal for snorkeling and you have a view of Mount Otemanu.”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  “If you’d like to finish your drink, your luggage will be taken to your bungalow momentarily. Enjoy your stay.”

  Tess sipped her Mai Tai and munched on fresh pineapple.

  The pier leading to her bungalow perched on stilts above the turquoise lagoon. She stopped to watch an eel swim beneath it and spotted a gray figure with ghost-like movements just under the sand. Tess exhaled heavily, pleased with her decision to switch rooms. The over-water bungalows came equipped with a glass panel in the floor giving her complete access to watch the fish swimming below.

  Stepping into her bungalow, she relaxed taking in the tranquil décor of rich mahogany furnishings and vibrant Tahitian art. Tess opened the glass doors leading to the deck where two chaise lounges sat and a private outdoor shower beckoned.

  Standing at the edge of the luxurious bed, she stared down at pink flower pedals fanned out perfectly into the shape of a heart. “I sure as hell won’t being needing those.” She tossed her bag onto the crisp white linens, scattering the pedals to the floor.

  A ladder at the edge of the deck gave access to the lagoon merely yards away from the coral gardens. Unable to wait for the pleasure the warm waters gave her, she changed into her bikini, grabbed her snorkel gear and slipped into the turquoise lagoon
. Drifting above the coral, she swam side-by-side with vibrant canary-yellow, electric-blue, and tangerine-orange schools of fish.

  After snorkeling, Tess retreated from the late afternoon sun. She wasn’t in the mood to see the famous Tahitian Fire Dancers, so she ordered room service, dinner and a bottle of wine. The romantic sight of lovers holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, and knowing where the night would lead them wasn’t something she wanted to think about.

  Tomorrow Tess would book a private excursion with Mr. Rene on his boat, just as they’d always done in the past. Swimming with black-tip reef sharks and stingrays had always been their favorite excursion. Plunging into the clear water, observing sharks as they swam within two feet of them seemed almost dream-like. All their friends back home thought they were crazy, even by Las Vegas standards. Nevertheless, for Tess and Richard, it was always first on their to-do list. Well close to the first thing, she thought with a smile.

  The night grew darker as she finished a second glass of wine, gazing up at the stars as they began to put on a brilliant show. The memories filling her mind now were as vivid as the fish swimming in the coral beneath her bungalow. Tess knew this beautiful blue lagoon is where Richard would want to be. She’d brought his ashes with her, so he could swim in his favorite underwater playground forever and Tess would swim with him one last time.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The next morning, Tess awoke to the sound of Tahitian music playing softly in the distance. Sunlight filled the room, and a balmy breeze blew through the open glass doors. Gazing beyond the end of her bed, Mount Otemanu crested over the top of her toes, giving the illusion that they were holding up the towering volcanic peak. She giggled, If this place is heaven on earth, it must be Mother Nature’s bedroom.

  Dangling her feet over the side of her bed, she extended her arms, stretching out the best night’s sleep she’d had in a year. Tess ambled to the bathroom inspecting a basket on the counter filled with soaps and oils infused with the scent of vanilla and coconut. She rubbed on the oil leaving her skin silky smooth and then ran her fingers through her long, wavy, rich brown hair, giving it the perfect amount of luster and control. No brush needed. This is paradise.