Chapter 9: Lydia
I woke up the next day with Brian’s words ringing in my head. I thought it was a little cocky of him, coming straight out and telling me he wanted me. And the way he’d sounded, it was as if he was so sure of his chances.
Like I had no say in the matter.
What I want I get, he seemed to say.
I needed to stay on my guard and this time I mean it, I thought, getting dressed into a pair of white shorts and a light peasant-type blouse. I’d felt attracted to Brian but he seemed to have a notion of entitlement where I was concerned. I wasn’t condoning that, not anymore. It was best, I decided, to simply stay out of his way.
But my line of defense proved pointless. All through my brunch with the slightly hung-over Brandi and even later when we went swimming and then for a set of tennis on the resort grounds I caught no sight of Brian. Much later in the evening, Brandi and I met up again for dinner in the elegant dining room and still he was nowhere to be seen.
I wondered at the pang of regret I felt. I’d been so sure he’d seek me out today. Especially after his speech about wanting me. Instead he seemed to be the one who was avoiding me. Pushing that silly idea aside I focused on my delicious meal.
Halfway through the main course my cellphone rang and I recognized Theo’s number. “Sorry Brandi I need to take this,” I said apologetically to my friend who waved her hand encouragingly.
Quickly, I answered the phone with warmth in my voice. “Hello, Theo. I’ve been expecting your call.”
“I’m sorry. I had no time to myself in the past forty-eight hours,” Theo said.
To me, Theo’s deep, gravelly voice sounded so reassuring and helped ground me back to earth almost instantly considering my confused state over Brian.
“So how are you? I hope you aren’t having too dull a time without me,” Theo teased.
“Oh, I’m getting by,” I said with humor as I sent a grin Brandi’s way. “And I happened to run into an old school friend yesterday. In fact I’m having dinner with her right now. Her name’s Brandi Niles.”
“That’s great,” Theo said quickly, already sounding distracted. “I really only have time for a brief call. I also spoke to your father this morning. I needed help with a certain investment portfolio we’re partnering on.”
“I hope things work out well with that,” I said.
“I’m sure it will. Your dad is tops in the field and he’s got my back at all times. Couldn’t do this without him. Well, I’ll let you enjoy your dinner. Take care, alright? I miss you.”
“Miss you too,” I replied guiltily, ending the call and looking up to meet Brandi’s inquisitive grin.
“And who was that?”
“My fiancé. I guess I forgot to mention I’m engaged to Theo Clayton.”
I couldn’t help my mischievous smile as I shrugged and returned to my meal.
“We arrived together but he had to leave unexpectedly yesterday or you’d have met him.”
I grinned at Brandi’s incredulous expression.
“You’re engaged? And you didn’t tell me! Jesus, girl. You don’t just leave out stuff like that. We should be celebrating! My best friend is getting married. Damn,” Brandi said gleefully, finally taking note of the dazzling ring on my finger as I extended my hand to give her a look. “Congratulations, it looks gorgeous. And there I was thinking you and Brian...”
Brandi broke off and sat back with a thoughtful smile. “So you two are really just friends. Am I glad to hear that! He’s beyond gorgeous and I’ll be on that in a heartbeat,” Brandi declared, with a dramatic roll of her head for emphasis. “It doesn’t even matter to me that he’s not rolling in dough. I’ve got more than enough for both of us. Plus, it would only be a vacation fling, nothing more.” Brandi’s eyes closed dreamily. “I’m supposed to be back in London in a week. I wonder if I can convince him to come with me.”
I had been sipping on my wine and almost choked at Brandi’s mischievous words. I placed the glass down slowly before turning to her with a disapproving look on my face.
“I don’t think Brian’s cuts it as a gigolo. I can’t believe you’d actually want to proposition him.”
“Relax, girl it’s not the way it sounded. I wish to simply make him more aware of my charms. Let him know this honey is up for grabs.”
Brandi shrugged nonchalantly. “Any smart guy would jump at the opportunity to be with me.”
“Of course, Brandi – but I still think it’s so not worthy of you to...”
“What do you mean?” Brandi’s face was creased in an uncharacteristic frown. “You never used to be a snob. If you think I care anything about his status.”
I cut in, “No, you’re getting me all wrong.” I sighed impatiently, setting down my silverware. “Look, all I’m trying to say is that if he likes you, he’ll make the moves. You don’t have to throw yourself at him. It sounds so demeaning.”
Brandi burst out laughing, her brow clearing. “Oh, is that it? Girl, I’d have thought you were more open-minded about such things. I mean in this day and age it’s not uncommon for the woman to be more assertive in matters of romance.”
Her slightly teasing tone made me feel embarrassed.
“But I do get where you’re coming from,” Brandi added more seriously. “And yet even you must admit that Brian is damned fine enough to have a woman rethinking her so-called principles. He’s pretty much hard to resist on any level.” She eyed me shrewdly. “Even you seem a little taken with him. Don’t lie, girl. I saw the way you two were dancing cheek to cheek last night.”
I slashed a dismissive hand in the air.
“Cut it out, seriously. I might like him but that’s all. He’s just someone I happened to meet. Have all the fun you want with him, okay? Just don’t drag me in the mix simply because I tried to give out friendly advice.”
Brandi’s hand reached out quickly to cover mine, her eyes remorseful. “I was out of line, I apologize. I know you mean well. And I get it, believe me. I’ll take what you said very seriously, I promise.”
I nodded, exhaling a deep breath of frustration I hadn’t known I was holding. I smiled to show Brandi I hadn’t taken offence and our meal went on pleasantly. We lingered over dessert and by nine pm Brandi pleaded exhaustion.
“I got a little carried away last night and I think the after-effects still haven’t worn off,” she confessed, her smile sheepish as both of us came off the elevator.
I escorted Brandi back to her room and stayed until Brandi had showered.
“You were always the nicest girl in the whole school,” Brandi was saying sleepily as she crawled beneath the covers of her bed. “That’s why I couldn’t help but get closer to you. And I’m glad I did.”
I smiled from the open doorway of the bedroom as Brandi promptly fell asleep.
“Sleep tight,” I whispered and then withdrew with a fond shake of my head.
Brandi had a good heart, I mused. It was just that my friend had a slightly different take on life than I did. I could only hope that Brandi knew what she was doing.
I wish I knew myself, I thought with a deep sigh as I crossed the corridor to my room. I thought of Theo’s phone call and how everything had seemed so clear for like five minutes but now I was back to feeling the strange sensation that I was adrift emotionally and it struck me more strongly than normal.
If I had any sense I’d leave first thing tomorrow, my inner voice told me. I should never have let Theo convince me to stay behind without him.
A heavily enticing scent of fresh roses greeted me once I stepped into my dim room. My fingers quickly found the light switch and the next moment I was gasping in amazement.
A trail of pink and white rose petals ran all the way up to the bed which was strewn with more rose petals. There were bouquets of roses standing in vases dotting most of the surfaces in the room. My mouth hung open for several seconds even as my eyes glowed with pleasure.
I was hardly mindful of what I was doing as I kicked off my shoes one by one and stepped barefoot on the path of soft, delicate rose petals leading to the bed where I ran my hand over the mass of petals covering the perfectly-made sheets.
My mind went straight to Theo and I wondered how he could possibly have arranged this from so far away. It was a wonderfully romantic surprise and I couldn’t help the burst of happy laughter that crossed my lips, thinking he probably wanted to make it up to me for his unplanned absence.
But no.
There was a plain slip of white paper resting on the pillows and I reached over the petal-drenched bed to grab it, my eyes flying over the unfamiliar yet distinctly masculine handwriting.
I read out slowly...
“Every Sleeping Beauty deserves a bed of roses to dream on...I can only wish I’m the lucky Prince to kiss you awake every morning, and let you know you’re a priceless treasure...never to be taken for granted. Sweet Dreams, Brian.”