Montego Bay, Jamaica

Santana

 

I’ve done my fair share of traveling. As a native of Houston, Texas, and an investigative journalist, traveling was a part of my job description. When it came to beach life, I experienced it first with friends one Memorial Day weekend on Miami’s South Beach. I’ll never forget how exciting it was to hang out with the girls, sink my toes into the warm grains of sand, and feel the breeze from the ocean’s waves that washed onto shore faithfully. It was four of us. My girls and I were free-spirited. I guess that’s something you can say about all twenty-somethings. We had traveled to Florida with enough money for a one-night hotel stay, gas to get us there, and maybe enough for a meal or two. I said free-spirited, right? Maybe that’s putting it mildly. Anyway, we were young and full of fun. By the way, we had a blast. That trip lasted for about five days. Some nights I think we may have slept on the beach. We had the time of our lives and yet, nothing could’ve prepared me for what I saw now.

I sat on a wooden deck of an over-the-water villa, staring out into turquoise waters. The beautiful blue ocean seemed to go on for miles on end. Yes, you heard me right. I was occupying space in one of Montego Bay’s villas, or bungalows was what some of the islanders called it. The villa sat on top of the ocean, almost as if it’s floating in this one spot. It was 7 a.m., and the sun wasn’t at its highest point yet. Nevertheless, I put on my two piece all white bikini, saturated myself with suntan lotion, and wore a huge white floppy beach hat. Across my eyes were Christian Dior shades. I was fully prepared when the sun decided to send its rays down to attack me.

I’d stirred at 5 a.m. under the comfort of the thick duvet covers that toasted me like I imagined a pleasant, strong male body would. Okay, probably not that good, but it was pretty close. By 5:45, I knew sleep had evaded me. Last night had been eventful, so a few more Z’s wouldn’t have hurt. Instead of traveling for a report, which I rarely came across exotic adventures such as this, I’d been whisked away by my best friend Desiree Stevens. Desiree and I worked together for six years at the Houston Report, a reputable newspaper in the state of Texas. It drove us crazy at times, but we loved our work. Unfortunately, our boss was the ass of all asses, so this year, we quit and moved to Desiree’s hometown of Chicago. Neither of us planned this out. Did I say I was free-spirited in my youth? Okay, I still was, and although I’d like to think I was still young, 32 wasn’t considered prime. The only things Desiree and I shared when we left Houston were two letters of recommendations that she’d pretty much strong-armed out of our boss. I smiled thinking about it. But Desiree came away with something even more pleasant. A marriage proposal.

I was proud of my girl. That ex-dog of a boyfriend was trying to creep back into her life, but her fiancé Julian Alexander Rose shut that down so fast it’s almost comical. As her maid of honor, I along with her bridesmaids were here to celebrate with not only Desiree, but her sister Claudia, too. They were both engaged and were set to have a dual wedding. I smiled thinking about the last few months. My girl had managed to catch the eye of a handsome bachelor. A model at that, and he’d done something most of us girls thought was unattainable these days, swept her off her feet. They fell madly in love.

My parents had been together 50 years, and not even they appeared to be more in love than Desiree and Julian. A close runner-up? Julian’s brother Jaden and Claudia. The two were a match made in heaven. I’m telling you, if I could just get a little of that type of luck rubbed off on me, I’d be okay.

My knight in shining armor didn’t have to be a multimillionaire. It wouldn’t hurt, but I’d be just fine with a mechanic who would love me unconditionally and come home every night with flowers or dinner. I would adore him just the same, grease stains and all. As long as he didn’t get any of that shit on my couch.

Moving along, how rare is it that you and your sister become engaged to multimillionaires who just so happen to be brothers? Pretty darn rare.

I guessed that’s why deciding to have a double wedding was the obvious choice. So here we were, on this beautiful island. Desiree’s and Claudia’s bachelorette parties were tonight, then the next day, a yacht would take us to a private part of this island where they would be wed. Oh, did I forget to mention the groom and his men were here as well? Not in the same set of villas. On the opposite side of the island in another set of over-the-water bungalows.

I swear if I weren’t watching this all unfold I’d say these things only happened in movies. Or a good romance book, whatever your pleasure.

I took in a breath of fresh air and continued to stare out at the serene waters where my mind drifted to Josiah Alexander Rose. He was another brother of the infamous Rose family. The youngest to be exact. And he was just as gorgeous as any of them. I’d had a dream of he and I between the sheets ever since I’d met him. I wasn’t naive enough to believe we would be the next Mr. and Mrs. Rose. But a girl could dream, couldn’t she?

I had met Josiah a few months ago. Being the rigorous investigative reporters that we were, Desiree and I had found ourselves in a bit of a mess when one of the stories we’d reported on caused an irate man to burglarize our homes. At the time, Desiree had been put on assignment. She and Julian were set to fly to Dubai. I was all right with being left alone to fend for myself, but Desiree wasn’t. Julian called in his brother Josiah to look after me, and he was charmingly different than the guys I was used to. Believe it or not, I looked at Josiah like he was my personal secret service, so I offered to pay him for his time.

Thinking about that made me blush. I would never forget how his thick brow rose as he sent a laser beam look over my way.

“You’ve been dealing with too many suckers, sweetheart,” he’d said, “but just so we’re clear, you don’t owe me a thing.” He closed the distance from the mini bar across the room to me with a short glass of brandy in one hand and a long-stemmed wine glass with mature Bordeaux in the other. His towering presence brought a wave of warmth and a sexy aroma I couldn’t recognize. “But if you need anything,” he handed me the wine glass, “just say the word.” A lazy grin had spread across his face, and I knew I was in trouble.

It’s interesting because Josiah wasn’t the first brother Julian called. Jonathon was the head honcho at the number one security firm operating across the mid-west and east coast region. But at the time, Jonathon couldn’t make the trip. It was just as well since Josiah and I hit it off great. His funny personality kept my mind away from looking over my shoulder, wondering if someone was watching me. Our conversations were easygoing and fulfilling. Josiah didn’t have a problem telling me about his job as the leading dealer at Infiniti. He revealed his goals, which was to start his charter and expand across the country then the nation. I felt like a proud friend listening to his plans, and it got me to thinking about my own.

Growing up, it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Years to be exact. In college, I started out taking classes to become a registered nurse. My thought was, I wanted to help as many people as possible and what better way to do that than be a nurse. I chuckled. But I soon found out being a nurse wasn’t where my heart was. I’d graduated and gotten a bachelor of science degree only to re-enroll and take courses to become an elementary school teacher. Now I was laughing. Two years and an associate in early childhood education and I was re-enrolling again. You see the pattern here? Finally, I’d found what I yearned for. Helping my community by being in the thick of cutting-edge stories, politics, world or local events, natural disasters, and crimes that were controversial.

Five years later, I walked across the stage of Morehouse University again, receiving my bachelor’s and master’s in journalism, communications, and broadcasting. I’d stayed the course until I left my job. Making the quick change from Houston to Chicago, I’d had to take whatever job I could get. Not that I didn’t try to get on at a local newspaper; I was still confident I could. But at the time, I was temporarily a grade school teacher. Might as well put that degree to use if it’s going to help me pay the bills.

“You’re up mighty early.”

I turned my head, cocking it up to see Desiree standing at the open door to the deck. She wore a fire engine red bikini and a long thin white see-through spaghetti strap cape that flowed from her shoulders to her ankles.

“I’m just as surprised as you,” I said. “Come join me. Mrs. Bride-to-be.”

Her bare feet trod down a couple of wooden steps, bringing her to the beach lounge chair. She sat and pulled her legs over to rest on the leisure furniture.

“I could never get tired of this view,” Desiree said.

I cast my eyes back out at the blue ocean. “Mmm, me either, maybe that’s why I’m up so early taking it all in. Or maybe I’m jealous that this will be your life now.”

“Or,” Desiree said, “maybe you were thinking about a certain someone, and that’s why you couldn’t sleep.”

I didn’t rise to her bait. I kept my face neutral and my eyes set on the gentle waves. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She laughed. “Mmhmm.”

“I can’t believe you pulled yourself out of that monstrous bed after all the dancing you did at the club last night,” I said, turning the tables back on her.

Desiree shrugged. “What I wanted was to be gyrating all over my husband.”

She did a little jig in her seat, and I laughed.

“That’s right, girl, you better state your claims.”

Desiree smiled over at me. “It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Huuuusssband.” We laughed, and I shook my head.

“I’m not mad at you. Maybe a little jealous but not mad at all.”

“Mmmm, I was you at the beginning of the year when Claudia and Jaden got engaged.”

“And look at you now,” I retorted.

“That’s exactly my point.”

I took my eyes off the distance and looked at her.

“What do you mean?”

Desiree shrugged. “Who knows what can happen in a couple of months or even years when you connect with someone.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“Oh yes, you follow,” Desiree said.

How did she know I was feigning ignorance? I couldn’t imagine myself with Josiah as husband and wife. First, we were not dating. Our friendship was new and currently under construction since I didn’t speak to him on a regular basis. Then, he was young, in his late-twenties, and we all knew men took light-years to mature. And let’s face it. I didn’t have light-years.

 Movement at the entrance of the deck pulled our attention.

“Having breakfast without us?”

It was one of the triplets. They were sisters to Julian and Jaden. I could never tell them apart, so I didn’t bother to call out a name.

“Do you see any breakfast here?” I said.

“Eden, Santana, the name’s Eden.”

“What?” I shrugged, and she chuckled.

“I know you can’t tell me apart from Phoebe and Jasmine.”

“Oh, so there’s someone who can then?”

We all laughed again.

“We’ve made a decision.” This time it was a different triplet who’d spoken. She stuck her head around Eden then stepped to her side. “For the duration of this trip, Eden, Jasmine, and I will wear specific colors, so you’ll be able to tell us apart. For me, I’ll be wearing purple, as you can see with this to-die-for bikini I have on.”

Eden spoke up next. “I’ll be wearing yellow. I like to think of myself as the bright one of the bunch.”

Desiree and I chuckled when Phoebe side-eyed Eden.

“You wish,” Jasmine stated, moving between the ladies to step out in front of them. I’ll be wearing—”

“Let me guess,” Desiree said, “green?”

Desiree and I both held amused grins.

“Ding!” Jasmine said as if Desiree had won a prize.

“Great!” I said. “Now all I have to do is remember which one of you is wearing which?”

Desiree burst into a full out laugh, and I couldn’t help but join her. The triplets all shuffled their weight to lean into their hips, scowls covering all three of their faces.

“We are trying to help you out here,” Phoebe interjected.

“I know,” I said with laughter still in my voice. “I’m sorry.”

Eden rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You better get it together!” She snapped her fingers.

“You know, you guys could probably just wear different clothes, hairstyles, and makeup, and then I could tell you apart.”

The three girls glanced at each other. “We only do that when it works in our favor,” Eden said.

“And when’s that?” Desiree asked.

“If we’re dating. It’s embarrassing when your boyfriend can’t tell you apart from your sisters,” Jasmine added.

“I’m sure it is,” I whispered.

“Breakfast is ready for anyone who’s hungry!” We all turned to Samiyah Rose who was poised also in a stylish two-piece. Samiyah and Claudia were best friends and co-owners of S & M Financial Advisory back in Chicago. Samiyah was the first to marry a Rose. Jonas Alexander Rose to be precise. Those two were also a match made in heaven, and tomorrow Samiyah would stand behind Claudia as I stood behind Desiree at their wedding.

“I thought you never made it back last night,” Desiree said.

I looked at Desiree. “When did she leave?”

“That damn Claudia can’t keep her mouth shut for two seconds,” Samiyah fussed.

“Oh, don’t be so hard on her. I am her sister you know. She didn’t tell anyone else.”

“She’s right,” I spoke up. “I didn’t even know about it, and I thought me and you were cool like that.” I glared at Desiree.

“Listen, by the time I found out, I was comfortable and in my bed, no hard feelings,” Desiree offered.

“Mmhmm.”

“So, where’d you go?” Eden asked, raising a freshly arched eyebrow.

Samiyah tried to hold back her smug smile, but it came out bright as day. Doing an about-face, she disappeared inside. Desiree and I stood at the same time.

“Does she think she’ll get away that easy?” I asked.

“I’m sure she doesn’t. Let’s go.”

We made our way inside, going straight to the dining hall where Octavia and Selena who were newly acquainted friends of mine but co-workers with Samiyah and Desiree were setting the table. Recently prepared was the breakfast of champions. I hadn’t thought about food this morning, but seeing the platters made my mouth water. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, hash browns, fresh fruit, orange juice, water—there was even a bottle of wine sitting on the edge.

“Good morning, ladies,” I said. “Who put the wine out?”

“I did.”

We all glanced over our shoulders as Claudia made her entrance, her head and body wrapped in a terrycloth towel.

“This party won’t stop until we’re back in Chicago, ladies! So, for now, drink up!”

I was temporarily shocked. Claudia wasn’t much of a wine connoisseur like Desiree. I would’ve fully expected Desiree to be the one admitting to the display of wine, but I guess Claudia was in a good mood. And who could blame her?

“Where’s Carla?” I asked. Carla was also a newly acquainted friend of mine. We’d met when I started my teaching gig at the elementary school. Now we were like sisters from another mother.

“Outside talking to the butler,” Claudia smirked, and we all took a seat at the table.

“What is she talking to the butler about?” Phoebe rose the question before I could.

Claudia shrugged. “I’m not sure, but he was talking in a whisper, and Carla was giving him a schoolgirl smile.”

Jasmine gasped. “Oh my God, that girl.”

We all laughed and shook our heads.

“Let’s pray over this food,” I said.

“Come on, hands,” Phoebe ordered, holding her arms out.

We all joined and bowed our heads.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for this meal we are about to receive. Bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies—”

“Carla’s body too, even though she’s outside flirting with the butler,” Eden added, and we all snickered.

“Yes, Lord, Carla’s body, too,” Phoebe agreed. “In Jesus Christ’s name, we pray, Amen.”

“Amen!” we chorused.

“Jasmine, will you pass the syrup?” Desiree asked.

The syrup was passed down the table one by one.

“So, what’s on the agenda today, ladies?” It was Desiree who spoke up.

“Oh, I’m not telling you anything after you kept a secret from me,” I fussed.

“Come on, seriously. I’m the bride, and she is, too. You can’t get mad at either of us,” Desiree determined.

I twisted my lips. “You only get to use that one time, so if this is it, I’ll move on, but I’m telling you. One time.”

The other ladies chuckled, and Claudia spoke, “Well, what are we doing tonight?”

“Strippers!” Octavia said.

The girls whooped and whistled, and the triplets stood and bumped hips in excitement.

“No!” Claudia said. “No strippers, please.”

We all stopped our celebration and stared at her like she’d been bitten by a snake.

“I don’t know if you’re running a fever or not, Claudia, but you can bet your ass there will be strippers,” Samiyah said. “This will be your last night as a single woman, do you hear me? No more one-night stands and late nights out at the club. I’m surprised you of all people would say no to strippers.”

“I promised Jaden he would be my one and only stripper,” she whined.

“Aaaah!” We all yelled.

“Why would you do that?” Selena asked.

“I just lost my appetite,” Phoebe surmised.

“Speak for yourself,” Selena said. “I bet Jaden would make an excellent stripper.”

“Definitely,” Octavia offered, half-purr.

“Wait,” Claudia held her hands up, “are you two imagining my husband in stripper gear because if you are, we’re about to have a problem.”

We all cracked a smile and burst out laughing. Well everyone but Claudia. She folded her arms and scowled.

“Ewww,” Phoebe, Eden, and Jasmine all chimed.

“You gals wouldn’t love it because he’s your brother,” Selena said, “but come on. You know Jaden would put all male strippers to shame.”

“Okay, heffa, you need to get a man of your own,” Claudia said, rolling her neck.

We laughed some more, and even the triplets couldn’t help but chuckle at that. When Carla finally entered the room to find us all half-bent over laughing, she held out her arms.

“What I miss?”