Chapter Ten
Once we’d made love on the beach twice more, we gathered our scant clothing and went back to his room. He took me again, on his huge bed, before we both fell into a deep sleep.
I awoke again as the sun came in through the curtains. I didn’t disturb Marcus this time; I just slipped out of his arms, dressed and left. I didn’t want to add anything to the goodbye we’d said last night. It was perfect and I wanted to leave it that way. I knew he’d understand.
I felt a little self-conscious doing the ‘walk of shame’ in only a bikini and sheer wrap but, thankfully, there was hardly anyone around to see. I was able to sneak back into my room again, saying a silent prayer of thanks that Ruby slept like a log. I climbed into the clean, pristine white sheets and luxuriated in the feel of them against my skin. I still felt as though every fiber of my body was humming in joy. I felt so relaxed, so calm, and so, so satisfied. Everything looked and smelled fantastic. I drifted back to sleep wondering how long this feeling would last.
Ruby and I both woke up about the same time and quickly realized we didn’t have long before breakfast was done. We hurried into our clothes and rushed downstairs, where May and Daphne were already eating.
“Here,” said Daphne, passing us both tall, orange glasses.
“Thanks Daph, but I’ve got some grapefruit juice,” I said.
“Oh, it’s not all juice,” she smiled. “These are celebration mimosas.”
“Booze? At this time of the day?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” Daphne wiggled the glasses. “We have to mark our departure and they’ll help the journey home go easier.”
“I can’t believe it’s been a week already,” May moaned.
“I know,” agreed Ruby. “It went by so quickly. But at least we know someone had a good time.” She sipped her mimosa and looked sideways at me.
“Don’t start, Rube.”
“In fact, I’m pretty sure it was multiple, multiple ‘good times’.”
We had to check out at twelve and get straight to the airport, so we disappeared upstairs after a quick breakfast to pack our bags. I got downstairs first and was checking us out, handing back mine and Ruby’s keys, to save time, when the receptionist handed me another note. I looked it over as I held it in my hands. It said: Read me on the plane. A happy smile crept across my lips as I realized it had to be from Marcus.
*****
Something felt strange as we rode the bus to the airport. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was definitely something in the atmosphere. We pulled up at the door to departures. Nicholaas got out to open the doors and help us out, before unloading our bags. I almost missed it but, as he handed Ruby hers, I looked over just in time to see them kiss quickly, but passionately, before she turned and joined us.
“What?” demanded Ruby when she realized I’d seen her kissing our bus driver. “I’m being judged by you for hooking up with a random resort employee? Blow me.”
I put my arm around her as we walked side by side, and placed a smiling kiss on her cheek.
Even though it meant I’d have to listen to an X-rated account of exactly what they did, I had to tell the other girls what I’d found out. We all had a great laugh about Ruby and Nicholaas in the bar of the departure lounge. And that wasn’t all. I wasn’t aware how much I’d missed during all that time I’d spent with Marcus. I regretted none of it, but hearing about May managing to spill one of her cocktails all over the crotch of a stern and very married man at the resort one night, and missing Daphne’s drunken and heartfelt karaoke rendition of Puff the Magic Dragon at a club in the town, among many other highlights, made me wish we’d spent a little more time together. In next to no time, though, we had to board.
Back in first class, the girls were all in deep conversation. I, on the other hand, settled into my seat with a glass of champagne and Marcus’s note. I made a vow to spend the next two months alcohol-free. I opened the letter, my hands shaking very slightly. I read:
Dear Sarah,
I just wanted to let you know you are a beautiful, desirable, and an amazing woman that any man would be lucky to have in their lives. I am so grateful you allowed me to get to know you and for all the time we got to share together. I will always cherish it.
I know neither of us is looking for a committed relationship but a part of me can’t help but wish we had met under different circumstances. Circumstances where we might continue to see each other. In the unlikely event that I’m ever in Kansas City, I sincerely hope you won’t be offended if I look you up.
In the meantime, I wish you all the very best and hope you do find a guy that will treat you like a princess, as you deserve.
Love,
Marcus
I felt a tear well up at his words. I was going to miss him, but our time together would stay with me always.
“What’s up baby, everything ok?” Ruby asked, looking concerned at my apparent distress.
“Yeah Rube, I’m good,” I sniffed and smiled. “I got a letter from Marcus. Here.” I handed it over for Ruby to read.
“Wow baby, that’s lovely,” Ruby smiled, handing the note back. “I’m glad he was such a nice guy, not the usual type of man you meet at resorts. They’re just usually into one-night stands. You were so lucky.”
“Yeah, I was, wasn’t I?” I agreed.
“And you deserved it,” Ruby’s face broke out into a cheeky grin. “At least those cobwebs are well and truly blown away now.” I gasped and smacked Ruby on the arm. “I mean it! Everyone has to stop whacking me!”
*****
I felt like I was at sea, being tossed about on a ship in a storm. Then I felt like I was sinking. The boat I was on began plummeting down into the icy depths, until it hit the ocean floor with a thud that made everything rattle.
“Home already!” Ruby’s smiling face woke me up and I realized we were about to land.
After the long flight, it was dark as we disembarked. It being so late, we were able to breeze through customs and baggage claim, and out into the chilly Missouri night. The shuttle was there though, to ferry us safely home. First to be dropped off was Daphne. The shuttle stopped by the foyer of her apartment building.
“Bye girls! It was an amazing holiday, wasn’t it?” she smiled.
We all agreed. “What about that guy? Are you going to see him again?” asked Ruby.
“What about Nicholaas?” Daphne countered.
“Drunk!”
“Slut! Love you all!” she blew us all kisses as she finally climbed out. We watched her disappear inside, with her cases, as we pulled away.
My house was next. I was so excited to be home, it seemed to take an eternity for the bus to pull up to my driveway. I turned in my seat to hug and kiss May and Ruby goodbye.
“Thank you so much,” I whispered to them. “If you guys hadn’t kept pushing, nothing would have happened to me. I don’t deserve friends like you.”
“We love you, Sarah darling,” May whispered.
“Maybe you’ll listen to me sometimes and stop whacking me?” Ruby smiled.
“Maybe.” I climbed out and accepted my bag from the driver. As the bus pulled away, I watched the two women hanging out the window and making silly faces at me. “Love you!” I called, waving them out of sight.
I went inside, dropped my bags and flopped down on the couch in my lounge. Everything was exactly where I’d left it. Home sweet home, I thought to myself. It was good to be back, although I missed Aruba already. I allowed myself a little smile as I thought about Marcus. I began to tingle as I remembered him touching me.
*****
The next morning, I was up early and ensuring the house was ready for the children to get back. I cleaned everything that was already clean and then headed to the store to get some groceries. After hiding everything away, I’d put on some coffee when the doorbell rang. So excited, I practically ran to the door and opened it.
“Mommy! We missed you!” both Samantha and Henry shouted in unison, wrapping their arms around me.
“Oh! I’ve missed you both so much!” I planted a kiss on each of them and they both ran inside. “Go and take your bags to your rooms. I’m going to make some grilled cheese and I want to hear about everything.”
“Hey,” Josh was by himself at the door. “How was your ‘girls only’ holiday?” he asked.
“It was really nice, thank you. Had heaps of fun with the girls,” I replied, feeling like all the naughty things I’d done with Marcus were written all over my face.
“Well, you look amazing. Like you’re really relaxed and refreshed,” he replied.
I smiled to myself again. “Thanks Josh. Your tan’s not looking too bad, either. How were the kids?”
“They were great. We had so much fun.”
“That’s good,” I nodded. “I just put on some coffee. Do you want to come in for a cup?” I asked him. It seemed only polite.
“That would be nice but I should get going,” he smiled. “We have a load of shopping to do, restocking the refrigerator and cupboards. I can’t believe how much Henry can eat now! Those kids cleaned out the house.”
We both laughed at that before Josh said goodbye and headed off. I closed the door and turned toward the kitchen. Back to being a mother I thought. I hadn’t walked three steps before the doorbell rang again. I returned and opened it again to ask Josh what he’d forgotten. A man I’d never seen before was standing there.
“Sarah?” he asked.
“Yes, that’s me.” I told him, still holding the door.
“These are for you,” he said, opening a large box at his feet. He lifted out the most beautiful flower arrangement I’d ever seen. Sunflowers, peonies, roses, and a whole load more stems I didn’t recognize.
“Wow, they’re gorgeous. Are you sure you have the right house? Who are they from?” I asked him.
“If you’re Sarah Saunders, they’re for you. There’s a card is inside. Sign here, please?”
He smiled a goodbye as I signed his paper. I took the flowers inside and set them down on the kitchen bench to find the card. I opened it up, my heart skipping a beat as I read:
To my dearest Sarah,
You recall I said, ‘If I’m ever in Kansas City’? Well, guess where I’m going to be working starting a month from now?
I’m aching to see you again.
Love Marcus xxx.
*****
THE END