Posted by hummingbird on 9/16/2014, 8:13 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
I was watching the reading of Asa's will on Youtube and learned that Asa owned a yacht and his own island! Hmmm...the wheels started turning. This story takes place during the years when Bo was involved with Paige and Nora with Daniel. Matthew was about eight-years-old. It's not a long story (for me), has little plot, and has some silly moments, but I hope you enjoy it. Song lyrics throughout are from Tonight You Belong To Me, a tune written in 1926 and sung again by Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin in The Jerk(1979). I couldn't help thinking of it as I wrote the beach scenes.
Tropical Interlude
Chapter One
A swift sea breeze tangled Nora’s hair on the deck of the Jeb Stuart as it tumbled across the waves toward its destination.
I still can't believe I'm doing this, she thought. How did I end up here? She remembered the conversation well…
“You don’t know?! Lady! What’s not to know? I’m offering you a few days away from the cares of this life...a private tropical island, a luxurious little bungalow, and transportation to and from in my private yacht all expense-free! And, I’m throwing in free babysitting of Matthew! You have to accept my offer. I already told that little cowpoke about it, and he and I have made plans…”
“Asa...it’s very generous of you, but…”
“But what?” Asa gave Nora a stubborn look. Then in a softer tone he continued, “Honey, you need a few days away. Work is leaving you ragged. A few days away from it all in the sun and surf would do you good. I’ll even have Vincent stock the fridge for you; and, if you need anything, Vince will be at your service there on the yacht. He’ll take care of anything you need. You have to accept. I’m looking forward to a few days with my grandson. What do you say?”
So...here she was riding in Asa’s private yacht, the Jeb Stuart, with Vince at the helm. She had to admit, as she saw the mainland completely disappear from view and found herself surrounded by only crystal blue ocean, she started to relax. Maybe Asa was right...maybe getting away from it all would do her some good. As she sipped a martini and soaked in the sun, she was convinced she had made the right choice.
* * * * * * *
Vince carried her bags from the yacht up the dock and gave her a quick tour of the bungalow. It was octagonal, quaint, not too large, but very luxurious. It had a roof that looked thatched and it sat a short walking distance off the beach amid tall palm trees. A covered deck wrapped the bungalow on all sides complete with comfy chairs, hammocks, a bar, and a hot tub.
Inside, there was a living room, full kitchen, one bedroom, and a large bath. The ceilings were vaulted with wooden beams and had palmetto fans for cooling. The bedroom, in the very center of the house, had a skylight window directly above the bed. Her former father-in-law must have been a romantic. Nora smiled to herself.
Nora took all this in as Vince stocked the refrigerator and pantry with food. When he finished, he turned to her.
“Is everything to your satisfaction, Ma’am?”
“Yes, thank you, Vince...it’s lovely. Is there anything I should know...about the house or the island?”
“Well...this is a completely private island, Ma’am, so you don’t have to worry about neighbors.” Vince said. “The water is warm and wonderful. You can swim out a great distance and still see the bottom, but be careful, of course. I’ll show you where the linens are and how to operate the hot tub. Mr. Buchanan said for you to help yourself to the bar. If you need anything at all, feel free to call me. I will be taking the yacht into the mainland for awhile tomorrow afternoon, but other than that, I’ll be at your service. Just call the number posted on the fridge.”
“Sounds great. Thank you, Vince,” Nora said smiling.
“You’re very welcome. Enjoy your stay, Ma’am,” Vince said exiting with a nod.
When Vince left, Nora took another look around. After a bite to eat, she decided to take a stroll along the beach. It was absolutely beautiful...white sand and clear water that in the distance turned turquoise then peacock blue. Hearing the surf and feeling it under her toes, she began to relax. She sat and watched the sunset before returning to the bungalow for a drink and a soak in the hot tub.
I could get used to this, she thought as she relaxed in the hot tub. Yet...it was awfully quiet… and a little lonely... A part of her couldn’t help but think how much fun Matthew would have playing on that beach… And another part of her thought what a romantic spot this would be if she was only here with someone special...