Page 42 of The Butterfly Effect
I regretted instantly not having Katie’s number, as if I could call her and she’d help me get to Julianna. She had mentioned her friend Andy was a travel agent, though. I hurried back to my car, pulling up my email on my phone to find the digital business card Julianna had forwarded after the meeting a month or so back.
GPS showed fifteen minutes to the travel agency she worked for. I got there in ten, hoping her friend didn’t take Saturdays off and hoping more that she’d be willing to help me. The bell dinged when I opened the door, and I immediately recognized the bubbly redhead who looked up at me. Her customer-service smile quickly fell to a disappointed frown when she saw me standing there.
“What are you doing here?” Suspicion was heavy in her voice, and she narrowed her eyes at me, giving me the same protective glare Katie had given me all week. I stepped cautiously towards her desk.
“I need your help.”
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” As quickly as she dismissed me, she returned her attention to the screen in front of her.
“I’m not asking, Andy. I need to find her.” Hiding the raspy desperation in my voice was impossible. I stood in front of this woman who didn’t even look up at me, willing to get on my knees with clasped hands and beg.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes in a long blink, still refusing to look up from her computer screen. “Why? So you can ruin the trip she took to get away from you?”
The accusation hurt less than knowing I was right. She was taking the trip to clear her head of me. I leaned down and put my hands on her desk, forcing her to meet my gaze.
“Because I need her to know how I feel. Please.”
I looked around at the photos of large resorts and beaches lining the wall. The only other employee a couple of desks over was staring at us. She didn’t look concerned, mostly nosy, so I didn’t expect her to try to intervene.
“And how is it you feel, exactly?” She sat back in her chair and really looked at me, the hard look in her eyes softening to one of curiosity.
I failed to hide the frustration growing in my chest, slamming my hands on her desk. “Damn it, Andy! I fucking love her! Okay? Are you happy? Now tell me where the fuck she is!”
A satisfied smile crossed her face as the printer behind her kicked to life. “She’s at the Ladera Resort in St. Lucia.” She picked up the paper from the printer, but still held it back from me. “Here you go, but I’m telling you... if you hurt her, if she sheds so much as one more tear because of you, I will find you and destroy you myself. Are we clear?”
She was bold, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I could easily defend myself against her small frame or anyone she sent for me, but at the same time, I was learning not much could stop the wrath of a best friend when she felt protective. I reached for the paper, but she pulled her hand back. “I’m serious, William. Don’t hurt her again.”
I nodded. “I’m serious too, Andy. I’m in love with her.”
Tugging the paper from her hand, I gave her a quick nod of thanks before hurrying back to my car. I would need to call in a couple of favors to get there quickly, but as I sped back towards my home to grab my stuff, all I could think about was her face, and how I’d owe more than a few favors to see it again.
I tooka deep breath of salty air, staring at the view from the reclining chair on the patio outside of my room. Luscious green mountains met the beach and the ocean, and the tropical plants that surrounded the resort added hints of red and purple. My room could open up completely to the patio, and since I’d arrived yesterday, I’d had it open the entire time. There was a set of reclining chairs and a small private pool, and above the shallow side of the pool hung a wooden porch swing. From the moment Andy had showed me the listing, I’d thought nonstop about curling up on that swing with my book. One thing was for sure—the woman knew how to book a hell of a last-minute vacation.
For most of the morning, I’d explored the resort, taking in the different pools, bars, and views before I went to the spa. It only took a few minutes for me to decide that any vacation should start with a hot stone massage and a facial. I’d booked five nights, fully intending to spend most of it taking advantage of the shuttle to the beach, but after seeing the resort in person, I was planning most of my days at the spa and by the pool, especially the private pool outside of my room.
It was quiet, just the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze and my own deep, even breaths could be heard. It sounded like there weren’t people in other rooms or dancing to the music playing at one of the pools. It was just me, and it was exactly what I needed. For a moment, I was proud I’d put myself first, and that was what I’d be doing for the next five days.
The light turned golden, and the sun would be setting over the mountains soon. When I’d stopped at the bar this afternoon, the bartender let me know that the sunset was always the most beautiful from their balcony. He talked like it was the place to be, and I could probably use a drink and some music. Itwasvacation, after all.
I pulled out one of the dresses I’d brought from my suitcase, tugging the flowy white material over my head and letting it fall over my hips. The dress was floor length with an open back, and it was just low cut enough to accentuate my curves. I tied my hair back in a loose ponytail and touched up my makeup before sliding on a pair of sandals and leaving my room.
The bar was pretty full when I got there, most of the tables already taken by couples and small groups. It didn’t bother me to be alone at the resort, even seeing mostly happy couples, most likely in the honeymoon stage. I liked the time to myself and that I didn’t have to run what I want to do by anyone else. There were plenty of stools by the bar, and I sat positioned so that I could see the view of the mountains where the sun was starting to set. I admired the rich orange and pink tones spreading across the clouds, not sure I’d ever even seen a postcard with a sunset this beautiful.
“You clean up very nice,” the bartender said as he approached me.Nice.I smiled at him. He’d normally be my type. He had dark hair and eyes and tattoos painted his toned muscles, but I didn’t get the fluttery feeling I would’ve expected to from a handsome man’s attention. “I’m glad you came back down.”
“I’m glad I came down too. Thank you for the heads-up. This sunset is beautiful!”
“So are you.” He looked me up and down, leaning against the counter. He paused, and I felt a slight sense of relief when a man a couple stools down from me cleared his throat. “What can I get you to drink?”
I considered ordering my usual Long Island Iced Tea or a tequila and soda for comfort, but I wanted to try something different. “Something fruity and strong. Surprise me.” He grinned at the response and turned away, taking another order and making both drinks together.
The sunset was peaceful, and I stared at it while I waited for my drink. It really was a surreal sight to see something that looked so much like a painting. There was a strong contrast between the green mountains and the bright colors in the clouds, and the shimmering reflection on the ocean glittered. A strong feeling of peace settled in me, and I took a deep breath.
“Here you go. It’s Rum Punch, a house special and a local favorite. I think you’ll like it.” He set my drink down with a wink. I chuckled, lifting the glass and taking a sip while avoiding the pineapple stuck to the side of the glass. The drink tasted like it had hardly any alcohol in it, but I had requested a strong one. Too many of these and it would be a problem getting back to my room. “What do you think?”
I took another sip, savoring the sweet pineapple juice. “It’s delicious. Thank you.”
The sun set behind the mountain, and the lanterns strung above the bar flickered to life. Slowly, the bar emptied as couples made their way across the courtyard to their dinner reservations or back to their rooms. Before long, there were only a few of us left scattered along the bar and at the tables. I finished the last sip of my second drink, enjoying the slightly buzzed and satisfied feeling that settled over me. I set cash on the counter to cover my tab and waved goodnight to the bartender and the older man who had spent the evening a few stools down from me.
