The Bride Who Bailed Page 2

  "Is this ok?" Drew asked as he pulled out the chair for me.

  I laughed as I looked around, a secluded patio with a view of the gulf, a warm evening with a gentle breeze, a handsome guy who hadn't cheated on me (not yet anyway). Yep, this was fine.

  "It's great, thank you!"

  "One of the perks of owning the place is the use of this patio, honestly most of the time I'm so busy I don't get to."

  "Well, thanks for taking some time for me, this is really just amazing."

  "You seemed kinda shook up on the plane, I figured you could use a break from whatever it is you were leaving."

  "Oh, really? Yeah, I'm kind of a runaway bride, I guess. I mean, I ducked out on my wedding at any rate. I caught him cheating on me and so I bailed. I don't think he's too happy about being left at the altar. Literally. But well, I wasn't too happy either."

  "Ah, well I guess you weren't. So this would be a bad time to tell you I'm married, then?"

  I just looked at him, my stomach dropped, my face must have fallen...and he laughed.

  "Sorry, too soon?" he smiled, "I"m kidding, I'm not married, and I'm glad you agreed to join me for dinner."

  I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "kinda too soon, but thanks, I'm glad I came. So, what's it like, living here full time, running the resort?"

  "It depends on what day you ask me, most days its great. Today for example, was awful. This is definitely the highlight of my day."

  I looked at him while he spoke and wondered what it must be like to be that smoldering. He made me want to look better, sit up straighter, smile brighter, just to measure up. He tapped his fingers gently on the table, and I was momentarily mesmerized as I imagined those fingers gently tapping up and down my spine. He paused and I realized it was my turn to talk again. Crushing on him was taking some of the umph out of my side of the conversation.

  "So, your day. What happened? Why was it awful?"

  "Oh, you know, computer stuff. Computers were supposed to make our lives easier, right? My billing system is all messed up, invoices, charges...it's crazy. No one seems to know what's going on, the IT department can't figure it out. I'm looking for a consultant now. It's not usually like that though, usually it's just like it looks, living in paradise. The weather is great, the beaches are spectacular, it's a lot like it looks, really."

  Without even thinking I volunteered,"I could help."

  "With what?"

  "The computers, it's what I do, I could help. It would pay you back some for the room."

  "I can't put you to work, but that's really nice of you."

  "No, seriously," I was breathless now, this was an answer to a prayer "I'd like to stay for a while, more than a week anyway. I mean why go home? I walked out on Jake. My stuff is at my mom's, and she says I'm grounded for walking out on the wedding, so living there won't be any fun AT ALL. I work for Jake's dad so I'm going to have to quit anyway. You'd be doing me a favor, really. I'll consult for a few weeks, get things in shape, and make a plan for um, for me...well, for what's next."

  Drew smiled, "We'll talk." His eyes and face betrayed nothing, not the slightest emotion. I bet he was a heck of a poker player.

  The waiter brought wine and a remarkable dinner of seafood specialities, oyster appetizers from local oyster beds, hushpuppies, gulf shrimp and finally several really messy but delicious seafood tacos.

  "I'm stuffed, oh my God, that was amazing!"

  Drew smiled, "thank you, I"m glad you enjoyed it, I'll tell the chef. Shall we go to the bar?"

  I slid my chair back and took Drew's hand as we walked to the bar area. My heels clacking across the tiles echoed in the giant atrium. Palm plants in giant urns waved gently in the breeze and I was more relaxed than I'd been in more than a year. Until we entered the bar, and there, seated in front of the peanuts, was my former groom, Jacob Reilly Thornton the III.

  The hotel bar was crowded, full of vacationers relaxing. The mood was light and fun, the sounds of a busy bar in the background with glasses clinking, people laughing, and music quietly playing. And then there he was, like a turd in the punchbowl, Jake Thornton, first class jerk. He was quite drunk, of course, and didn't see me right away. He was alone, which was kinda weird since Instinctively I grasped Drew's hand tightly and he turned to see what was wrong.

  "What?"

  " It's him," I hissed.

  "Him...who?"

  "My...Jake, the guy I just left at the altar, he's here. Right there," I pointed. "Let's get out of here."

  "No, we're staying, he's not chasing us off," Drew said, drawing me tightly to his side.

  At that moment Jake turned and saw me, his face reddened and he lurched from his seat, stumbling on the tile step as he reached us.

  "Jake, what are you doing here?"

  "Lookin' for you, Miss Smartypants, he slurred. You should be Mrs. Thornton right now, instead of Miss-I-Ran-Away-From-Home."

  "How did you find me, and why? You know why I did it, or well didn't do it. You can't think I'd go back now, can you?"

  "You're supposed to be my wife right now."

  "But I'm not, that's kind of the point."

  "What's the point? That you ran out on me? Some point."

  "Well, yeah, because you screwed your way through every bar in town, I really didn't think you needed me for that. Move along Jake, I'm starting a new life and you're not in it."

  "Jake, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to move along now. You've been over served here, and I'll be asking them to serve you nothing but coffee from now on," said Drew.

  As if he hadn't seen him before, Jake slowly looked up at Drew. They were a study in contrasts, Jake was short and heavily built, Drew was leaner and well, sober-er, so that was something.

  "And you are...?" Jake slurred.

  "Call me Drew, I'm in charge here, and I think you need to get some rest. I'll have someone charge your tab to your room, why don't you just head on up, are you staying here?"

  "Yep, I got a room," Jake mumbled. Then he lunged at Drew, who sidestepped him neatly, landing Jake in a pile at his feet. Jake looked up, infuriated, but too drunk to move.

  Drew waved and a burly man in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts appeared at his side.

  "Rick here is going to take you to your room, just to make sure you're ok. Have a good night."

  The whole thing had taken just a few minutes, but I felt like I had been staring Jake down for hours.

  "Thank you, Drew. God, what was he thinking? And how did he find me? And why? Really, seriously, why? There's no reason to be here."

  "Because you're beautiful, smart and funny, and he lost you? That would be my guess anyway."

  I blushed, "Um...thanks."

  "I'm not just being nice, it's true. Let's have a drink"

  "I'm not sure I want to be alone...knowing he's here." I realized what I said just a moment too late, it was all said. Damn. "I didn't mean, um, you know, I just..."

  Drew smiled, "It's ok, let's get drinks and go back outside. Would you like to walk on the beach?"

  "Yeah, um...sure. I'm kind of rattled. I didn't in a million years expect him to come here, and I don't think he was too happy to see me with you."

  "C'mon, I know what you need." He said, grabbing my hand. I stumbled after him, quick stepping to catch up.

  "Where are we going?"

  "You'll see."

  We hurried out to the parking lot and he stopped by a golf cart, handing me into the passenger side. He pressed a button and we were off, bouncing across the gravel lot and down the drive, he took a turn down a path and stopped at an ice cream shop.

  "What do you like?"

  "Chocolate chip, in a cone please. I love ice cream! How did you know?"

  "Everyone loves ice cream," he said as he ordered his own cone. He slid into the cart next to me and handed me my ice cream. "Next stop, the beach."

  He followed a series of paved pathways until we came out behind some dunes. Hopping out I kicked off my sandals and we w
alked out past them onto the beach. The sand was fine and white like sugar, the wind played with my skirt and my hair. I imagined I looked sexy, but probably my hair was a tangled mess. I decided not to think about that and just enjoy the scenery. Which included Drew. Who I was definitely not going to get a crush on. On whom I was definitely not going to crush? Either way.

  "Look, they're heading home," he said, taking my hand and turning me toward the pod of dolphins that was moving in unison along the coast.

  "Oh, they're beautiful," I breathed. We watched them as they moved out of sight, and then turned and walked back toward the car.

  "So, I'm going to take you up on your offer."

  "My what?"

  "The IT department. Can you stay for a month? You might have to move out of the suite, but I'll make sure you have a nice place. I can comp it as part of your salary, save you money really. What do you say?"

  "Um, yeah, I say yes! Yes, thank you!" and I threw my arms around his neck. Then stepped quickly back. No crushing on anyone, least of all your employer.

  Drew laughed and patted my back awkwardly. "Ok kid, 4 more days of vacation and I'll have a place for you in the office on Monday, ok?

  "Ok!"

  Just then we heard Jake calling from high above us, drawing my name out in a long slow wail.

  "I guess I have a few things to take care of first..."

  Breakfast was awkward. Jake sat at his table staring at me. I ordered, and sipped my coffee, and tried to look anywhere but at him. Which was a challenge since he was determined not to look anywhere but at me. I set my cup down with a clank that rattled the silverware on my table and sighed. This was just awful.

  "Jake," I said, as I approached him, "please go home. There's no reason for you to hang around, we're done and trust me when I tell you that you'll be happier this way."

  "I thought you were just the sweetest kid, remember? In junior high, and then in high school, you used to blush whenever I talked to you. I used to dream of when we'd be together."

  Calm, Catherine, stay calm, I thought to myself. "Look Jake, you didn't want me, if you had you wouldn't have lied. It's not so much what you did, although seriously, all those bar sluts? But how you did it, you lied to me, over and over. I hate lies. And cheating, I hate that too, and you know it. In fact most women do, so there's a tip for you."

  "But..."

  "But nothing, this isn't easy for me either. It broke my heart when I knew what you were up to, and then I had to plan the wedding knowing it would never come true. Just go home, ok? Please?"

  "No, you know what, I took the time off, I paid my share of the vacation, and I'm taking it. I'm staying. I won't talk to you if you don't want me to, I'll keep my distance, but I'm staying."

  Seriously? He was going to stay? He wanted us to honeymoon together, apart? Whatever the hell? Okay, fine, what could I do? I couldn't make him leave.

  "Great, thanks for cooperating, Jake. I hope you enjoy your vacation," I said and for what was the second time in less than a week I left him gaping after me as I turned on my heel and stalked away.

  ***************************

  The woman at the front desk was very helpful and directed me to Drew's office at the end of the elevated walkway. It was sunny, of course, and the huge windows made his office seem more outside than in. The office was understated elegance, not unlike Drew. I know it's too soon after breaking off my wedding, but Drew makes my head spin, in a good way.

  "I wasn't expecting to see you so early, what can I help you with?" He smiled and his eyes swept me up and down. I could feel the warmth from him just looking at me. I really needed to get a grip. No crushing on your temporary boss, Catherine.

  "Remember when I said I'd consult for you on your IT issues, were you serious?"

  "Well, uh, yeah. I mean we should talk about your credentials, not that I don't trust you but..."

  "Of course, I have my resume online, if I can borrow your computer, I'll email it to you. I'd like to start as soon as possible if you don't mind. I mean," I sighed "I'd like to stay, and Jake seems to have decided to stay for the week too, which is just awkward, so if I can work this week and next then I can avoid him and maybe enjoy the beach in a week or two when...," I paused to catch my breath, "I'm rambling, aren't I? Sorry." I could feel the blush spreading warmth across my chest and face.

  Drew smiled, "Yeah kinda. Here sit down and log on to whatever you need to, my business card there has my email address on it. Just shoot me your resume. Under the circumstances this afternoon should be no problem. Do you want me to move you? I can put you in a staff condo, he won't have access as a guest."

  "That would be fantastic! Thank you so much!" I hugged him spontaneously, and then I caught myself and stepped back.

  "See you later then? I'll stop back after 1, is that ok?"

  "That will be fine Cat, thanks, you're helping me out too, I appreciate it."

  Sometimes life is stalled, you know? You go through the motions, up in the morning, off to work. See the same people, do the same things, come home, check the mail. Then other times life is flying fast and furious, every day is different, every decision is a new one, everything is changing. Up 'til now every day had been just like every other day. Go to work, come home, make dinner. Rinse and repeat. But not anymore. Ever since I had left Jake, or well... tried to leave him, every moment of my life had been different from every other moment. It's exciting and fun, and terrifying. And exhausting. Walking back in the sunshine I imagined living here, what would happen if I just...didn't go home?

  Thinking about it was exhausting. I needed a nap.

  Instead I headed back to my room and packed my little bag. I was kind of sorry to leave the deluxe suite, but I'd be more comfortable in a smaller condo, one where Jake couldn't get to me. I didn't have enough clothes for a couple weeks of working though. I hadn't brought much more than a swimsuit and a pair of shorts. So I decided to head for some shopping. There had to be a mall, or something, nearby. People who live in resort towns need clothing too, right?

  I stopped in the office and dropped my things with Drew, and let him know the suite was free.

  He had company, it was the evil stepsister. I heard them before I saw them.

  "I'm not kidding, Ash, you need to work this out, I can't keep giving you money."

  "Kids are expensive."

  "Well, yes they are, but working for a living would help you pay for them."

  "Drew...you know I need to stay home with them, I don't believe in being a working mom."

  "Look Ash, what you don't believe in is working. Dad didn't leave the trust so you could stay home and play on the beach. I'm sorry their dad is not holding up his end, but the idea with a trust is you don't spend the principle. Or one day, it's...you know...gone. Either way I can't keep giving you money, because, well you know why, we've been through all this."

  Oh, good, a family disagreement, perfect timing. I knocked and poked my head in.

  "Sorry," I smiled awkwardly, "I just wondered if I could leave this here while I go shopping. I'll have to take a cab, and didn't want to drag my luggage around with me."

  "Of course," Drew waved me in, "You saw my sister at the airport, Ashley meet Cat."

  "Nice to meet you, sorry to interrupt, I'll just drop this here, if that's ok?"

  "You know what? I have some errands to run, I'll go too. Ashley, we're done here. Bye Ash. Kiss the kids for me, ok?"

  "That's not necessary, I mean, I appreciate it but..."

  Drew smiled, and it was like the sun came out. "Nope I'm going, Come on."

  Ashley stamped her foot, her face was red ,"I'm leaving then! For real Drew, I'm not kidding, I'm out of here."

  "Ok, Ash...stay in touch," he said slamming the door behind us. The windows were still rattling but his face was calm. His jaw was working, "She's gonna be the end of me, I swear. She spends money like it's water, claims she has to because of the kids, anyway, here, stand this way," he said, standing next to me, we
pressed our backs to the wall.

  "What? Why?..."

  The office door opened and a shoe came flying past.

  "That's why, looks like she's taking this well..."

  "Let's stop here."

  I looked up at the Bargain Outlet Mall sign, "Thanks, I'll run in and just find a few things...

  "No, you know what? I'd like to come too, do you mind?"

  "Well, no, it could take a while if I don't find just what I'm looking for..."