Blake’s jet landed at Portland International Jetport at two p.m. From there he had hired a driver. The black town-car pulled up outside of 2838 Atlantic Drive. It was exactly how Robinson described it. The townhouse was three levels with two doors in the front with a white painted porch. The townhouse was painted pale yellow. The driver opened the door for Blake to get out. As Blake walked to the townhome, he noticed a light skinned black man sitting on the porch.
“Hey, man,” the black man greeted. He wore light colored denim jeans and a red T-shirt.
“Hello,” Blake mumbled and took the steps to the porch. Then he quickly reached for the door knob for condo two. It was locked. “Damn,” he hissed.
“You lookin’ for Lacey?” the black man asked.
“Yes,” Blake answered. “Do you know when she’ll be back?”
“In about a month.”
“A month!” Blake yelled. “Where the hell has she gone for a month?”
“Wiscasset for the yearly art show.”
“Oh . . . yes. Her work is great. It should be in an art show,” Blake said. He had never seen her work. He just wanted to appear like a friend of hers so the man would tell him more - hopefully. “Surely, the art show isn’t going to go on for a month.”
“Nah. Just three days. She’s going to stay out there for a month for inspiration she said. Trying to find more things to draw and paint,” the black man explained and leaned back in the rocker and stayed in that position.
Blake nodded. “I see.”
“You’re a pretty fancy lookin’ dude. A little too fancy to be a friend of Lacey’s,” he said with slight suspicion.
Blake was wearing a black Brooks Brothers tailored suit with a dark yellow shirt and a black and white striped tie. “I am a friend of hers. I’m from New York.”
“Yeah? I love New York, but it doesn’t love me. I lived there for six months. And in that time, I got mugged three times and I couldn’t find a steady job. I got on the first bus out of there when I could afford it,” the black man stated. “What do you do for a living to afford such a fancy suit?”
None of your damn business, Blake wanted to say. But, he decided to be nice to the guy. His father always told him you got more flies with honey than vinegar.
“I’m a stockbroker,” he answered. It wasn’t a complete lie. He had a brokers license. He just neglected to mention he was the majority stockholder and CEO of an investment firm.
The black man nodded like he approved – and like Blake gave a shit if he did. “Nice. How do you know, Lacey?”
Once again, Blake wanted to tell him it was none of his business. “Our fathers were friends and we played together when we were kids. I was in Portland on business and thought I look her up.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Their fathers had been friends. But, Blake was ten years older than Lacey. They hadn’t played together. They had never really met. Blake had just seen her once as a child as their fathers were talking outside in the driveway. Lacey had never even looked his way as she swung on an old swing from a tree on the estate.
“Oh,” he said and leaned down letting the chair rest on the porch floor. “She said she was from New York. Sorry you missed her.”
“Well, I have a little time. Maybe I can catch up to her in Wiscasset, if it’s not too far away.” Blake hoped the man took the bait.
“If you don’t mind driving fifty miles. The art show starts tomorrow, but I can’t remember what time.”
“Hmm. I might be able to make it. If you don’t mind me asking, do you know what hotel she’s staying at there?”
“She’s staying at a B&B, but I can’t remember the name of it,” the black man answered.
Blake wasn’t sure if the man was lying or not, but he did give Blake enough information to go on. “All right. I better get going. Thanks.” He headed for the porch steps.
“Yeah. Have a good one.”
Blake got into the town car and ordered the driver to take him Wiscasset.
“I’ll take you, sir, but you should know that’s a small town. A town where you need your own car to get around.”
Blake looked up at the middle-aged man. “Really?” What else can you tell me about the town?”
“There’s a place called Red’s Eats that sell the best lobster rolls in the state – in my humble opinion. Most people go there for antique shopping. Like I said, it’s a small town. I don’t think the population is over thirty-eight hundred.”
“Wow, that is small,” Blake mumbled. “Do you know about any bed and breakfast inns there?”
“Oh, yes,” he said with familiarity. “There are two within the town limits. One is The Marston House and the other is The Cozy Inn. And of course there are several outside of the town limits.”
I’ll start with the ones in Wiscasset and work my way outward if need be.
“And it’s a laid back town. So you might stick out if you wear a three-piece suit if you’re not going to a wedding or a funeral,” the driver said timidly.
Blake wasn’t offended. He rather know up front than show up at an art show sticking out like a sore thumb. “Duly noted.”
Three hours later, Blake had ditched the town car, the driver, and the suit. He got a rental car from the airport and called both B&Bs within Wiscasset from his hotel room in Portland. When the woman confirmed Lacey was staying at The Cozy Inn by placing him on hold to connect him to her room phone, he had hung up. It was no big deal. He was using the hotel room phone.
After an hour, he called The Cozy Inn back on his cell and asked if they had any rooms available. Luckily, they had a cancellation. He would check-in tomorrow. He had reserved the room for three days, but he doubted he needed it that long.
It wasn’t until he was about to go to sleep that he realized tomorrow would be exactly one year to the day when Lacey Stevens had left him at the altar. May 30th.
I’m going to that art show tomorrow and I’m going to humiliate her there like she did me at the country club. Then, I’ll be able to move on.
****
By the time Blake had gotten to Wiscasset the art show had started. The downtown area was blocked by barricades. People were everywhere. It took him almost an hour to find a parking space.
He was irritated as hell by the time he got to the show. Vendors and artists had tables and tents set up on the sidewalks. He realized it was good that he was irritated from the ridiculous parking situation and slow moving drivers. He could take it out on Lacey - give her the tongue lashing she deserved and then some. And the art show didn’t have to be the end of his vengeance. After all, they both had rooms at The Cozy Inn.
Blake planned to walk one side of the sidewalk. If she wasn’t set up on that side, he would go down the other side. It was more of a task than he thought. There were just as many people in the streets and on the sidewalks like he was in New York. Surely, some of the people had to be tourists.
He didn’t spot Lacey on the right side of the street so he began walking the left side. He went a block and a half and then stopped in his tracks. Just up ahead under a red covered tent stood the most beautiful woman he had seen in an extremely long time.
Her long blonde hair shimmered and shined like gold. Her face was like an angel’s. She had full pouty lips and hips that were meant for a man to hold onto. Her long legs were on display thanks to the short jean shorts. Her chest wasn’t flat, but not overly large either. Perfect.
That can’t be her, he thought with shock and awe.
The pictures of her as a young debutante in the newspapers and the cell pics Robinson took of her hadn’t done her justice at all.
No. No. That is not her. It can’t be. Yet, I need to find out who this glorious creature is. Blake walked to the station. Paintings that weren’t framed or matted were set up on easels. There were also photographs set up as well. There was a middle-aged woman under the tent with her.
The blonde turned and stopped.
Their eyes met.
She had dark blue eyes like sapphires. Then all of a sudden she smiled. Blake’s heart began to beat fast and he felt a little short of breath.
“Hi,” she greeted softly. “I’m Lacey. If you see something you like, let me know.” She had no idea who he was.
“I do see something I like. You,” he heard himself say - and immediately regretted it. He couldn’t believe he said that out loud. It sounded like some pathetic cheesy pick up line a man going through a mid-life crisis would say.
Lacey’s smile grew bigger, showing her perfectly straight teeth.
Why is my heart beating so hard? I feel like I’m about to have a heart attack.
“That’s sweet,” she said with a little shyness. “What’s your name?”
Blake blinked as he began to think. He couldn’t tell her his real name. If he did, she would go running down the street screaming.
****
Oh my god. He’s gorgeous, Lacey thought as their eyes met. He had neatly cut black hair parted on the side leaving a thick comb over on the other side. She was able to estimate that he was about five foot eight because she was five foot six and a half. He wore casual clothes like everyone else, a shirt with a collar and black shorts that came to his knees. For a man he had decent looking legs – strong and taut.
They couldn’t stare at each other forever. So, Lacey said something – and immediately regretted it. Her speaking seemed to loosen whatever spell that had come over them. She knew he felt it to – whatever it was.
“I do see something I like. You,” he said. He had a deep voice that sounded so sexy.
She kept herself from giggling like a school girl by smiling big and wide. “That’s sweet,” she said with a little shyness. “What’s your name?” She had to know his name - who he was. She had never seen a man this good looking before – even in Paris.
He opened his mouth then closed it.
She was about to ask if something was wrong when he finally spoke.
“Brian. Brian Bennett,” he answered.
“Nice to meet you. Um, do you see anything you like?”
“Yes,” he said as he looked at her.
“Okay which painting? Or photograph?”
“All of them,” he said as he kept looking at her.
She let out a nervous breathy, “Ha.”
“Lacey, who’s your handsome friend?” Eleanor asked. She was one of the volunteers for the Wiscasset Art Show. She had helped Lacey set up her spot and then she came back to check on her.
“Eleanor, this is Brian. He says he’s interested in . . . everything,” Lacey answered shyly.
“Including, Lacey,” he added with confidence.
“Woo, well,” Eleanor said as she fanned herself. “But, surely you can’t buy everything she has, so I suggest you pick –”
“Yes, I can,” he interrupted.
"What?” Eleanor asked with confusion.
Lacey was lost as well.
Brian looked around the display. “I’ll take it all. Photos, paintings, everything.”
“Are you joking?” Lacey blurted out.
“Not at all.” Then he cleared his throat. “What can I say? You have an effect on a man that makes him want to give you all he has,” he said with a shy smile. It was so cute.
Twenty minutes later, Eleanor was calling her sons to bring shipping boxes and labels to booth ten thirty-two and Lacey was three thousand and two hundred dollars richer. He actually paid her in cash. She didn’t know anyone who carried around that much cash with them – until now.
Brian had requested his new merchandise be shipped to a place in New York. Eleanor had written down the address.
“I would say thank you, but I feel like it’s not enough,” Lacey said. At the most, she had sold three items at art shows on a good day – not everything she had on display.
“Why don’t you thank me by having dinner with me tonight?”
Lacey’s mouth dropped open. She had hoped he ask her out, but she was still surprised he actually did. “All right. Where?”
“Let me surprise you.”
Normally, she would meet a first date at the place where they were going. If there was a second and third date, then she would let the man pick her up for the fourth date. Her mother had taught her that safety tip. This time was different. There was an electricity in the air. And for some reason she knew Brian meant her no harm. He just wanted what she wanted. To spend more time together.
“I’m staying at The Cozy Inn.”
“That’s where I’m staying,” he said simply.
“Really?” she said in a high-pitched tone. How did she miss him at the inn yesterday and this morning?
“Really,” he confirmed. “I haven’t checked in, yet, but I will after I leave here.”
Oh my god. This is not a coincidence. We were meant to meet. This is karma, kisma, fate. Lacey smiled. He might be the one. The man she dreamed about when she was a little girl. The man she would fall in love with – and marry.
****
Blake had to get to The Cozy Inn before Lacey or his lie would be exposed quicker than an old lady’s slip.
He pulled the black SUV into a parking space outside of The Cozy Inn.
The main house was two stories with white siding. There was a wrap-around porch and two small balconies in the front on the second level. White and red rose bushes surrounded the front of the house. Purple and white impatiens lined the walkway to the steps of the house.
As Blake carried his laptop case, suitcase, and briefcase to the walkway the door opened.
A furball with four legs came out on the porch and trotted down the stairs.
Oh, no, there’s a dog here? I hate dogs!
Blake saw dogs or any pet with fur for that matter as useless eaters that made a mess. He had even hated the dogs on the estate while he was growing up. They had been kept outside in the kennels. His family had them for security purposes, but the only thing they were good for was barking. Damn, nasty Dobermans.
The furball with the hairy tail started sniffing the hell out of his leg.
“Go away,” Blake mumbled between his teeth.
The dog just circled around him happily.
“I see you met, Champ,” a man said.
Brian looked up to see a couple. They appeared to be on the downhill side of middle-aged. “Yes. Um, what kind of dog is he?” he asked as the dog kept circling him as he looked up at him.”
“A Golden Retriever,” the woman answered.
“I see,” Blake said, trying to not sound annoyed.
“I’m Rebecca.” She had brown poufy like hair. She had a few strands of white, but not much. “And this big strapping man here is Horace, my husband. We’re the innkeepers.”
Horace had dark blond hair. Like his wife, he had a few strands of white.
“Let me guess? You’re Blake Dandridge,” Rebecca said.
“Yes and no. Please call me Brian.”
For the love of God call me Brian.
“Ah, you like being called by your nickname,” Horace commented.
“Yes,” Blake answered quickly. “But I had to make the reservation with my legal name because that’s what it says on the credit card I used,” he said, trying to joke a little, but failed.
“We understand. We get that all the time. I can put Brian as a preferred name in our system if you like,” Rebecca said.
“Yes,” he nearly shouted. “Please do.”
The nosy dog had stopped circling Blake. He slowly walked on the grass and sat down.
Dumb dog probably made himself dizzy.
“Let me help you with your bags,” Horace offered.
“Thank you. I have to get my carry-on out of the vehicle, too.” Blake was grateful for the help. A man of his means usually didn’t carry his own luggage. Plus, he wanted to get checked in before Lacey came along. Once he did, the name Blake Dandridge would not be spoken again for the rest of his stay – which he was going to extend for a month. He would need that time to get to know Lacey better – beyond a P.I.’s report.
It took them no time to get inside and go to the front desk. The front desk was too the right of the entrance. A few feet away was a dark stained wooden stairs case. The floors were dark wood nearly matching the staircase and front desk.
As Rebecca was checking him, he asked, “Are there any restaurants in town with a romantic ambiance?”
“Hmm,” Rebecca mused. “Well, it depends. Are we talking about anniversary celebration, birthday, first anniversary, a date, a surprise dinner for the one you love?”
“First date.”
“I take it you really want to impress this young lady on the first run out?”
“Most definitely.”
“I know just the place,” Rebecca said with confidence.
Brian was meeting Lacey downstairs at eight-thirty. She wore a red halter dress. The skirt swung slightly above her knee. It tied in the back around her neck. It could pass for semi-casual. Lacey had no idea where Brian was going to take her. Hopefully, what she had on would pass muster at the restaurant. There was a knock on the door. Surely, Blake hadn’t arrived, yet. It was only eight o’clock. Lacey opened the door to see Rebecca, one of the innkeepers. “He’s not here already is he?” she asked nervously. “Oh, no, dear. I came to see how you were fairing. First dates can be a bit harrowing and you seemed pretty excited about it when you came in to tell me you were expecting someone.” “I could use an ear if you got a minute.” Lacey stood aside to let her in. “Sure,” Rebecca entered the room. As Lacey closed the door, Rebecca said, “Oh, you look nice.” Lacey had curled her blonde hair on th
Lacey walked down the stairs of The Cozy Inn. Brian was there waiting on her. He looked terrific. And his suit looked expensive, a dark blue well-tailored suit. Just like earlier today, his hair was neatly combed back from his face. “You look . . . absolutely enchanting,” he said with amazement. “Oh, thank you,” she whispered shyly. He was such a charmer. “You look very handsome. I love your suit.” “Thank you. Shall we go?” he asked as he offered his arm. Lacey wrapped her arm around his. “Are you willing to tell me where we are going now? I’ve been in suspense all day.” “Right this way,” he said as he began to escort her to the parlor. Lacey was confused at first. They were heading to the dining room. They walked through it. She was about to say something when they got to the back room, which was open. When she had eaten in the dining room with the rest of the guests yesterday, the door w
Blake walked Lacey to her door. She turned to face him. He took the opportunity to take her again in his arms. He kissed her. Lacey didn’t seem to mind because she met him stroke for stroke. Her lips, now poutier from being kissed thoroughly, were so soft. She probably never had a real man kiss her before. But, she had one now. He didn’t stop until she moaned. When he pulled back, her lids were heavy and her breathing a bit shallow. Before he could say what was on his mind she spoke. “I can’t invite you in.” He knew what he wanted and he also knew she wanted the same thing. “Why? We want each other.” It wasn’t a lie. In this moment, he did want her. More than any woman he had ever bedded in his life. “I can’t. I . . . I’m not a woman who leaps in and out of bed with people. I don’t have casual sex,” she whispered. “Who said it would be casual?” He didn’t mean to ask that. Of course, it would be casual. That’s the
A few days later . . . Lacey and Brian were having a picnic a few feet away from the river that was on The Cozy Inn’s property. For the last two days, Lacey hadn’t seen much of Brian accept at meal times at the inn. He had gotten caught up on conference calls at Michelson Investments. Even though she missed spending time with him during the day it gave her a chance to do some work for All-Time Languages and scope out some scenery to take pictures of and paint. Brian was stretched out on his side on the plaid blanket facing her. Lacey was sitting with her legs stretched out in front of her. The picnic basket was between them. Rebecca had prepared them the picnic lunch – for an additional charge, of course. But, it was worth it. Sandwiches, homemade chips, pudding for dessert, champagne, water, etc.Lacey leaned back, bracing her hands behind her on the blanket. “It is such a beautiful day.” It was about seventy-three degrees out and the
Blake and Lacey packed up their mess in the picnic basket and placed it to the side. They laid back on the blanket, looking at the sky, relaxing. Blake put his hands behind his head as he looked at the brilliant blue sky and the whiter than white clouds. He hadn’t stopped to look at the sky since he was thirteen. He remembered how he had an appreciation for nature back then. Once he had reached fifteen, after Tiffany had broken his heart, he no longer cared about nature – or anything other than himself and money. Blake wondered if his mother leaving his father when he was eighteen and Tiffany making him look like a fool at such a young age had anything to do with how he turned into the person he was today. Had all that changed in over a week? Lacey breathed out a relaxing sigh, bringing him out of his thoughts. Blake turned to look at her. She had a lazy smile on her face and her eyes were closed. She was the catalyst that pl
Two weeks later . . . After much contemplation, Lacey called her mother from her burner phone. The truth was she missed calling her mother to let her know what was going on in her life and to get her advice. Her mother answered on the third ring. “Hello?” “Mother, it’s Lacey.” “Oh my god! Lacey! I had hoped against hope you would call again. I got your voicemail a while back. I didn’t pick up because I didn’t know the number or the name. Oh, darling!” she cried happily. Lacey smiled as she became teary eyed. “I’ve missed you.” “And I’ve missed you, too. Very much. Oh, my darling child. Where are you?” “I’m at an enchanting bed and breakfast with the most enchanting man,” she swooned as she laid back on the bed. “A man? Do tell.” Lacey told her mother everything about Brian. “Yesterday, he bought me twenty-one bouquets of flowers. The number of days we’ve known
Lacey and Brian entered Marty’s Bar at seven. It looked like a country western type of place. Wooden booths lined the walls. Round tables of various sizes were sprinkled around the room. The bar was in the middle of the room and went all the way around in a square. Beer mugs hung above it. “Hi,” a girl said who was wearing a waist apron. “Just take a seat where you like. Someone will be with you in a minute.” They walked to a booth and took a seat across from each other. “Well, this is different from what I’m used to. What about you?” Brian asked. “The same.” The menus were in a holder next to the side of the wall. Lacey grabbed two and handed one to Brian. The band, The Finleys, were supposed to start playing at eight-thirty. Before they could say anything else, a girl with really short brown hair came over. She was petite. “Hi, Welcome to Marty’s.” She sat down two glasses of water and straws. “Do yo
The next day . . . Blake had called his butler bright and early to tell him to have a guest room prepared for a female guest. He also told the butler to make sure the chef had all of Lacey’s favorite foods at the ready. Then, he called his personal shopper to have a list of stores ready to take Lacey to. He couldn’t order Lacey a credit card or open an account for her until Monday. Then, he called his pilot to let him know he wanted to be picked up at one p.m. at the Portland International Airport and he would have an extra passenger. He headed downstairs. It was a quarter till eight. He wore a white dress shirt, a white and silver stripped tie and gray slacks. He was going to drive into Portland to see if he could find any decent jewelry stores. He wanted to get Lacey something special. “Good morning, Horace,” Blake greeted happily as he landed on the last step of the stairs. He hadn’t felt this happy and content since – he couldn’t re
It was almost eight in the evening when Blake carried Lacey over the threshold of his penthouse. Lacey had said he didn’t have to do it, but he wanted to make sure that everything was traditional the way she wanted it right down to a T. Lacey thought Blake was going to set her down in the living room. But instead he continued to carry her through the living room to the back hallway. “Where –” she stopped when she realized he was taking her straight to the bedroom - his bedroom. “Oh.” Blake chuckled. They were alone in the penthouse. Blake had given his housekeeper and butler the night off. Besides, their bags were already packed for their honeymoon in Paris. Of course, Blake had been to Paris before but he had said he waited to take her there for their honeymoon so he could see the city through her beautiful blue eyes. Blake gently placed her down on the end of the bed in the sitting position. He didn’t seem to be
The wedding party prepared to walk down the aisle. Father Thomas, who was in robes, waited for them at the archway ahead. His blond hair was slicked down and parted on the side. He had also conducted Lacey’s and Blake’s marital counseling which was required by the Catholic church. They had to wait for Roxanne, her mother, and Blake’s grandmother to be escorted down the aisle. Once that was done, it was Blake’s turn. Brad and Blake walked side by side up the aisle as Gladys Knight and a choir sang, I Hope You Dance. Lacey had wanted a professional singer at the wedding. It was Roxanne who had booked Gladys Knight. The three-piece band, although small, sounded beautiful. Blake noticed a few of his family members with their eyebrows up like they couldn’t believe this was it.A helicopter could be heard in the distance. Once they got to the front, Blake turned around. He glanced over to his grandmother. She gave him a
The day of the wedding . . . Nothing like a ninety-something chasing your guests out, saying she should call their wives and mothers. And how Grandmother Phillipa chided the girls. They hadn’t dared to say anything back to her. They got dressed and left. Blake didn’t have a hangover, thank god. He had drunk quite a bit of scotch last night. He hadn’t drank like that since his junior year in undergrad. Leo and Brad had come over for breakfast. They sat at the dining room table with Blake at the helm. Leo was to his right and Brad was on his left. “Well, today is the day. Are you nervous?” Brad asked. “No.” Blake answered simply. “Truly?” Leo asked with an inquisitive look. “Truly. Why would I be nervous about something I am beyond sure of?” Blake asked. “You couldn’t have picked a nicer and prettier girl that’s for sure,” Brad commented. “So, when will it be your turn
Leo had called to ask Blake if he wanted to play a few sets of racquetball before they had to meet Brad at Blake’s penthouse. It had been a few years since Blake played racquetball. Nevertheless, he accepted the invite and hoped he didn’t lose as badly to Leo as he did to Lacey at tennis. As the saying goes, hope springs eternal. He lost three sets of singles to Leo at the New York Athletic Club. They went to the tap room for drinks before showering and changing. “You’re a happy man these days, brother,” Leo remarked and sipped his imported beer. They were sitting at the bar. “That’s what the love of a good woman can do for a man,” Brad bragged proudly. Leo smiled. “Lacey is lovely. I’m sure you’re excited about tomorrow. Since we have a few minutes alone, I would like to say –” “Ugh, you’re not going to get mushy on me, are you?” Blake jested. “Not too much. I just want to say
Four months later . . . It was early April. The sun was shining. The winter snow had melted. The birds were chirping – Spring was officially here. And it was the day before the wedding. They had the wedding rehearsal that morning followed by a rehearsal luncheon at Lacey’s home. Since her mother had planned her bachelorette party for tonight, they had a rehearsal lunch instead of a rehearsal dinner. After the luncheon, Lacey led Blake into the den blindfolded. She had a surprise for him and she didn’t want him to peak. “We’ve stopped,” Blake stated. “now can I take this pink thing off?” Lacey laughed. She had blindfolded him with the pink scarf she had been wearing. He liked the color on her but not him and he had let her know it. “Yes,” she reached up and untied it from around his eyes. He was in perfect position to see his surprise head on. Blake blinked his eyes open and then stilled as he got a loo
“Hey, everybody look who stopped by!” Brad shouted. Everyone turned to see Santa Clause in the doorway next to him. The adults smiled and the children cheered. Santa walked to the middle of the room with his red sack over his shoulder. Brad followed. “Santa has gifts for all the good boys and girls,” Brad said. The kids happily surrounded St. Nick as he crotched in the floor. “Now, how hold on. Have you guys been good?” Brad asked. “Yeah,” the children chimed. “Are you sure? Most of you are Dandridges. We can be naughty by nature,” Brad said with a grin. “Just the adults are,” Moxley, his second cousin, said. The adults chuckled. Santa started pulling wrapped gifts out of his sack. The names of the children were on the packages. The words. Thanks, Santa, rung around them as the kids trotted off with their gifts to open them. Their parents slow
Three months later . . . The past few months had been the happiest of Lacey’s life. She was hopelessly and totally in love and it seemed like Blake felt the same about her. They had spent almost all their free time together. Blake had attended mass with her and her mother several times even though he wasn’t Catholic. They had dinner at least four times a week. He made a conscious effort to get along with her father. Blake had even volunteered with her at the Catholic soup kitchens and orphanage. Blake really had changed. He treated people with respect no matter what their station was in life. And it turned out he was pretty good with children. The kids at the soup kitchen and orphanage naturally flocked to him and he didn’t seem to mind. He had also taken Lacey’s suggestion, going to therapy to work out any relationship issues with women. He had his last session last week. While Blake was at work, Lacey would paint and draw. She was st
One day later . . . Lacey sat across from Will at the New York County Country Club. Will wasn’t a member, but as Lacey’s guest he could come in. As they looked over the menu, Will said, “I take it you invited me out to let me down easy.” Lacey looked up. He was staring at her with a slightly sad expression. “I . . . yes,” she admitted. “Do you love the dirt bag?” he asked flatly. “Yes, and he’s not as much of a dirt bag as you think – not anymore at least,” she said softly. “Will, I am sorry. At the time we met again, I had every intentions of putting Blake behind me.” “I know. But, he’s smarter than I am.” “What do you mean?” “He was smart enough to fight for you. To not let you go. If I wasn’t such a fool while we were in school . . .” he trailed off. His tone was full of regret. “You were young. We both were.” “We’re not that ol
Blake had showered and slept in Lacey’s room. She woke in his arms. He had waken her because according to him they had a full day. That’s when she remembered she had agreed to let him plan their last day in Bora Bora. When Lacey emerged from the bedroom, she was surprised to see Blake had prepared breakfast. “You know how to cook?” she said with shock. Blake chuckled. “A little. Enough to get by in a pinch.” He had grapefruit, sausage, and eggs on the table along with orange juice. After breakfast, they went on a morning tour in a helicopter. They flew over the main island, the lagoon, and coral islets. An hour after that, they went jet skiing. Blake had hired a boat man to drive. They had a late lunch and then they had gone to the Four Season’s spa. Blake had arranged for them to have dual massages in an overwater suite. The beds rested on glass panels above the lagoon. The outdoor tub overlooked Mount Otemanu.