Eight Days in the Sun Read online

  I take a long drag of my pint. “It didn’t work out.”

  “That’s too bad. I was rooting from the sidelines, Cutler,” Gunner says.

  “We all were,” Chip adds.

  “You were? Y’all had no issues telling me how stupid the whole idea was.”

  Joe chimes in his two cents, which is worth less than a half-penny. “Yeah, only cause it’s pretty farfetched. But if you had made it, you beat some incredible odds.” Joe is from Goodrich and my age. We’ve been friends from babyhood to boot camp. He’s right. We were the craziest long-shot ever. Yet, I had no troubles betting on us. She didn’t either.

  “Fuck her,” Chip says. He knocks his beer against mine like he’s making a toast.

  That is not something I can drink to.

  We call him Chip on account of his two chipped front teeth. Right now, I’m debating making it a trifecta. “Fuck you, Chip. It’s not her fault.”

  “Course it is,” Captain chimes in. “She should have shown up.”

  “She did.”

  “Then she’s a real bitch if she couldn’t handle your injury, Cutler,” Cankles hollers.

  “Don’t call her that,” I say, my voice ripe with irritation. “You’re way off base.”

  “Then show us where home plate is, bro. What happened?” Cap asks.

  I tell them the whole sordid story, leaving out the intimate details. I’m met with complete radio silence. Either my boys are in shock or they’re incredibly stealthy and have managed to leave without making a sound.

  “Hello, you guys still here?”

  Cap clears his throat. “Let me put a little perspective on this if I may.”

  “You may.”

  “You came up with the ridiculous five-year plan complete with a no contact clause. Then when the time comes to meet up, you’re the one who ditched her. But wait, she decides to find your dumbass on her own. She steps up to help out when your sister is away. When she lays it all on the line, you end up pushing her away…again?” Cap sums it up well. Guess that’s why he’s a good commander.

  “That is the Spark notes version, I suppose.”

  “Man, we were way off base. She’s not a bitch.”

  “Exactly.”

  “You’re the bitch.”

  “What? I was trying to do the honorable thing. She needs someone who can take care of her. Someone who can support her.”

  “Who says you can’t?”

  “I do.” I laugh. “I work in a fishing store.” I’m not on disability anymore, but it’s not exactly a grand career in the making.

  “Complete Fubar. What you did is not honorable. You’re scared, but that’s all in your own head. Don’t play it off like you did it for her. It’s not just your eyes that can’t see.” Who would have thought Cankles was a philosopher?

  Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.

  Joe breaks the uncomfortable silence. “We should have called you Confucius Junior instead of Cankles.”

  A few people laugh. I don’t. I’m not upset. In fact, I’m appreciative in a way. It’s not often someone holds a mirror up for you.

  I ask Dana to point out the North Star that night.

  I call Kiran.

  She doesn’t answer.

  * * * *

  Sixty-one days and counting. We’re heading to the airport to pick up Dana’s boyfriend. He’s a fellow researcher who went to the Antarctica with her. If I hadn’t fallen for Kiran as quickly as I did, I would be more skeptical. Of course, I’m still planning to size him up and give him the tenth degree.

  “You’re a dick.” That’s what I keep hearing in my head, accompanied by the lyrics of “Creep” by Radiohead. Oh wait, that’s just Dana’s annoying voice and the car stereo.

  “Cut it out, Dana.”

  “Just saying.”

  “You’ve said it many times. I got the message, loud and clear.”

  “You really hurt her.”

  “I did her a favor.”

  She lets out an aggravated shriek, one I haven’t heard since she was a teenager. “What is wrong with you, Mason?”

  “Apparently, a lot of stuff.”

  She pulls the car over.

  “What are you doing? We’re on the expressway. You can’t pull over here.”

  “We’re fine. I need you to hear this.” She turns off the radio. “It’s going to be hard for you to comprehend cause you’re a guy, but what you consider a favor to Kiran is really just saying she’s a dumb girl.”

  “What? Where the hell are you getting that from? I would never say that.”

  “You don’t have to speak the words. You said it with your actions. You’re basically communicating she’s not capable of deciding who she wants to be with. It’s misogynistic, and I really can’t believe my big brother, this guy I totally admire, is a complete caveman.”

  “You’re right, but it doesn’t matter.”

  “Say that again.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’ve called her a few times. She’s not answering.” A few times is a mild estimate. I’ve called her over twenty times and left at least five messages and eight texts. At some point, I need to accept that she’s done with me. I can’t fault her.

  “Oh,” Dana says. “I just wanted you to say the part that I was right again. Now I kind of feel like an ass for bringing it up.”

  “Don’t. I deserve it.”

  The blast that took my vision wasn’t the worst thing that happened to me. The worst was what occurred afterward, and it was a conscious choice on my part. I abandoned her. Then I let her go.

  I left a huge chunk of my soul in that village. I let it rot away and almost die.

  I survived, but surviving and living are not the same thing.

  Chapter 37

  Kiran

  The rotating restaurant at the Wilshire is spectacular. It has full views of the gulf. There are twinkle lights everywhere. The chairs and tables are draped in white silk. I only wish I matched the romantic ambience. It’s hard being back here. Harder than I imagined. There are memories of us everywhere. I fight all the bitterness with my best lipstick smile.

  It’s not easy to do, especially in this getup. I look like I came straight out of a regency novel, but not in a good way. My peachy bridesmaid dress comes complete with lace and not one, but three petticoats. Let’s not even talk about the huge bow framing my ass.

  “I’m sorry. Now that I’m really looking at it, it is pretty ugly,” Sidney says. She’s adorable in her floor length crystal-encrusted wedding dress.

  “It’s all good.” I may not be able to fit into a regular bathroom stall, but I can deal with it.

  Sidney’s a little drunk. The tiara on top of her head is crooked again. Reworking a few of the pins, I straighten it.

  “Maybe it is a little over the top, but it didn’t stop three different guys asking about your status.”

  “What did you tell them?”

  “It’s complicated. Is that the right answer?”

  “Yes, I guess it is.” It’s more succinct than saying she’s had her heart torn open and stomped on.

  She gives me a hug. “Thanks for being here for me.”

  “Of course. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day. Did you think I’d bail on you or something?”

  “Never. It’s just I know you’re sad right now.”

  I take her hand. “Shhh. This isn’t about me. This is your day. The only sad thing we’re going to talk about is how much we sucked at karaoke last night.”

  She smiles through her pout. “We did, but it was a blast.”

  “Yeah, it was.”

  The waiter places a drink in front of me. “I didn’t order this.”

  “It’s from the gentleman at the bar, miss.”

  Sidney narrows her eyes. “Eww gross. What kind of guy orders a girl a blow job?”

  I know exactly what kind of guy.

  I almost fall out my chair. I turn t
oward the bar very slowly. Not by choice. The damn corset I’m wearing is pinching everything and making it difficult to move with any speed.

  There he is. The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen leans against the bar top. He’s tall and lean with a touch of honey in his hair and a smile that can render a girl speechless.

  Mason is here.

  He’s not playing fair either, dressed in Marine dress blues.

  “He’s even hotter than I remember,” Sidney says. “If I wasn’t a married woman, I might be tempted.”

  “Sidney.” I elbow her.

  “He’s going to carry you off like Richard Gere carried Debra Winger off in Terms of Endearment.”

  “Debra Winger died of cancer in Terms of Endearment. You’re thinking of an Officer and a Gentleman.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s right.”

  He turns his head as if he’s scanning the room. He isn’t sure where I am. My body betrays me, toes curling and pulse racing at the sight of him. Behind the strong façade, he’s nervous. I’ve ignored all the messages and texts and missed calls. If I let him into my life again, the next good-bye will destroy me. I have to protect myself.

  “What’s he doing here?” I say, almost to myself.

  “Why not ask him?” Sid says. “Want me to come with you?”

  “No. I want you to go dance with your man.”

  I stand and, with shaky feet, I move toward him, the triple petticoat rustling like a bag of leaves on a windy day.

  If I wasn’t staring at him, I might have missed the way his large hand trembled. The way he frowned and looked hopeful at the same time. Oh God, Mason, don’t make me fall for you again. I shake the thought. I’m still falling. The crash might just kill me.

  He straightens as I approach. “I’ve always loved your scent. It reminds me of home.”

  My knees shake as I take the last few steps toward him. “Mason.”

  “Hello, Kiran, you look beautiful tonight.”

  “What?”

  “Oh, you’re wondering if that’s insincere. It’s not, sweetheart. You’re always beautiful so I can say that with certainty.”

  “What I’m wondering is why you’re here.”

  “You wouldn’t answer your phone.”

  “What else could I say to you that I haven’t already said?”

  “Nothing. I had things to say to you, though.”

  “So you came here to say them?”

  “You asked me to be your date, remember? Is that invitation still open?”

  “No.”

  He shifts his head down, not exactly defeated. More like he’s gearing up for his next move. “You’re here with someone then?”

  “No.”

  He smiles.

  “That does not mean you can just show up. You’re crashing a wedding.”

  His smile tightens. “Technically maybe.” He jerks his head toward the band. “But you see, I had to make good on a promise.”

  “What promise?”

  “I went swimming with this girl once. This amazing girl who I fell in love with in just eight days. I vowed I’d dance with her at the revolving restaurant on the top floor of the Wilshire one day. I want nothing more than to make that day today.”

  “I don’t want to dance with you.”

  “You have to. They’re playing our song, sweetheart.”

  He takes my hand. I stand strong, not budging an inch. “The ‘Macarena’ is our song?”

  “Wait for it,” he says.

  The band switches gears. I don’t want to smile, but I can’t help it. Who can resist a smile when “I Want To Hold Your Hand” is playing?

  “This sounds like us, don’t you think?”

  “Mason…”

  “You have to lead the way to the dance floor, Shenoy. I’m not exactly in tune with this place. I promise wherever you lead, I’ll follow.”

  “I’m tired, Mason.”

  “Okay, then we can dance right here, sweetheart.”

  He takes me into his arms. I don’t know if this is dancing. We’re swaying. God help me, I should run away, but I can’t.

  “How did you get here?”

  “I flew.”

  I look around. “Is Dana here?”

  “She offered to come, but I had to do this on my own. I did bring Molly, though, but I left her at the hotel room. I figured two wedding crashers would draw attention, especially if one ate without utensils.”

  “You flew all by yourself?”

  “Honey, I’d swim across oceans to see you.”

  “That’s an odd statement coming from someone who asked me to leave.”

  “I’ve been working on some stuff. I’ve got a hard head. It takes me a while to process things. By the way, before I forget, Dana sends her best. She just moved to San Diego and extends an invitation for you to visit whenever you’d like.”

  “You moved to San Diego?”

  “No, Kiran. Dana moved. She met someone on her trip.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, they’re perfect for each other. When they talk about the weather, it’s in terms of climactic shift, and they both use the Latin names for animals. They’re both pretty weird.”

  I laugh. “He does sound perfect for her.”

  “He was made for her. Just as I was made for you.”

  I ignore his statement. “You live alone now?”

  “Yeah, I have been for a while. But don’t worry about me. I’m doing just fine.” His hand slides down my dress, his face twisting into a stern frown. “What the hell are you wearing?”

  “About thirty yards of organza.”

  “Does this frock come with instructions or a GPS navigator?”

  “It should.”

  “I really want to touch your skin right now,” he whispers.

  “I’m going to leave now.”

  He tightens his grip on my arm. “Wait, sunshine. I know I really fucked up. But I’m here, trying to do what I should have done three months ago. Hell, probably what I should have done five years ago. Maybe even when I was fourteen, and you ran away from me after you gave me my first kiss.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m fighting for you. For us. I’ve showed up way too late, but I’m here now, asking for your forgiveness. Please tell me I’m not too late.”

  “You can’t just show up here, say a few romantic things, and expect me to fall into your arms.”

  “You falling into my arms is something worth waiting for. I’m not asking for that now. I want to make a couple of new vows to you. Will you go for a walk with me? Just one more time, Kiran. One more walk. I have so much to tell you.”

  I take his hand, and we head to the elevator. “I have to go to my room and get out of this dress.”

  “May I come with you? I promise I won’t look.”

  I laugh despite myself.

  “Where are you staying?” I ask, sliding my keycard into the door.

  “Sandy Waves. I’m in the Sweetheart’s Suite.”

  The fact he got on an airplane and came here to see me is amazing, but it’s clear he’s really planned everything.

  I change into a sundress. I considered shorts, but he looks so handsome in his dress blues I can’t even contemplate casual. At least I can breathe again. That is until Mason clasps his fingers through mine. Now I’m having a little trouble.

  We end up pretty close to where we started on the beach.

  “You saved my life once. And then you reminded me how to live again. I never thanked you for that. I’m so sorry for the things I said.”

  “You're welcome, and I forgive you.” We’re quiet, the sound of the lapping waves calms the cacophony of emotions inside of me. I look over at him. The man that I love. I answer the question he asked of me. “It’s not too late,” I say, choking on the words.

  He takes my wrist and kisses the underside. “Thank you.”

  “When did you get here?”
>
  “Yesterday.”

  “You’ve been here for a whole day, and you didn’t tell me?”

  “You have no idea how difficult it was for me not to come straight to you. I figured you were busy with wedding stuff. Plus, I had some things to do.”

  “What things?”

  “I made Sam an offer on his store.”

  “What?”

  “Carla was right about something for once. The house did fetch a good price. We just closed on it a few days ago. I’m staying on until next month. Then I’ll move here. You said you could live anywhere. Will you live here with me? I know we’ll be happy here.”

  “You sold it? But you love that house.”

  “Yeah, I do. It’s going to make some great memories for a new family. Remember our dream?”

  “We were just talking out loud. It was a joke.”

  “No, we weren’t. We were planning a life together.” He ruffles my hair. “It was a beautiful dream, Kiran. I want to make it come true.”

  “So you want us to sell books?”

  He reaches in his pocket. “Books, a few sandcastles, and maybe some beach jewelry made out of shells to the tourists.”

  I squint to see what he’s tangled around his finger. It’s the twine bracelet I made all those years ago and hid in his duffle bag. “You still have it.”

  “You gave it to me to remind me to keep dreaming. I forgot along the way, but not anymore. What do you think about the shop?”

  “It’s crazy—”

  “Who ever said we were normal? You and I? Give it some thought, sunshine.” He swallows. His heartbroken expression cuts through me.

  The bottom line is I love this man. Whatever we’ve been through, we belong to each other. “You didn’t let me finish. Your idea is crazy…and awesome.”

  He expels a long breath. “You have no idea how relieved I am.”

  “Tell me about these vows.”

  He takes my hand in his and walks us to where the shoreline laps the beach. It’s a full moon tonight, and the breeze is almost intoxicating.

  “I vow I’ll be honest with you. I’ll never intentionally hurt you. I’ll never stop dreaming again. If you let me, I’ll love you till my last breath.”