Forgotten Love (Derrien Island Trilogy) (14 page)

“
Lucinda, I can’t just pick up and leave here and take an indefinite vacation,” hedged Marcus.

“Marcus, you must be the most pig-h
eaded man or I am hallucinating? Don’t you see? In one breath you say you love Natasha and you even can come up with a plan to solve her problems but let me ask you something. What are you prepared to leave behind for her?”

“Leave behind?”

“Yes Marcus. Leave behind! I hear you slip so easily into being the owner of this restaurant and it is clear that you are an excellent writer. But this restaurant will function if you are not here for a few weeks. Your wife left you because as you said, you tend to see things from your point of view only. I think it is time that you begin to see things from hers!”

“But I do, that is why I want to help her
in any way I can!” argued Marcus sounding agonized.

“
Have you ever considered that she doesn’t want your help? I know that may be difficult for you to consider right now but think about it!”

Marcus stared at Lucinda incredulously, unable to respond to her last statement. Had Lucinda lost her mind? Of course Natasha needed his help. That was part of the reason he was in her life wasn’t it? What was with all these cryptic questions anyway? First Sheldon and now Lucinda too!

Listen,
I will make this a bit harder on you to light a fire under you to act quickly. I know we are discussing the sale of my restaurant so I must tell you that I have another investor from Italy who is willing to pay almost double what you are offering me for the place. He and his wife are retiring to the island and from all reports they are a beautiful couple who will uphold the loving legacy of my restaurant. I wanted to sell it to you and Natasha because I knew how much you loved each other and I knew that the restaurant would be in good hands. But if you are going to separate and both be stubborn about this, I will sell Lucinda’s to the DiMinoglio’s instead. I am going to give you four months to resolve this thing with your wife. That is as long as I think I can hold off the other couple. Marcus, I know this seems unfair and it is hard and confusing but don’t give up on her just yet! Go and save your marriage! That is your priority and when you do that the other things you want will fall into place,” said Lucinda feeling a twinge of guilt at seeing Marcus’ stunned expression.

Marcus looked at Lucinda
not believing the calculating ultimatum that was just delivered to him. He could lose the restaurant if he did not reconcile with Natasha? Was Lucinda really serious? He opened his mouth to argue but was halted as she raised her hand.

“Don’t say another word, and don’t argue; you know what you need to do! I look forward to seeing you and hearing your news in four month’s time,” she replied standing to her feet with difficulty and exited closing the door quietly. She knew Marcus expected a softer hand from her and he did deserve it but she wanted him to use the same fire that he had in pursuing his business goals to pursue his wife. It was obvious from his explanation that Natasha needed to know that she was someone to him and that he valued her too.

Wednesday, March 22
nd
Present Day

“Hi
good afternoon, when is the next flight out to Atlanta,” asked Marcus as he stood in front of the desk in his study at home.

After his conversation with
Lucinda on Sunday he had taken a few days to puzzle over the outcome of their conversation and to think about what he could say to Natasha when he finally found her. But even after two days, he was no closer to an explanation or apology he liked and he realized that he was just stalling. The truth was that he did not want to be rejected again and Lucinda’s words had really challenged him. Why did he have to give up anything anyway? Couldn’t they just add what Natasha needed so they could both get what they wanted?

The truth was that although he recognized what had triggered Natasha’s reaction to him on many levels he was not prepared to come to terms with what that could mean for him. Would he be willing to sacrifice anything in his life to be with her again? Those questions had filled his mind for two days without answers. He did not want to go there offering her more of the same life, b
ut he believed that owning Lucinda’s restaurant and having her art gallery there would be a great start for her. It would be something that she could be proud of.

The agent on the line said that they had a few open seats leaving on a flight that night at 7:00 p.m. He booked
a seat quickly and began packing a suitcase. That gave him only four more hours to organize final details at the bank and get to the airport. 

Reaching into the
cell phone case clipped on to his belt he decided to call Sheldon to update him on what was happening. Unable to get through to his friend, he sent him a brief text message outlining his plans and asked him to check on the house and to start his car while he was away. Sheldon knew where to find the keys to the house and he trusted him with his life and most prized possessions.

Four hours later
, as he arrived at the airport and stood in place in the check-in line he heard a heavy bag fall to the floor beside him. Looking to his right to identify the source of the sound he saw Sheldon standing there with a passport in hand.

“I’m not going to let you go alone bro. I just want to give you some support
because you don’t know what you will find there! I’m not about to let you go up there and get yourself into any trouble with the law,” said Sheldon firmly.

“Sheldon, it’s not as though I am going to do something stupid, I am just going to get my wife back.
Besides I need you here.”

“
To start your car? To watch a house with a top of the line security system, which I recommended and installed myself? No, Marcus, you need a friend more. I remember how you helped me out when Shauna and I broke up two years ago. It really helped me to pull through so I am coming with you. ”Consider it as my returning the favour.”

Marcus shook his head and laughed. Many people were shocked at how close he and Sheldon were because to see them on the
volleyball court, they were always ribbing and challenging one another like sworn enemies. But the truth was that between those moments, it was times just like this where looking out for each other had solidified their friendship into a brotherhood.

“What about your job?” asked Marcus. “This is an indefinite trip. I don’t know how long I will be away
!”

“I had some vacation time owing to me, for some time now so I‘m good
for now, besides I am hoping that I won’t have to be there for long. You know, that we find Natasha quickly and you guys get this thing sorted out quickly.”

“I hope so too. Look thanks Sheldon.”

“Don’t mention it.  Before you get all sappy on me let’s check in, we’ve got a plane to catch.

March 30th, Atlanta, Georgia

Natasha just repeat the last couple of bars for me”, said the studio recording director.

Natasha was on cloud nine! Today was the second day of the recording of her first single, “
Fire Heart
” and her voice could not be in better form. She had spent three hours already in the studio and the crew were amazed at her vocal dexterity.  She was getting along with everyone and being in the studio was a lot of fun. This was exactly how she pictured her life could be for many years and now it was a reality. The only thing that was different was that she wanted to share it with her best friend. Well, her former best friend anyway. She had always hoped that this would be something that she could share with Marcus but whenever she brought up the subject of them emigrating she got the same cold response and the reminder of his family legacy at Manderley, how much he was needed to run the restaurants, how much he loved island life and never wanted to live in a big city again. It was always about him, what he wanted, what he could achieve, but now it was her time and she had decided that although she regretted hurting him she would live her life unapologetically. It was time that she stood up for herself, who she really was inside, instead of trying to fit into the mould everyone else set for her.

Alright Sam, I’ll go back to “
wrap me in your arms”, replied Natasha into the microphone.

“Great!”
replied Sam.

As Natasha sang out the lyrics to the song, she could literally feel her heart singing
along and all the burdens she carried for years falling away from her one by one. So, she just let go and allowed herself to enjoy the moment, swaying her hips to the music and closing her eyes as she stood before the microphone. She pictured herself standing on stages in front of large audiences who would love her music and cheer for more. She saw the coloured lights, smoke, stage effects, dancers and the flash of cameras throughout the crowd. Could all of that be awaiting her? It was just an overwhelming feeling knowing she could share the gift of song with so many other people.

When she finished
singing the song, she slowly opened her eyes and saw that the sound engineers were standing in the sound-proof booth nodding their heads in wonder. While she was singing Lucas had also come in and he steepled his hands in front of his mouth before he blew a kiss at her.

Seeing the expressions on the faces of her
early fans she decided that this was as good time as any to become accustomed to the gratitude she would receive for her talents. She was not a closet singer anymore. She would not have to beg anyone for a chance to sing least of all her own father or her husband. There would be no more rejection or being made to feel unworthy because of her past mistakes and no more being hidden in Marcus’ shadow. It felt good to be finally appreciated for who she really was.

“Ok
ay, that’s a wrap for today Natasha. We will work on mastering your vocals and blending the effects for the rest of the day, so you are free to leave. There is also a gentleman here who is waiting quite impatiently to see you!” said Sam.

Natasha smiled as she saw Lucas standing there. He had been so supportive in helping her in the two weeks since she had arrived. He helped her to find a really beautiful apartment and had already arranged for her to use one of his
town cars until she got one of her own. Taking off the headphones she walked out to see him.

“Hey Lucas
!” she said giving him a brief hug.

“You sounded like an angel in there, Natasha. This single is going to launch your career into the stratosphere.
I can feel it!” he said.

“
Yeah, I really hope so too!” she said wrapping her arms around herself and shuddering with excitement.

“What are your plans for the afternoon?”
asked Lucas.

“Well I don’t have any plans
right now. We finished recording pretty early and my next appointment is not until around four so I have about three hours to spare.”

“Great, there is something I want to show you!” said Lucas excitedly.

“What is it?” asked Natasha filled with curiosity.

“It’s a surprise!” he replied. “Come let’s go. Sam
you have a good afternoon,” he called back to the sound engineer.

“You too,”
came the reply.

Lucas took Natasha by the hand and led her out of the studio and into the sunshine outside. At the curb a
black Lincoln was waiting driven by his long-time chauffeur Eli.

“Where are you taking me this time Mr. Johnson,” laughed Natasha.

“You will soon see!” he said smirking slightly but not giving any details away.

They both got into the car and after driving for about fifteen minutes
they arrived at a park lined with many mature trees.

“Ok we are here!” said Lucas
.

“Wow Lucas, it feels so
tranquil here,” remarked Natasha as she emerged from the car. “It’s almost as though we aren’t in the city anymore.”

“Welcome to Forsyth Park. I thought we could have lunch here today.” Lucas opened the front door of the car and removed a picnic basket before offering Natasha the crook of his arm.

“Shall we?” he asked.

“How did you know
that I would even be available this afternoon? This looks like you’ve been planning this.”

“Well I did not know for sure but I like to be prepared especially where you are concerned Natasha.”

“I see,” she replied thoughtfully.

“I hope you
also see that I am still offering you my arm,” he said smiling broadly.

Natasha
laughed and slipped her arm into the crook of his and allowed him to lead her on this park adventure. In the distance ahead she saw what appeared to be a towering white fountain which had to be at least thirty feet tall.

Hearing her exclaim, Lucas explained to her that
she was looking at the Forsyth Park fountain and that it was a popular spot for couples to come and have their wedding ceremonies or photography sessions.

Natasha admired the exquisite sculptures of
what appeared to be angelic mermen blowing water from trumpets held to their mouths.