The Key to Paradise (12 page)

We all hurried to follow through on Nana’s commands. I sank down onto one of the couches and focused on breathing slowly and steadily when all I wanted to do was jump and scream and sing. There was still so much work to do but for a minute I allowed myself to bask in the warm feeling of accomplishment.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. The dining room and patio had to be arranged. I had to set up delivery times with various vendors to make it look like we were up and operational when half of my guest rooms were still empty shells. I placed a quick call to Martina, a local girl who I had hired to be the head chef after one taste of her crab encrusted grouper with basil and wild rice. Just thinking about it still made my mouth water. I asked her to come over the day after tomorrow and cook a few dishes in case the magazine people wanted some shots of the food. Even if they didn’t I wouldn’t say no to the pan seared swordfish she was planning to make with lemon butter and plum tomatoes.

When Nana and Verna finally wrestled me out the front door almost everything was done which would leave plenty of time tomorrow for the emergencies that would inevitably crop up. I went home and immediately jumped in the shower, eager to get all of the accumulated sweat and grime off of my skin.

I stood under the shower head letting the hot water wash over me and massage away the aches of the day. I stood there long enough to use up all the hot water in the house before my muscles finally unknotted and I reluctantly left the steamy cocoon.

The mirror had fogged over and I swiped it with a wet palm leaving a distorted reflection of myself staring back at me. In thirty six hours I was going to have a national magazine running a profile on me and my resort. If that wasn’t a sure sign that I was making it I didn’t know what was. Everything in my life was finally coming around except for the romance department. A girl could live without a love life, right? Maybe I’d just focus on making money and seduce a pool boy when I got too desperate. It seemed like a good idea until I remembered what Lyle the pool guy looked like and shuddered softly. Maybe I’d just get a cat instead.

The next day was surprisingly short on crises. I even managed to snatch a few extra hours to get a blow-out, mani and pedi and a new dress. I pulled it on the morning of the interview smoothing the raw silk over my hips and enjoying my reflection. The dress was a teal sheath with a small ivy pattern around the hem. I knew Jen would approve. More than the dress, she’d absolutely love my hair. My normally wild curls had been smoothed down into soft waves. I finally felt like I belonged as the proprietress of The Sea Watch.

“You look beautiful, hon.”

“Thanks, Nana.” I said turning to see her standing in my bedroom door with a proud smile on her face.

“Are you nervous?”

“Of course. This is a big deal. If I screw this up I would be wasting a huge opportunity.” I turned again to my reflection speaking more to myself than her. “But I’m not going to screw it up. Everything is going to be perfect.”

When we arrived The Sea Watch was already bustling with activity. Verna was placing the finishing touches around the lobby. Lois and Ellen were doing a last minute dusting of the already immaculate furniture and Lily was bossing around the florists enough that I was surprised they didn’t crack her over the head with the expensive vases. Landon was standing behind the lobby desk watching everything with a confused look on his face. When he saw me I saw his eyes widen momentarily before he turned and disappeared down the hallway leading to the back offices. It hadn’t been the reaction I’d been hoping for with my new look but it was still strangely satisfying.

Two strangers walked over to me and introduced themselves. He man was dressed in Key West chic, casual clothes to guard against the heat. A black bag was slung over his shoulder and a complicated looking camera hung around his neck. The other was a woman beautiful, slim and devastatingly sophisticated. Her copper curls were pulled back in a perfect chignon and her designer suit was unwrinkled by the flight down. Megan was the writer who would be interviewing me for the article and Steve would be the photographer. Steve shook my hand distractedly. His attention was clearly focused on the delicious smells wafting out of Martina’s kitchen.

“It’s great to meet you, Olivia.” Megan said with brisk efficiency. “Now, we’ve already interviewed Mrs. Bannister and we got a lot of information here from your publicist Jennifer Hoffman. What I need from you are some choice quotes and a little human interest. I don’t care if you bought this place because you wanted to turn around and sell it to Hilton as a boutique hotel. Tell me a story readers will find palatable.”

“I would never sell The Sea Watch.” I said a little confused and overwhelmed by her rush of words.

“Good, great. Let’s go out on the patio and talk while Steve runs down his shot list.” She grabbed my arm and led me out the lobby doors before I could even get a word in edgewise.

Megan’s questions were rapid fire. I suppose they were working on a very tight deadline but it felt more like an interrogation than an interview. When I told her I left Boston due to issues in my personal life she pressed me for more information. I managed to decline repeatedly only because the fear of being known as the girl whose fiancé cheated on her was more mortifying than enduring Megan’s probing questions.

One after another the questions came until I wondered if eight in the morning was too early to start drinking. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Landon watching with an unreadable expression on his face. When he saw me looking at him he crossed over and took the seat next to mine.

“Hello, I don’t think we’ve been introduced.” My head snapped back to Megan as her harried, hectoring voice turned to a soft purr. Landon took her hand and smiled. I guess he was used to women talking to him like that. I just didn’t appreciate that it was coming from an attractive young redhead whose job involved international jet setting.

“Landon Fitzpatrick. I’m the head of the Excursion Department.”
Excursion Department, huh? I guess that sounds more impressive to a sexy young reporter than tour guide.
I resisted the urge to harrumph.

“That sounds fascinating. Tell me more about what you offer.” Megan said looking more interested in other things Landon might have to offer than his job strictly entailed.

“We’re dedicated to being an eco-friendly resort complete with excursions that reflect the importance of our mission. We’re starting off with snorkel and SCUBA trips out to the reef with a focus on the rapid depletion of reef systems around the world. We’ll also have kayak and paddleboard trips through the mangroves and inland waterways that teach our guests about the variety of species that the Florida Keys support including crucial bird species and our local Key deer found nowhere else in the world. We’ll also highlight the importance of the mangroves in preventing salt water intrusion and the erosion of the islands.”

I was shocked by his speech, apparently Landon had put a lot more thought into the tours than I gave him credit for. I felt a twinge of guilt when I remembered how important this had been to him and that I hadn’t even bothered to take an interest in it. I had been so focused on everything else but still, I should have made the effort.

“That’s a wonderful focus for the article. Can you tell me a little bit more about how The Sea Watch is eco-friendly?”

I’m not too proud to admit I jumped back into the conversation. My feelings were complicated. I didn’t like how Megan was looking at Landon. I certainly didn’t like how Landon was looking back. Even more than that I felt like he was taking over my big moment. So I’m not catnip to the ladies. I’m still the owner and operator of The Sea Watch and this was
my
interview.

“Well, our menu is heavily focused on sourcing all local foods and produce. Our head chef is a local woman who is absolutely dedicated to Tamarind and the Middle Keys. We use all energy efficient appliances. Our beach is natural and untouched. We didn’t cut down any trees, raze any mangroves or spray any pesticides. But we’re more than just eco-friendly, we’re a part of this community. To date, The Sea Watch has hired over twenty five people—all locals. Our gift shop is stocked with locally made arts and crafts. We’re a boutique resort that aims to put the interests of Tamarind Key above all else while still serving our guests’ every need.”

I was shocked that I had given a speech of my own. More than that I was embarrassed about the tone. I had been confrontational, almost daring them to contradict me.

“I’m sorry, it’s just something we’re all very passionate about here,” I added quickly.

“I can see that. It’s frankly very surprising in my job to meet anyone who feels the way you do.” Megan was looking at me with a renewed interest. “I’m sorry if I came across too harsh in the beginning. I’m so used to business types who see their job solely as a source of income.”

“You won’t find that here, Megan,” Landon jumped in again. “All of the locals are very passionate about preserving our home.”

Somehow I didn’t think I was included in his use of the word ‘locals.’

“Some local color would be great to add to my piece. Maybe you could take me around tonight? Introduce me to some of the residents of Tamarind Key?”

The thought of Megan in her unwrinkled Narciso Rodriguez linen suit pulling up a stool at Captain Joe’s was horrifying. I could already imagine Lyle lurching over eager to tell her the dirtiest jokes he knew. A hot blush burned across my cheeks as I tried to think of the most diplomatic way to refuse.

“I’d be happy to. Pick you up at seven?”

I looked up as Landon answered her question and realized I had been wasting my time trying to think up an appropriate answer. She hadn’t been asking me to take her out, of course. She was much more interested in being shown the town by Landon.

“That would be fantastic.” Her smile was a mile wide and answered by Landon’s own grin.

I could feel some unfamiliar emotion bubbling up inside. It couldn’t be jealousy or possessiveness of Landon. It had to be I was pissed off at him stealing the thunder of my interview.

Sure, that must be it,
the voice in my head replied sarcastically.

After a few more questions I escorted Megan into the dining room where Martina was plating up a few of her fancier dishes. Steve, the photographer was torn between admiring the courses and the pretty brunette chef.

I had no such conflicts. Martina’s Caribbean style crab cakes with mango salsa were steaming away on the table begging to be eaten.

“Everything looks great, Marty.”

“Thanks, Liv. Now, no eating it until Steve gets all his pictures. I don’t need my national debut to have little nibbles taken out of everything.” Martina playfully wagged her finger at me.

“Little nibbles? Come on, you’ve seen Olivia eat before,” Landon quipped.

Megan laughed and I resisted the urge to kick him in the shins. Somehow today wasn’t going the way I had hoped it would. Still, there was no way Steve and Megan couldn’t be impressed with The Sea Watch. The building had been scrubbed and cleaned and shined down to the smallest detail. The rooms had been decorated to highlight the natural beauty of the landscape and the understated elegance of the building. It was like stepping back through time to a luxurious past.

A smile beamed across my face as we moved from room to room and Megan cooed over the careful details while Steve’s shutter snapped constantly. There was nothing that could bring me down completely today. Not even Landon Fitzpatrick.

Chapter Sixteen

Landon

When I first arrived at The Sea Watch I didn’t even want to walk through those beautiful teak doors. Beyond them lay Liv and an uncomfortable situation I wasn’t sure I was ready to handle. I still wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted from her or what I wanted her to say.

Don’t lie to yourself. You want her. You want her to want you.

I found her on the floor in one of the guest rooms with her arms thrown around a nightstand. She had such a look of happiness on her face over a stupid piece of furniture that I actually felt a twinge of jealousy.

She was wearing short shorts that showed off the long, lean line of her legs. Her top was low cut exposing the small freckles that dotted her chest. The same freckles I had longed to trace with my tongue yesterday.

I pushed through my tangle of thoughts and tried to start the awkward conversation that I knew we had to have. I just wanted a chance to find out what she had been thinking. Whether I had overreacted or imagined that distant look on her face. Maybe I wanted her to fall into my arms again.

Instead she shut me down cold and hard. The word ‘mistake’ rang through my ears making my heart clench in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. I wanted to explain myself but my pride reared up.
If she thinks it was a mistake then fine. We’ll leave it at that.
But I knew I was just lying to myself again.

Later that day she had gotten the call about the magazine article. It felt awkward standing on the outside as they all celebrated Liv’s good fortune. Before I would have been one of the first ones in the group sweeping her up into a congratulatory hug. That realization came with a pang of confusion and pain. For the first time I realized how invested I had become in seeing The Sea Watch succeed and how much of that stemmed from a desire to see her happy. I wondered how long had it been since she had nestled a place in my heart. How long had she had mattered that much to me?

The morning the magazine people arrived I had managed to give myself a little distance. I was going to be cool, collected and professional. I was going to have everything under control. This was work not romance.

That all went out the window as she waltzed into the lobby looking as though she stepped off the pages of a magazine: polished, beautiful and as cold as ice. A mean, little jealous streak was awakening in me and it got its chance to grow when I saw the journalist.

She was pretty in that slick, overly pampered kind of way. Her long red hair was perfectly styled, no doubt at a price tag that could buy me a new boat. I saw Liv eyeing her bland tan suit with obvious admiration. Women’s fashion would always be beyond my comprehension.

I had jumped into their conversation at first when I saw how Megan was peppering Liv with questions one after the other. When she had asked about Liv leaving Boston my protective instinct bristled. What business was it of hers? What did her readers care why Liv had left to come to the Keys? There was no way I was going to let Liv lay her personal life bare before the snake.

As I inserted myself into the conversation, Megan’s laser like attention turned to me and I could feel Liv’s surprise as she sat beside me. The mean, little jealous streak grew. I heard myself flirting back with Megan while Liv grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Good, let her see how it feels. She’s not the only woman on Tamarind Key.

It wasn’t until I was getting ready to pick up Megan for dinner that I wondered if I had gone too far. There wasn’t anything Liv could say about it. We weren’t dating. I was a single man and free to entertain whoever I wanted. But would this be the final nail in the coffin of the relationship we had been building?
No, that nail had come on the beach.
I remembered the feel of her smooth skin beneath my palms, the husky sound of her voice, the taste of her on my tongue. There was no coming back from how close we were.

It strengthened my resolve to go out and have a good time. Too much of my time had been spent thinking about Olivia. I had been happy before, casually dating and living my life. I wasn’t going to allow one woman to cause everything to spiral out of control.

Megan was waiting for me outside of the small eight room motel, the only hotel operating on the island until The Sea Watch’s grand opening. Her hair was long and loose and she was wearing a loose black tank top over skin tight jeans. She would certainly turn heads in Captain Joe’s where the uniform was more of the tee shirt variety.

I had been careful to dress nice as well. I had found new jeans and a button down black shirt rolled up to the elbows in the back of my closet. I spent twenty minutes cursing and fumbling with the iron. I didn’t have any real interest in pursuing anything with Megan but it wouldn’t hurt to at least make an effort to be presentable.

“You look nice.” I said as she slid into the passenger seat.

“Thanks, so do you.” She gave me a flirty little smile. She was obviously a woman who was confident about what she wanted.

“Steve not joining us tonight?”

“No, I think Steve is still at The Sea Watch eating you out of all your shrimp.”

I laughed and we made small talk on the short drive. Captain Joe’s was packed as always. The regular crowd had already staked their normal claims around the bar. I looked for an open table away from the music when I saw something that made my heart skip a beat. There in the back were the Geriatric Gang and Olivia eagerly waving to Megan.

Megan didn’t miss a beat. She smiled and walked over, greeting each with an air kiss while my feet still felt rooted to the floor. This was a nightmare. It was like when you first started dating in middle school and your mother would chaperone you to all your dates. I wanted to turn tail and run. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I wanted anything other than to sit at a table with Megan and Liv for the rest of the night while the old biddies drowned us all in uncomfortable questions.

But Lord knows the Fitzpatricks had never been a lucky tribe. Megan was already wrestling over an extra chair before I could think of a way to stop this all from happening.
Well,
I thought to myself,
you can’t spend the entire night standing in the middle of the dock. It’s time to go face the music.

“And then I hear him screaming ‘Ok! Not dead! Not dead!’” I just caught the end of Liv’s story before Megan dissolved in gales of giggles but I knew exactly what she had been doing. She was trying to embarrass me.

“Oh, were you telling her about the palmetto bug?” I struggled to keep my voice even. “Did you get to the point where you fainted?”

“I did not faint!” Liv protested while Megan giggled again.

“It sounds like you two have had quite the adventure getting The Sea Watch up and running.”

“Oh honey, you don’t know the half of it. There’s something about working together in such difficult conditions for weeks that really brings two people together.” Verna interjected as she poured herself another glass from the pitcher. I could see Liv blushing and feel the heat on my own cheeks.

“Landon has been a very valuable
employee
.” Liv’s careful emphasis on the last word made me seethe.

“And Olivia is a competent
employer
when she’s not upsetting the local wildlife.”

Megan was watching us both carefully but I couldn’t stop myself from sniping back. There was still so much unsaid between us it was all coming out in subtle barbs.
You’re not in elementary school anymore. Quit pulling her pigtails.

“Well, we should be on our way. We just stopped by for a quick drink before bingo.” Liv stood and planted a kiss on Megan’s cheek.

“Do you play?”

“Me? No, but I’m trying to get a betting ring going for the spectators. Mort Kellerton used to be a bookie and he promised to give me some tips.”

“Well good luck with that!” Megan said laughing as she said her goodbyes to each in turn. I could only manage a nod before I shuffled Megan off to a smaller table.

“I’m sorry about that,” I finally managed to say as we took our seats. “I didn’t know they’d be here.”

“No need. I like Olivia. She’s passionate and funny.”

“And stubborn and inappropriate.”

I could feel Megan’s hazel eyes on me as I scanned the menu I already knew by heart.

“You two used to have something.” It wasn’t a question.

“No. I mean maybe, not really. Nothing ever came of it.”

“But something is still there.”

I didn’t know how to respond. I just felt the pressure weighing down on me under her frank gaze.

“Look Landon,” she continued when I didn’t answer. “I think you’re handsome and interesting but I’m not looking for anything serious and I’m not looking to cause any problems for you. What do you say we order a beer and call it dinner for friends?”

The tension and pressure I had been feeling lifted. “Sounds good to me.”

I ordered our drinks and food while Jack came over to introduce himself with his tongue practically wagging. We spent the rest of the night talking about her travels and making fun of the house band as they struggled through
Brown Eyed Girl
for the third time that night.

As I dropped her off at her hotel she gave me a quick hug and I was grateful that in my pride and anger I hadn’t done something that there was no coming back from.