"I love dining al fresco." Popping the last bite of my waffle smothered with syrup into my mouth. "It is so beautiful here."

My hair is a mess, just pinned in a bun on top of my head. Not all of it will stay up in the clip. The loose strands that are hanging are blowing in the breeze and I need to brush away from my face every now and then so they don't get stuck in the syrup.

I'm wearing one of Jack's big T-shirts. The one with Reba on it.

Before I can raise my napkin to catch the syrup dripping down my chin, Jack wipes the corner of my lips with his thumb and quickly puts it into his mouth. Briefly sucking on it. "You are so sweet. Messy, but sweet."

He returns his thumb to my lower lip and softly runs it back forth.

"Do I have something else there?" I feel a little self-coconscious thinking I may have more food all over my face."

"You know what makes you so beautiful?" Jack asks me. Does he really think I would actually have an answer to that question? I shrug my shoulders and take another bite of waffle.

"The fact you have no idea how beautiful you are. You're not hung up on yourself when you very well could be. But you're smokin' hot!" I put my hand up to shield my eyes so I don't have to watch him say this embarrassing stuff. "You're kind to people. Look how you were kind to me. You didn't know who I was. I'm sure you thought I was a pauper or something, but you were kind to me."

I take my hand down and look at his haint-blues "Of course I was nice to you. You were nice to me, except when you scared the hell out of me in the water."

"I apologized didn't I?"

"Please stop with the compliments. They make me.." Embarrassed.

"Nope." His eyes are on me. "I feel like I'm the luckiest man alive."

"Where is this coming from?" I reach for his forearm to make sure his hand stays put. I'm the one who is the lucky one.

"I have to be in Nashville tonight." His thumb stops moving but remains on my lip. "I have a lot of business I need to deal with in person. A lot of people I need to speak with in person."

Jack

"I have a feeling that some people aren't going to like what you are going to have to say."

"Oh, probably not." Jack stands and slides his hand over so it is holding mine. "Follow me."

Jack leads me into our room and closes the door behind us. Leaning against the closed door, he grabs me and pulls me close to him.

The circulating air from the ceiling fan blows my bangs into my eyes, Jack strokes them out of the way.

"Your foot? It's doing so much better!" Commenting on the fact that I am baring weight on foot that was impaled by the sea urchin.

"It is." I push back a few inches and stand straight on both feet. "I think I'm keeping both."

"I'm so glad you're getting better! No amputations this week." Pulling me close again. "I'm going to hate being away from you for a few nights."

"I'm going to hate being away from you too." I catch a glimpse of his haint-blue eyes before my lips are on his. My tongue urgent. He presses his body against mine. Jack releases my bun and my hair falls, cascading around my shoulders as I hold on to him. I surrender to him.

Any uncertainty I had from the night before is a cloudy memory. I am trying to catch my breath as I have lost all track of time. "What time do you leave?"

"A few hours." We are breathless. "Look what you've done to me."

Most of our clothes fall off as we make our way toward our bed. I'm left wearing just my white lace bra and Jack with his underwear.

"Stop!" I run my hand over his hardened bulge at his crotch. I can't help but somewhat feel proud that I do that to him.

"Isa? When did you become so demanding?" Jack moans and closes his eyes. I'm determined to give Jack something to think about while he is on his trip.

Kneeling in front of him. "I need to peel these off you." My eyes move from his to his free cock.

"Isa." Jack says softly "You don't have to do this."

I don't listen. I don't want to listen. I want to please him at this very moment as much as he has pleased me.

I tighten my fingers around his silky, rigid erection. A drop of wetness forms at the end of his shaft. I tilt forward to kiss the tip and allow my tongue to taste him. He tastes salty like a Maine oyster, only better. He tastes like Jack.

Grabbing his hips for counterbalance, I slide him as far into my mouth. Jack moans.

Finding a rhythm, I can handle; each stroke of my mouth takes him deeper and deeper making my eyes water.

"Fuck!" Jack shouts. His hands grip my hair, hard, and his legs begin to tremble. I take that cue and clench harder and move a little faster.

"Isa. You're going to make me come in your mouth if you don't stop."

I'm not stopping.

"Isa!" Jack holds my head still as he releases a guttural groan and filled my mouth with his warm, salty, velvety cream. He took a step back and fell seated onto to the bed, leaving me still kneeling on the floor.

"Come here," Jack says between breaths and pats his lap.

Staying on my knees, I move over between his legs.

He wipes the corner of my lips with his thumb and quickly puts it into his mouth. Briefly sucking on it. "I love that you're a messy eater." He pulls me up to straddle him on the edge of the bed and slides his tongue over and around mine. Kissing me firmly. Holding me tightly.

"Was I Okay?"

"Oh, Sweetie!" He unhooks my bra and tosses it to the floor "More than okay." He kisses my breasts with gentle, moist kisses that evaporate in the breeze from the ceiling fan.

I trace my fingers down his CrossFit-inspired abs and reach for his hard cock again. I want him inside me.

I feel around, but he's not there. Is he not interested? Did I give too much too fast?

Jack pulls back and admits, "I'm a lot older than you. My recovery time isn't as quick as when I was your age." The all-time excuse 'It's me not you'

"It's Okay." He doesn't act older than me. "No biggie." I can't believe I just said that.

"Give him a little bit." He wraps his muscular arms around me "He will be back shortly."

"I...I didn't mean to." I stumble not knowing what to say "I'm sorry" I didn't mean to embarrass him in any way. I didn't even know that this was a thing. I don't remember them talking about this in tenth-grade health class. I can't do anything about how old he is. Maybe he should lay off the ice baths.

"Nothing to be sorry about." Jack rolls over and opens the drawer in his nightstand. When he returns to my side, he's holding rather large silicone dildo in its original packaging. "I planned ahead."

"For me?" Jack hands me the package. I've never seen one in real life before.

"I have never once let a partner go without being pleasured. I'm not going to start now." Jack says

I take the package and inspect it's large pink contents "Would it be okay with you if we wait until you come home before we break out the artillery?" It's very intimidating. Better to wait and use it when Jack doesn't have to leave shortly.

"Sure, Sweetie." Jack must sense that I'm uncomfortable. I hand the package back to him and he puts it back in the drawer and closes it. We will have plenty of time to play with toys." He strokes my arm and sits up to kiss me. "We will have all the time in the world."

"I like that." I pull back from his embrace and look at the time. "You have a plane to catch. I'm jumping in the shower. Join me when you're ready?" I leave Jack nude and lethargic on the bed. as I saunter to the bathroom.

​​​​​​***

The steam from the shower starts to fill the glassed stall when I turn the water on.

"Come on sleepy head" I'm standing naked in the doorway of the our attached bathroom. Jack had fallen asleep. "You need to get ready!"

Jack opens his eyes and throws his legs over the side of the bed. How can he be this tired?

"You need some help up?" He looks up at my naked body leaning against the door jamb.

"I've got it" He smiles. He stands and heads towards the bathroom join me.

Jack's shower is a big, glass enclosure with a rain head coming from the ceiling, several hand-held sprayers and several wall mounted body sprayers. As of now, I have only been able to figure out how to turn on the one on the ceiling.

Jack and I climb in and hold each other up under the warm water.

"Want me to wash your hair?" Jack asked as he squirt some shampoo into his palm.

I nodded "yes" and turned my back to him so he could reach all my hair. He combs his fingers through my hair, lathering the soap and massaging my scalp.

"I smell the coconut, but what is the other scent?" The tropical scents fill the shower. It's very invigorating. Just what we needed, or at least what Jack needed.

"I believe it's tea tree." Jack says as he makes me melt, continuing to trace across my head, generating subtle tingling and warmth.

"I like it."

He Takes my head and holds under the water and tips my head back to rinse away the soap, gently making sure it is all out.

"You did a really nice job earlier" He whispers in my, tracing the white X tan line my swimsuit left on my back. "I like this" He repeatedly makes a soft X's.

"You seem to be an X-Man, but I kinda like the O's" I joke and Jack wraps his strong arms around me as the warm water runs over us.

"You surprised me earlier. I really wasn't expecting a sendoff like that."

"I surprised myself." I'm still giggling. "Just wait until you get home. I may have some more surprises planned"

"Oh! I can't wait!"

***

Once Jack arrived in Nashville, his texts were sporadic. Not surprising. I know that he is in a lot of meetings. Every few hours I would get an XOXO or XXX text from him, immediately reminding me of him tracing my tan line on my back and giving me that amazing orgasm.

I respond with multiple kissing lip emojis or a picture of Ringo in his shark life jacket swimming in the pool.

I wonder how Sarah is doing? I haven't heard from her since she hooked up with Seamus.

Me: Hey, How did it go with the Irish Bloke?

While I'm at it, I shoot a text to Suzanne:

How cold is Maine? Bet it is freezing!

I get a reply from Suzanne almost immediately:

I found him
I've been tailing him off and on for a few days
Over

Who is she talking about?

Me: Ben?

Suzanne: Yes, Silly! That's who you want me to follow and feed you information about. Right?

Me: Yes! Does he know you're following him?

Suzanne: No, He's really dumb.
I can't see you 2 together

Me: Me either

Suzanne: Call you later?
I'm in hot pursuit!

Me: Yezzz!
Be SAFE!

Suzanne: 10-4

​​​​​
***

I wonder how Jack is making out in Nashville. His texts have been sweet but sporadic. I miss him. Yes, I miss him.

The dolphin statues around the pool are spitting water making nice, relaxing background sound as I'm eating my eggs and toast at the dining table on the Lido Deck. How nice it is to be wearing a swimsuit and towel as a skirt while I sit by the pool eating breakfast. Try doing that in Maine during the month of May.

Gabrielle Walks out carrying a package. "Miss Isa, This just came for you."

It's a FedEx box. Who would send me a package? Ben? The Boys? "Thank you."

I inspect the package, it has a Nashville return address. Jack.

Using my butter knife, I break the tape and open the box. The card on top says Isa and a hand drawn heart. Awe!

I carefully tear open the envelope and remove the card.

It has two olives holding hands with a caption I Love Olive You

Inside: I love you! Happy Birthday Isa XOX-OOOO ~Jack <3

I look at the date on my phone, It is my birthday today. I've completely forgot.

Jack is so sweet! But, How does he know today is my birthday? I don't recall ever telling him when it was?

In the box, there are two small boxes wrapped in starfish giftwrap.

I take one out and carefully unwrap it. A bottle of perfume. Bobbi Brown, "Beach." I take the bottle out if it's packaging and spray some on my wrist. It smells like sunscreen. My favorite smell! How thoughtful!

The second box is small and square. I unwrap it and there is a haint-blue jewelry box inside. Inside, there is a white gold chain with a starfish on it. I love it!

I put it on immediately and run into the house to look at it in the mirror.

Ben never gave me birthday gifts, or Christmas gifts for that matter. He never once made me feel special. I stopped thinking my birthday was anything special, because no one else did.

But today, Jack went out of his way to send me some very sweet gifts that are perfect. He makes me feel very special and I love him.

ME: Thank you xoxo

JACK: Happy Birthday, Sorry I cant be there with you today

ME: I forgot it was my birthday anyway.

JACK: I'll never forget your birthday XOXO
I think my heart skips a beat. How lucky am I to have met him?

I head back outside to finish my breakfast.

Flipping through my phone, rereading all our texts. I never knew I could feel so connected to a man. Especially someone as sweet as Jack. Ben and I were never connected by anything except by a piece of paper.

Love was never a factor with me and Ben. I'm still unsure why he ever wanted to marry me, we had nothing in common. When I ask myself that question? Why did I marry Ben? My answer is: It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Little did I know I would be cheated on, belittled and isolated. I got away from him and I'm in a much better place.

I can hear Ben's voice in my ear, "A far better place than you deserve." Fuck him. I'm happy and I'll be happier when Cole and Luke are with me and away from Ban and his family.

I'll be happier when the new baby comes. I am still debating whether to tell Ben about the baby. Some things. he doesn't need to know. I must protect little him or her from Ben and his controlling family.

I wish this baby was Jack's. I know that Jack has said he is excited about starting a family, he thinks of Ben as a sperm donor. But, I wish circumstances were different and this is Jack's baby I'm carrying.

My thoughts are interrupted when Suzanne's text alert came in. I click on to her message to open our chat.

SUZANNE: Do you know who this is?

She sent a People Magazine article.

I open the article "In the Mood for Love" It's a collage of a bunch of different celebrities with their significant others. Why did she send me this?

I keep scrolling until I see a picture of Jack, sitting in a restaurant with his producer, Lila, clad in a skimpy red dress. She is sitting on his lap kissing him. Jack's arms were around her holding her there. Her hand and on the inside of his thigh.

What is this? The article is dated today.

Jack Kendall getting cozy out and about in Nashville with his new love
interest.

Oh my God.

Who is this mystery woman who has caught the attention Of Jack Kendall as he plans for his new tour?

My throat tightens and it is hard to swallow as I examine the picture closely. Jack said he was going to Nashville to retire. To tell his team he is cutting back. Why is he out with Lila? He said there was nothing between them. I thought he didn't want to leave me, and the island and that he would only be back in a few short days. It looks like they are celebrating something. They are celebrating his new tour. My heart is being ripped into a million pieces. I can't believe I believed him.

I screenshot the picture.

ME: What is this?

SUZANNE: I'm sorry Isa <3

ME: He said he loved me

SUZANNE: I know. If you need me I'm here.

I learned never to confront Ben about anything. If I had, my life with him would have been 10X worse. I took the easy way and never said anything to him. It just prolonged the pain and eventually the divorce. It would have been easier to end the relationship early rather than drag it out, but I won't allow that to happen to me again. It didn't make any difference if I had kids or not, the outcome was the same. Just prolonged.

I open Jack's texts and paste the picture of Jack and his producer. I take a deep breath and push send.
I start typing. "Celebrating?" then quickly erase it. I don't think I need to caption the picture. It is self-explanatory.

"Well, it was fun while it lasted." And "This fairytale romance is just a fairytale." I repeat over and over in my head as I prepare myself for the inevitable.

The familiar shaking and the tears start as I debate myself, it was fun and it was a fairytale and I want it to last. I wasted my time. I allowed myself to think this was different and it isn't. other than it is in a warmer place. Happy Birthday to Me.

Maybe the villa is vacant so I can go there until I can arrange where to go next. I head into the bedroom to pack my things. I'll be gone before he decides to come home.

"We'll be fine." I put my hands on my growing belly and give it a rub as I find a pair of cutoffs and a shirt to pull n over my suit.

My phone chimes with a text

JACK: Isa, It's not what you think.

Not even worthy of a response.

"You send chills, a sweet suspense. Our beginning, I don't want this to end, can't be caught." Jack's voice sings from my phone in his special ringtone.

Not gonna answer.

I think I am madder at myself than at Jack. I knew this was going to happen, eventually. Creating false hope is a man trait, and I fell for it.

I open his contact and block him. I'm not falling for it anymore.

Then I unblock him. What if something happens to Ringo and he can't get a hold of me?

I'll be gone when he gets back. He can "tickle" whoever he wants, it just isn't going to be me. I should have listened to Sarah. I should have paid attention to the red flags.

I throw all my things into my old duffel bags. And set them by the door.

Oh, I forgot to do something. I go into the kitchen and open the junk drawer and grab a Sharpie and head back into the bedroom.

There is a new silicone dildo in the drawer next to the bed. One of the 'toys' Jack bought for us to 'experiment' with but never got the chance to. I pull it out of the package and write "For you to fuck yourself with –– I. M. C." across its length and stick it under his pillow.

So, this is what empowerment feels like and I stick the message under his pillow.

Ringo barks and looks sad. I give him a little scratch, "Wish I could bring you with me."

Picking up my bags by the front door, I head outside and look up at the haint blue roof of the porch. So much for warding off negative spirits and head down the stairs toward the big gates. Haint-blue is no longer my favorite color.

"Isa!" I stop and turn my head, "Isa, wait!" Ramone, Jack's driver comes running over to me. "Please, let me bring you where you need to go."

"You know what? I would appreciate that." Ramone takes my bags from my hands and carries them over to the Expedition. I know it would be much more dramatic if I walked several miles carrying all my belongings, but I don't need any more drama today.

Once Ramone loads my bags in the rear of the SUV, we both climb in.

"Where can I bring you?" Ramone starts the engine.

"Does Jack know you are driving me?"

"Yes." Ramone pauses and looks straight out the windshield. "He wants you to stay."

"Well, I can't stay." I look straight ahead too as Ramone put the Expedition into drive and the AC starts to blow in my face. "Please bring me to The Beach Bar."

We start to drive towards the opening gate and down the steep hill. "He told me to tell you he loves you and he understands why you're mad, but he says it's not what you think."

"He doesn't know what I think."

A few minutes later, we pull into the dusty lot of The Beach Bar. Ramone opens the back hand hands me my bags.

"Thank you."

"Please, let him explain." Ramone begs.

"A picture says a thousand words." I smile to let Ramone know I'm not mad at him. "Thank you again, you are very kind." And I walk away, not looking back.

***

Sarah is behind the bar. I step in, drop my bags and break down. I can't be strong anymore.

She drops what she is doing and rushes over to me and gives me a hug.

"How could I be so stupid." I cry on her shoulder. And repeat myself several times.

"Suzanne sent the picture to me too." Sarah squeezes me harder, "I'm so sorry."

"What am I going to do?" I'm not asking Sarah, I'm asking myself.

"Do you want to stay with me? I have a couch."

"I'll be an inconvenience." My stomach clenches and I feel weak "I am going to go over and see Sam to see if there are any vacancies at the Villas." I think I need some time to myself to process and plan.

"Well my door is open." Sarah stays hugging me. "Leave your bags here, I'll watch them."

"Thanks Sarah."

I walk over to the Villas on the same path that Jack and I first kissed. When I pass the Villa I was in, someone else is staying there. The bell above the door rings as I walk into the office, and Sam comes out from the back room.

"Hey stranger."

"I didn't know if you had any villas open?"

"You're in luck. I had a cancellation. It' yours if you want it."

"I'll take it." I say not caring which villa it is. I'm just glad he can accommodate me.

"Do you know how long you'll need it for?"

I didn't even think about that. "I'm not sure? Maybe a week? I need to make some plans."

"Well, let me know." He hands me a key with an aqua keychain printed with 18 on it. "This one is a little nicer than the last. It's on the beach."

"Thank you., Sam," Relieved, I let out a sigh "You're a life saver."

"Not a problem." Sam walks around the counter and opens the door for me, "Enjoy. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will, Thank you."

***

I key into 18 and swing the door open. This unit is has definitely been updated. Sam is right, It is a lot nicer than the one I stayed in when I first got to the island.

"This will definitely do."

I plop down on the bed. My feet are hanging off the edge and start at the ceiling.

I shouldn't feel like I need to run away. I did nothing wrong except let someone into my life and allow them to hurt me. Maybe I will stay here a while and continue where I left off before the Shark took a bite out of me.

I am a totally different person then when I first arrived on St. John. Hell, I'm a totally different person than when I woke up this morning.

I'm done crying over men. They all suck.

I force myself to get up and walk over to the bar to pick up my bags. Walking over, I look out over the beautiful blue waves. I love it here. I love being on the island. I'll figure it out, I always do.

Sarah moved my bags to the storage room so no one would trip on them.

"Do you want anything to eat? You can bring it with you and have it for dinner later?"

"That's actually a great idea, Thanks." I take a seat on the stool I used to sit on when Jack used to try to guess my middle name. I look at the menu and give Sarah my order along with a virgin juice drink with lots of fresh fruit to sip on while I wait for my order.

"So, you might stay for a while?"

"I'm thinking about it. Sounds like Jack won't be around, so why be in a rush to leave?"

"I'm glad you're not going" Sarah set the juicy concoction down in front of me. "Wanna get together tonight?"

"How about tomorrow?" I take a sip. "This is so good! I just need some time tonight. I'm looking forward to a quiet evening alone."

"I'm telling you, Fresh squeezed is the way to go. And yes, tomorrow is fine. My shift starts at four."

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course. Anything."

"If Kan calls or shows up and asks if you saw me. Please don't tell him where I am."

Sarah pinches the invisible zipper on her lips and zips them shup.

"Thanks."

"Your meal should be out soon."

I finish my juice and carry my bags and dinner back to the villa. I don't even bother to unpack, I put my meal in the fridge and grab a towel and head down to the water. Floating makes everything better.