Authors: Michelle Woodward
“He has a new song.”
“So I believe?”
“It was a little embarrassing.” Sophie closed the lid of the laptop. “As well as scandalous.”
“I’ve scrolled through the stuff on your IPod.”
“Excuse me?” Sophie raised her eyebrows. “Personal property.”
“I wanted to know where he got his dirty tongue from.”
“Still should have asked.”
“I have to say.” David pulled out the chair then sat. “Quite an eclectic mix... but you do have quite a liking for nasty rap.”
“He wasn’t swearing OK. It was worse. A lot worse.”
“Oh.”
“Potentially damaging.”
“Like what? How?” David straightened his back. “Racist?”
“Like saying that Cynthia doesn’t like me because I like you too much, then singing that me and you were kissing.”
“What the fuck?”
“Exactly.” Sophie glanced about the room. “Now do you see what situation Zach put me in?”
“Is this about the..?”
“Contact lenses, yes.”
“How do we deal with this?” David stood from his chair. “If Cynthia hears this... me and you will be... well, fucked isn’t the word.”
“Cynthia’s right. You do have a dirty mouth.”
“Only when I’m scared... and I’m positively petrified.”
Sophie chewed her fingernail while staring at a worried David. “Maybe you can pay for Zach’s silence.”
“But that will corrupt my child. Teach him bad ways.”
“It will save our skin.”
David placed a hand on his forehead. “As bad as it may be... I think we’re left with no option.”
~
Holding Zach’s hand, Sophie stood at the vast window of the observation lounge. Her nose brushed the glass as she watched the huge aeroplanes taxiing on the windswept runway. Both gasped in awe as a jumbo roared into the grey sky. Cynthia watched the pair from a distance. She then stepped up to Sophie to pass her a cup of coffee. “You look just as excited about flying as Zach.”
“I’ve never flown before... not sure I’ll like it. But watching them is fun.”
“Never flown? You poor little thing.”
“I know... poor little old me.”
Cynthia turned up her nose. “I can’t imagine what you did for your holidays.”
“Spent them in New Jersey for the most part. Went to Philadelphia once.”
“Phil... for your holiday? You’re joking, right?”
“No.” Sophie sipped her coffee while reminiscing her childhood holiday. “I have a photograph of me standing next to the liberty bell. It’s on my phone if you want a look.”
“You’re alright. I saw it when I was a girl... just a bell at the end of the day.”
“That’s what I thought. But a group of Europeans seemed very excited by it... thought I better get a picture with it.”
“Well I hope you enjoy the holiday.” Cynthia wryly smiled. “We’ll go swimming in the ocean” She then paused before muttering, “You know how to swim right?”
“Yes, Cynthia. I do.”
“Good. Just never know what to expect from you, that’s all.”
~
The gentle sea breeze carried the succulent scent from the beachside barbeques. Sitting under a parasol, Sophie relaxed on her deckchair while reading her book. Her eyes didn’t lift from the page as a soccer ball landed on the golden sand beside her. A tall blond man strode up to the ball before stooping to pick it up. “Hello there, Missy.”
“Hi.”
“Enjoying your stay?”
Sophie pulled down her aviator glasses to the end of her nose so she could peer over the silver frames. “It’s fine, thank you.”
“Do you play soccer?”
“I do actually... well did. Not played in three years.”
“I’m putting a game together.” The blond man spun the ball on his first finger. “Mixed sides so far, young and old.” He then wedged the ball under his arm. “Should be pretty cool. Come and join us.”
“You’re the Activities Manager... aren’t you?”
“Yes. Dillon Thompson, at your service Ma’am.”
“Well, Mr. Thompson... I’m here to relax rather than kick a ball around the beach. Sorry... maybe next time.”
“I didn’t catch your name, sorry.”
“Sophie.”
“I’d like you on my team, Sophie.”
“I’ve already said no. ”Sophie sighed as she closed her book before placing it on her lap. “I’m going to be honest Dillon. I’m not interested in you.”
“I...” Dillon shook his head in disbelief. “That’s fine by me.” He turned to face the turquoise ocean waves. Tossing the ball into air, he volleyed it down the golden beach. “Have a nice stay.”
~
Sat in her room within the grand family suite, Sophie groaned in boredom. She scrolled through the contacts in her phone until it landed on David’s name. Shaking her head, she tossed the phone onto the bed. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Hello.”
“Sophie, it’s David...”
Sophie checked her appearance in the mirror, then quickly adjusted her fringe. She then propped herself on the bed using her elbow. “Come in.”
“Me and Cynthia are staying in, so won’t be coming to the bar tonight. Sorry.”
“What about...” Sophie glanced downwards while running her finger along the bedspread. “...later.”
“I don’t think so.”
“OK.”
“Have fun.”
As the door closed Sophie collapsed on the bed. Staring at the ceiling she teetered on the edge of despair. She turned her head to look at the open wardrobe where she noticed her party heels. “Not one for going out on my own... but what the hell.”
~
The dying sun bled into the Florida horizon turning the sky into a palette of purples and ambers. Sophie sat on the stool of the open air pool bar. She smiled when she saw the tall blond from the beach. “You Moonlight at the bar..? Or are you stalking me?”
“What can I get you?”
“A mojito.”
“Right.”
Sophie watched as Dillon grunted while making the cocktail. “Not happy?”
“Look, I’m not going to ask for an apology.”
“What do I need to apologise for?”
“For talking to me like dirt.”
“Dirt? I didn’t mean anything by it. Just didn’t fancy soccer.”
Dillon handed over the mojito. “You judged me without even knowing me.”
“Did not.”
“Of course you did.” Dillon pulled the bar towel from his shoulder then threw it down on the surface of the bar. “I don’t know your story, but I’m guessing you’re probably pretty rich or something.” He leaned over the bar so he could glare Sophie. “I might have a crappy job, but it’s because I have to work through my studies... I don’t have everything handed to me on a silver plate.”
“Talk about judging people... I’m no different than you.”
“Why did you talk to me the way you did then?”
Sophie threw her arms up in the air. “Because within minutes... no seconds, you were hitting on me.” She imitated his voice, “
I want you on my team Sophie
.”
“Because I like you.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I know your good looking.”
Sophie scoffed as she crossed her arms. “You must say that to a different girl every day.” She glanced down the bar where a group of teenage boys sat watching basketball on the big screen. “That’s why I have no time for you... you only think with your... thing.”
“I can’t lie. But I’m a young man in a target rich environment.”
“Look, we’re two young adults... I’m bored, so let’s talk. Nothing else, I don’t want to be hit on. Just tell me about yourself without trying to charm me. Can you manage that?”
Dillon glanced at his watch then gestured to his colleague to take over the bar duties. He then glanced at Sophie. “Good timing, I’m due my break.” Picking up a bowl of peanuts he walked around the bar then sat next to Sophie. “I should hide away when on break... but you’re worth the risk.”
“I didn’t plan it.”
“Maybe it was fate.”
“I’m not in to all that mystic nonsense.” Sophie placed her elbow on the bar before resting her chin on her upturned palm. “So, tell me about yourself.”
“I’ve three kids... from two different women.”
Sophie slowly shook her head while she sipped from her glass. “Why am I not surprised.”
“I’m just kidding.”
“Your sense of humour needs working on.”
“I’m studying a degree in business management.”
Sophie raised her eyebrows. “That’s so weird.” Suddenly interested, she sat upright on the stool. “Me too.”
“Are you sure you don’t believe in fate, Miss Sophie?
“I believe in coincidence. That’s all. “Sophie stirred the ice and mint leaves of the mojito with her straw. “Plain and simple.”
“Believe what you want to believe. Anyway, how’s your course going?”
“Not easy. But I’m getting through.”
“Do you even need to study?”
“Of course I do.”
“But you look pretty rich to me.”
Sophie choked on her mojito. “What makes you think I’m fricken rich?”
“This place is pretty exclusive. Plus I saw you arrive in the big limo thing with your family. Not an average entrance.”
“I’m a live-in Nanny for their kid. OK?”
“A Nanny, hey.” Dillon nodded. “Nice cozy job for a student.”
“It’s OK. Has its perks. You seem to live a good existence too.”
“I do. But everyone leaves after a week or two. Funny enough, gets pretty lonely to be honest”
“Really?”
Dillon picked up a handful of nuts. “Honest.” He then tossed a couple into his mouth before chewing as she spoke, “It’s mostly families or couples in this hotel.”
“But the staff is young too. Seen a group of good-looking Latino maids before.”
“They are, but we have Hitler for a boss. Doesn’t approve of staff mingling together. Just a hint of something and we’d both be jobless.”
“Right.”
Dillon reached for the bowl of nuts at the same time as Sophie. Their hands touched, causing Sophie to quickly retract. “Got a boyfriend, Sophie?”
“I told you...”
“Just a question.”
Sophie frowned. She kneaded the side of her face with the palm of her hand. “It’s complicated.”
“You in love?”
“Yes... yes I am.”
Dillon leaned over the bar and picked up a bottle of mineral water from under it. “Who is he?” He then unscrewed the bottle top as he sat back on the stool. “Is he here?”
“I can’t say. It’s stupid.”
“Does he know about your feelings?”
“Probably” Sophie sighed. “I think so.”
“You don’t look happy.”
“I’ve said too much... If you don’t mind, I’m going to bed.”
“It’s not even nine? The bar isn’t even full. Stay, we have all kinds of shows starting in ten minutes.”
Sophie glanced at her cell phone, then slipped into her clutch bag. “Not in the mood. I have an early morning.”
“You sure?”
“Good night, Dillon.”
~
Sophie smiled while she waved David and Cynthia off. “Have a nice time at the island spa, you two.” Her smile vanished as she quietly closed the door so as not to wake the sleeping Zach.
Inside Zach’s room Sophie noticed David’s shirt hanging over the back of chair. Picking it up she caught the scent of his expensive cologne. Drawn by the aroma she brought it up to her face and deeply inhaled. Her eyes then opened to see Zach sitting up in bed. “Oh.... Morning, Zach.”
“What’s wrong with Pappa’s shirt?”
“I... was checking if it needed cleaning.” Sophie noticed that Zach held his hand out. “What do you want?”
“Money.”
“What for?”
“Pappa gives me money so I won’t tell mommy.”
“Oh... right.” Sophie’s cheeks burned as she placed the shirt back on the chair. She then walked over to her handbag. “How much are candy bars these days? Two or three dollars... here, I’ll give you five.”
“Fifty.”
“Fifty?”
Zach motioned with his fingers. “Fifty.”
“But?”
“Mommy told me to keep an eye on you.”
Sophie groaned as she opened her purse. “What can you possibly want that would cost fifty dollars?”
“Video games.”
“But your parents told me that you’re banned from video games until the age of ten.”
“I’m saving for my tenth birthday.”
Sophie counted the dollar bills. “You can tell you’re from a family of Jewish bankers.”
“Pappi say’s I’m only half Jewish.”
“What the other half then?”
“I... I don’t know.”
“Let me guess... A pain in the ass?”