Page 30 of Escape To Paradise
“Of course. I mean, I always love exploring the neighboring islands.”
“That’s great. I’ve never really explored much outside of the U.S.”
“Well, you should. The world is your oyster.” He took a sip of his cocktail.
“I didn’t realize what I was missing until today. These islands are beautiful.”
Julian and I started chatting about the U.S., and how we had a lot in common. Julian could cook and make cocktails, and we both loved the same type of movies. We both loved the Fight Club and The Usual Suspects.
“I can’t tell you how much I love those films.”
I was getting more comfortable around Julian; he made me feel at ease. I said, “Yeah, they’re my favorite, too.”
“You should watch it with me. In my villa, in Grenada. When you go back there. Just ring me up.”
“You mean, a movie date?”
“Yes, a movie date. Bring the popcorn. I’ll make cocktails.”
“It’s a date then.”
He extended his pinky finger. “Pinky swear?”
I thought it was silly but cute. I touched his pinky finger with mine. “Yes, I’ll go on a date with you. I swear.”
“I can’t wait. You won’t regret it; I make the best cocktails.”
“I believe you.”
The following morning, the captain sailed to the northern part of the island, the Castries. It was the capital of St. Lucia, and so, there were more people there. The port was super busy. As usual, we packed the guests’ lunches for the island excursion. This time, I didn’t go with them, but Paul and the girls went.
I enjoyed my quiet time, which allowed me to check my emails. I finally got another email from my lawyer. He informed me that Benoit seemed to be agreeable to our terms and was still in the process of ironing out the paperwork. I emailed my lawyer back to let him know I had read the email. Then I called Lisa on her messenger. It was very early in the morning in Colorado, but I knew she was already up.
Lisa answered right away. She had placed her phone on the floor as she was doing her morning yoga routine.
“What’s up, Harper?” Lisa was doing a downward facing dog pose.
“I was just checking up on you and the boys.”
Lisa changed her pose and was now on her stomach, extending her spine and propping herself up with her hands. “I’m good. The boys are good. How about you?”
“Doing good. It’s been exciting here on the island. It’s beautiful.”
“I’m sure it is. I went to the Caribbean years ago during my honeymoon. I can’t wait to go back there.”
“Yeah, you and the boys should visit. I might rent a house here,” I revealed, surprising myself by the confession.
She sat up and faced the phone. “So, are you staying there for a while or for good?”
“I like it here. I mean, I’ll probably stay here for a while.”
Lisa tilted her head, curious. “How long is a while?”
I paused, and then answered, “Indefinitely.”
Lisa’s eyes widened. “Wow, you really like it there that much?”
“Yeah, I do. It’s different here. Did you know I’ve never really enjoyed sunrises until I came here?”
