Sea of Destiny – Part 11

Kyle and Carmelita are chatting as they board the ship. He compliments her by saying she looks like an Amazon Queen. Carmelita isn’t sure at first if he’s giving her a compliment.

“Believe me, it is. The Amazon women were formidable warriors as well as being great beauties.”

“And you would know this because?”

“It’s from having a totally useless degree in liberal arts. About the only thing it’s good for is winning at Trivial Pursuit.”

“Mm hm. And annoying your housekeeper when she’s trying to tan.”

“Here I am trying to compliment you and you’re shooting me down.”

“I’m an Amazon Queen, after all. That’s my job.” She giggled, closing her eyes against the sun.

“Daddy! Daddy! Look at me!” Mindy called from the pool.

Cindy held her hand and together they jumped into the six foot deep water. With very little help, Mindy swam to the side with her sister right behind her. Laughing and dripping, they did it again and again, the little one never tiring of it.

“Dad!” It was Randy this time. He did a perfect dive off the board, barely splashing as he went in.

“Good one, son!” He called when Randy’s head came above the water. “Excellent form!” He turned to Carmelita. “Kid’s gonna make swim team his freshman year.”

“Takin’ after his daddy for sure,” she grinned. “I haven’t seen them this happy in ages.” She wiped a tear.

“I didn’t realize how bad it was until now. We’re like a normal family again.”

“Oh, what’s that on your face?” She reached over, wiping her thumb on his cheek. “Dear God, boy, you’re smiling! I might fall out!”

He chuckled, hopping up. “Want to see the perfect dive?”

“You gonna get that sexy Olympic swimmer out here? I’d pay to see that!”

“Brat.” He chuckled, walking quickly to the diving board.

Taking a deep breath, he did a perfect swan dive into the pool. Feeling the water slip past him, he scissored his legs, rising rapidly to the top. He spent the next hour swimming with his children, teaching Mindy how to jump off the board, and correcting Randy’s swan dive. Carmelita joined Cindy in the shallow end where they examined every attractive man who went by, evaluating them on some esoteric scale they seemed to be making up as they went along.

After showers and naps, it was nearly dinner time. They dressed for dinner and went to the dining room in a quiet, solemn procession. The large, circular tables were laid with fine linen table cloths and beautiful centerpieces of tropical flowers. They were seated with an elderly couple from Minot, North Dakota and a honeymoon couple from Great Falls, Montana. One place was empty. The name on the card gave them nothing, bearing the name, ‘E. Geraci.”

The first course had already been served by the time a solitary person entered. Dressed rather like a gypsy in brightly colored, flowing skirts, blouse and shawl, she walked slowly to the table taking the empty seat next to Kyle. The waiter brought her food as well as a glass of iced tea with mint without even asking her. She accepted each with a stately inclination of her head.

She wore a multicolored scarf tied tightly over her head. No hair escaped and her scalp looked smooth beneath it. Her eyebrows were just growing in, her complexion pale, almost pallid. Kyle knew that look well. This was a woman who had been through chemo.

She was much taller than she looked walking in. Kyle guessed her to be around five nine. What had once been a strong, athletic body was ravaged by her disease and treatments. However, she was still broad shouldered with the build of a swimmer. Her eyes held a spark of determination as she smiled at him, extending her hand.

“Emily Geraci,” she said quietly, her voice slightly hoarse.

“Kyle Scott.” He took her hand gingerly. “This is Carmelita Porter, my housekeeper.

And my three children, biggest to smallest; Cindy, Randy and Mindy. Kids, Ms. Geraci.”

© Dellani Oakes 

Interview with Celeste Paulette Boudreau, Character From “Rubicon Ranch: Secrets”

Rubicon Ranch is a collaborative and innovative crime serialization set in the fictional desert community of Rubicon Ranch and is being written online by authors of Second Wind Publishing. Celeste Boudreau is the creation of Dellani Oakes.

Who are you?

Celeste Paulette Boudreau, though I wasn’t born with that name.

Where do you live?

I just moved to Rubicon Ranch.

What is your problem in the story?

I’ve got a secret I’m desperately trying to hide.

What is your secret?

If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore, would it?

What do you think of yourself?

I’m more dangerous than I seem. People see the outrageous wigs and the colorful skirts and don’t see past them to who I really am. Deep down, I’m not the colorful, flighty psychic. I’m much more than that.

What are your achievements?

I’m a psychic – a real one. Not one of these smoke and mirrors types. I see things in dreams, I know things about people that they would rather I not know. I have secrets of my own that would put theirs to shame. These imitation soothsayers make me sick. They wander around pretending to have spirit guides and hear the secrets of the universe. If they spent an hour in my mind, they’d see what real spirit guides are like. You think they’re warm and fuzzy? They aren’t. They don’t care if they jerk me out of whatever I’m doing to tell me something they think I should know. I’ve nearly been in three car accidents because of them.

What I wouldn’t give to be normal, just for one day. There are people who call this thing I do a gift. It’s not a gift, it’s a damn curse. And try to make money at it! People think you’re crazy or a fake and they won’t listen, no matter what you say. Idiots.

Do you talk about your achievements or do you keep them to yourself?

My achievements make people laugh. They don’t believe them. When I say that I’ve been instrumental in solving three homicides, they ask why I didn’t help on the ones in Rubicon Ranch. Well, cause no one asked me. I’ve gone to that idiot of a sheriff more than once with my visions. He threatened to have me arrested for contaminating a crime scene and obstructing justice. Is it my fault that the ghost of the dead woman possessed me and made me walk around like a lunatic while she spouted some nonsense about who killed her? She didn’t even see the man! That case is still unsolved – but that’s not my fault. I tried to help and they won’t believe me that it was her scumbag neighbor. Pervert, that’s what he is. One day, he’ll get killed and just see if I’ll help out on that one.

Do you have any special strengths?

Yes, I’m a psychic. I’m a damn good one too. And no, I can’t tell you the winning lotto numbers or how your mother likes the afterlife. It doesn’t work like that. I can’t just summon it for answers. If people tell you they can, they’re lying. This is unpredictable as the weather.

I’m also a damn good liar.

Do you have any skills?

You mean besides divining the future and being ignored? Yeah, I’m really good at telling stupid people what they want to hear. I’ve been a psychic advisor on TV and radio. I even was on the Psychic Phone Network when I first got my powers. I thought I could really help people, but you know what? Those morons don’t want the truth. They want platitudes. When you tell them the truth, then you get sued.

What makes you happy?

The bottom of a gin bottle after I’ve drunk my way to the bottom.

What are you afraid of?

You want a list? So many things, I can’t possibly tell you all of them. Let’s start with that creepy “guide” who showed up when I was talking to Ward Preminger and won’t go away. I think I’m being haunted by the ghost of Morris Sinclair. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

What makes you sad?

I don’t have time to be sad. Being sad doesn’t get you anywhere. It doesn’t matter what you do, where you go or who you say you are, you can’t escape some things. Sadness doesn’t help with that.

What was your childhood like?

I was born with the ability to see things about people. I could sense auras before I knew what they were. I could get an accurate read on a person just by touching them. No one in my family understood. They thought I was crazy, some called me a witch. We moved a lot because after awhile, someone would find out about me. Someone tried to abduct me once because of my powers. Because I could sense that, I got away before they could catch me. My life got even more interesting when my other abilities surfaced at fourteen.

What is your favorite music?

I love Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, Pink Floyd.. Don’t give me any of that wonky, new age crap. I only listen to that when there are clients around. Classic rock all the way.

What is your favorite item of clothing? Why?

I love my wigs. They express who I am trying to be.

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

I’d like to be by myself. Maybe then I’d get a little peace.

How do you envision your future?

Pick one – I can envision yours, mine, the dog next door…..

***

Click here to read: Rubicon Ranch: Secrets ~ Chapter 4: Celeste Boudreau — by Dellani Oakes

Sea of Destiny – Part 10

Kyle has been talking to his travel agent. He told her to find a family friendly cruise for his family and Carmelita, their housekeeper. Angie, the travel agent, calls him with details. They are going to Mexico. She suggests he may find love again, but teases that the name of the boat is not the Love Boat. Curious, Kyle decides to see what the name of the boat really is.

 Curious, he booted up his computer and took a quick shower. It was warmed up and ready when he got out. He toweled dry, put on a pair of boxers and flopped onto his bed with the laptop. The e-mail from Angie confirmed all their reservations giving place and time of departure.

“Serendipity? The ship’s name is Serendipity?” He laughed out loud, kicking up his heels. “Well, I wanted Fate to decide,” he chuckled. “I’m guessing it just did.”

After breakfast, Kyle and Carmelita made arrangements to move her possessions to the apartment attached to his house. They also decided that she would take the children shopping the next day while he and the Simmons brothers moved her things over.

“I’ll go by today and pack up my breakables,” she told Kyle. “I can’t trust any of you men to do it right.”

“And pack up your clothing. I don’t want to embarrass you by going through your panty drawer.”

“More likely embarrass you if you did,” she commented, raising an eyebrow. “If you knew what I was wearing under these slacks, I venture to say you’d have a heart attack and we’d miss that cruise.”

“While you’re gone, I’m going to pack and get some writing done.”

“You’re going to start writing again? That’s wonderful!”

“I decided last night that it’s time. I’ve cut myself off too long, Lita. I need something to make me feel like me again.”

“Good. Then I don’t have to fuss at you.” She patted his cheek. “I’ll be back before the kids get home.”

“Call if you need me.”

“I’ll do that very thing. See you, baby.” She patted his cheek again and left in a perfumed cloud.

The next few days passed in a blur for Kyle. Between moving Carmelita and preparing for their trip, he was busier than he’d been at the office. It was a good kind of busy, though. It wasn’t the bury himself in work to keep from grieving kind of busy. This was with a purpose—that of spending special time with his family. He couldn’t remember the last time they had a family vacation. Nearly two years, if he remembered correctly.

Monday night they drove to Cocoa Beach and spent the night with friends who lived there. The next morning, they reported to their ship, amazed at how full it seemed, even if it was operating at far less than capacity. Their cabins were luxurious by any standards with perfect views. The children made themselves at home and were enjoying the pool as the ship pulled out of the port. Kyle sat by the pool slathered with sunscreen sipping a vodka martini. Carmelita sat beside him trying to pretend she didn’t know him if any good looking men walked by.

Examining her objectively, Kyle could see that she would probably have very little trouble finding male companionship. Nearly six feet tall, she had the statuesque build of a goddess. Her legs were long, shapely and muscular making him feel scrawny and weak. No slack himself, he wasn’t much taller than she was, but very wiry of build.

“You look like an Amazon Queen, Lita,” he commented quietly.

“I hope that’s meant to be a compliment, or else you won’t live through this first day.”

© Dellani Oakes 

Sea of Destiny – Part 9

Kyle and his house keeper, Carmelita, are having a chat about the cruise. Kyle invited her along, not because he wants child care, but because she is part of the family. She agrees, trying to appear reluctant, but she’s really delighted to be included.

“Oh, this isn’t buff enough for you?” He held up his T-shirt, strutting around like a super model.

“We ain’t goin’ there, baby. I told you, you ain’t man enough for me.”

“How do you know? I was man enough for Margo.” Somehow that statement, usually funny, hurt his feelings.

“Because, Kyle, I would never do anything to jeopardize our friendship. You and those kids are too important to me.”

“You know I’m kidding when I say that stuff, right? I don’t mean it, Lita.”

“I know and that’s part of the problem. If you ever did mean it, I would rock your world, little man.” She smiled sweetly, remembering happier times. “Go get a shower, sweetie. I’ll have this ready when you get back.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed her cheek. “Carmelita, you’re an absolute treasure and I love you.”

“Love you too, baby.” She patted his cheek. “Now go bathe, sweetie, cause you stink.”

Laughing, Kyle trotted up the stairs. The phone rang as he got to his bedroom door. He called down the steps to Carmelita. “I’ve got it.”

It was Angie. “I’ve got details.”

“Great! Tell me.”

“You leave from Cocoa Beach Tuesday morning.”

“Great! So we don’t even have to fly down.”

“Nope, hour’s drive, badabing. Do I do good work or what?”

“Where are we going?”

“Cancun, Belize and Cozumel.”

“Angie, isn’t Mexico dangerous right now?”

“You’ll love it. I got a super price on the tickets. You’re benefiting from everyone else’s paranoia. I got you suites on the top deck. These are usually way out of your price range.”

“Wow, I’m gonna feel like a jet setter.”

“I’m e-mailing you the itinerary now. The kids will need something nice to wear to dinner. There are themes for some of the evening meals.”

“We’ll go shopping this weekend. Lita can help the girls. I know nothing about female clothing, except how to remove it with my teeth.”

Angie giggled. He could picture her blushing, her artificially golden hair glittering in the sunshine from her big front window. “You sure know how to spark a girl’s imagination.”

“Sorry, Ang. I’m reverting to my pre-married self. Got to get my head back in the dating game.”

“I’ve got a couple single daughters your age,” Angie started.

“Yeah. Don’t fix me up, Ang. If things didn’t work out, I’d feel bad about never speaking to you again.”

“The offer stands. I’d be happy to help you find your true love.”

“Who knows. Maybe I’ll find her on board the ship?”

“Could be! The ship’s name isn’t the  Love Boat though.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see when you get your e-mail. Bye, sweetie. Call if you have any questions.”

“Thanks, Angie.”

© Dellani Oakes 

Sea of Destiny – Part 8

Kyle’s decision to take his family on vacation may have been forced on him by his boss, but he’s looking forward to it. He’s felt lost and alone, burying himself in work to keep himself from grieving for his wife. But the time has come for him to put that behind him and move forward. A short exchange with his 12 year old son makes him realize how out of touch he’s been. Randy has developed a sarcastic edge he hadn’t noticed.

“Smart ass. Where does he get that from?”

“You aren’t serious?” Carmelita said.

Kyle laughed. “I know exactly where he gets it from. Poor kid. Most sarcastic—that’s what it’ll say in the high school yearbook his senior year.”

“How do you know that?”

“Cause that’s what it said about me and he’s twice as caustic as I was.”

“Not necessarily something to pride yourself on.”

His face clouded slightly as he remembered himself in high school. “When you’re the skinny, geeky kid with bad eyesight who’s more interested in chess than sports, you take your recognition where you can get it. I was the funny guy, the one who could always make chicks laugh.”

“Bet you didn’t get laid as often as the jocks, though.”

“Not as much, no. Quality, not quantity.”

“Playing with yourself don’t count.” She raised an eyebrow, glancing down at his pants.

Kyle’s manhood wanted to shrivel up under that stare. Instead of letting her get to him, he stood up straight, hips thrust forward proudly.

“How about letting a girl play with you? Does that count?”

“You let some chick give you a hand job? Now that’s an interesting fact about you I hoped never to find out.”

Kyle laughed, picking up a slice of red bell pepper she was slicing. “Something like that,” he raised his eyebrows like Groucho Marx. “What can I help with?”

“Not a thing. I know how you are in the kitchen. Destructo Dad.”

“Hey, be fair, it only happened once. Okay, twice, but it was Mother’s Day. The kids wanted to fix Margo breakfast.”

“Mm hmm…. and who ended up scraping pancakes off the ceiling?”

“Me.”

“And who stood there making sure you did it right?”

“Okay, but in all fairness, the ones that didn’t hit the ceiling were really good.”

“I’ll give you that. They were tasty. Sit, keep me company.” She snapped the knife down on the board as he tried to grab another slice of pepper. “Keep that up, we’ll be calling you Four Finger Scott.”

He grabbed a slice, slipping around to the other side of the island before she could hit him.

“So, where are we going on this cruise?”

“Angie’s going to call me later and let me know details.”

“You didn’t tell her where you wanted to go?” She was shocked.

“I wanted Fate to decide. Angie’s never let me down before.”

“Oh, so that seven hour layover in Atlanta last year was well planned out?”

“Wasn’t her fault. She couldn’t control the weather in Charlotte. All the flights got diverted to Atlanta. What was there to do?”

“Mm hmm.”

“When you do that, it’s very disturbing.”

“Mm hmm.”

“It makes me think I did something bad—or incredibly stupid.”

Her dark eyes focused on him, no expression in them. “Mm hmm.”

“Trust the Force, Lita.” He wiggled his fingers like he was trying to hypnotize her. “It will be fun.”

“So long as it’s tropical and there are buff bodies to look at by the pool, Carmelita will not be bored or disappointed.”

© Dellani Oakes 

Sea of Destiny – Part 7

Even though he’s moving on after his wife’s death, Kyle keeps a part of her with him. Some might think him crazy for talking to his dead wife, but it helps him process her death.

 He made his nightly rounds checking all the doors and windows before setting the alarm. He picked up some more in the living room, smiling for the first time in ages. Even though shades and shadows of Margo lurked in every corner of each room, for once it didn’t hurt to see them.

“I’m trying,” he whispered. “For the kids, I’m trying.”

“For yourself. Try for yourself, Scotty.” He thought he heard Margo’s voice inside his head.

She always called him Scotty.

“I will, darling. I promise. Forgive me—for moving on?”

“Always….”

Fighting tears, he headed to his room. Mindy had sneaked into his king sized bed at some point. She was curled up on her mother’s side of the bed, clutching her pillow and her teddy bear. He tucked the covers around her and climbed in on his side. Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling after turning off the light.

“Am I really doing the right thing?” He asked anyone who would answer him.

“Follow your heart,” came the enigmatic reply.

“I’ve never been too good at that, sweetheart. I’m more a fly by the seat of my pants kind of a guy.”

She would have laughed at him for that one and told him that he followed his pants all right, what was in them. He’d made mistakes in his life, and most of them were because he’d disregarded what his mind was saying, doing his thinking with something a lot further down.

“But thinking with my buddy dick did one good thing for me,” he amended, though one was around to hear. “It brought me you,” he blew her a kiss.

Rolling on his side, facing away from his daughter, he fell into a light sleep. Every movement Mindy made seemed to transfer itself along the surface of the supposedly unmovable surface of the bed. Whoever designed the bed didn’t count on restless five year olds. She must be having another bad dream. She kept wiggling and kicking. Kyle was glad it was a big bed.

An hour or so later, he still wasn’t sleeping well. He picked up Mindy, taking her to her room. He turned a small lamp on low. With a kiss, he left her in her own bed. Fortunately, she snuggled down and relaxed once she was tightly tucked in.

Kyle went back to his big, lonely bed, curled up hugging Margo’s pillow and fell asleep. His alarm went off in time for him to get up and see his children off. Each rode a different bus, leaving at odd times.

“I’ll pick you up after school,” he told Cindy.

“As if! Dad, I don’t need you picking me up. I’m fine on the bus.”

“But the bus is hot and crowded.”

“It’s not a big deal, Dad.”

“Steve’s dad is picking him up in a limo,” Randy added excitedly. “He said he’d drop us all off—that’s if it’s okay with you.”

“A limo?” Cindy was incredulous. “So not fair! If you pick me up in a limo, Dad, you can come get me.”

“Why would I rent a limo for that? There’s time for a limo ride with prom or your wedding. I haven’t even been in a limo.”
“Steve’s dad owns a whole fleet of limos,” Randy looked smug.

“I’m pretty sure a fleet means more than three,” Cindy countered.

“No more squabbling,” Carmelita interjected. “Get your lunches. Buses will begin arriving in ten minutes. Is everyone ready?”

“Yes, ma’am,” the children chorused.

“Line up. Kisses for Lita and your daddy.”

Each child gave her a kiss. The girls kissed their father. Randy thumped him on the shoulder, tapping his knuckles.

“Later, dude.” He headed toward the door.

“I’m not ‘dude’,” Kyle called after him. “Pull up your pants!”

His twelve year old son shot him an ugly look, tugging his pants down a notch before hitching them back up where they’d been

Sea of Destiny – Part 6

Their trip plans made, Kyle feels better about his vacation. He knows he’s been distant, grieving over his wife’s death. Now, before it’s too late, it’s time to show his children that he’s something more than an automaton they call Dad.

  They finished their movie marathon around 10:30. The older two children went to get ready for bed while Kyle and Carmelita cleaned up the paper plates and napkins from the living room.

“I’ve got a question for you, Lita.”

“I’m not marrying you, Mr. Scott.”

“No, it’s not that. However, it would entail your moving in here.”

“I beg your pardon?” She looked like she wanted to bury him alive.

“I need you to move into the apartment, Lita. I need more help around here, full time. My boss gave me a raise and told me to hire a nanny, but I can’t think of a single person I trust with my family but you. Would you be interested?”

“Be here full time with my babies?” Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, you precious man! I can’t think of a thing I’d rather do!” She kissed his cheeks.

“How about we move you in this weekend then? Save you next month’s rent?”

“Really?”

“We’ll get those big, buff neighbors of yours to help. The Simmons brothers. I can give them all a few bucks to help.”

“They’d do it for food, if I’m cooking. You lay in the stuff for a barbecue, I guarantee the work force.”

“Great! Set it up and let me know what you’re cooking and I’ll leave cash for it. Oh, do you like ships?”

“What are you talking about now? I swear, Kyle, you’ve done gone crazy all of a sudden.”

“We’re going on a cruise, Lita. A family cruise. The kids are going to be occupied so you and I can work on our tans.”

“Am I expected to sun with the redheaded step child?” She raised a curious eyebrow.

“You can sun wherever and with whomever you want. I don’t expect you to babysit unless you want to and I won’t cramp your style if I can help it. I realized a little while ago, you’re a part of this family too and I couldn’t see going on vacation without you.”

“Where are we going?”

“No idea. I told the travel agent, ‘kid friendly’ leaving sometime after Monday.”

“You don’t give a girl much notice.”

“I didn’t get much myself. Forced leave, remember?” He pursed his lips. “I’m gonna have fun if it cripples me.”

“I’d love to go.” She patted his cheek again. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m gonna go to bed. I don’t much feel like making that drive.”

“Take the guest room. The beds in the apartment aren’t made up right now. Since Margo’s mom left, everything is covered up.”

“I still don’t understand why that woman came down, lived here three months and left. That made no sense at all. What was she thinking?”

“She wanted to be around Margo.” He shrugged. “But she left us in the lurch, you and me.”

“That she did, the selfish bitch. Has she even called you since she left?”

“Once. She forgot something and asked me to send it.”

“Please tell me you didn’t.”

“I can’t even remember what it was and she hasn’t called back.”

Carmelita yawned loudly. “I’m goin’ to bed, sugar. I’ll cook us a nice breakfast after the kids head out. You gettin’ up with ‘em?”

“That’s my plan. Thanks, Lita. You’re the best.”

“I know.” She winked. “Too bad my ex-husband didn’t figure that out.”

“I always told you he was an idiot. If I had a woman like you, I’d never let her go.”

“She called over her shoulder. “G’night, Kyle. Sleep well, baby.”

“Night, Lita. You too.”

Sea of Destiny – Part 5

On forced vacation, Kyle decides to make the best of it. It’s time to reconnect with his family. Instead of rushing to ballet lessons, he decides to have movie and pizza night with his children. He announces it to his eldest daughter.

 ”Really?” Cindy bounced on her toes. “We haven’t done that in ages. What movies did you get?”

“Guess. I got three of our favorites.”

“Pretty Woman?”

“Correct.” He laid the movie on the counter.

“Um… Princess Bride?”

“Correct again.” The second movie joined the first.

“You had to get something for Randy, cause he’d kill you if you didn’t.”

“Maybe—guess….”

“Something action packed. Maybe some hot chicks, fast cars…. Transporter 3?”

“Close. Fast and Furious.”

“How’s that close? One’s Vin Diesel, the other is Jason Statham.”

“Buff guys who drive fast. They didn’t have Transporter 3 in.”

“I knew you’d thought of it first. I can always read you.”

“Just like your mother.” He smiled, brushing her chestnut hair from her cheek. “I’m gonna go for a swim. Want to join me?”

“Yeah. If I’m not gonna go sweat it off in ballet, I need a few laps.”

“Go change. I’ll be out in ten minutes. I need to make a call.”

He called Angie once more. “Hey, Ang, I’ve got an addition to that list. Can you book an extra adult? My housekeeper, Carmelita.”

“Same room?”

He laughed loudly. “Nooo, not for Lita and me. I’ll share with Randy. She can share with the girls.”

“Great. I’ll add her. I had a rush right after I talked to you. I’m looking at ships now.”

“Thanks, Angie.”

For the first time in months, Kyle enjoyed a swim with is daughter. He hadn’t realized quite how out of shape he was getting until she beat him across the pool, leaving him breathless. After a shower, he called for the pizza and set up the first movie. Princess Bride was Mindy’s favorite, so they watched it first. Once she was in bed, they could put in the other two. He invited Carmelita to stay and the five of them sat on pillows on the floor eating pizza and drinking root beer.

Sea of Destiny – Part 4

Delighted to be home with his family, Kyle spends time with his five year old daughter until his 14 year old gets home. Cindy walks in, squinting.

 ”Hey, baby. Where are your glasses?” Kyle asked her.

“Don’t know. I think I broke them.”

“You think you did or you did?”

“Dad, they’re just glasses! Sheesh!”

“Honey, you need them to see. Your vision’s like mine. Not worth sh….”

“Mr. Scott. Little ears,” Carmelita said sternly.

“Um… Not worth sharing with my children,” he amended with a sly wink. “You’re going to give yourself eyestrain and headaches.”

“I don’t care. Why couldn’t I get Mom’s eyes instead?”

“Cause Mommy needed them, Cindy.”

“Hush, munchkin. It’s called genetics. You’ll understand when you’re older.”

“Mindy, let’s you and me go find Slycarp the cat, huh?” Carmelita suggested.

“Okay, Lita.” She hopped off the stool, hugged her father’s knees and followed Carmelita to the backyard.

“You need to wear the glasses, Cindy. That’s not optional.”

“I don’t need to hear this from you today, Kyle. It’s been a long day.”

“What’s this Kyle crap? I’m your father, not your friend.”

“Obviously!” She grabbed some cookies off the tray, pirouetting around the kitchen on half point.

“When’s the last day of school?”

“Tomorrow. Can’t you keep anything straight?”

“I know when your birthday is. I know to the minute when you were born because my life changed the moment you popped out.” He tried to smile, but the memory was almost too much for him.

“For the worse, I’m sure. We’re all so—inconvenient.”

“Is that what you really think, honey?” His blue eyes filled with tears.

“We’re a pain in the ass. I know. You fuss and gripe at us all the time. We’re too noisy, bugging you when you’re on the phone, or trying to work. You can’t go out or do anything because you don’t trust me to babysit my own siblings.”

“That’s not it at all. I love you kids. I bust my ass to keep a roof over your heads and food on the table. I don’t go out so I can spend a little bit of time with my children. And I do trust you with them. I just didn’t think you needed that responsibility right now.”

“Oh, Daddy! You’re such a big goof!” She hugged her father, kissing his cheek. “Mom would want you to go out, find someone new, not sit here glued to the couch watching reruns of her favorite shows on the DVR after we go to bed.”

“How—how did you know?”

“I come downstairs for a drink of water or something. I see you. You have to let go, Dad. It’s not healthy. And you work too hard. Carmelita would stay here full time if you needed. You know that, but you never ask her. She could use the extra money and it would help her out to get rid of that crappy apartment. You know they raised the rent again?”

“You’re kidding. It’s not worth what she pays now.”

“I know, right? We’ve got the mother-in-law apartment off the lanai. She could live there.”

“You think she’d do it?”

“I know she would. Just ask her.”

“I will. I promise.”

“Oh, I need to go change.”

“We’re forgetting ballet tonight.”

“Really? Why? Not that I care—just why?”

“Scott Family Theatre.”

Sea of Destiny – Part 3

Kyle’s life has turned upside down since his wife died. Will booking a cruise and going on vacation make things any better? 

True to his word, Kyle called the travel agency his company used and talked to the owner personally. Angie was a divorced woman about Web’s age.

“I’ll take care of everything. We want kid friendly, Dad friendly.”

“Yeah. Can you find something like that?”

“You’d be surprised what I can do. There will be plenty to keep the kids busy so you can relax.”

“Thanks, Angie.”

“How soon do you want to leave?”

“I need a few days to make arrangements and pack. So no sooner than Monday. Call me at home or on the cell. I’m officially on vacation.”

“Will do, Kyle! Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.”

“You’ve always taken good care of me, Angie. Bye.”

“Bye, honey.”

Carmelita was surprised to see him walk in the house so early. He explained the situation quickly, hitting the major points in an off-hand manner.

“You want me to stay with Randy when you take the girls?”

“I’m gonna call off ballet tonight,” Kyle decided. “I got some movies and I’m going to order out pizza.”

“I got dinner started already.” She sounded offended, frowning.

“We’ll eat it tomorrow night. I didn’t think to tell you. It was a last minute idea.”

“It’s not a problem. It’s spaghetti. It’ll keep.”

“Thanks for understanding, Carmelita.” He hugged the tall, dark skinned woman.

“It’s okay, baby. Lita will take good care of you and those kiddies. Don’t you worry.”

“Marry me, Lita. Then I don’t have to go back into the scary world of dating.”

She kissed his cheek, nearly choking him in the process. “You ain’t man enough for Lita. You got to put some weight on. Besides, you’re four years younger than me, still a baby.”

“Feed me. I’ll grow.”

“I know dating is terrifying. After Jed and me got divorced, I thought my life was over. He was a bastard in a whole lot of ways, but damn that man could sing….”

She broke off her sentence when Mindy, Kyle’s five year old daughter bounced in.

“Daddy!” She rushed at him, blonde curls flying around her.

Kyle picked her up, swinging her in a circle. “Mindy Sue!” He tickled her, setting her on her feet with a thump.

“But you have a meeting!”

“Nope. Daddy canceled the nasty, boring meeting to spend time with his favorite five year old daughter.”

“I’m your only five year old daughter, Daddy.” She gave him a patient look as if she knew he was completely crazy and she was humoring him.

“Therefore my favorite. Carmelita, can a couple of hungry people get milk and cookies in this joint?” He lifted his daughter to the tall stool by the bar.

“They most certainly can. Chocolate chip or chocolate chip?”

“I think we’ll take the chocolate chip with a side order of chocolate chip. Does that sound good to you, Melinda?”

“What’s a side order?”

“It means more cookies.”

“Yes, please!”

The three of them ate cookies dunked in milk, laughing and joking until his older daughter, Cindy, got home from high school. She was a freshman and hating it. Squinting, she tried to focus on her father.