COTA
Sawyer and I flew over the islands, getting a good aerial view. We basically agreed on the same one for a resort. We even decided to go in on it together. The other island we’d been debating was closer to Sawyer’s island.
“I think I should buy the smaller island for myself. Then I can be nearby for the six months or so of construction,” I said into the headphones. “Whatcha think? Can you handle me living nearby?”
“You do know I ran away to get away?” Sawyer smirked.
“You know you miss me or, at least, some of us.”
“Jade will like having another female around.” Sawyer pointed out to the water. “Look at all the dolphins.”
“Seeing that never gets old.” I watched them jumping. “You do know that I only have to stay married for a year, so Sabrina won’t be here.”
“Really? That’s too bad. I like her.”
Neither one of us spoke again about my marriage to Sabrina. We flew past a few more islands, then headed back home. I needed to fill Sabrina in on the plans to get back to New York. I was feeling bad I hadn’t yet and, by now, the girls may have told her. I wouldn’t want her to feel she didn’t deserve to know.
“Looks like the girls are still camped out on the beach.” Sawyer flew just above the water in front of them. “After dinner, let’s get some plans started for the resort.”
“Sounds good. I want to get some ideas going for a house on the other island too, but that can wait.” I took the headphones off when we landed. “We can put the plans in for approval before we leave for New York.”
“First, I need to make sure the island is still available to buy.” Sawyer climbed out of the plane.
“Same for my island.” I chuckled at the thought of that. “Do you have a realtor on it yet?”
“Gunner checked it out. He said all the ones we looked at today were available.” Sawyer walked along next to me. “Time for dinner, I’m starving.”
Dinner was relaxing. Conversations flowed about the wedding and Halloween. Sabrina had explained to me and Sawyer about the lack of Halloween in Russia and especially for her as a child. Thankfully, she wasn’t upset at all that I hadn’t told her we were leaving, but I still wanted to pull her aside later and explain. As the evening grew later, we all started to leave the table.
“Sabrina, would you like to go for a little walk on the beach?” I looked to her. “If you’re tired, we don’t have to.”
“No, of course, a walk would be nice. I have been too lazy.” She pushed her chair back and stood. “Goodnight, everyone.”
We walked quietly until we reached the waters edge. I watched her looking up at the stars.
“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” I pointed to a shooting star. “Did you make a wish?”
“Why would I make a wish?”
“Because that’s what you do when you see a shooting star.” I closed my eyes. “Close your eyes and make a wish.”
I peeked out of my squinted eyes to see if she was doing it. She stared at me for a few seconds, then closed her eyes. I waited until she opened her eyes again before I spoke.
“Cota, did I do something to upset you?”
“Absolutely not. I asked you to walk with me because I feel bad that I didn’t take the time to tell you about going back to New York and why.” I rambled on. “I should have let you in on the plans.”
“It does not matter. I am here to do whatever is needed of me.” She turned to look at me. “I just appreciate you helping me. Besides, it is not a big deal where we are.”
“Keep in mind that we are helping each other.” I backed away from a wave. “So, we are leaving in two days. We will be in New York City for about a week, then we will go to Hawthorne Manor.”
“Okay, and what do we do while we are in New York?” She chewed on her lip. “Will we have to worry about Yury and his guys?”
“No worries, Gunner would never let anything happen to you.” I nodded to walk more. “He will be your bodyguard while we are there.”
“It will be strange to be there and not be at the ballet.” She looked down while walking. “It is all I have ever known.”
“Do you miss it?”