“Darcy! I love your plan,”Shellene squealed, covering her mouth and giggling.
I winked at her. “I’m not messing around. I want Julian to understand that we plan on ruining every date he has,” I told my roommates.
“Until when? Forever?” Remi wanted to know.
I thought about it for a minute. “Until he apologizes to all of us together.”
Remi shook her head. “He’ll never do that. That would be like an alcoholic admitting they drink too much.”
“I know, but if it gets to be so overwhelming for him and understands that he will never be able to move on in his life unless he owns up to his past, it might work,” Shellene said.
I looked at Shellene and rolled my eyes. “Do you honestly think he’ll change?”
“I believe that he’s just a guy who’s lost. His mother is a drug addict, and his father is married to a woman half his age, his fourth marriage, might I add. I think Julian has had a terrible environment to grow up in and doesn’t understand how to treat other people or live independently,” Remi explained.
All three sets of eyes were on her until Lila said, “Are you actually feeling sorry for him?”
Remi squirmed in her seat. “No. I’m just saying I understand why he is the way he is. I’m all for destroying Julian’s dates to get back at him for dating us all at once and using us as pawns in his humiliating game.”
Shellene was about to add something when Addison walked out to the pool area with her towel, smiling. “Shh.” I held my finger to my lips. “I don’t want to discuss this in front of her. She doesn’t need to know about all of this.”
Three heads nodded in agreement as Addison sat down at the table. “I just want to thank you all for letting me stay here. I feel like I’m living in a hotel. It’s such a beautiful house; this backyard and pool.”
“I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Addison,” Lila said, smiling warmly.
“On that note, I have to run into town to do some errands,” I said as I stood up.
“Where are you going?” Addison asked. “I’ll come with you.”
“Oh, I’ve just got some appointments. You’d be bored silly if you came,” I told her, looking at the other girls for help.
“Addison, I was wondering if you would mind taking care of the animals today as I have a few meetings?” Shellene asked, glancing nonchalantly at me over her shoulder.
“Oh, I would love to do that,” Addison answered with excitement in her voice.
I mouthed, “Thank you,” and winked at her.
I went upstairs to get ready and was out the door an hour later, looking like dynamite yet ready for a tour through the Everglades. Julian was never going to know what hit him.
The drive to the meeting place gave me enough time to go over everything I was going to do and say, but I was still nervous, knowing I would have to see Julian again. It wasn’t because of any feelings toward him, at least not anything sexy, just leftover anger from what he’d done to my friends and me. He wasn’t going to get away with it.
The group boarded the airboat, which held all 10 of us comfortably. I’ve heard about the amazing views and wondered why I’d never taken advantage of this service before. I had my camera ready to go and snapped many pictures of the lush mangrove tunnels. I was wearing my sunhat and sunglasses and had my hair in a bun under the hat, so Julian hadn’t recognized me as of yet, and I intended to keep it that way. My only intention was to get his date alone.
Julian’s date was beautiful, but she looked so young and naive, just the way he liked them. She was very petite and blonde and laughed at everything he said. He draped his arm over her shoulders and whispered something in her ear. She giggled, making me remember when he had done the same to me. A pang of hurt spiraled through me but quickly subsided when I thought of how he had done the same to Remi, Shellene, and Lila. I shivered.You’re going to get yours, Julian Fletcher!
The guide drove the boat into a docking area, and we all got out. I carefully tilted my hat when I passed Julian, though I contemplated knocking him off his feet and into the water. It was tempting, but I had other things in mind for him. Too bad there weren’t any alligators nearby… that would have been easier.
I finally saw my chance. Julian went off with the guide to the other side of the small island, so I used the opportunity to go stand beside his lovely date.
“Isn’t it just beautiful?” I asked her.
She turned to me and smiled warmly. “Oh, it’s lovely. I’m Denise.” She extended her hand. She seemed sweet. Julian always preyed on the sweet ones. I’m not sure what he was thinking when he met me, but it was likely because he knew I was friends with Lila, Shellene, and Remi.
“I’m Sara. I guess that’s your boyfriend over there?” I pointed to Julian, who was involved in a serious conversation with one of the other guests.
“Well, I wouldn’t say boyfriend just yet. We’ve only been on a few dates so far,” she confided shyly.
“Oh, dear. Well, you are one lucky lady being with Julian Fletcher, let me tell you. All of us have so enjoyed our nights with him. He’s hands down the best lay in Miami. As a matter of fact, he’s somewhat a legend. That’s why none of us mind sharing him with each other.” I watched her eyes pop out of her head. “We’ve worked out a great schedule. I so enjoy my Wednesday nights with him. It’s perfect for my schedule and doesn’t affect my weekend dating. I do hope you won’t mind taking Monday nights, as I’m sure he’s pretty booked most of the other nights. Why, just the other night, I enjoyed him. It’s a wonder he’s not exhausted all the time.” I paused to watch the horror overcome her expression. I had to stifle a giggle.Honey, I’m saving your sweet ass.