"A drive?"
"You said you wanted to talk. Let's get alone and talk."
Jay hesitated. A drive would be good. There would be no interruptions, at least. But something told her to say what she had to say now, to get it over with. Because honestly, she didn't trust Katherine.
"Come on, Jay. If we need, we can talk over lunch somewhere."
Jay gave in. Perhaps it would be a little more civilized than having a break-up fight here in the cottage, within earshot of anyone who might pass by. "Okay. Let's take a drive."
"Wonderful. Eleu says a trip across the island is a must. How about we head to the west side?"
"What do you think is up with that?" Drew asked, motioning from their spot by the pool. Jay and Katherine were walking down the path, heading to the parking lot.
"Oh, Katherine had planned on kidnapping Jay for the afternoon. I guess they're heading out."
Drew's hand visibly shook as she set her Blood Mary down. "Kidnap?"
"She thinks Jay may be a little miffed at her, so she's booked a room at some fancy hotel on the other side of the island. She plans on wooing her." Jenna smirked. "Her words, not mine."
Drew couldn't believe that Jay would just up and leave with-out saying a word to her. And couldn't believe that Jay would actually go with Katherine. She'd thought, well, she'd thought that she and Jay had something, thought it was real between them.
But she'd known all along, hadn't she? Known that Jay was not free, known that Jay was still in a relationship—an eight-year relationship.
Images from last night flashed back to her—Jay's mouth leaving her breast, Jay's hand sliding across her skin, Jay's eyes locked on her own as she came, Jay's mouth moving between her legs for the third, and then fourth time. She closed her eyes, remembering. Yeah. No matter what happens, it was very real between them last night. As real as making love can get. She sat up quickly. "I need to speak with Eleu."
"Well, wait a minute. Do you want to do something today?" Drew shrugged.
"Sure. Whatever you want."
"I was thinking maybe an island cruise, one of those dinner cruises where you catch the sunset. How about that?"
"Sure. It'll be romantic."
"A hotel?"
"Why not?"
Katherine got out and slammed the door, leaving Jay to follow. She stared at the multi-floored towers, then back to the retreating back of Katherine, wondering what she was up to. Especially after the nearly silent drive over. They'd made only casual conversation, nothing personal, but even that was strained.
"Great. Just great," she murmured, hurrying to catch up with Katherine. "Are you going to tell me what we're doing here?"
"How about lunch? They're supposed to have a fantastic view from the outdoor patio."
"Lunch. Okay, sure." Jay glanced at her watch. It wasn't even ten o'clock. But she dutifully followed Katherine, expecting her to lead them through the lobby. Instead, she walked to the desk, handing the clerk a credit card.
"Katherine Patton. I have reservations."
"You what?" Jay gasped.
Katherine turned, her smile nearly blinding. "Yes, darling. A room."
"We don't need a room, Kath," Jay said quietly, not wanting to cause a scene.
"Of course we do. We may decide to order room service," she said, winking at the clerk.
A quick blush colored Jay's face and she turned away, fuming. Of all the nerve! Of all the fucking nerve!
"No, I don't know where they went."
Drew paced, hating the jealousy, hating the uncertainty. "But you're sure they left?"
Eleu nodded. "Yes. Katherine drove them away."
"Well, goddamn," she mumbled. She looked at Eleu. "You think maybe, well, maybe I was wrong about Jay?" Drew shrugged. "Maybe I pushed too much."
"You were not wrong. You must have faith, Drew. Don't assume something just because it appears she has left. You don't know the circumstances."
"Yeah, but she could have at least said something to me."
Eleu smiled. "Jealousy is such an evil thing, isn't it? And no matter our age, it still attacks us."
Drew laughed. "You think I'm being silly?"
"Yes. I have seen how Jay looks at you. I have seen how you look at her. You must have faith. Because Okalani has blessed you."
Drew frowned.
"The garden has ears... and eyes."
"Oh, dear God. You saw us?"
Eleu nodded. "I saw love. That is all. Now, go with Jenna. Get away. It will do you no good to sit here waiting. It will only
drive you crazy."
"You're right." Drew turned, finding Jenna still sitting by the pool, sipping on her drink. "She wants to do an island cruise, one of those that serve dinner."
"They're very nice. You should go."
"I guess we will." Drew nodded slightly at Eleu. "Thanks. I feel better."
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Jay stood on the balcony staring out over the ocean, listening—but not really hearing—as Katherine ordered them champagne. The view was spectacular up this high. Drew would love it.
She shook her head. No, Drew would hate it. It couldn't match the grandeur of their views from the volcano. Not the views, not the smell, not the fresh air... and certainly not the company.
Taking a deep breath, she turned around, going back inside. The suite was huge. She could only guess what Katherine had paid for it.
"Champagne will be right up."
"Why champagne, Kath?"
"Why not?"
Jay spread her arms out. "Oh, I don't know. First of all, what the hell are we doing here? I just wanted to talk. We need to talk, Kath."
Katherine sat down on the sofa and crossed her legs, swinging one nonchalantly as she smiled at Jay. "Okay. So talk. What's on your mind?"
Jay hated the smile, hated the pose on the sofa, and she hated the fact that she was intimidated by Katherine. She crossed her arms defensively, wondering how to begin.
"Why are we in a two hundred dollar a night room?" Katherine laughed. "Try two-fifty. And why not? Is it just terrible of me to want to spend some time with you? Is it so wrong to take you away so we can be alone?"
"Alone? What is it, Kath? Has Jenna run her course already?" Katherine sat up straighten "What are you insinuating?"
"Oh, come on. You know what I'm insinuating."
Katherine laughed. "Are you actually jealous of the time I spent with Jenna?"
Jay shook her head. "Surprisingly, jealous was not ever one of the emotions I felt. I think I just now realized that. But anger, yes. Betrayal, that too."
"Betrayal?"
Jay turned, staring out at the water again, trying to find its peace. Inner turmoil was a terrible tiling. Part of her wanted to lash out at Katherine, to hurt her. Another part simply wished it was over with, wished she could just go home and... and what? All she wanted was a little happiness, a little love, a little peace and contentment. Things she realized she hadn't ever had with Katherine. Not really. Things she imagined she could have with Drew.
She turned back around, not afraid to meet Katherine's eyes head on. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? Do you actually think I'm that stupid to not know? And then this?" she asked, looking around the room. "You brought me here so you could have sex with me now?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, stop playing games, Katherine. I'm so tired of games." She moved closer. "I'm talking about you and Jenna and your affair. That's all I'm talking about."
Katherine's eyes widened as if in shock. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing? I have never given you cause to think I would do something like that."
"How dare you insult me by lying about it?"
Katherine stood quickly, facing Jay. "I should be the one insulted. I'm the one being accused of cheating on you." She smirked. "What is it, Jay? Feeling insecure? Just because we missed the shuttle and had to stay over last night, you let your imagination get the best of you?"