The Accidental Mistress

chapter Sixteen

The day dragged on. Zuri didn't mind. She spent the first half of the morning playing chess with her father. His mind was sharp; she could sense his strength returning. She then decided to take a stroll through banana and sugarcane fields with her sister. Under the tropical sun and through the tall sweet grass, they discussed everything. Zuri gushed about Christophe. She couldn't help but share how wonderful the day was she spent with him. Joi shared that she was torn between two men. One from Brazil and the other a childhood love she'd seen off and on. She hadn't slept with either and was considering using sex as a tiebreaker. Zuri laughed so hard after listening to her sister explain the logic in her plan.

Later that day when Jean Pierre met with her father, she was summoned. It was quite a responsibility and privilege to have her father's proxy. Zuri knew this was the greatest show of trust. Still the matter of what Detrick Chevalier had tried to do to her mother and father burned quiet rage through her gut. She felt as if his actions would go unpunished. As the day wore on, her taste for revenge didn't ease. It ate slowly away at her elation.

"Why are you out here alone?" Nanette asked. Her mother's hair blew wildly about her face. She stopped several feet from Zuri, her eyes lifting to the same sky that captured her daughter's gaze. "Père and Joi are watching television. Join us."

Zuri lay stretched out on the hammock with her ankles crossed and arms folded behind her head. Her mother pulled a lawn chair closer to her. She joined her, and together they enjoyed a tranquil silence. Glancing to her mother, she felt the need to confide in her.

"Mère, I have something to tell you."

"Okay."

"I'm in love."

Her mother’s reaction of surprise, concern, and curiosity played over her face. But instead of questions, she extended her hand and Zuri took it into her own. "I'm in love with Christophe Montague."

"The man who's helping us? The president of Montague?"

"Oui."

"How's that possible? You just met him?"

Zuri was blissfully happy. Never had she spoken of a man to her mother. Now she and Nanette shared something they hadn't before. There was a deep awareness and respect of each other. However, the story of how she met Christophe was one she decided not to share. "Our path's crossed in Chicago. We didn't know about each other until he came here. The time we spent together, I felt him so deeply. I still do. How long did it take you and père to know you were in love?"

Nanette laughed softly. "Not long, and you're right. It happens before you know it. Does he feel the same way?"

"He does. He says he does. I believe him."

"Then this is wonderful news. I want to meet him."

"You will soon. I promise."

They sat in silence for a long moment. She held her mother's hand as she did when she was a girl. This time it was solidarity that bonded them. The night began to drift in over the sky and so did a cool summer breeze. The entire planet seemed to be at peace.

"Something else troubles you?" Nanette observed.


"I'm not bothered."

"Yes you are. I know my children."

Zuri turn to look directly at her mother. "He must pay for what he's done. He can't get away with it."

"He won't. Let père and I deal with him."

"He's not strong enough, and I don't know when he will be. We do this merger and Detrick thinks he's gotten away with it. I want him exposed for the fraud he is."

"Zuri, let this go."

"He hurt you! I know you aren't defending him!"

"No, but you aren't here to fight my battles or your father's. I don't want you consumed this way. It's my issue, one I will address in time, in my way. My promise to you is Detrick Chevalier will not be allowed into our lives again. Focus on the blessings we have. Père is recovering. You’ve found love and we will keep the Blue Oasis. There are many things for which to be grateful."

"I just—"

"S'il te pla?t. Let this go."

"I will. I promise."

"Now, tell me all about this Christophe."

Zuri blushed. "I don't know where to begin."

***

The tension from the bridge of his nose to the back of his skull was wound tighter than an overstressed rubber band. He'd been in a nine-hour straight meeting with the board. He gritted his teeth. They had another hour at least before they would adjourn.

The last executive recommendation before the board was the cleverly crafted Blue Oasis proposal. The only upside of the day's meetings was his mother had declined to attend. Christophe felt he could express the details without the stress. When the Oasis portfolio was passed out amongst the board members, he caught the edgy stares of certain board members. These few were supporters of Stephanie Montague. Christophe ignored them and tried to shake off his fatigue. He was beginning to wonder how he ever found this exciting, his life in a suit behind a wall of corporate bullshit. Nothing compared to hiking in the jungle and eating wild raspberries or the sweet decadence of bathing in a hot spring and making love under the tropical sun. He smiled as each memory crashed over him and made him burn to return to Martinique.

“Christophe?” Martin Bishop said in his nasal drone. “We’re waiting.”

Christophe sighed. “Yes, yes, let’s begin.”

***

His return to his place was so late in the evening he didn't bother to eat. He thought of calling Zuri to wish her a good night, but he felt mentally drained. Though his mother hadn't attended the meetings she had planted her seed of doubt with her supporters on the board. They grilled him relentlessly about the Blue Oasis. Ultimately he stepped in as chairman and informed them all it was a done deal. And with a seven to five vote in his favor, it was. Now he needed sleep. Lot's of sleep.

***

Zuri slammed the book shut with a soft clap. She waited all day for his call. He told her it would come late, but she had hoped he would steal away to call her at least once. Her cell phone remained tucked at her side and she checked it frequently to make sure the battery wasn't dead or signal lost. Finally she dialed him up. Immediately she got his voicemail.

"Hi, um it's me, Zuri. Was hoping to talk to you tonight. Call me in the morning, okay? Hope everything went okay today. Miss you. Tu me manques."

Zuri tossed the phone. She turned off the lamp and slipped under the covers. Slowly sleep crept in and her desires for Christophe followed her into her dreams.

***

Zuri woke to her mother's voice. Breakfast was ready, Nanette sang through her partially opened door. She immediately rolled over and checked her phone. Christophe hadn't called. She fell back on her pillow.

"Something wrong, ma chérie?" her mother asked.

"Christophe hasn't called."

Nanette smiled. "He will. Now get dressed. Join us for breakfast. Oh, JP is here. He's meeting with your father."

"What?" Zuri sat up.

"Oui, they're in the parlor. Hurry." Nanette left.

The news rocked her. She felt a nervous uneasiness settle in her stomach. She hadn't seen Jean-Paul since their conversation in the kitchen of The Oasis. What he implied and she didn't deny could not be shared with her father. Jean-Paul wouldn't dare. Would he?

Zuri hurried into the shower and groomed herself. Choosing a strapless paisley dress that swept the floor and shielded her feet when she walked, she pinned her locks to the back of her head. Today, she decided to go without makeup. She found the family dining out on the terrace. Joi's laughter echoed through the lower level of the house.

"Bonjour, Mademoiselle Zuri."

"Bonjour." Zuri greeted some of the staff she hadn't seen since she arrived with hugs and kisses. The outside terrace gave a panoramic view of their land and the tropical plants in bloom. Two large ceiling fans lazily swooped in a cooling breeze over everyone. Jean-Paul rose when she approached. She smiled at him. Maybe she was wrong. Things between them hadn't changed for the worse. It was evident by the sweet smile he gave her in return.

"You look beautiful. How are you?" Jean-Paul asked. He kissed her cheek.

"Je vais bien, merci." Zuri blushed. She lowered into the chair he drew away for her. Her father was looking at them both differently. So much so, Zuri frowned. "How are you feeling today, père?"

"Today is a good day." Her father winked.

Nanette reached over and covered his hand with hers.

"Have you heard the news, JP? We're going through with the merger." Joi said.

He nodded. "Claude told me this morning." He cast his eyes to Zuri. "You did it. Congratulations."

She tried not to read any additional meaning in the tightness of his voice. But the underline tension was there.

"She's quite the attorney. She’s become a good businesswoman. To negotiate a deal with a company like Montague is quite impressive," Père said proudly. "I'm so proud of you, Zuri."

Zuri nodded. She felt the way Jean-Paul stared. "No more talk of business. What are you doing here, JP?" Zuri asked, sipping her coffee.

"I came to see your father and you."

Zuri’s eyes switched to her father who was grinning now. She looked back to Jean-Paul for an explanation.

Claude cleared his throat. "I have known for quite some time that you two cared deeply for each other."

Everyone at the table fell silent.

"I think it's been my stubborn interference that's kept you from admitting it to one another openly. Can you blame a father for wanting to hold on to his little girl for as long as he can?"

"Claude, dear, you're embarrassing her." Nanette released a short uncomfortable laugh. "She and JP are just friends."

"No. They're more than friends."

Zuri detected a hint of censure in her father's tone.

"If I hadn't learned anything in the weeks since my stroke, I've learned that life is too brief to deny the truth. So I want you to know you have my blessing."

"Blessing for what?" Zuri chuckled.

"Claude—" Nanette whispered.

"What's going on?" Zuri asked in half anticipation and half dead.

"Let me finish. JP admitted to me this morning that he loves Zuri."

"What!" Joi gasped. Zuri’s eyes narrowed. They captured Jean-Paul's. He stared at her sheepishly.

Her father's smile spread even wider across his face. "Zuri, I know you've been so focused on your studies you haven't entertained a personal life."

Joi giggled. "That's what you think."

Her father gave his youngest daughter a look of disapproval, then his gaze returned to Zuri. "I want you to be free to follow your heart."

Before she could speak, Jean-Paul pushed back his chair. She thought he was rising, maybe even leaving, but to her horror, Jean-Paul got down on one knee and produced a ring. "Veux-tu m'epouser?"

"Marry you!" Zuri gasped.

Nanette sucked down an audible breath. Zuri looked to her mother and sister for assistance. Joi's eyes were stretched so wide they appeared as if they would pop out of her skull. Jean-Paul smiled up at her. "I realized after we fought in my kitchen that I loved you. I've always loved you. I couldn't go on pretending that I didn't."

"So you ask her on a date, not to marry you," Joi interjected.

"Joi! Tais-toi!" Claude snapped.

Jean-Paul ignored them both. He just stared up at Zuri with his heart in his hand. "I came today to ask Claude for his permission. Zuri, you know me. You know this isn't a surprise. I can make you happy if you let me."

Zuri looked to her mother who stared on. She glanced to her father who lifted his glass. "This is a celebration," he slurred, his hand holding it up shakily. Zuri saw the happiness on his face and felt sick to her stomach. Without a word, she got up and walked away from the table.

"Zuri! Wait! Wait!" Jean-Paul hurried behind her. "Wait!" He grabbed her arm.

"Let me go!"

"Please, let me explain." He pulled her with determined force into the parlor.

"Release me!" she demanded and finally broke free.

Jean-Paul sighed, his dread locks spread over his shoulders, his eyes pleading. "I know this is a shock."

"Shock? You set me up! How dare you go to my father and do this? In his condition? Did you think it would convince me to be with you?"

"No. It wasn't that."

"Then what? Because the last time I saw you, you couldn't stand the sight of me. Now you want to marry me?"

Jean-Paul’s eyes lowered. "I was jealous. Hurt. Have you not known my feelings for you all these years? You aren't that blind? And I know you care for me. We've known each other for most of our lives."

Zuri threw up her hands. "We're friends, family, and you betrayed me by coming here and taking advantage of my family. I can't believe you would do this."

"Why not? I've been patient. I've waited for you to go to America and find yourself. I waited for you to come home and realize how much we needed you. I'm desperate, Zuri. I saw you with him, who you were becoming for him. I don't want you to change. I hated that you had to lower yourself for that bastard to save the Oasis. It killed me that I didn't prevent it."

Zuri spun on him. "That's not how it happened."

"Did you sleep with him?" Jean-Paul demanded. Zuri refused to deny it. He clenched his jaw and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Then that is how it happened."

"You don't know what you're talking about. You don't know anything about him, and you don't know anything about me if you'd think you could come in here and bully me into marrying you!"

"I'll tell you what I do know. The Zuri I love would never become a man's mistress if she weren't desperate or forced to do so. I should have done more. I came to my senses too late. You had already left for Sainte Marie when I returned. So now, I'm here to tell you that I love you and I'll protect you."

"Protect me? So all of this is about your ego?"

"You aren't listening to me!"

"Stop it, JP! Christophe Montague isn't a one-night stand and I'm not his whore. I met him four years ago in Chicago. Remember? I told you about him, the man who I lost virginity to. I chose to sleep with him then and I choose to sleep with him now."

"You did? Why? Him of all people? After the way he treated you."

"It's a long story. Yes, I seduced him for the Oasis but not because I'm a victim. I did it because I wanted to—"

"Qu'avez-vous dit?" Her father's voice boomed behind them. Zuri jumped and slowly turned to find him standing with the aid of his cane. He staggered in, dragging his left leg. Zuri made a move to help him. But the black-layered glare he gave her kept her rooted to the spot.

"Père, I can explain."

"You seduced Christophe Montague for the Oasis?"

"No. No." Zuri shook her head fiercely.

"Claude, it's not what you think." Jean-Paul tried to intervene.

"Answer me! Answer me now! Did you sleep with him for the merger? Did you disgrace yourself, your family?"

"I... père, I—"

"Tu es en disgrace!" He shouted over her weak protests. Immediately her mother and Joi rushed in. They looked on, baffled. Zuri stood there trapped in her father's angry gaze. "How could you have done this? Become that man's whore? Did you think I wanted this?"

"Claude, you mustn’t get excited. Calm down." Nanette put her hands to his shoulders to draw him back, but even with her father's evident lean, he shook her mother's touch off. He was in front of her now. Zuri stepped back. She couldn't lie to him; she wished she could at that moment. Just to erase the disgust she saw on his face. "Why? Tell me why after all you've been taught, you would do this, Zuri?"

"I love him," she said weakly.

Her father slapped her. The strike was so severe Zuri was knocked down to the sofa. Someone screamed, possibly Joi. She couldn't tell because her ears rang and the side of her face felt as if it were on fire. She heard JP yell for help. Were they yelling for her? She was okay; she just needed a minute to keep the darkness at bay. She had truly lost her senses for a brief second. Why was everyone yelling? Zuri lifted her head and to her horror she discovered the reason. Her father clutched his chest surrounded by Joi and Nanette who tried to steady him. He went down to his knees, eyes bulging and his tongue protruding from his mouth as if he were strangled. Zuri shoved Jean-Paul out of her way and rushed to her father's side.

"Père! No God, please no!"

***

Christophe turned over, flopping on his back. The alarm clock's buzzing pierced his skull. He swatted twice in its direction to knock it from the nightstand. He finally got a solid hold on the oblong black box with its red flashing numbers and ripped it from the wall. Silence was a welcomed relief. He closed his eyes once more. He longed for sleep.

Turning over under the sheet, he opened his eyes and stared at the empty side of his bed. Sleeping alone was a habit he wanted to break. He could imagine waking with her every morning. Christophe smiled. He could easily relocate to his Chicago office. He'd take her to the finest restaurants and shower her with gifts. They'd date first, start off right. Then who knows, maybe she could spend her nights in his bed permanently. How long had it been since he actually wanted courtship. With Zuri, he wanted it all.

He reached for his cellular and dialed her. It went straight to voicemail. He left a quick message to call her again and hung up. Tossing the covers aside, he rolled his shoulders and worked the tension from his neck. He would shower, take care of a few more business matters and then pack for his return to Martinique.

Yawning wide and stretching, he exhaled a deep sigh of contentment. Life was good.

***

Zuri kept her face buried in her hands. The commotion around her raised voices didn't drown the thundering beat of her heart. It had been two hours since they admitted her father and no one had told them anything. The small waiting area was packed with arriving friends and family. All she could do was wait with Joi on one side of her and Jean-Paul on the other.


"Zuri, he's okay," Joi whispered, rubbing her back. "I just know he is."

"It's my fault. I did this."

"No. It's my fault," Jean-Paul said sadly.

Zuri lifted her face from her hands. Through her tears she saw the pain etched on Jean-Paul's face. As much as she wanted to blame him, she couldn't. Her guilt consumed her.

"Fine, it's both of your fault," Joi snapped. "Now we have to pull together. Père is going to pull through, but only if we don't give up on him."

Nanette appeared visibly shaken. Zuri and Joi stood. She managed a smile. "He had another stroke. It’s cerebral. They are doing the tests, the CAT scan and other tests. He's not conscious. The doctors say it's not uncommon, but he should have woken up by now. I just know it." Her mother's voice cracked with emotion. "The doctors said we got him here in time." She nodded as other family members circled. Nanette lifted her heavy lidded eyes to her daughters. "But they don't know if there will be paralysis or brain..." Nanette broke down into tears. Zuri and Joi ushered her to a chair. The girls held on to her, sitting at her sides.

More of her mother's family arrived and soon the girls released Nanette into the care of her sisters. Zuri had to escape. She couldn't take much more. Dodging the questions of family members, she slipped outside for air. She paced back and forth wringing her hands. She wanted to find a way to undo it. But there was none. Her father had never hit her before. The look in his eyes broke her heart. For all her planning and plotting, she ended up here anyway.

"Zuri?"

She turned and saw Jean-Paul. "I can't right now, JP. Please leave me alone."

"Tell me what I can do. I have to do something."

"We can't do anything."

"Do you want me to go?" he asked. "I feel like this is my fault."

"No. You love him too. I just want you to leave me alone. S'il te pla?t, I can't talk right now."

He nodded, turned and went back inside. Zuri closed her eyes. When she opened them and turned from the doors, she stopped herself. Detrick Chevalier was exiting his car in the parking lot. He was headed for the hospital. "What are you doing here?" She marched toward him.

Detrick stopped with a look of surprise to his face. "I got a call that he was brought in. How is he?"

"I want you to leave."

"Zuri, this is ridiculous, I've known you since you were born. I'm his friend."

"The hell you are! You're a leech, a viper, and a rapist."

Detrick paled. He stepped back, his face going ashen. "What did you call me?"

"I know what you did to my parents. How you hurt my mother, how you abused my father's trust of you. I know it all Detrick. And God help me, I will make you pay for it."

Detrick looked past her to the hospital, then back to her eyes. "I love your mother. I would never hurt her. And your father..."

"Ta guelle! Get out of my sight!" she spat at him. She turned and walked off. One final glance back over her shoulder and she saw him return to his car. Zuri blinked away her angry tears and went back inside.

***

Christophe checked his phone for his long awaited call back. There was nothing. Not even a short text. He frowned. He left three messages and hadn't heard from her. She was visiting her father. Maybe she was tied up with family. Either way, he was certain they'd make up for lost time tomorrow upon his return. There was no point in stressing over a few missed calls.

"Mr. Montague?"

"Yes, Elizabeth?" he grumbled, not looking up. He had a stack of paperwork.

"Mr. Davis has left two messages. I'm sorry, sir. I missed you between meetings."

Christophe looked at his office phone. The blinking red light should have clued him in. He was so focused on thoughts of Zuri, he hadn't noticed. "Thanks, Elizabeth. I'll call him."

When the door closed, Christophe dropped back and let go another deep sigh. He rubbed his eyes and tried to relax. She was in his head now. That made it impossible.

***

Zuri shied away from her mother's family. Though she loved her aunts and uncles, they were overly pious and snubbed her father often. She'd even heard her Aunt Gennie once comment on how Joi should be kept from the sun because her skin was unfortunately taking the shade of her father. Even in their concern, they found ways to insult Claude Baptiste.

She sat over to the side of the waiting area in a plastic pea green chair that squeaked each time she shifted or crossed her legs. It had been four hours since the nightmare began. People were coming and going. Most held a vigil near her mother. All she could do was wait and play the fight they had over and over in her head.

"Hi, here," Joi said, sitting next to her. She handed her a Pepsi and bag of chips. "Are you okay?"

"No. Did you see how he looked at me? When he gets better, how do I explain this to him? I'm not even sure what happened between Christophe and me. But it's not what père thinks. Is it?"

"Zuri, if père knew about my love life, he would have two strokes and an aneurism. You've done everything by his book of rules. I was surprised you went after Christophe for our company. I was also so proud of you."

"What?" Zuri recoiled. "Why would that make you proud?"

"You're making your own choices and mistakes. You're your own person now. You can't live your life by what père and mère want. It has to be you. Also, I know the truth."

"Which is?"

"As much as you want to tell yourself you did this for père, you did this for you. Christophe is the man you want. I saw it on your face when JP gave that lame ass proposal."

Zuri laughed, and Joi bumped her with her shoulder. She sighed sadly, "Maybe you're right. I was dreaming about Christophe before his plane landed. I did this for père and I did it for me too."

"I know I am," Joi said confidently. She dropped her arm around her. Zuri nodded. She thought of Christophe. She needed to talk to him. Just to hear his voice, and remind her self that he was real.

"What is it?" Joi asked.

"My phone? Have you seen it?"

"Did you leave it in the car?"

"I think...no, I thought I had it. Damn."

"I'll help you find it."

***

"This is Christophe."

"Did you not get my messages?" Davis asked.

Christophe dropped back in his office chair. "Sorry, it's been a helluva day."

"We have a problem?"

"What now?"

"Your mother? She's called in members of the firm. I was cut out of the meetings."

"So?"

"I found out two of them left this afternoon with her, to Martinique."

Christophe sat forward. "My mother is going to Martinique?"

"Yes, and I can't ascertain why."

"I think I know. Damn it! How soon can you be ready for a flight down with me."

"Well I—"

"Be ready in an hour."

***

Zuri entered the private hospital room with her mother and sister. The doctors said the visit could only be a short one. As much as she wanted her father to be okay, she feared facing him again. Nanette squeezed her hand. They stood at the side of his bed.

"Can he hear us?" Joi asked.

"He's resting. But the doctor says his vitals are strong. He'll recover. We just need to wait until he opens his eyes to how grueling it will be."

"He can't be stressed."

"Ma chérie, you did not cause this. The doctors said the first year that this could happen. Recovery means more rest and patience, for Claude as well. He was pushing himself too hard and too fast."


"I can't stop seeing the way he looked at me, mère. That look in his eyes. He hates me."

"That's not true, chérie. There is nothing you could do to make him hate you. Nothing," Her mother whispered. She put her arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. "We'll talk more about it tomorrow. Go home and get some rest.

"I don't want to leave you."

"I'm staying with him. I'll take care of him," Nanette smiled.

"I'm sorry, mère. So sorry. I let him down. I only did what I thought I had to do to protect him."

Nanette smiled. "You are your father's daughter. A fighter. He knows that. Sometimes we do what we have to in order to protect our family. I believe you about Christophe. It’s going to be okay."

***

Christophe groaned. He forced his phone into his pants pocket. Again Zuri wasn't picking up his calls. "What the hell is the delay?"

"It's coming down out there. They can't clear us to leave until after the lightening storm," Davis said, watching him pace.

"What is mother up to? Have you found out?"

"I think we both have an idea," Davis said. "No one at the firm is speaking on it."

"The board has already given me their vote. The Oasis is as good as bought."

"Not if she buys it from under you." Davis sat forward. "She was pretty determined to get there ahead of you. My guess is she will get the bank to collect on the debt early or purchase it outright for Elliot."

"If she does anything like that, I'll kill her."

Davis shook his head. Christophe walked over to the glass doors. Lightening flashed. The storm raged beyond the hanger window. Once again, he removed his phone and tried to call Zuri.

***

"So what you lost your phone. Here, use mine." Joi pulled out her mobile encased in pink rhinestones. She forced it into Zuri's hand.

"I had his number programmed into my phone. I don't know it by heart." She passed it back to her sister.

"Oh?"

Zuri sighed. She flopped down on the sofa. Her head pounded and so did her heart. She really couldn't deal with Christophe. All she wanted was to craw up under the covers and sleep the night away. That's all she needed. Joi sat on the sofa next to her. "I'm tired."

"Me too."

"I think I’m going to bed."

Zuri nodded. She watched her sister as she left. Closing her eyes, she fell over on the sofa and let fatigue coax her to sleep.

***

Christophe paced. "Then how soon will they let us take off?"

"They won't clear us until four in the morning. The outer bands of the storm moving in from the south make it impossible to fly around it. Apologies, sir."

Christophe glared at the pilot but held his bitter tongue. Anger would get him nothing. He marched out of the hanger into the rain and his waiting vehicle. It was a bad omen. His mother had gone too far. He would make her pay dearly this time.

***

Zuri sat up on the sofa. The phone ringing to her left woke her. She rubbed her eyes. They burned raw from crying, and her mouth tasted like garbage. Nothing, however, compared to the headache forming. She could feel the heat in the room from the new morning sun.

"I'm coming," she groaned

"Hello?"

"Bonjour I'd like to speak with Zuri Baptiste."

"Oui, this is she."

"Comment allez-vous? Je m'appelle Edward Delmont. I am calling from Banque Antilles Francaises. We need you to visit into our office this morning."

"I, um, okay. I can be there in two hours?"

"Bien."

She hung up. She immediately called her father's room at the hospital. Her mother answered and told her there was no change. Zuri's heart sank. She hurried to the stairs to dress.

***

Christophe forced his seat to recline. Davis was twenty minutes late and he fumed silently over the additional delay. He hadn't slept. He couldn't find a number for the Baptiste. He called the Oasis and left a message, but even now he doubted she'd receive it. Why isn't she answering my calls? Has my mother already lied to her? His insecurities surfaced and so did his doubts. He didn't know what was at stake anymore, other than his heart.

"We'll land around noon. We should be there in time."

"Leave another message for the bank manager again. Tell him that he is to meet with me only."

Davis nodded.

The plane began its accelerated taxi down the runway. Before long, they were lifting to the clouds. If his mother interfered, he'd make her regret it.

***

Zuri hadn't wakened Joi. She decided to meet with the bank manager on her own. With her father's proxy in her purse and no way to reach Christophe, she was going to do what she could to get an extension, to restore her father's dignity. After what he'd learned, her father would never approve of any kind of partnership with the Montague's. She would have to be smart and find another way.

"Bonjour, Je m'appelle Zuri Baptiste."

"Bienvenue, please follow me."

The woman led her through two doors. Finally the man who held her family’s fate in his hands, Edward Delmont, greeted her. He shook her hand and kissed both of her cheeks. He went on in French asking after her father; news of his second stroke had spread rapidly through the island. Zuri assured the manager that her father was recovering.

She was then promptly led to a meeting room. Everyone stood. Except a very distinguished looking woman with familiar eyes. She was in her early sixties, dressed in a pale pink suit. Her raven hair had a deep silver streak along the front that was swooped into a bang and cascaded down with her curls to her shoulder. It was her eyes that Zuri found cold and assessing. With her small smile of welcome, she forced Zuri to maintain her stare.

"Allow me, Madame Montague. This is Mademoiselle Baptiste."

"Montague?" Zuri asked.

Stephanie Montague gave a curt nod. Zuri looked to the men seated on either side of her, then to her escort. "Monsieur, what is this about?"

"I can explain that to you dear. Please have a seat."

Zuri nodded. She sat down in the chair before her. Her heart was in her throat. But she swallowed her nerves and tried to focus.

"You are quite lovely. My son didn't exaggerate."

"Where is Christophe?" Zuri asked. "Shouldn't he be here?"

Stephanie Montague smirked. "Monsieur Delmont, please present my offer to Mademoiselle Baptiste."

Zuri was handed a black folder. She lowered her eyes from the woman across from her and uncovered a three-page contract. The type text was in small print. She squinted and skimmed it, realizing this was not what she gave Christophe.

"That my dear is a one time offer. I'm aware of your talents in negotiating, so I assume you can appreciate my generosity."

"I don't understand?"

"I'm offering you a way out. To pay your father's debts. Clear his accounts and restore The Blue Oasis to him."

Zuri’s eyes widened. "I, I thought we were doing a merger."

Stephanie gave a light laugh. "Certainly not. Montague would never align with such a bargain."

"I want to speak to Christophe." Zuri closed the folder.

"Leave us."

Everyone rose and walked out. Zuri focused on the woman before her. There was something calculating about her manner that made the hairs on her nape stand on end. Why was she here instead of Christophe? The deal before her was far more generous than anything she would dare ask of him. More generous than anything Christophe offered.

"Tell me about Chicago?" Stephanie Montague said.


"I don't understand."

"Shall I ask it in French?" Stephanie gave a soft mocking laugh.

"I don't understand why you're here."

"I'm here because my son is a very important man. He's worth more than this island, more than your father's debts. I respect the fact that you set your aim high. Elliot told me how, um, creative you were in gaining access to his bed. It's time we settle this affair, and I'm willing to do so amicably."

"I don't know what Elliot told you, but I resent you implying that I've used Christophe. We're friends, and the merger was a deal between us. It's one that I don't plan to honor any way. Far as I'm concerned, my family will handle its affairs with the bank. We don't need anything from Montague."

Stephanie clapped. She sat forward. "It's too late. You've gotten Christophe's attention, distracted him from his purpose. Now I have to rectify it."

"Rectify?"

"You have an offer to clear your father's debts. I'm a very powerful woman mademoiselle, a personal friend to the President of the Regional Council. I suggest you accept my offer graciously or you can choose option two."

"Which is?"

"Right before you arrived, I had an interesting conversation with Detrick Chevalier. It appears that he feels your father has been less than honorable in reporting his earnings with the French Republic. If you don't sign those papers and agree to never see Christophe again, I will sign these papers." Stephanie Montague cut her eyes to the folder next to her. "Monsieur Delmont is prepared to accept my personal bid for your company. And after I buy it, I will audit every financial transaction since its doors opened and report your father for tax evasion and fraud."

Zuri dropped her eyes to the contract. "Why would you do this to your son? Make him think that he has no one but you? What kind of woman are you?" she asked, her eyes returning to Stephanie.

"I'm a woman you don't want to test. Christophe will understand, especially when we prove to him that you don't love him." Stephanie rose. She picked up the pen and walked down the length of the table. "He's been disappointed before. Don’t you worry. He can handle this."

The black pen was placed on the document. Stephanie Montague's slender hand was dropped on her shoulder. "I have a request," Zuri said, closing her eyes. "If I do this, I want you to use your influence with the President to have Detrick Chevalier arrested for fraud. I don't care how, but I want his crimes exposed and my father kept out of it."

Stephanie laughed. "You are a smart girl. Consider it done."

"I want your word."

Stephanie Montague's perfectly arched brow winged up. "And in return?"

"I will end things with Christophe. He'll never know you blackmailed me to do it. Agreed?"

Stephanie patted her shoulder. Zuri picked up the pen. Her hand shook. She had only truly known Christophe for a week. It wasn't love between them. Hell for all she knew he hadn't even tried to call her. This would free her father, and end things once and for all. This was best. But why did it hurt so bad?

"Merci."

***

Christophe walked briskly through the bank. He spoke to Edward Delmont the moment the sun rose. Whatever his mother was up to, he was in time. Delmont told him that the meeting between her and the Montague attorneys wasn't until 2pm. He checked his watch. Time was up.

"Monsieur, may I—"

"Edward Delmont, he's expecting us."

The young receptionist smiled and nodded. "Oui, follow me, s'il vous pla?t."

"I want to meet with him first. Go make some calls and find your attorneys. If they arrive here with my mother, delay them." He tossed back to Davis, who was on his cellular trying to make the calls. Christophe finally reached someone at the Oasis. They informed him that Zuri's father had another stroke. That she was in Sainte Marie. Now he understood why she hadn't answered his calls. He was foolish to doubt her and even more desperate to find her.

The receptionist stopped and nodded to the door. Christophe went inside. As he closed it, the office chair turned to face him. His mother smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"Saving you from yourself. A mother's work is never done."

"I told you not to interfere. I warned you that I wouldn't put up with it."

Stephanie rose. "I had to know Christophe. You were so passionate about this place." He watched his mother approach. She held out a document for him. "She's quite lovely. We had a nice talk."

"You threatened her."

"I asked her for her motivation. You said it was only business, and she agreed. So we came up with our own deal, one more to her liking."

Christophe snatched the document. He flipped through the pages and saw Zuri's signature on them all. "What's this?"

"She's quite the negotiator. She wanted out of your deal to merge her company with ours. She proposed a better one. Her family's debt cleared. No ties to Montague."

"In exchange for what? Zuri would never take a hand out. How did you get her to sign this?"

Stephanie smiled. "She promised not to expose Elliot's scheme's and embarrass our family. This is what she wanted for her silence. You don't believe me? Go see her. She told me that she was fond of you. She said if you visited the island again, to look her up."

"I've had it! Do you hear me! I'm done with your manipulations!" he shouted at Stephanie. He threw the document to the side. "I can't do this anymore with you, mother."

Stephanie crossed her arms. "I proved to you that these women are only after your legacy. I've cleaned up your mess since your first step. Show some respect! No one had to threaten that girl. She was looking for a handout. She slept with you to get it."

Christophe shook his head. "Why do you get off on crushing my spirit? What is it mother that makes you such a mean vicious bitch!"

For his insolence he was rewarded with a slap. Christophe didn't feel it. He just pitied the woman that could only love him by controlling him. "Father was right. There's nothing in you but hate. I'm done with you and Montague. I quit."

"What? You wouldn't dare! Over some native tramp!"

"I quit. Not because of her, because I'm done with you. When I think of you now all I can lust for is murder. I hate you, and I will never, ever, see you after this day." Christophe turned and walked out.

"Christophe! Come back here! Christophe!"

***

"It's on the news!"

Zuri wiped at her cheeks with both hands and turned her face. Swallowing the sob that had risen in her throat, she glanced up. Joi was in front of the television surfing the channels. She had returned from the bank to find her sister was at the hospital with her mother. For a short while, the place was all hers to sulk in. Joi must have returned at some time, but Zuri wasn't aware. She felt bereft and desolate.

"Look! The gendarmerie just arrested Detrick. They won't say why. But they're taking him."

Zuri dropped her head over to the right to see the screen. Detrick was being led away by two gendarmerie soldiers. She knew Stephanie Montague was a powerful woman. But to have this done within hours of their meeting was jarring. It only made Stephanie Montague threats more profound. Zuri knew she'd have to keep her end of the bargain and never see or speak to Christophe again. She closed her eyes, feeling utterly miserable.

"Zuri, do you see this?" Joi's head turned as she pointed the remote at the television screen. "Zuri? What's wrong?"


"How's père, any news?" Zuri sniffed.

"Not yet. Mère said she would call."

Zuri put her hand to her forehead.

"What's going on?"

"I ended things with Christophe. Père has his company free and clear. It's over." She sighed and gave a resigned shrug.

"You saw Christophe? Is that where you were?"

"No, yes. I was at the bank. After everything that happened I just wanted it done."

"To break up with him is extreme, Zuri. Especially after everything you've been through. You told me just the other day you were falling in love with him."

Zuri gave a bitter laugh. "That makes no sense. I barely know him."

"Zuri—"

"Besides I didn't break up with him. We were never a couple. His mother was right about that."

"Mother? Wait, you met his mother? I don't understand?"

"Never mind it. There's one good thing to come of this." Zuri pointed at the television screen. "Detrick Chevalier will pay for what he's done to père."

"Did you do this?"

Zuri sighed. "I had to make him pay Joi. That bastard is at the root of our family pain."

"What did you do?"

Zuri wept. Maybe Christophe wouldn't call. Maybe she'd never have to face him and pretend he meant nothing. Something told her that she wouldn't escape that easy. A cold wave of dread tightened her stomach into knots. Joi sat at her side, and stroked her back. But there was no relief. Her throat was raw with the unuttered and shouted protests to God at how unfair it all was.

"It's okay. "

"No, it's not. I don't know how or why, but I really did fall for him, Joi. Now it's over. I can feel it."

Joi held her. "Tell me what happened. Start from the beginning."

***

It took his driver three hours to deliver him to the Baptiste plantation. Christophe could see it on the hill as they drove up the narrow unpaved road. He imagined Zuri as a little girl growing under the swaying tall palms so close to the sea. Christophe loosened his tie. He pulled it from around his neck. He told the driver to wait for him in French. He didn't care why Zuri signed the contract; he didn't care about any of it anymore. In a strange way, his mother freed him. He was a man who faced the harsh realities of loneliness and finally he understood his choices. Zuri was his second chance; he wasn't about to let her go.

The car stopped. Christophe got out. He jogged up the block steps to the doors of the estate. After two knocks an older short woman, with dark skin and kind eyes appeared in a white dress similar to the madras that Zuri wore when he first visited Martinique. He assumed she was the staff by the way she addressed him.

"Puis-je t'aider, Monsieur?"

"I need to see Zuri please."

The older woman frowned. He asked again in French and she nodded, stepping back. Christophe had to admit the place was quite beautiful. The walls were painted a mango orange in the foyer; the floors that lead through the three-story mansion were covered in mosaic tiles of vibrant intricate designs. Windows and doors were open, so the fresh sweetness from the banana and sugar cane fields filled his nostrils. It was as if the place had never been touched by time. His gaze lifted to the stairs. Should he go up and find her? Had his mother scared her enough to believe the worst in him? He smoothed back his hair and found himself sweating nervously, breathing in deep breaths. He stepped toward the stairs when she appeared. To his disappointment she didn't look please to see him. She wore a turquoise mini dress; her hair was blown out into a thick dark black cloud behind her pretty face and pushed back by a matching band. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. It had only been a few days.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

He smiled. "We need to talk."

She shook her head no.

"Zuri, come down and talk to me. Or I'll come up there. Don't make me have this conversation here."

"You need to leave."

"Why?" He stepped forward. His hand gripped the smoothed wood of the banister. His foot stopped on the first step. "You think I'm stupid? I saw mother. I know what she did. She’s done it before. She threatened you, didn't she? Forced you to sign that contract."

"Christophe, please go."

"Do you hear me? I said I know she's a liar. Just come down here and let me explain."

She started down the stairs in bare feet, her hand gliding over the mahogany wood banister. He felt his heart beat skip the closer she came. Holding his breath, he tried not to smile. He could do and be anything now. He cut a string he should have long ago. How did he begin to explain to her stifled existence under his mother's rule?

"You don't understand. She didn't force me."

"She did. I do understand. Your father's sick. I know he had another attack. It explains why you would do this. I forgive you."

"She didn't threaten me, Christophe. And I don't want or need your forgiveness! I did what I had to do, what I planned to do from the beginning. Leave my home. Now."

Her words were barbed and hurtful beyond tears. Christophe's hand dropped from the banister. He wasn't sure he heard her right. He stood there observing her, trying to decide on the truth. Zuri’s breasts rose and fell under labored breathing, but her eyes remained hard and defiant. Then she spoke and pushed the dagger deeper into his heart. "We had a good time. I think you're a good guy, but that's all. I don't want to see you again."

"You don't mean that."

"I used you, okay! You knew it. Just like you used me in Chicago. We're even."

Christophe blew out a deep breath. The scene was senselessly and sickeningly familiar. When he confronted Gabriella about the new man in her life, she said the exact same words. "So it's over. You got your father's company back and you're done with me?"

Zuri crossed her arms in front of her. She towered over him from the middle of the stair. If she were closer he wasn't sure if he'd grab her throat and choke her or throw her over his shoulder and carry her away until she convinced him that what happened between them had no meaning. He couldn't bear the sight of her anymore. It actually hurt to look at her. He dropped his eyes from her unblinking stare.

"I'm such a f*cking idiot," he mumbled to himself. "I thought we had something."

"Why? Because we had sex?"

"No. Because we had each other. I guess you don't know the difference, sweetheart. Thanks for the lay." He turned and walked to the door. He stood before it unable to breathe. He looked back, hoping to see her suffering. She was already climbing the stairs with her head bowed. Christophe punched the door so hard he nearly drove his fist through the wood. He snatched it open before she could respond and stormed out of the Baptiste home.

***

"Why did you do it, Zuri?" Joi asked.

Her mouth felt like old paper, dry and dusty. She opened it to explain, but nothing came out. Her back dropped against the door and she sighed sadly. She took deep breaths until she was strong enough to raise her head and face her sister's accusing glare. "I had to do it. I told you the bargain I struck."

"Nothing is worth crushing the person you love. Don't you know that?"

"I don't love him!" she shouted through her tears. Drops trembled on her eyelids and slowly trekked down her cheeks.

"Then why are you crying?" Joi snapped.

Zuri looked away. "He used me. I used him. It’s done."


Joi walked over to her. She stiffened when offending hands gripped the tops of her arms but found herself going into her sister's loving embrace. With tears blinding her vision and choking her voice, she clung to Zuri, praying she did the right thing. Zuri knew better. The look he gave her would haunt her always. Putting her face on her sister’s shoulder, she cried.