Kyle
Scott is a young widower with three children. His wife died about a
year ago from ovarian cancer. Stressed out and depressed, he's not
doing well at work, so his boss insists that he take a vacation. He,
his three children and the nanny, Carmelita, embark on a cruise to
Mexico and Belize. Their first night on board, he meets someone new.
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."
They
all said hello, smiling politely. Carmelita grinned at her, dark eyes
sparkling.
"I
love your scarf," she said. "The colors are just wonderful.
That purple really sets off the green in your eyes."
"Thank
you," Emily smiled shyly. "Normally, I have hair.... Raven
black, thick...." She replied wistfully.
"You
don't need to explain," Kyle said quietly. "You look
beautiful without it."
"Thank
you." Her smile was cautious.
They
made polite dinner conversation. Kyle found her quick witted and
nearly as sarcastic as he was. He enjoyed her scathing critique of
the drive over from Orlando.
"Did
you drive yourself over?" Carmelita asked.
"Not
quite up to that yet. I took the company shuttle. Not the most
comfortable trip, but at least I didn't have to worry about the
traffic. People in Orlando are idiots on the road."
"True
of any big city," Kyle replied diplomatically.
"I
guess, but it seemed like everyone in Orlando was completely insane."
Kyle
chuckled. "I guess it seems like that sometimes."
"We're
from Orlando," Mindy said. "Daddy says Mickey Mouse lives
there too."
"Really?
Have you seen Mickey?" Emily replied, eyes big with wonder.
"Lots!
Mommy used to work for Disney. We went all the time."
"What
fun! I've never been. It's on my list after I skydive and rappel down
a mountain."
"Any
particular mountain?" Kyle asked with a smirk.
"Any
that presents itself. I figure I'll have to go out of state, however.
There aren't too many mountains in Florida."
"Not
any I've ever seen," Kyle replied with a smirk.
Dinner
was cleared and Carmelita took the kids back to the cabin to change
and watch a movie.
"Don't
be too late, Mr. Scott," Carmelita reprimanded. "You need
to come tell the kids goodnight."
"Thanks,
Lita. I won't be long." He frowned at her behind Emily's head.
©
2017 Dellani Oakes
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