I smile back.
“This is nice. I hope you don’t regret being here.”
In an instant, Marley pops into my mind. I don’t regret being here at all. Because being here led me to her.
“I did at first, and I almost didn’t make it on that plane.” I chuckle at the thought.
“Despite what your aunt wanted?”
“Yeah, despite that. I mean, my feelings were hurt, and sometimes I think it was almost selfish for her to want me to be here. I went through that pain, not her.”
Jerome bobs his head, understanding. “You’re right about that. You were the one who suffered. But you’re here. So that has to stand for something.”
“I am, but…” I let out a deep breath. “I guess it’s hard to explain. I don’t know why I’m here.”
“You’re here because you love your aunt. And sometimes that’s reason enough. But, are you showing up for her in the best way?”
“What do you mean?”
“Be honest, son. Have you been nice to the guys? Are you being social?”
“Of course I’m being social.”
To this, Jerome lets out a laugh.
“But are you trying to make an effort or just doing it to get by?”
I shake my head, turning away with a laugh, because yes. I was just conversing to get by. I wasn’t putting much, if any, effort in at all. I remember James telling me how I was coming off rude. Maybe that is why people are treating me like I’m the bad guy. But it could also be from whatever story Carina has been telling people about our breakup.
I stand tall, planting my club in the grass and resting my hands on top of it.
“I’m not even going to lie to you, Jerome. I’m just trying to get through this week so I can get back to Georgia and attend my regularly scheduled program.”
Jerome shakes his head, another laugh billowing out of him.
“I feel you. Trust me, I get it. I’m just wondering if you’re showing up for your aunt the way she would. That’s all.”
“It’s all I got for right now,” I tell him and position myself to strike again.
26
too perfect
MARLEY
“So, how did it go?”Othello asks. We are on the way back to Grand Palms.
This time, we aren’t in a helicopter. We’re being chauffeured in the Cadillac Escalade from last night. The scenic views are just as pretty as I watch the tropical paradise environment blur through the tinted windows.
“It went well. I really like her. She’s a lot cooler than I thought she’d be.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. We’re officially doing it. Carina and Gavin will be on the cover ofModthis spring/summer. ‘A Love Worth Celebrating.’ It’s a working title, but I’m excited.”
“Wow, that’s great,” Othello exclaims. “Congratulations.”
I thank him, beaming from the inside with a thousand volts of excitement. The exposure alone can change everything for the magazine. And working closely with Collette is the kind of opportunity most journalists dream of. I’m still processing how quickly we’ve collaborated.
