Authors: Barrett
Tags: #Gay & Lesbian, #Contemporary, #Fiction, #Romance, #Genre Fiction, #Lesbian, #Lesbian Romance, #Literature & Fiction
Balefire (5 page)
Silke smiled and sipped her orange juice. “Oh yes, I remember him always smiling. It was nice of you, and I’m sure he appreciates your rec
ommendation. Kirin will get to see more of Belize with a local guide. Much more than just one resort.” She paused. “Maybe she could write about this place?”
Diane laughed. “As a matter of fact . . . She did mention a little
quid pro quo
nod to our humble little establishment.” She smiled and waved to an elderly couple being seated nearby.
Silke just smiled. “I sometimes forget my chubby best friend with pig
tails is a pretty savvy businesswoman, a beautiful woman, and still my best friend.”
Diane squeezed her hand. “Same goes for you.” She nodded upward. “Looks like Kirin is back for a swim.”
Silke turned around and scanned the pool area until she finally laid eyes on Kirin coming up the steps on the far side of the deck. She wore a black two-piece suit under a long gauzy white shirt and sandals. Her short brown hair was tucked behind her ears and she moved her lean body with confidence. As she drew closer to the table, Silke could see her bright white smile.
Kirin climbed the three steps up to the restaurant from the wide pool
deck and pushed her sunglasses up on her head. “Am I interrupting any
thing?” The pool reflected the bright sun, framing her perfectly.
“Please join us. Do you want something to drink?” Diane raised a hand for Flora.
“Not right now. I think I’ll take a quick dip before I join you. Be back in a minute.” Kirin set her shirt on a chair and her glasses on the table.
Diane laughed as they watched her get into the water. “You know you’re blushing.”
Silke jerked around. “No, I’m not. It’s just . . . I’m not used to the heat yet.”
Diane clapped her hands together. “Okay, but as long as I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you look at another woman like that. Not even you-know-who.”
Diane couldn’t say Rachel’s name, and Silke felt embarrassed. Good grief, Diane knew her better than anyone did.
Diane finished her soda and stood up. “Okay, I got the message. You don’t want to talk. But think about my offer to spend time with us this winter. We’d both love it. I’ll be back when Kenrick arrives.” She pushed in her chair and laughed.
“Thanks, hon.” Silke watched Diane walk past the pool and speak briefly to Kirin who was climbing out of the pool. Kirin picked up a towel and dried off as she walked back to the table.
Silke tried not to stare.
“That really felt good, you know, to just move your body freely after being cooped up in an airplane for so long.” Kirin sat on a chair opposite and squeezed some sunscreen into her palm and smoothed it across her shoulders and arms.
Silke smiled. “I know what you mean. I’ll probably lay out by the pool this afternoon.”
Flora returned and cleared the table. “More coffee?”
“Not for me. Kirin, you want something?”
“Yes, I’d love a diet soda.” Kirin pulled her shirt back on. “See that woman at the bar?”
Silke turned in the general direction. “Not very well. Could you be a little more specific?”
Kirin laughed. “I’m sorry. That was kinda mean wasn’t it? I meant the tall woman with that skirt type wrap around her waist, like the one you wore last night. What do they call those? I’ve seen several people wearing them and they look comfortable.”
“Oh, I see the one you mean. They’re called
pareos
. They sell them on the beach in San Pedro. I have a couple if you’d like to borrow one. They are comfortable.”
Flora set down the glass and the diet coke. “Will there be anything else?”
“No thanks,” they said in unison.
Kirin leaned back and folded her hands behind her head. “I’m begin
ning to understand what you find so appealing. It’s beautiful here. Too bad about the storm damage but it doesn’t look like they suffered anything too serious.”
“Thankfully no one was hurt and they only lost power for a couple of hours before the generators were up and running. They’ve become quite electrically self-sufficient over the years.” Silke pointed to block building behind Kirin. “That’s their generator.”
Kirin turned around and nodded. “I’m surprised that all of the
buildings are fine, even all the little thatched casitas. It looks like the big
gest problem is the debris that washed up on shore along with the downed palm branches.”
“Tropical storms are nothing new. This resort has been here for almost
fifteen years. When you go back to the condo, look around at the build
ing’s construction. I watched some of the initial work on the newer buildings, which are all concrete block with specially made doors and windows. The exterior thatching can be easily replaced if necessary.” She noticed Kirin was actually making notes on the placemat.
“This has the makings of a very interesting story.”
Silke’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she lowered her head. “I’d just as soon not appear in your story.”
Kirin paused, confused. “Of course. I would never use your name with
out your permission. Is there a problem?” She folded her hands in front of her. A slight breeze blew over her hair.
For just a moment, Silke shuddered against her resistance. She wanted to tell Kirin the truth about her deliberate escape from Rachel to Belize. Another breeze stirred the palms beside them and the moment passed. “Not especially. I’m a little shy. Diane and Mark can tell you much more of the history.” She pushed back her chair and unfolded her cane. “I think I’d better leave you to your work. I have a date with an audio book. Let me know how your meeting with Kenrick goes.”
“Will do. And, Silke, thanks again for making all this happen.” Kirin touched Silke’s elbow as she passed.
“HEY, GUESS WHAT?”
Silke looked up from the iPod she was fiddling with to see Kirin loping across the sand toward the condo. Sporting a teenage grin, she clutched notes under her arm.
“You won a Pulitzer?”
Laughing, Kirin dropped onto the lounge chair next to her. “Not yet. But I worked out a good deal with Kenrick. He’ll be my official tour guide for the next day or so and I’ll pay him a daily wage plus gas for his boat.” She kicked off her sandals, pulled off her white shirt, and lay back on the lounge. “Man, it’s hot.”
Silke smelled the chlorine from the pool and the pleasant scent of coco
nut sunscreen as the overhead fan brought a nice breeze.
“He’ll be back to pick me up in an hour.” Kirin crossed her legs. “He suggested I bring a change of clothes because we’ll probably stay overnight. This could be great. I feel like a Nat Geo reporter. Crap. I hope I have extra batteries for the camera.” She jumped up. “I’m going to grab a shower. Do you need anything while I’m inside?”
“No, I’m good. It sounds like a terrific opportunity. Just be careful.”
Kirin stopped in the doorway, turned, and wiggled her eyebrows. “Is there some danger I should be aware of?”
“Not really. I think you’ll be fine with Kenrick because he knows so many people.” She shifted her position. “But there’s a drug problem since Belize is part of the South American drug corridor. It’s mostly in the cities. Don’t take valuables with you, especially cash. It might be safer to pay him when you get back—for both your sakes.”
“Sounds like a plan. Thanks.”
Silke reset the audio book to the beginning of the chapter. The thought of Kirin’s brief trip to the mainland left a twinge of sadness. Normally, she relished the solitude and the lack of social demands. But Kirin had turned out to be a comfortable companion.
She picked up her iPod and pushed play then closed her eyes. The au
thor began, “Chapter two.”
Chapter Seven
“THERE’S A LIFE jacket under the bench. You may wanna put it on.” Kenrick steered the long, narrow boat away from the dock.
His hands and sandaled feet were weathered. As he prepared the boat to launch, she watched with fascination the care with which he looped each line and wiped down the seats and rails.
He stood with feet planted and both hands gripping the wheel. Kirin guessed he was in his early twenties. He wasn’t much taller than she was, but had broad shoulders and a stocky build. A charming sweet smile and a tanned boyish face lent out his innocence to her.
As they rocked over a few incoming waves, the twin engines sputtered. The waves crashing against the barrier reef revealed that it wasn’t that far away. The reef provided protection for Ambergris Caye, the mainland, and the other smaller cayes. Kirin tugged her Packers cap down on her head as Kenrick nosed the boat in a southerly direction and pushed the throttle. Within seconds, the hull lifted as the boat planed.
The wind and salt spray felt good on her hot skin as it stung her cheeks. She held onto the side rail and watched the brightly colored buildings along the shore as they sped past. The iridescent shades of blue water around them glistened and contrasted with the frothy white wake. How had she missed this startling beauty when they had arrived? Had she been comatose?
Occasionally, he pointed out some landmark and shouted the name. But the wind and the noise made conversation impossible. All she could do was lean back and let the sun, the wind, and the spray envelop her. As difficult as it was to admit—and she would never tell Esther—her assignment relocation was becoming more delightful. Of course, considering it began in a hurricane, it really had nowhere to go but up.
She smiled. If this piece about the hurricane aftermath was as good as she hoped it would be, she might be able to do more freelancing and fewer travel reviews. She had a break, thanks to a kind stranger. If only she had
more time to work on that mystery. Silke was an easy companion, thought
ful, gentle, and soft-spoken. She also had a quick, dry wit. Still, she sensed something deeper. What was beneath her calm exterior?
Kenrick was motioning at the shoreline. As he cut the engines back to a slower speed, Kirin moved closer to hear him. The hull of the boat dropped back into the water.
“That is Belize City,” he yelled over the wind and pointed. “We will stop there on the way back if you want. They had flooding but not too much damage. The south got the most. Because there is no electricity and the houses are not so strong, the small villages get no weather alerts.”
Kirin cupped her hands around her mouth. “Have you been in many bad storms?”
He shook his head. “Not bad ones. Only a few hurricanes come this way. Most go the other direction. We have many inches of rain and often strong wind. I go closer to shore so you get pictures.” He swung the wheel to the port side and pushed the throttle.
For the next hour, Kirin made notes and took pictures of the landmarks
Kenrick pointed out—smashed piers, overturned fishing boats, and a top
pled lighthouse. The heat and humidity would have been much worse if they had not been moving.
By late afternoon, Kenrick steered the boat to a public dock in Danriga. There was only one small place serving decent food. They landed amongst the locals.
She stood at the sink in the ladies room and tried to wash off some of
the salt spray. Even with the sunscreen, her skin was glowing pink, prob
ably from the wind. Kenrick had assured her that Placencia was only a few miles further. “We will stay at my cousin’s Land’s End Resort at the north end.”
When she returned to the table, he was still talking on the phone. It felt good to sit on something that wasn’t moving for a while. She added a couple of notes in her journal. Fatigue washed over her even as her mind raced with story ideas. It was probably a good idea to stop soon so she
could write down more details. Kenrick gave her a nice story about a fish
erman who rescued his elderly neighbor’s dog.
Kenrick returned to the table. “My cousin is very pleased that we can visit. I have not seen him since last year. Three years ago when his father died, he took over the small resort. It is not very fancy, but I think you will be comfortable. Would you like something else to drink?”
She finished her water. “I don’t think so. I suppose we should get go
ing. I’d like to get more photos before dark.”
SILKE HUNG HER wet green bathing suit on the porch railing. The sun had dipped behind the resort, and she had promised to have dinner with Diane and Mark.
She pulled her damp hair up and clipped it. The satiny fabric of her
sarong brushed against her with the evening breeze. She chuckled.
Without societal constraints, she could easily be a nudist. Whenever pos
sible she chose light, loose clothing to avoid any kind of restriction. After the choking incident with Rachel, this became the neurotic, almost-unthinking response.
“Hi, sugar. You about ready to go?” Mark’s voice startled her.
“Hey, Mark. You didn’t have to come all the way over here. I told Diane I can find my way to your house—as I do every year.” She locked the door, unfolded her cane, and took his hand as she went down the steps.
“Are you kidding? This is the perfect way to get out of kitchen duty. I spend enough time in kitchens without having to do it at home.” He pulled her sideways. “Watch that rock. Besides, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since you arrived. Diane told me you had a pretty rough flight, so I’m glad there was someone to help you.” He laughed. “We got an earful from some of our guests. They were downright cranky about that—especially the ones that couldn’t make it out here. Believe me, it was no better for the people whose departures were canceled. Fortunately, we had the space to accommodate everyone. But if that ever happens again, call me. I’ll send someone to town get you.” He stopped and picked up two stray palm fronds and stuck them in a trash barrel. He returned to her side, brushed his hands together, and offered his arm.
Silke slid her hand around his elbow. “It wasn’t too bad. One of the airline personnel recommended a youth hostel near the airport. The price was right and easily accessed. Kirin said it looked more like a hospital than a hotel. And it was just as quiet.”
“What’s the story with Kirin?” He pointed toward the new house. “Di
ane said she’s some kind of a writer and wants to do a side story about the resort. Is that for real?”
They walked around the main building and office to Mark and Diane’s private residence—a beautiful two-story rustic bungalow-style home. Mark designed it like a bunker with all the features they both wanted from their original home in Wisconsin. They incorporated solar energy along with a state-of-the-art water recycling system.
He pushed open a decorative wooden gate for her.
“Honestly, I don’t know that much about her . . . thanks.” Silke stepped forward. “Circumstance threw us together, and we’ve been navigating through the nuances. When we first met at the airport, I never would’ve dreamed we’d end up sharing a room. Even though we haven’t talked that much, she’s intense, a type A—always on the edge.”
“Watch your step, I just set this flag stone walk and there are still some uneven spots.” He held her elbow.
Her mind stayed on Kirin as she walked through the gateway. “The nic
est thing happened after we arrived here. She sort of deflated. I think it’s because of the magical air of Ambergris Caye. Well, that and the fact she got excited about a new assignment.”
They climbed a series of steps, and Mark opened the front door. “Dee, we’re back.”
Silke stopped and exhaled. “That’s an impressive climb. I certain
ly
worked up an appetite.” She brushed her hair around her ear and smiled.
Mark laughed. “I wasn’t taking any chances with storm surges or flooding. There’s a long gradual ramp to the back deck for deliveries or moving, and the ramp ends close to the resort kitchen. Any emergency, we’re ready to go.”
The kitchen was large and awash with warm tones—reds, golds, and orange accents. The floors and walls were bamboo. Diane was listening to classical music. Debussy or Ravel? An exhaust fan buzzed near the stove.
“Whatever you’re cooking smells divine,” Silke said.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” Diane embraced her and pulled out a stool at the kitchen counter. “Sit here,” she patted the seat, “and talk to me while I finish up. Wine?”
“Sure, whatever you’re having.”
“I’m due to check on the grill.” Mark patted her back, and she heard the sound of the refrigerator opening and bottles clinking. “Don’t talk about me while I’m gone.”
Silke and Diane laughed.
“You have nothing to worry about, my dear.” Diane pushed him out the door and closed it behind him. “Some days I think he’ll never grow up.”
Seeing Mark and Diane together always made Silke a little jealous. “You guys are so perfect together the way you complement each other. It always gives me hope.”
Diane rinsed her hands and sat down at the end of the counter. “Don’t forget, we had some really hard times when we started this business. I wasn’t sure we’d make it. But we both wanted it so badly there was no turning back.” She sipped her wine. “Did I tell you that my precious daughter and her husband agreed to lease the house?”
“How are they doing? I haven’t heard from Stacey in ages.” Silke over
shot as she tried to reach her glass.
Diane slid it in her sightline. “They’re great, still trying to get pregnant. I have encouraged them to be patient and just work on building a relationship.” She paused. “I know she’s been remiss about keeping in touch with you, and I’m sorry. It’s just . . . she’s a little uncomfortable. You know she adores you, but the accident with Rachel has upset her.”
A tiny knife-like pain pierced Silke’s heart. She was Stacey’s godmoth
er. “I’m so sorry. I guess I never thought about that. I just assumed Stacey would always feel free to talk to me about anything. Do you think I should call her?”
“She loves you but is confused and worried about you. So am I. What are you going to do?” Diane took a long swallow of wine and viewed Silke with a furrowed brow.
Silke knew the look. A familiar queasy feeling rose up inside her, then a flash. She felt rage tightening around her neck. Running away to Belize seemed a logical a solution, but eventually she’d have to go back and deal with it. Maybe for the first few days at home Rachel would be solicitous, but eventually the bickering would resume. Last year, the fighting had escalated slowly until the incident eight months ago. She didn’t fully trust their current shaky peace treaty.
“I don’t know. There’s no turning back time. And if I’m honest with myself I will never trust Rachel again—I can’t.”
“I understand. Let me ask another question. What would you
like
to do?”
The air she held in her lungs escaped. “I’d just like to be free and do my art. I . . . I thought by now that Rachel would tire of the status quo and tell me to leave. If she did, I’d go in a New York minute.”
“Where would you go?”
“I’d move into my studio. There’s plenty of room and it wouldn’t take much to fix it up.” Silke felt a pleasant sensation of peace when she thought about her hideaway.
“Can you afford it?” Diane used a small towel to wipe the already clean counter.
“Sure, the rent is less than my half of the mortgage on the house. Be
tween my salary from the university and a few sales of my sculptures, I think I’d be okay. I could take in private students if I had to.”
Diane went to stir the sauce on the stove. “Sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought, which begs the question . . . Why don’t you just do it?”
Dread always showed up like an icy cold fist in Silke’s chest. When confronted with the obvious, she always defaulted to the passive. She
gulped the last of her wine. “I’m afraid. Not that I can’t take care of my
self. I’m afraid of Rachel’s reaction.”
