Disclaimer: Everything recognizable belongs to Janet Evanovich. I am only borrowing them. Thank you for allowing us to use your amazing characters for fun!
-chapter—14
RPOV
I don't know what to do. For the first time in my adult life, I can't seem to get it under control. I deserved all the anger from Steph about the tracking device I had implanted. I knew I was taking a risk. It only broadcasts when I turn it on, and I can do that remotely with my app. I told myself that I would only use it when she was in danger, but that was a lie. I've used it so much that its 5 year battery life is probably going to be done in half that. I showed up at that night club in Newark after I saw that she was at a male review. I was pretty shocked that she had managed to land in the middle of a fire and ended up with another vehicle totaled. Thankfully, she called her dad. Her leaving with the stripper would have made me lose it. I'd love to hear the story behind her night with Edna, though. I bet it would be pretty funny. When I told her about the tracking device the other night, I knew she'd be beyond pissed. Judging by the conversation we had the next day on the beach, I'm pretty sure I've even ruined our chance at a friendship.
She wants to get through the rest of wedding weekend without any drama and I'll work hard to achieve that, as well. Only Tank, Lester, Olivia, and Dr Josh know about the implanted chip, and I believe she wants to keep it like that. Thank God. It's not one of my finer moments.
The ceremony was short and sweet. Steph looked beautiful, but she wouldn't look at me at all. I was able to touch her as we walked up the aisle after it was over. She was definitely not relaxed as she took my arm. I really fucked this up. I keep thinking about what Bobby said. If we didn't have a relationship, then there's nothing to fuck up. I guess after all is said and done, we did have a relationship. We were friends. We were lovers. We had a working relationship. All of which are relationships and all of which are done. Fuck!
I'm trying to get through this wedding by focusing my attention on security. I give Marcus my card and offer several ways he can upgrade his department to provide better, more current, services to the Resort. We'll see if he takes my advice. When Julie runs and jumps into my arms, I'm comforted. We really have been working on a better relationship.
As soon as Julie spots Stephanie, she's on her way over to her, like she's drawn to her. I guess she takes after me with that. Because of the Scrog incident, those two have a strong bond that still amazes me. This is the first time she's seen her in more than 2 years, but apparently, they've kept up to date with each other with emails and texts. They definitely share some of the same interests.
Julie and Steph are laughing hard as they exit the restroom, and I am amazed at how close they are. Julie drags me to the bar and tries to get herself a glass of champagne. "No, not a chance. She'll have a Shirley Temple. A non-alcoholic Shirley Temple," I enunciate to the bar tender and place $100 bill in the tip jar. That should take care of that. I give her the drink, much to her disappointment, when I see my parents cornering Steph.
I want to rescue her, so I don't hesitate to walk over. They're introducing her to all of my siblings and I pull her away. I apologize for the inquisition, and she shrugs it off and quickly makes an excuse to leave. Fuck. I hate this. I try to avoid my family, not wanting to listen to more talk of Stephanie. The dinner is awful. I'm stuck sitting next to one of Olivia's single friends, who's making it very clear that she's available after the reception. I hate weddings. Can this day get any fucking worse?
Steph's speech is really good. She likes Olivia and her judge of character is spot on. The first dance is a disaster. I was hoping for a replay of the dance we shared at the welcome reception. Not the case. Steph couldn't make it any clearer that she's just trying to get it over with. Rejection pretty much sucks. Is that what Steph felt like? I don't know what to do to fix this. I'm surprised to hear her ask me if Julie can stay in her room tonight. I really wanted to see Steph tonight, to basically throw myself at her mercy. I don't know what else to do. Life without her feels like the darkness has overtaken me, but I cannot say no to Julie or Steph, so I reluctantly agree. I guess I am in for another sleepless night. Fantastic.
Julie seems to keep coming back to Steph. They eat a lot of cake tonight. I smile and shake my head at the thought. The two most important people in my life, bonding over cake. Figures. Finally, the end of the reception is near, and I meet up with my parents, Julie, and Steph. Julie is nearly bouncing with joy. I insist on making sure that the girls get safely back to Steph's cabana. The conversation is carried by Julie's enthusiasm and judging by the mountain of sweets, the girls plan on lots more conversation back at the room.
When Steph pulls her card out of her dress, I'm amused. I'd like to investigate where this secret hiding place is; however, that is definitely not going to happen. She never disappoints. I tell her that I will get Julie in the morning at 10 am. I know my Babe likes to sleep in, but I also know we have to have brunch and then we leave the resort at 1 to get to the airport. I'm dropping Julie off on the way. We're planning on taking some of my family back on the plane so we will be at full capacity. Should be fun, I think sarcastically. I head back to my room to change out of my tux, mentally prepping myself for the sleepless night ahead.
Julies POV
What is going on? Why are my dad and Steph avoiding each other? They haven't said more than a few words to each other and neither have smiled unless I am talking to them. Well, this is interesting. They're dancing and it looks like they really don't want to be here. I've never seen them together before, but I hear the guys talk. They say that they can't keep their hands to themselves, and they really love each other. I know that he is overbearing and ever since Scrog, the asshole, Dad has been very smothering. I know he does it out of love, but it is still smothering. If he does that to Stephanie, then I know how she feels. Well, maybe there is something I can do? Maybe they need a shove in the right direction. I want to talk about my dad to Steph but she shuts me down as soon as she can. At least I got her to admit she likes him. I can't say love; ewww that's gross.
SPOV
After Julie left I jump in the shower and pack in-between my hair and makeup. I have a meeting with Marcus Perez and Frank Masterson at11:00 so I have to rush. I gathered my stuff and brought it to the Security office with 10 minutes to spare. The meeting only lasted 30 minutes and I am now the newest undercover employee of Hibiscus Beach Resort and Spa. My job duties will be in the Wedding and Concierge department but I will also report to Marcus Perez, head of security. As a covert security specialist, I will run frequent background checks on current employees and generally keep my ears and eyes open for any threats to our guests. I will monitor the high profile weddings and coordinate extra security as necessary. I will have lots of freedom to adjust the current protocols and update them as I see fit. I am really happy and very proud that I did this all on my own. My life is finally headed in the right direction. Wanting to avoid any confrontations with Ranger, I decide to text Tank to let him know I will not be headed back to Trenton, at least for the foreseeable future.
Steph: I am going to stay here in the Keys for awhile. Thanks for everything. I am texting everyone that needs to know.
I texted Les.
Steph: The wedding was amazing and I am so glad you found your soul mate. Have fun on your honeymoon but don't get arrested! I will see you when you get back.
I thought about texting Ranger but I didn't want him to find me and try to talk me out of staying or worse, encouraging me to stay away from him. "It is better this way." I mutter out loud as I make my way to HR.
RPOV
For the hundredth time, my Babe is gone, and I cannot track her. My anxious feeling has been steadily increasing since I picked Julie up at her Cabana the next morning, and expecting to get her alone at brunch, I didn't confront her. Well, that and Julie doesn't need to know any details. She grilled me all the way back to my parents room. I went to the brunch and was looking around for Steph, but I didn't see her. I left the brunch and headed to her Cabana, only to find the door open and the housekeeping crew cleaning her now vacated room. I went back to my room, grabbed my stuff, and headed to the front. I was early for the pickup, but I was hoping she would be waiting in the lobby for our transport the airport. What I found was my family waiting and trying to draw me into a conversation. I texted Tank.
Ranger: Have u seen Steph?
Tank: Texted, staying in Florida not on jet made it sound like u knew
Ranger: No
Tank: r u coming back?
Ranger: will get back to you
Tank: maybe u should give her some time
FUUUCK! I squeeze my eyes shut. I'm losing control. I call Silvio. He picks up on the second ring. "Hey Boss."
"Trace Steph's cell and credit cards. I need to know where she is," I say as I feel like the world is slipping away.
"I will send the results to your phone," he says and I immediately disconnect. My attention is interrupted when the Bride and Groom walk into the Lobby. Les makes his way over to me while Olivia stops to talk to his parents that have joined in the now full waiting area. "We're headed out. I'll be offline for three weeks." Les looks at me smiling before adding. "Thanks for everything."
I nodded once in acknowledgment "I'll see you when you get back."
"I'll stop in Trenton first to finalize my move to Miami. Are you sure you're ok, primo?" Les asks me. He's known me my whole life. He can see that I am close to losing control.
"I'm fine. It's for the best." I lie. I need to head to Miami. If Steph doesn't return to Trenton, then I'm not either.
