Game, Set And Match

It was the fastest she had ever changed in her entire life. She felt better by the time she was finished, not so panicky and more in control of herself. Thank God she wore one of her cute baby doll dresses to work today. It would show of her curves to their best advantage and have Phillip in a tizzy. To think that she was going out with a man like Phillip Jameson. He was far too attractive and dangerous to her equilibrium. Being around him was like flirting with danger and each time she got a taste of him she wanted more. When she stepped out, the look of approval on his face put her at ease instantly. It gave her this generous warm feeling in the pit of her stomach that was all because of his nearness.

She smiled in response and the corner of his lip curved up. “I see you are finally ready, let’s get going lovely Lo.”

He escorted her to his black well tinted Land Rover. Inside the vehicle was like an ice box she instinctively shivered.

“Oh, sorry about that, I’ll turn the ac down.”

“No worries,” she muttered. Maybe this was a sign that she shouldn’t go with him. She wondered if by agreeing to this drive, she was getting in over her head. Eventually they reached a beach side bar and grill. Phillip expertly parked the car in a narrow spot then bounded around to her side to let her out of his vehicle. He opened the door and helped her out, not once letting go of her hand as he escorted her into the building. The waitress showed them to a table where they got a spectacular view of the glistening waters.

“This local spot is called Glistening Waters because the bugs that live in the waters, glow at night. Isn’t it a beautiful sight?”

“It sure is, there is just something incredibly breathtaking about seeing nature in all its glory.”

Lo sat back in a well cushioned comfortable seat. She was starting to salivate, the aroma of fried sea food the grill was notorious for was making her stomach grumble. Phillip chuckled when he heard it and she looked at him sheepishly and studied the menu in a bid to hide her embarrassment. When the waitress returned, Phillip gave her their orders and she set off to get them some alcoholic drinks to sip on in the meantime while they waited on the food. When she merely commented how she loved the ambiance of the place. Phillip stated matter of factly as if it was nothing.

“My father built this entire place from scratch. It was his obsession, his pride and joy until the day he died.”

“I get the feeling you guys weren’t close.”

“I was most shocked that he willed it to me his only son. No, we weren’t close, I rarely ever saw him and he was always verbally abusive to my mother, so that was fine by me.”

“Sorry to hear that, how is your mother doing?”

“She’s doing great, she’s a writer for a tour guide company, so she gets to travel the world and stay at luxurious spots for free. Mom is spoiled rotten by the hoteliers because they want her to give them a good review, she loves it and I’m happy for her.”

“Sounds like something I would want to do if I still modeled and hadn’t discovered my passion for tennis.”

“That’s such a contrast to go from modeling to tennis, remarkable even.”

“Well when your best friend dies from a drug overdose and you end up in a coma, it kind of changes the way you view life.”

“Your best friend died? I don’t recall reading that.” He frowned.

“My parents paid good money to hush it up at the hospital. My friend was a literal nobody who stuck with me even when I made it rich from modeling and had a new set of friends that lived the hype lifestyle. We both had no idea what we were getting ourselves into we just both wanted to fit in so badly and become a part of the in crowd. Doing drugs was one of those ways, and because our bodies were weak from starving ourselves to look model thin. Our bodies just couldn’t handle it. To this day, even with all the counseling I’ve got, I still blame myself for her death.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why, you didn’t even know her?”

“I can’t relate to losing your best friend at such an early age but I’m glad that you’re still a fighter, a brave and resilient woman.” She was entranced by his declaration an his smokey gray eyes swung to her face radiating comfort, how she wished she had someone like him to hold her when she was coming to terms with her best friend’s death.

“I wanted to die when I recovered and she didn’t, for a long time.”

“What changed your mind and made you want to live again?”

“When I was at the clinic I befriended a boy name David, he was terminally ill and dying from bone cancer. He only had a few months to live but he loved sports especially tennis and would beg me to play with him or watch it on television with him. We would argue constantly and choose rival players just to bet on who would win the match. He helped me come to term with my best friend Lucy’s death and ultimately prepared me for his passing which would affect me twice as much. After he passed, I decisively left the clinic went to a nearby university where I played tennis and studied hard and graduated with honors. I had to do right by Lucy and David who both never got the chance to follow their dreams because their lives were cut short so drastically at an early age.”

“That’s deep Lo, you did the right thing living your life to the fullest, don’t ever regret it.” Phillip took both her hands into his and she stared down at those long dark fingers. She could feel his strength and support as he held her.

“I’m sorry that you didn’t get the support you needed from your father. Even though my parents and I didn’t get along I knew I had their love and that they always wanted the best for me.”

“My mother fathered me and that was all the support system I needed, I hope I didn’t turn out too bad.”

“No, she raised a hell of a strapping virile man.”

He winked and gave a sarcastic snort in answer. “I’m glad you see me that way.”

“Oh no you don’t mister, I recognize that look Phillip Jameson.”

“What look?”

“That playful, lusty look designed to get me in your bed.”

“Ha-ha, I was thinking no such thing, look where your mind went, I can happily turn your day dream into a reality though.”

“I’m sure you aim to please.”

“Most certainly, you’re beautiful Lorraine any man would be lucky to end up in bed with you.”

“I’m more than just a pretty face.”

“I recognize that and I respect it Lo.”