Prize of a Lifetime

“Have any plans for this evening?” Mitchell asked as they drew closer to the resort.

“Hmmm, no, not really. I need to make some calls, that’s about it.”

“How ’bout we take a boat ride? The mountainsides are pretty spectacular from the water.”

“Sure. I’d love to.”

“They serve dinner on deck, music…”

“Can’t wait.”

He swallowed over the sudden tightness in his throat. “Neither can I.” He walked her to her door. “Bring something for your shoulders. It can get a bit breezy on the water.”

She wanted to tell him that she’d prefer his arms, but instead she said, “Good idea. Thanks.”

“So I’ll knock on your door about seven. We’ll catch a ride from the drivers up front. The boat takes off at eight-thirty.”

She nodded. “I’ll be ready.” She stuck her key in the door and opened it before turning back to look up into his eyes. “Thanks for a great day,” she said breathlessly.

He reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her right ear. “See you later.” He went into his room.

The instant she was behind closed doors she spun around in a circle of delight before flopping down faceup on the bed. She couldn’t stop smiling. Her insides were beaming. She rolled over, reached for her purse and took out her cell phone. A call to her family was long overdue and the last thing she wanted was to get a call from home at the wrong time. She dialed the restaurant, knowing that’s where she would find her mother. With any luck, her father and sister would be there too, and she could fulfill her obligations in one fell swoop.

The phone rang several times while Sasha replayed her day with Mitchell.

It took her mother shouting, “Hello,” into the phone to snap Sasha from her daydream. She sprang up on the bed. “Hey, Mom. How are you?”

“It’s about time you called. I was getting worried.”

“Everything is fine. The hotel is great, the weather is perfect and I’m finding my way around the island.”

Her mother huffed. “Still don’t see why you had to go so far.”

“Ma…please…” She paused a moment, refusing to let her mother’s negativity wear away her joy. “How’re Dad and Tristan?”