Are you okay? Logan stood beside Eve, who was looking out the window from her airplane seat. Your hands are clutching the arms of that chair as if it were going to take off without you.
She released her grip. Im fine. It just seems strange leaving home and going so far away. Ive never been out of the country.
Really? He sat down beside her. I didnt know that. But then, there are a lot of things I dont know about you. Its a long flight. Maybe we could talk?
You want me to confide all my girlhood dreams, Logan?
Why not?
Because I dont remember having any girlhood dreams. Ive always thought they were sappy fairy tales made up by Madison Avenue.
Adult dreams?
No way.
God, youre a difficult woman. His gaze went to the metal case on the floor beside her. Is that what I think it is?
Mandy.
Its a good thing we have a private charter. You would have scared airport security if that had passed through X ray. His gaze was still on the case. Im afraid Id forgotten about her. But, of course, you wouldnt have forgotten.
No, I dont forget.
Thats both promising and terrifying. I hope youre not planning on working on her during the flight?
She shook her head. It wouldnt be safe. Turbulence.
What a relief. I could see bones flying about like shrapnel. Im glad youre waiting until you get to the island. Okay, since youre not working and you wont tell me your innermost secrets, maybe we could play cards?
He was smiling at her and trying to make her feel at ease. A little of her loneliness and tension ebbed away, and she felt warmth ripple through her. He was right. The flight was going to be long. The time theyd spend together before she would have to come back to the real world was going to be even longer. So make it as easy for him as he was trying to make it for her. Maybe we could.
A first break in the armor, he murmured. If Im lucky, youll even smile at me by the time we reach Tahiti.
Only if youre really lucky, Logan.
She smiled at him.
EPILOGUE
'This beach isnt like the one near Pensacola Bonnie said. Its nice but I think I like the water better there. This surf is too smooth.
Eve turned her head to see Bonnie building a sand castle a few yards away. Its been a long time. I thought maybe I wasnt going to dream about you again.
I decided to stay away awhile and give you a chance to let me fade away. Bonnie put a finger into the side of her castle and began to make a window. It was the least I could do when Joe was making such an effort.
Joe?
And Logan too. They both want the best for you. She made another window. Youve been having a good time here, havent you? Youre much more relaxed than when you came.
Eve looked out at the light shimmering on the blue ocean. I like the sun.
And Logan has been real nice to you.
Yes, he has. What an understatement. During these months she had tried to keep Logan at a distance, but he wouldnt have it. He had drawn closer and closer both mentally and physically until he had become firmly entrenched in her life. The development filled her with a mixture of comfort and uneasiness.
Youre worried about him. You dont have to be. Everything shifts and changes with time. Sometimes things start out one way and become something else down the road.
Dont be ridiculous. Im not worried about him. Logan can take care of himself.
Then, why are you so restless?
I guess I feel as if Im marking time. She made a face. And I have to go back next month and give my testimony against Lisa Chadbourne in court. Im dreading that. Detwil has made a deal to testify against her, but shes still fighting.
I dont think youll have to testify.
Of course I will
Bonnie shook her head I think shes already de-cided its time to give up. Shes done all she could for Ben. She wont want it all to come out in court.
Shes going to confess?
Bonnie shook her head But it will be over.
Ill know the moment to quit and step asidehellip; just like Ben did, Lisa had said.
Dont think about it, Bonnie said It makes you sad.
