Page 31 of Winner Takes All

“I agree,” I say. “Why did we ever move kitchens indoors?”

“I tend to cook outside all summer,” he says. “I’m referring more to cooking with you outside, though. I love every moment of this, love learning with you, and finding our rhythm together.”

My heart thumps a bit harder. “We still have a lot to learn.”

“I’m looking forward to every moment of it.”

As the chicken cooks, the music picks up, the now familiar beat of reggae soothing to my soul. Mama Lorna’s family and neighbors must smell the goodness because they’re starting to gather around. With everything prepped and waiting for the chicken to finish, we have a moment of standing by the fire without anything to do.

“Dance with me,” Victor says.

I laugh as he pulls me into his arms. The sand beneath my feet is cool, the music infectious, and I feel lighter than ever. We gracefully move together surrounded by love and laughter.

Before our dance is over, Kofi arrives with his now familiar grin firmly in place. “Look at yuh two, dancing like nobody’s watching,” he calls out.

“I can’t stop dancing when I have such a lovely partner,” Victor tells his friend.

This is just the beginning of our night as more people show. Our time is filled with stories, jokes, and more dancing. It takes a while, but we finally sit down to eat the delicious meal I had the privilege of helping prepare. We have jerk chicken, rice and peas, salads, and fried plantains. The flavors explode in my mouth, a perfect balance of heat, spice, and sweetness. I moan in appreciation.

“I know this is all you, Mama Lorna, and it’s the most delicious meal I’ve ever eaten.”

Mama Lorna smiles, pleased everyone is so happy. “Good food brings us all together, child.”

I realize as our night continues that this might not only be an adventure we’re taking together. This might be the beginning of a beautiful relationship that will last far beyond our time here. I’m starting to hope that’s exactly the case.

Chapter Sixteen

Nikki

We step from our cabin with the sky still dark, only a sliver of dawn teasing the horizon. I smile as the crisp morning air filled with the scent of salt teases my nostrils. I’m buzzing with excitement as we make our way to the docks where small boats are waiting for us.

The seasoned fishermen with leathered skin and easy smiles greet us as we approach. There are a dozen boats and twice that many fishermen at the docks.

“Are you ready to fish?” one asks with a thick Bahamian accent.

“More than ready,” I tell him. This earns me a smile.

They show us our boat, then tell us to follow them. Victor and I clamber inside, and my smile’s permanently fixed on my face as the engine starts and we push away from the dock. This is going to be a great day.

We head out to sea on the calm waters, the engine’s low hum breaking the early morning silence. I feel a rush of freedom with the wind in my hair and the ocean spray kissing my skin. Victor sits across from me, his eyes lit up with boyish excitement. How will we ever leave this place?

I lean back and joyfully laugh, feeling utterly free. How in the world did I live in Seattle for so long? I hate crowds.This freedom of being out on the open water with happy locals searching for food is my idea of heaven.

“You’re happy,” Victor says, his grin matching mine.

“This is perfect, Victor. Thank you so much for bringing me.”

“I agree with you. We tend to work so much we forget to stop and enjoy the spoils of our labors. Besides cooking, what makes me happy is hunting for my own food, foraging in the woods, and being in the beautiful open air. I was in some terrible climates in my time in the military, but I always looked for beauty in whatever land we were sent to. No matter what, though, I’m always called back to the ocean and forests.”

“I agree. When I was living in the city I felt a heaviness I couldn’t get past. I was happy being with Sia, and we had some truly joyous moments, but there was always a weight on our shoulders. Coming back home has helped. Being here, I feel free as well. There’s nothing like being out in the open.”

He smiles. We really do have far more in common than I’ve realized. It’s crazy. It makes me realize how foolish I was to fight this. I can’t predict what the future holds, but I can dictate what’s in my present.

I don’t want to let go of all of the challenges though. Challenge is one delicious spice in life. I give Victor a sly smile. “Want to make today even more fun?”

“You know I do,” he says.

“Whoever catches the biggest fish is Queen or King of the Sea,” I tell him, confident I’ll beat him in this. I’ve been fishing since I was a young kid, and I’ve always had Poseidon on my side. I think it’s because he knows a mermaid spirit when he sees it.

---