Page 27 of St. Lucia Escapades
“Thanks. Since we’re going hiking again, I figured I might as well dress comfy.” She grinned.
Last night Moira had pulled out Roxi’s list and there were only two things left to do. One was a hike and the other was snorkeling. They would be doing that tomorrow and he was looking forward to it. Anything to see her in that bikini of hers he was completely on board with. The hike they were doing today wasn’t a very long one, nor near as strenuous as the other three they had been on.
“Have you been on this hike before? Roxi said it may be short, but it’s a beautiful one.”
“Yeah it is. Of course, it’s been a while since it’s been several years since I’ve been here, but I do remember it. You’ll like it.”
Moira moved to him after she slipped on her day pack. Cord pulled her closer and kissed her sweetly. With their arms around each other, they exited Moira’s condo and headed for the bus that would take them to the far side of the island for their hike. As they rode along, Cord told her what Collen had told him about the reopening of the bar. According to Collen, the reopening had been a huge success. Collen had even managed to score a band that was growing in popularity around NYU and Columbia.
“Sounds like your brother knows his stuff.” Moira said.
“Yeah, Collie knows just as much about our business as I do, sometimes more. I’ve often asked him why he wants to stay in the background, but he just laughs and says he’s the wizard behind the curtain.” Cord chuckled.
It was an hour later, when the bus stopped at their destination, Cord helped Moira off the bus. They joined a group of tourists who also were going on the hike. Unlike the other tourists, Cord and Moira would not be making use of the guides. Cord had commented on the ride to their first hike at Pigeon National Park, that since they both were experienced hikers, what was the point of using a guide and Moira had agreed.
“You looking forward to going home?” he asked as they started down the trail.
“Yes and no.” She answered. “I mean, like most people who go on vacation, you always look forward to going home at the end of it. I’m not because it means I won’t be seeing you every day.”
Cord heard the sadness that laced her voice. “I know what you mean. I’ve gotten spoiled by seeing you every day and used to having you in my arms at night.”
“What are we going to do Cord? You’re in Manhattan and I’m in DC…”
“Baby, we’ll figure it all out. I promise. After you talk to your folks and I talk to mine, we’ll come up with something.”
Moira
It was mid afternoon when she and Cord returned to the village. They climbed off the bus and made a beeline for the restaurant where they both had spotted each other the first day on the island. It was still the lunch rush, but she and Cord were able to find an empty table. After placing their orders, Cord reached out and took hold of her hand. Moira couldn’t stop the smile and squeezed his hand.
“How’s the new story coming along?” he inquired.
“I’m about half-way through it. If things keep on this track, I think I can have it finished and off to my editor by August. I texted my editor last week and told her about it and she’s excited to read it.” She replied.
“I can’t wait to read it myself. From what little you’ve told me about it, it sounds good. Of course, my mom will rush out and buy it the day it hits bookstores. After she read your first book, she always picks up any book you release the day it comes out. My dad always grumbles about mom having too many books, but he doesn’t mean it. In fact, for their anniversary this year he’s having a custom build bookcase made for her. Me and Collen know about it because it’s going to be delivered and installed while mom will be visiting us in New York.”
“That’s sweet. When is your ma coming out?”
“Their anniversary is June eighteenth. Mom is staying the week before.”
Their food was delivered pausing their conversation. “And she doesn’t suspect anything?”
Cord shook his head as he chewed his first bite. “Nope. Mom is an English teacher and dad is an architect. That’s how grandpa made the family fortune, designing and building. We have six locations around North Carolina. Dad told mom he had a big project that week and couldn’t get away.”
Moira giggled, “Well, he does just for your ma. Did he design the bookcase?”
“Yep. It’s a huge one too. It will take up the entire wall of mom’s office. Me and Collen will be going back with mom after her week visit so we can be there for the unveiling. I asked dad how he’s going to keep mom out of her office and he said he would call her two days before we go home and tell her that he’s going to be redoing the carpet in there for her.”
“Another half-truth?” she teased.
“Nope, he will replace the carpet then install the bookcase. Mom had been after him for new carpet in both their offices so he’s taking the chance to do that and the bookcase while she’s visiting.”
Moira found herself really wanting to meet his parents. From the way Cord talked about them, she suspected they would be much like her own parents. Smart, successful, yet kind and caring people. A hint of nerves settled over her as she imagined Cord meeting her own parents. She liked to think her parents would like Cord, but when it came to introducing her boyfriend to her parents one could never be too sure how that would go. When she had introduced Phillip, her parents weren’t too thrilled to meet him. Looking back, they saw what she hadn’t. Phillip wasn’t the right man for her.
“You alright? You seem a million miles away Moira.”
Moira sighed, “Just wondering how things will go when and if we introduce each other to our parents.”
Cord squeezed her hand, “Moira, my folks and Collen will love you. What’s not to love? You’re smart, funny, talented, and sweet to everyone around you. Not to mention, my mom is a huge fan so that alone will guarantee she will like you.” Cord then frowned a little, “You’re more worried about me meeting your parents, aren’t you?”
