Page 21 of Punk Rock Reflection
“That’s why I wanted this trip. Isn’t it marvelous not to be hounded by press and fans and go places without an entourage?”
Jessi thought back to when they first arrived in Bora Bora. On their second day here, Tessa had asked, “Where are all the people?”
“What do you mean, baby?” Jessi had motioned to their surroundings. “People are everywhere.”
“No. The people with the black jackets who follow us all the time.”
At five years old, Tessa had recognized that they couldn’t go out without security, and Jessi had to explain to her daughter about fame and safety. It made her realize why this trip was important, and she began to understand Tommy’s reasoning for wanting a change. That didn’t mean she agreed with his decision to take a break from the band. She’d never understand it and would never agree with it. She was still heartbroken by it, but she began to see his reasoning. “Thank you for suggesting we take this trip. I think we all needed it.”
He leaned over from his lounge chair to kiss her, leaving the safety of his shaded canopy. “Damn.” He squinted and shielded his eyes. “How do you stay in the sun like that? I’d be a French fry.”
Jessi chuckled. Tommy spent minimal time in direct sunlight due to his fair complexion, light eyes and hair. Even so, he did manage to develop a warm glow, and his hair was beginning to turn a lighter shade of blond.
Her gaze drifted to the shore where Angel was playing with Tessa and Lucas. They were building an enormous sandcastle, and she wondered if the kids needed more sunscreen.
“Let’s give them a hand,” Tommy suggested, rising to his feet.
The sight of him still made Jessi’s heart beat faster. In just a pair of swim trunks, his masculine attributes were fully on display. The curve of his biceps, the arc of his chest, and his round shoulders showcased his strength. His muscular quads, which were almost always hidden under a pair of jeans, bulged with power. Even his calves were defined to perfection. She looked up at his face, and he smiled at her. The sunlight twinkled off his eyes, which mimicked the color of the sky, and the warm breeze blew his long hair off his shoulders. He’d been lax in his daily shaving ritual since they’d been on vacation, and his jaw sported long blond stubble. This man, who had been by her side for almost half her life, still made her feel like a teenager on her first date.
She stood and pulled off her sunglasses. Before she had a chance to say anything, he tugged her to his chest.
“Have I told you how gorgeous you look in that bikini?”
It was a modest two-piece. Nothing like the scant pieces of material held together by a few strings like she used to wear, before the kids came along. Her body wasn’t the same. Plus, she was a mother now and needed to wear something modest.
“I swear you get more beautiful every year.”
The compliments fueled her ego. She wasn’t insecure and knew she still looked desirable, but to hear the lust and passion in Tommy’s voice after years of marriage together meant the world to her. She pressed her body closer to him and lowered her voice seductively. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
His body stiffened, and he took a breath and held it. “Careful, hon. We’re in a public place and there are kids here.”
“Such a shame.” Her smile widened, and she stepped back while she jutted her chin toward Angel and the kids. “Get the sunscreen.”
“Mommy! Look at the castle Papi made for me!” Tessa exclaimed, overjoyed at the masterpiece in the sand.
“I helped!” Lucas quickly added. “I made this tower where she can wait for Prince Charming.”
“Who?” Tommy asked, his brow furrowed and his voice rising.
“Prince Charming, Daddy,” Tessa answered. “He’s going to come on a white unicorn and we’re going to ride off together and go to Disneyland.”
“I think she’s getting Cinderella and Rapunzel mixed up.” Angel shrugged. “I don’t know where the unicorn comes in.”
“No one is taking my little girl anywhere,” Tommy stated. He picked up Tessa, cradled her in his arms and tickled her until she screamed. He kissed her cheek about a half dozen times, set her back down on the sand, and then knelt next to the sandcastle. “What’s left to do? Maybe I can build a brick wall to keep out this guy Charming.”
Lucas started digging in the sand. “We can make a moat, Daddy! With crocodiles. He’ll never be able to get to Tessa.”
“Great idea.” Tommy and Lucas carved out a trench surrounding the enormous castle, while Angel filled a pail with ocean water and set it down so they could fill the moat once it was completed.
As Jessi watched her family, her heart swelled with pride and love. She gazed at the other families on the beach, also playing in the water and on the sand, without worry about paparazzi or intrusive fans.
A little boy who was making a small sandcastle by himself saw the mansion at her feet and ran over.
“Wow! That’s awesome!” The boy introduced himself to Lucas. “Hi. I’m Bory. Can I help?”
“Sure. I’m Lucas. That’s my little sister, Tessa. We’re building a moat filled with crocodiles, so Prince Charming doesn’t get in and take her away.”
The little boy’s face lit up. “I have something better than crocodiles! Sea monsters!” He ran back to his pile of things and retrieved a yellow plastic pail filled with toys. “Look!” He took a small plastic dinosaur from the pail and held it up to show Lucas.
