Gerri Hill - The Rainbow Cedar

"In lieu of a cold shower, how about a dip in the ocean?" Drew didn't wait for a reply. She pulled her tank off and tossed it on the sand, her shorts following. She strode into the surf, diving into the waves, letting the cool water soothe her aching, throbbing body, chasing the wanton thoughts from her mind.

Jay stared, watching the tanned, lithe body disappear into the ocean. Only then did she let her breath out, only then did she breathe again.

I've made love to you so many times in my dreams. ..

Jay pulled her shirt off and tossed it next to Drew's. There wasn't any point in hiding, not after the words they'd just exchanged. So she lowered her shorts, pushing thoughts of Katherine aside. As she'd told herself earlier, she wasn't going to worry about it. If what she suspected was true, if Katherine and Jenna were having an affair, were even exploring that possibility, then there was nothing she could do about it.

In truth, she didn't want to do anything about it. It was over. All but the official, verbal declaration... nonetheless, it was over.

So she traced Drew's steps into the water, mimicking her actions by diving headfirst into the wave, feeling refreshed and relieved all at the same time. She surfaced, only to have another wave crash into her. She turned her back to the ocean, letting the wave carry her closer to shore, where she could stand. The soft brush against her leg made her gasp, but through the crystal water she saw Drew come up beside her, her body glistening in the sun.

"You okay?"

Jay nodded.

"Do I need to apologize?"

Jay grinned. "Please don't. It's the most sexual activity I've had in months."

"Really? How wonderful."

Jay's reply was lost in the wind as Drew picked her up and held her above the waves, turning circles, making Jay squeal with laughter before Drew tossed her back into the waves. She came up sputtering, reaching for Drew.

"You are dead, Montgomery!"

"You'll have to catch me first!"

"I think I like having Eleu order dinner for us, don't you?" Katherine asked as she passed down the platter of cabbage rolls. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoy a fine restaurant as much as the next person, but can you beat this?"

Jay had to agree. The common area in the garden was alive with a fragrance she couldn't even begin to describe. Everything seemed to be blooming at once and the smells were incredible. Top that off with the water garden nearby, the soothing sound of the tiny waterfall, the mynah birds that still sang from the trees, and the sound of the palm trees blowing in the breeze. It was almost an overload to the senses.

"After the busy day we've had, this is wonderful, Katherine."

I bet it was busy, Jay thought as she glared at Jenna.

"I actually enjoy this much more than a restaurant any day," Drew said. "For one, you don't have to dress."

Jay glanced at her, hiding her smile. Drew was still in her swimsuit, her feet bare.

"Plus, you know, Carlos is still on duty," Drew added, pushing a tiny paper umbrella aside as she brought the glass to her mouth.

"Yes, Carlos tells me you two have been down here for awhile," Katherine said, looking pointedly at Jay. "How was snorkeling?"

Jay glanced at Drew, hating the fact that she felt guilty. They had done nothing wrong. Well, the tiny bit of flirting, that hardly counted. But Drew saved her from answering.

"We didn't make it. Apparently the boat leaves early. Six. So we just hung out here. The water was great, the sun was great, everything was... just great," Drew said, offering a tiny smile to Jay.

"I see. Well, I'm glad you both enjoy the water so much. But I would think you'd get bored just hanging out."

Jay frowned, feeling as if Katherine was on the verge of interrogating them. As if. "And how was the museum?" she asked, looking between Katherine and Jenna. "Did you enjoy your outing?"

"Oh, yes. Although the Royal Palace wasn't all that. Now the Contemporary Museum, that was quite impressive. They have a good display of Asian art." Jenna looked at Katherine. "But after spending three years in New York, everything else pales."

"It was still interesting."

Jay shot a quick look Drew's way, noting her amused expression as she leaned casually back in her chair. They'd spent the better part of the afternoon sipping on fruity drinks and they were both quite mellow by the time Katherine and Jenna had returned. Jay decided she liked Drew's carefree attitude. And really, after their initial discussion that morning, neither Katherine nor Jenna's name had been mentioned. It was just them, enjoying the day, enjoying each other's company. She didn't really care what Katherine and Jenna did.

"Tomorrow is my day," Katherine was saying. Jay looked up in time to catch die unguarded look Katherine and Jenna exchanged.

"That means shopping, I suppose?"

"Honolulu has some amazing little boutiques. And restaurants. We'll grab lunch." She turned to Jay. "What do you guys have planned?"

Amazing, Jay thought. She could at least ask if they wanted to join them. She could at least offer to do a joint excursion. So Jay smiled, settling her gaze on Drew. "Actually, tomorrow is Drew's day. Parasailing? Isn't that what you mentioned?"

"Snorkeling in the morning. Parasailing in die afternoon." Drew sat up. "Which reminds me, five o'clock will come early. I think I'll turn in."

"It's not even nine," Jenna said. "Barely dark."

"My body thinks it's two in the morning," Drew said. "Besides, we've been out playing all day. I'm exhausted." She pushed her plate aside and stood. "Thanks for dinner." As she walked past, she lightly brushed Jay's shoulder. "Don't oversleep."

"I won't. See you in the morning." Jay watched her leave, her gaze lingering until she disappeared into the shadows.

"Well, you two seem to be hitting it off," Katherine said. "I suppose you haven't missed me at all."

Jay was at a loss for words. How did Katherine expect her to answer that? The honest answer would be no, she hadn't missed her. "Missed you? Well, Kath, it's not much different than it's been for the last year, is it? I've gotten used to you not being around." She softened her words with a smile. "Besides, it saves me having to be subjected to all that culture, and saves you a spear fishing event."

But Katherine didn't appear in the mood to be appeased with a smile. "Yes, I know you're limited that way. You wouldn't know culture if it slapped you in the face." She, too, flashed a smile. "It seems you and Drew have that in common, luckily."

Oh, my... she's in the mood to fight. But Jay was not. She flicked her glance to Jenna instead. "I should thank you for inviting Drew along. She's been a joy to be around."

Jenna nodded. "Yes, she's really nice. I'm glad you enjoy some of the same things. Because you couldn't pay me to go parasailing."

Jay laughed. "Well, I haven't committed to it myself. I may end up watching." She reached across the table and took another cabbage roll. "I love these things. What are they stuffed with?"

"Pork and fish, I believe." Jenna took one as well. "I think I'll have another one too. Katherine?"

"No, I'm fine. But it's still early. Maybe we should drive into town and check out the nightlife. Anyone game?"

Jay didn't hesitate. "Not me. I have to be up before dawn. You two go ahead if you want."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course." Jay bit into her cabbage roll, watching them. Did they really think she didn't notice the look and quick smile that passed between them? She wanted to tell them that there was really no need to scheme and plot ways to get alone, no need to try to be conniving. Because she no longer cared.

"Look at that. Have you ever seen a more beautiful sunrise?"

Drew turned, her glance moving to the red ball of fire just breaking the horizon, then back to Jay. The early morning shadows still danced across her face, but the pink rays of light reflected off her blond hair, causing an amber glow. Within seconds, Jay was totally engulfed by the sun as it rose—seemingly right out of the water—a pillar of red and orange light streaking across the ocean, finding Jay in its sights. Jay turned, pulling her gaze from the sunrise, looking at Drew expectantly. There was no guarded look on her face, nothing she was trying to hide. And in that moment, that glance, Drew knew she had fallen in love.

She saw the recognition in Jay's eyes, saw the surprised expression cross Jay's face. Yes, Jay knew it too.

"No, I've never seen anything more beautiful," Drew whispered. She wanted to close the distance between them. She wanted to touch her... kiss her. But then their surroundings came alive, the boat rocked gently on the water, the crew and other passengers moved about, all admiring the sunrise with them. The spell was broken.

So she was surprised when Jay came closer, surprised at the warm hand that moved across her skin, resting on her arm. Surprised at the look in Jay's eyes.

"I will forever remember that sunrise, forever remember the way you just looked at me."

"I want to make love to you," Drew said, saying the words that were aching to come out.

Jay closed her eyes, her fingers tightening on Drew's arm. When she opened them, Drew saw her desire mirrored there. Then Jay smiled, letting her hand slip away. "Maybe we should start with something smaller. Like a kiss." Jay took a deep breath and moved away. "Because I really want to kiss you."

"This was a great idea," Jay said as they rested in the shallow waters of the reef, the island crater of Molokini protecting it from the ocean waves. She blew air into her snorkel, getting out the last of the water. "I can't believe how clear the water is."

"Yeah. I wish I'd thought to get a camera. The fish are incredible."

"I really want to see an eagle ray. Actually, I'd want to see a manta ray, but I heard one of the crew telling someone that their wingspan can get up to thirty feet." Jay laughed. "You could very well see me walk on water if I encounter one of those."

"From what I remember, manta rays are very docile. And unless we're diving, I doubt we'll see an eagle ray." Drew dipped her mask in the water, then shook it out. "Do you dive?"

"I would need a refresher course. I took lessons several years ago. One of the guys I worked with at Wilkes and Bonner loved scuba diving. He talked me into lessons, but we only went out to the lakes around Austin." Jay slipped her mask on her head. "Did you dive when you were here before?"

"Yeah." Drew grinned. "I had a personal teacher. She taught me to surf, snorkel and dive. Among other things."

Jay watched her disappear under the water, her tiny red bikini easy to follow in the crystal clear waters. She adjusted her mask and snorkel and followed, getting lost in the underwater paradise.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Drew asked as she strapped on her scuba gear.

"Of course. I'll hang out on the boat. I'll be fine."

And actually, she was too stuffed to attempt more water activities after they'd been served a barbequed lunch on board. They had another hour before the boat would take them to Turtle Town, an area with a colony of sea turtles. For that, she might get back into the water. The crew had told them the turtles were used to humans and swimming among them should not be missed.

Drew and three others crawled into the small inflatable raft that had been towed behind the boat. One of the crew sped them away, bouncing over the waves as they headed to the back side of the crater to do some diving. Jay watched them for a moment, then headed down. She thought she'd at least take advantage of the glass bottom. There were only four others mingling, walking along the railing and pointing out the colorful fish.

She took a seat, leaning back and stretching her legs out. She closed her eyes, wondering how long she was going to go on pretending this vacation was perfectly normal. Not that she'd rather be spending time with Katherine instead of Drew. That wasn't the case. But the whole situation was surreal. She and Katherine not speaking, Jenna and Drew barely seeing each other, their strained conversation at dinner.  She wondered if perhaps

Katherine was doing it intentionally, hoping Jay would be the one to bring it up, the one to question their relationship, the one to end things. Is that what she wanted? For Jay to be the bad guy?