She sideswiped me with a glance. "Then why'd you say that?"
"Because it's what you and your mother do. It's what I've witnessed."
"Well, that isn't me and just for the record, you mean a lot to me."
My smile was slow in coming. "I know."
Keeping her focus on the road, Gina teased, "You're not lacking in the confidence department, are you?"
"No. If I don't know who I am at thirty-three, then I'm in serious trouble."
She sighed and threw another look my way. "Would it surprise you if I told you that sometimes I don't even know who the hell I am?"
I leaned over and kissed her jaw. "No, it wouldn't, but you'll be okay."
"You know that for a fact, huh?"
"Yes. I believe in you, Gina. You just need to believe in yourself, but until you get there, I'll be here for you."
She pursed her lips and blinked hard. I would have continued saying good things to her, but it would only have made her cry. Instead, I stared through the windscreen and gave her time to get herself together. When I figured she was in a different frame of mine, I repeated my earlier question. "So are you going to tell me what is 'bad mind'?
"Oh, that's when you can't stand to see someone else move ahead and prosper."
That amused me and I shook my head. "You guys certainly play rough."
She nodded. "Yep, you gotta have thick skin to hang out with Garth and his crew."
Her comment tickled me because Gina wasn't tough. She was strong, but not hard. I kept my thoughts to myself, knowing she'd have a different opinion.
We followed the other vehicles, which turned into the driveway of a home with plenty of yard space. While the guys got out and spoke to a woman who appeared in the doorway, I looked around. The one-story house was wide with a central verandah that led to an open patio. I assumed the bedrooms were on either side of the verandah. The garden was neat and colorful with the usual shades of bougainvillea and hibiscus I realized were widespread on the island.
When my gaze wandered back to Gina, she was waiting. "Thank you for being you and for loving me, issues and all."
I nodded and opened the door when Garth and Anna-Lise stepped out of his van.
Gina also pushed her door open and met me at the back of the car.
"What are you going to carry?" I asked, lifting out the one suitcase she'd packed for us.
She made a face and went to get her handbag off the floor behind the passenger seat. I watched her, smiling. Gina had gotten into the habit of doing everything for herself and sometimes didn't realize when she was being too independent. Affection for her filled me and when she came to me, I pulled her into a hug.
From where he stood, Garth watched us. He dipped his head once and smiled, as if he understood what I was doing and approved.
I didn't need his endorsement, but was grateful that somebody was on our side.
Minutes later we stood on the patio, which had ceiling tiles that let in the sun. We argued back and forth until we all agreed we'd have dinner in another hour. The housekeeper had started preparing the food and had been waiting for our arrival.
We each chose a room and moved our things amid warnings from Vance not to get busy and delay dinner.
Given where Gina and I were standing, we had the room to the front left side of the villa. The bedroom was spacious and decorated with drapes filled with tropical flowers. A bureau, dresser, loveseat, stool and television completed the furnishings.
Gina climbed on the massive king bed, flopped on her back and sighed. "This is heaven."
Leaning on one of the posts, I shook my head. "Not quite. I'll show you later."
A flush traveled up her neck and colored her face. She wriggled onto her side and laid her cheek on her hands. "I can't wait."
While I showered, Gina unpacked our things and took my place in the bathroom as soon as I walked back into the room.
