Tammy deposited Orchid’s shoes on the mat in the front passenger seat. “I probably should’ve told you guys earlier. I’m not sure about being in any ads. Feels like a sell-out,” she said.
“It’s not selling out,” said Orchid. “This is non-profit work. It’s finding the people who need help and showing them a better way.”
“Do I get to work with you?” asked Tammy.
“Kind of, and I promise that my strategic abilities are better than my beach-walking ones.”
Orchid’s humor eked out a half smile from Tammy. One side of her mouth quirked up. “In that case, I’ll think about it,” Tammy said, then waved goodbye.
Phoenix accompanied her to fetch their equipment. He had pulled a fresh tee over his torso.
Orchid almost muttered, “Thank goodness.” It didn’t seem safe for him to operate the car shirtless. Not safe for her, anyway. She pictured him slinging a bare arm over the back of her seat as he backed up the car, his stomach muscles engaging as he shifted gears.
Stop already. She observed the two triathletes stride towards their waiting bicycles. They collected helmets, water bottles, and equipment from designated spaces, talking along the way.
What was she to do with this kind man, someone whose cobalt eyes seemed to glean her true spirit, remembered her coffee, and knew the decades-old bands that prompted her parents to dance around their kitchen? The tips of her ears warmed. He fit like he’d been made for her.
No, this was a ruse. The devil’s work. She needed one thing from him. Award-winning creative as a proof point for her boss. She hated using someone who seemed genuine. Yet the world hadn’t served her many good fortunes. She’d do as she’d always done, look out for herself first.
She heard the trunk pop open and turned to see Phoenix hoist his lightweight racing bike into the back and circle to the driver’s side. He flicked his key fob and the tail end of the car closed with a quiet thud.
“How’s your cut doing?” he asked, and tilted his head towards her.
“It’s throbbing. Like a mantra saying ‘you fool’ over and over.” She risked a glance at the reddening fabric and decided that checking it out was a bad idea.
He reversed and pulled onto the street. “I don’t know. You’re being chauffeured to a mansion for personalized medical care. Maybe not such a fool.”
Orchid’s laugh erupted, then paused. “Wait. Mansion?”
“Well, at least a very nice house. With a view. And five bedrooms. Eight if you count the ground floor.”
Orchid ran fingers through her blue locks. “I don’t care how nice the house is. I’m in no shape to meet your family.”
“They’re not there. This is their second home. It’s empty until summertime.”
Orchid sighed relief as they passed lifeguard stands, a series of jagged pier posts jutting into the skyline, and eateries closed during low season.
“I messaged my aunt. We can stay as long as we want. She said she hopes you feel better.”
“This is like a storybook. Your uber wealthy family says I can bleed all over their mansion as long as I want?”
“I didn’t actually mention the bleeding. Since half the rooms are upholstered pure white.”
Orchid groaned.
She felt like a princess in a dream, cocooned in this beautiful car, beside this sweaty yet elegant man.
They eased along a street of elegant homes, and then pulled up to a pale grey three-story. A wall of windows opened onto the panoramic view of the ocean.
“Very nice house, all right.”
“I have a lot of happy memories here.”
She wondered if he was thinking of his dad.
Phoenix maneuvered into the driveway and came around to her side, but she’d already pushed the passenger door open.
“Do you want me to carry you inside?”
