Flawless Desire

Of all the ways I pictured spending my weekend, lounging on a luxurious yacht wasn’t one of them.

“Having fun?” Caleb asks, glancing over from his spot behind the wheel.

“Maybe…” I tease.

“That sounds like a challenge to me.”

Caleb motors us up the coast, and then drops anchor in a private little cove. He disappears into the galley, and re-emerges with a picnic basket. As he’s setting everything out—strawberries and cheese and crackers and wine—I watch, impressed. “You plan ahead.”

“I have help.”

He pours me a flute of champagne, and I take a sip, even though I’m light-headed enough on my own. We sit, lounging on the comfortable cushions on the prow of the boat. I notice the ship’s name emblazoned on some of the equipment. “Why ‘Green Lights’ I ask?”

“It was something my dad always used to say to my mom. ‘Nothing but green lights ahead’.” Caleb smiles. “My father was a hopeless romantic, right up until the day they died.”

I remember reading how his parents were killed in a plane accident. I don’t want to ruin the mood, so I just nod. “That’s sweet. I love hearing great love stories. There’s not enough of them to go around.”

“Your parents didn’t stay together?”

I shake my head. “My dad took off, a long time ago. My mom raised me on her own.”

Caleb squeezes my hand. “My parents’ relationship wasn’t all sunshine and roses. In fact, they argued a lot. My father was busy with the company most of the time, and I know mom felt like she rarely saw him…” Caleb trails off. “But they loved me, I always knew that. It’s ironic,” he adds. “My mom hated to fly. She wasn’t even going to make that trip with him, but I guess he convinced her.”

“I’m sorry,” I murmur, and Caleb gives me a rueful smile.

“Ancient history now.”

“Still, it must’ve been a shock to you.” I say.

“The biggest shock was inheriting the company.” Caleb says, looking out at the ocean. “I never thought the responsibility would fall to me. At least, not so soon.” He looks back at me. “But you must know a thing or two about that.”

“Running a global jewelry empire?” I say lightly.

“No. Taking responsibility for your parent’s affairs.”

“Oh.” I glance down, and nod reluctantly. “I’ve had time to get used to it, though. My mom didn’t just wake up like this one morning. It was a slow decline. A blessing and a curse.”

“How so?” Caleb watches me, his eyes soft.

“Watching her slip away from me, day by day… I wonder if it’s harder this way, that’s all.”

He squeezes my hand again, and I shake my head, forcing a smile. “But thanks to you, I know she’s safe, and well-cared for now.”

“I’m glad I could help.” Caleb says. “You shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.”

But I realize, I’m not alone in it, not anymore. And even if all Caleb ever does is sign the checks and hold my hand today, it’s more than anyone else has ever done for us.

I smile, happy to just be here today.

Happy to just be with him.

* * *

We talkand eat for a while, just relaxing in the sun. I begin to feel the heat, so I start putting on sunscreen, slathering around the edges of my cover-up shirt. But as I’m trying to get sunscreen on the back of my neck, he sits down behind me.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to take this off?” he asks, stroking at the flimsy fabric.

“Well… I’m kind of pale.” I admit.