One Wish

“I have my own surfing business. Tide Is High, it’s called. I mainly work there as it’s what I love—despite our parents hating it. They think it’s a dead-end job.”

I’m surprised at this. “Owning a business is a dead-end job?”

Jack laughs, but not in a way that suggests the situation is funny. “My business earns me a tidy amount, but nowhere near the levels our mother and father perceive a business should.”

“Wow,” I reply, thinking that it sounds as though my father and Eli’s father would get on well. “I think you should always do what makes you happy.”

He smiles at that. “Exactly. Like modeling makes you happy.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m terrible at it.” At his sudden laughter, I continue, “No, seriously. I had a shoot by our pool the other day where I choked on a grape, I tripped over my own feet because—quite frankly—the heels on my shoes were way too big, and then when Max came out and started playing tug-of-war with Wilfred’s pants leg, I tried my hardest to pull him off, but then he suddenly let go, causing us both to fall into the pool.”

Jack is in stitches hearing this. Once he’s able to compose himself, he says, “Seriously? No way.”

“Yes way.”

“I must have a look at the CCTV for that day. This I have to see.”

I’m wondering if he knows how much and how far our CCTV would go back to. It would be interesting to see me in action pre the morning of the hotel. I’m not sure if it would bring back any memories, but it may be worth a try. At this point, I would try anything.

I’m about to ask Jack when the front door blasts open and a woman screaming my name at the top of her lungs can be heard.

“Kendra, I know you’re here! You can’t hide from me any longer, you skinny little wench!”

My eyes bug out as I turn to Jack for help. “That’s Michelle,” he whispers. “Your assistant.”

“She sounds British… and pissed,” I whisper back.

“That’s because she is British. I think most of them are always pissed. I mean, can you blame them? You only have to look at their weather.”

“There you are.”

Both Jack and I sit rigidly in our chairs as this tiny lady, who only looks around four feet tall but has the menacing presence of a lion, glowers in my direction.

“I go away to London for a week, never hear from you there, which I must admit, I did tell you not to bother me, but still… you never listen to a bloody word I say. Then, when I do get back and I try to get in touch with you about your schedule, I get blanket silence. What’s going on?”

Wow, this woman is scary. I say woman, but she only looks to be around seventeen, with soft brown hair in a cute pixie cut and light brown eyes. However, her silk white blouse and grey pencil skirt scream that she must be in her twenties.

“Sorry?” I attempt, like it’s a question.

Somewhat taken aback, she’s silent for a moment, but recovers quickly. “‘Sorry?’ Is that it?” She then glances down at my phone. “So, there it is. Larger than life.” She picks it up and glances at it. “Huh, I thought it was just me you were ignoring.” She then places it down, looking back at me. “Have you forgotten to work that thing?”

How about… I’ve forgotten everything? Maybe that’s a start. It’s not something I want to go into with this feral woman, that’s for certain.

“Yes, I have been ignoring everyone, and I’m sorry for that. I just needed some time out, that’s all.”

She throws her hands up in the air. “You could have told people, rather than completely going off-grid. You have commitments, Kendra. You need to address them. Even if it is to say you’re wanting some R and R.”

I nod, knowing she’s right. No matter what is happening in my head right now, I still have a life I’m ignoring and I do need to address that. Especially if my commitments are something I normally love doing.

“Again, I’m sorry. I should have told people and that was selfish of me.”

Jack, seeming somewhat annoyed, says, “Kendra is going through some things and therefore needs her rest.”

Michelle’s face crinkles in concern. “I thought when Eli rang and said you were unwell that it was just a tummy bug, and you’d be okay by now. So, pray tell… what things?”

I want to be truthful with her, so that’s exactly what I do. “I feel I have neglected myself and therefore my marriage. I need some time out to concentrate on both those things—especially Eli. He’s my husband and I should be there to support him when he needs me.”

Michelle, lost for words, steps back a little. “Wow,” she finally draws out. “I never thought I’d see the day when Kendra Banks takes time out to concentrate on someone other than herself, but it’s certainly something I can work with. Maybe you need time out for creative reflection, perhaps? We certainly can’t tell the world that you and Eli are having marital difficulties.”