Abused
From that day on, Andre and I are inseparable.
Fortunately, the acquaintance with Aziel went well, just as I thought he found it quite amusing that we had fun with the gossips in this way. Aziel teased that he can now do his job in New York with peace of mind because he was already worried that I would end up in the arms of a handsome guy again.
You can find me in the yacht club almost every day.
Andre found me a job, I need to advise him on new attractions he can offer to bring more guests to the yacht club. Current offerings should also be expanded in such a way as to increase the company's revenue. Not that the yacht club is in financial trouble, but Andre wants to stay ahead of any competition.
When he asked me about my background, I froze. I just let him know that I was the manager of a big software company and doing some ambitious projects. That's actually not a lie, just half information, I console myself.
The regulars of the yacht club are already used to my face. They seriously have accepted me to be Andre's repentance from sin. When we're alone, Andre and I laugh heartily at the gossip we sometimes overhear.
Today I help with the service, a number of waitresses are knocked out by a nasty flu that prevails on the island. In addition to the looming Coronavirus, this is extra pressure on the already thinned-out staff. As I step into the clubhouse, I can feel the stares burning my back. I know many wonders how an elite woman like me settles to serve others. Andre also disagreed with me doing this at first either, but I insisted that being closer to customers gives me the opportunity to learn about the company's weaknesses and strengths directly from them.
And it works nicely.
Most of the comments are positive, some suggest some improvements in some areas. I immediately write that down, which clearly gives the guests a good feeling, like they are really part of the progress. The guests are all very wealthy people, businessmen and celebrities on holiday who want to be seen here. The yacht club is the most prestigious property on this side of the island, it is a very lucrative business, bringing in millions of dollars every month. The clubhouse is not the only service, but there is also the dock for boarding expensive yachts, the rental of speedboats, watercraft and swimming equipment and all kinds of water sports necessities. I am making a mental note to talk to Aziel to expand our services here as well, Barbados is an attractive niche market in our industry.
And when I come to a table of two gentlemen, I recognize one of them.
“Loraine! Is that really you? I didn't know your phone number, you promised to call me. I'm here for a few days. Do you work here?" It's none other than Dale, the handsome fella from Saint Lucia’s harvest festival. “Hey Dale, nice to see you again. Yes, I work here temporarily. The yacht club belongs to a friend. So, he offered me a job here.” He takes me in a limp embrace and turns to his company. “Jake, this is Loraine. I met her on my last visit to Saint Lucia”. The person addressed gives me a handshake and invites me to sit with them.
We chat a bit about New York and the latest business developments in Barbados. The two are entertaining company, I notice that they touch each other more than usual. “Do you live near here? And where is your boyfriend? I can't believe he's leaving you here alone, he was so possessive the last time I saw you. If looks could kill I'd be seven feet under," he says dramatically. Jake and I laugh at his facial expression.
“Aziel is in New York doing his business. He can't be with me all the time, someone has to earn the money. And I'm here to spend it," I giggle. “What exactly did you come to Barbados for, Dale? A conference or business deal?” I ask him. He nearly chokes on his whiskey and looks at the man opposite him. “It is both business and private. I had to do some business here and finalize a private matter," he says with an undertone. I look at him strangely, his attitude has changed a bit when I ask.
My phone rings. Andre is calling. “Loraine, where are you? I just wanted to talk to you. I'll be at the yacht club in half an hour," he says, clearly in a good mood. “Chatting with some friends in the club. Feel free to come and then we go to your office”, I let him know.
From my seat I can see Andre driving up. His confident attitude makes him an eye-catcher, many women turn to him in the hope that he will notice them. There is no sign of him being gay. I feel so lucky to have a friend like him. He never asks much about my past, gets on well with Aziel who gives him business tips every now and then. In my relationship with him there is absolute peace.
I sign him to me and watch him approach with great strides. And when he's close, his face turns red and he clenches his fists. I look at him incomprehensibly, I've never seen him like this before. Andre is always composed and good-humored. But the man I now see before me is a complete stranger. “Loraine, come to my room please”, he says tightly, turns and walks away with angry steps. Confused, I turn to Dale and Jake, looking for an explanation from their side. Obviously, their presence here upsets Andre.
Andre is my friend while Dale and Jake are just passersby. And if you touch my friend, you’re also my enemy. My face clouds. "I have to go. Nice to meet you again”, I say briefly and follow Andre to his office.
When I stand in front of him, I see his face painfully contorted. He leans with his elbow against a bookcase. “What's going on, Andre? It clearly has to do with Andre and Jake. Do you know them?” I ask urgently as I grab him by the arms. He sighs sadly and looks at me desperately. “I told you about my ex-partner who took me to court? Well, that's Dale. And now he comes to my yacht club with his new flame, just to tease me.”
My mouth falls open, Dale who tried to conquer me in Saint Lucia is gay?
“Seriously, Andre? I met him in Saint Lucia and he flirted with me. Aziel showed up suddenly and disrupted the fun. But he didn't seem to have a preference for men at the time," I remark. Andre sighs. “That was also the reason why I suddenly dumped him. He was my partner, in bed he was totally gay. But during the day he liked to chase the ladies. I felt so abused.”..
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