Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Crystal

The pilot announced that we were on our final landing approach. I had prepared to either read or sleep the entire trip, but that didn't happen. I had dozed off for a few hours, but the remainder was spent making a new friend.

Turning away from the stunning view of what appeared to be a tropical island, I focused my attention to the woman sitting across from me. "Kathy, I had no idea how I was going to get through such a long flight but, having you on the plane has made it enjoyable," I admitted.

"I feel the same way, Crystal. I've never actually been here, and I was nervous about flying all this way alone. If you haven't noticed I'm what people call a chatterbox," she giggled.

I could see why. During the flight, she did most of the talking, while I listened. I had no problem with that as I was trying to keep a secret. The truth about why I was here. And if Kathy had started asking questions, that would've increased the odds of something being said that should be kept quiet.

There really wasn't anything to be worried about. What did I know? Barely anything. I had his name and a photo of him taken when he was six. I'm sure a lot had changed since he went through puberty, and if not, well, then I felt bad for him, because he had looked very skinny, and something in his eyes hadn't portrayed confidence.

I was here for two weeks, less if I could find and convince him to read Anya's letter before then. But the only person I knew on this island was sitting across from me. And this was her first trip here. Not like she was going to be any help. But at least traveling with her provided the perfect distraction.

"I was grateful to have someone to talk to," I replied.

"Good. Because I hate thinking of you here all by yourself. Hopefully you feel as though you have a friend here now," she said.

"I do. And thanks again for exchanging cell phone numbers."

"It bothers me that you traveled halfway around the world, just to sit in your room by yourself. I mean you said this was your first vacation in years. You should be living it up," she said as the plane touched down. "Why don't you come to the wedding?"

My mouth gaped open. "I don't even know the bride or groom." And I'm here on business. Top secret business .

"Well, that is easily solved. I think one of them will be picking us up." She looked out the window and said, "See, the SUV is here now."

"No. It's okay. I'll call for a ride to the resort."

She shook her head but didn't argue. The pilot opened the door and said our luggage would be brought out shortly. I have to say, I've never traveled on a private jet before, and the white leather seats were more comfortable than my couch back home. One could get used to this kind of lifestyle. But not something a private nurse could afford. I know Anya had money, even though her lifestyle didn't show it. But I was positive that she gave Mr. Cain the money to fund all of this.

Anya will do anything to make sure her son reads her letter. I got to do the same.

I followed Kathy down the stairs, and she stopped abruptly. "You're not the groom," she said.

The tall dark handsome man grinned, and said, "Nope. I'm the better-looking, more charming, and the funnier one. I'm the best man. You must be the infamous, Kathy."

"I am," Kathy sighed. "I wasn't expecting you to pick me up, Mayson."

"Mayson?" The word slipped past my lips and caught both of their attention.

"Mayson Moyer. Orion's younger brother," she said.

"Orion?" I asked.

Kathy chuckled. "I can't believe that all that talking I did, and I never told you who my friend is marrying? Orion Moyer, the Vice President of Tabiq."

"No...no, you didn't mention any of that," I stammered. Neither had Anya. I would've remembered. I wonder what else Anya failed to mention to me. I am positive there was plenty.

" And I am just his brother," he said.

I looked at him and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Moyer."

He laughed. "Call me Mayson. And you are?"

I felt his eyes roam me from head to toe before I answered.

"Crystal Blake."

Not the skinny boy you were before. There was something about the way he looked at me that caused me to shiver.

"Cold? Most people who travel here find it hot," he said.

Oh, you're hot alright.

" Just adjusting to the temperature difference from the jet," I lied.

"Are you one of Raya's friends too?" he asked. I shook my head. "What brings you to Tabiq?" he asked as the pilot brought our luggage to the SUV.

"I...um...I'm here on vacation."

"You don't sound so sure," he said.

"I am sure," I said, holding my chin up, trying to focus on why I was sent here.

"Okay. Guess that means you're staying at New Hope Resort."

"Yes, that's correct," I replied.

"Why don't you come with us to Raya and Orion's house and spend the day with us and Mayson can bring you to the resort later?" Kathy suggested.

I didn't want to show up uninvited to someone's home. Especially a bride-to-be. But if I turned this down, I might not get another opportunity like this to get to know Mayson. There was only one thing I could say.

"I'd love to, but it's been a long flight, and I really could use a hot shower and a change of clothes." I could see the disappointment in Kathy's eyes. I turned to Mayson and asked, "Would it be too much to ask if you dropped me off at the resort and came back for me an hour later?"

"Not at all," he said.

Kathy gave me a huge hug and said, "Raya is going to love you. And it will be so nice to have another person from the States here."

And it will be nice to deliver my message and get back home where I belong.