CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO. We need to talk, Katherine. Jay stood at the window, looking out at the ocean

" We need to talk, Katherine." Jay stood at the window, looking out at the ocean. The cool breeze felt good on her heated face. " Don't you think we need to talk? "

" Does that mean you did miss me after all? "

Jay turned, ignoring the smile Katherine was offering her. " It's been a very strange trip, Kath. Even you have to admit that."

" Why do you say so? "

" Because it's almost like we're on two separate vacations, we just happen to be sharing a cottage at night."

" Oh, Jay, come on. You must admit you'd have been bored silly touring museums and galleries with me. And I'd never have done all that snorkeling and other stuff with you, " she said, moving closer. " But, I've got it out of my system. I've seen my last show, toured my last museum. Now I'm ready for a little us time."

" Us time? Now you're ready? " Jay took a step back as Katherine reached for her. " It's not always about you, Kath. You still don't have a clue, do you? "

" Apparently not. But I don't care to stand here in the middle of our room talking about it." She paused. " How about a drive? "

" A drive? "

" You said you wanted to talk. Let's get alone and talk."

Jay hesitated. A drive would be good. There would be no interruptions, at least. But something told her to say what she had to say now, to get it over with. Because honestly, she didn't trust Katherine.

" Come on, Jay. If we need, we can talk over lunch somewhere."

Jay gave in. Perhaps it would be a little more civilized than having a break-up fight here in the cottage, within earshot of anyone who might pass by. " Okay. Let's take a drive."

" Wonderful. Eleu says a trip across the island is a must. How about we head to the west side? "

" What do you think is up with that? " Drew asked, motioning from their spot by the pool. Jay and Katherine were walking down the path, heading to the parking lot.

" Oh, Katherine had planned on kidnapping Jay for the afternoon. I guess they're heading out."

Drew's hand visibly shook as she set her Blood Mary down. " Kidnap? "

" She thinks Jay may be a little miffed at her, so she's booked a room at some fancy hotel on the other side of the island. She plans on wooing her." Jenna smirked. " Her words, not mine."

Drew couldn't believe that Jay would just up and leave with-out saying a word to her. And couldn't believe that Jay would actually go with Katherine. She'd thought, well, she'd thought that she and Jay had something, thought it was real between them.

But she'd known all along, hadn't she? Known that Jay was not free, known that Jay was still in a relationship—an eight-year relationship.

Images from last night flashed back to her—Jay's mouth leaving her breast, Jay's hand sliding across her skin, Jay's eyes locked on her own as she came, Jay's mouth moving between her legs for the third, and then fourth time. She closed her eyes, remembering. Yeah. No matter what happens, it was very real between them last night. As real as making love can get. She sat up quickly. " I need to speak with Eleu."

" Well, wait a minute. Do you want to do something today? " Drew shrugged.

" Sure. Whatever you want."

" I was thinking maybe an island cruise, one of those dinner cruises where you catch the sunset. How about that? "

" Sure. It'll be romantic."

" A hotel? "

" Why not? "

Katherine got out and slammed the door, leaving Jay to follow. She stared at the multi-floored towers, then back to the retreating back of Katherine, wondering what she was up to. Especially after the nearly silent drive over. They'd made only casual conversation, nothing personal, but even that was strained.

" Great. Just great, " she murmured, hurrying to catch up with Katherine. " Are you going to tell me what we're doing here? "

" How about lunch? They're supposed to have a fantastic view from the outdoor patio."

" Lunch. Okay, sure." Jay glanced at her watch. It wasn't even ten o'clock. But she dutifully followed Katherine, expecting her to lead them through the lobby. Instead, she walked to the desk, handing the clerk a credit card.

" Katherine Patton. I have reservations."

" You what? " Jay gasped.

Katherine turned, her smile nearly blinding. " Yes, darling. A room."

" We don't need a room, Kath, " Jay said quietly, not wanting to cause a scene.

" Of course we do. We may decide to order room service, " she said, winking at the clerk.

A quick blush colored Jay's face and she turned away, fuming. Of all the nerve! Of all the fucking nerve!

" No, I don't know where they went."

Drew paced, hating the jealousy, hating the uncertainty. " But you're sure they left? "

Eleu nodded. " Yes. Katherine drove them away."

" Well, goddamn, " she mumbled. She looked at Eleu. " You think maybe, well, maybe I was wrong about Jay? " Drew shrugged. " Maybe I pushed too much."

" You were not wrong. You must have faith, Drew. Don't assume something just because it appears she has left. You don't know the circumstances."

" Yeah, but she could have at least said something to me."

Eleu smiled. " Jealousy is such an evil thing, isn't it? And no matter our age, it still attacks us."

Drew laughed. " You think I'm being silly? "

" Yes. I have seen how Jay looks at you. I have seen how you look at her. You must have faith. Because Okalani has blessed you."

Drew frowned.

" The garden has ears... and eyes."

" Oh, dear God. You saw us? "

Eleu nodded. " I saw love. That is all. Now, go with Jenna. Get away. It will do you no good to sit here waiting. It will only

drive you crazy."

" You're right." Drew turned, finding Jenna still sitting by the pool, sipping on her drink. " She wants to do an island cruise, one of those that serve dinner."

" They're very nice. You should go."

" I guess we will." Drew nodded slightly at Eleu. " Thanks. I feel better."