A Jewel in the Sun by Laura Lee McIntosh Read Free Book Online

precious , delicate gift he had. He saw the resulting fear clouding her eyes.
     
    They caught the flight to Abaco where regatta was into its second day. The main races would occur. There were three classes of boats, judged according to their size. He watched intently as crews boarded the Class A boats named: Trouble, Have Some, Old Lady and Hot Stuff . It require d real skill to build, fashion as well to sail. Azolee was always anchored by his armed to his side. He hated the way men would touch her as they passed or want to look directly into her eyes. Children absolutely loved and were drawn to her. He realized that she was well known in the Abacos . “ Zolee ”, they called her, at times shortening it affectionately to “ Zole .”
    His favorite food was the conch salad. One of the vendors explained that conch was an aphrodisiac and it helped in lovemaking, looking coyly at Azolee . After noting the way Gastron’s hand tightened around her waist he backed off, leaving him to taste the sea snail that was diced along with onions, peppers and sprinkled with lime. He loved it. He ate plenty of it. Much later he tasted conch frit ters and various tarts. He appreciatively sipped the gin and coconut water.
     
    As much as he enjoyed himself, Gastron was happy to leave. They had rented a villa in Treasure Cay for the weekend and he was anxious to be alone with his woman. The sun was still high and there was a hammock next to the villa. Azolee got two tumblers, a Coconut rum and a pineapple juice and headed out. They tried until they both fitted in sprawl fashion across the hammock. This was life. Gastron knew that his woman was fast becoming his life. Amazing how much had changed in the span of three weeks.  He felt her shiver and he motioned for her to get up. They went by assent into the villa. The atmosphere was sweet and friendly. They ate dumpling soup bought at the stall and talk of the various events enjoyed. He knew she was avoiding the inevitable. They watched a Tom Hanks film, half way through, Gastron received a call and walked out on the verandah to answer it.
    She went out to be with him as the credits indicated the movie had ended. She heard the tail end of the conversation. “....... She will not stop me from getting what I want . I want it all . ” He looked around and hurriedly wrapped up the conversation. He looked into her eyes, thinking she had heard him. She applied her poker face.
    “I am tired. I am going to bed”. That night they slept without making love, both tense.
    The next day was one of exploration. They visited the candy-striped lighthouse during the morning and traveled to Green Turtle Cay that afternoon. On the way back into Treasure, they lunched at the Coco Bar. The grilled fish and burgers were to die for. Instead of catching connecting flight into Nassau, then into Exuma as they had come ,  Gastron chartered Abaco Air’s flight direct to Exuma .
     
    He drove Azolee home and left her reluctantly at the door with a kiss. He checked the cottage to make sure it was ok and promised to be back in at four.
     
    Az olee went out for a stroll on the beach. By the time she had made one lap, he r decision was firm. She was going to conclude her desertion in the next two days and leave for France on Wednesday. She emailed the necessary to her agents. Notified Mama of her decisions and asked her to check on the cottage. She notified Mr. Saunders who promised to make all of the legal arrangements that she needed. She packed lightly, knowing she would have time to s hop while touring . She had just finished stashing her luggage when she heard the quiet drone of Gastron’s self drive car.
     
    As he entered the door, she met him with, “I will go to France ”. She saw by the relieved expression he gave that it meant a lot to him. He leaned down and kissed her, his woman.
    “ Alo , I missed you.”
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    It was Tuesday morning, as always the sun rose gloriously in