Summer on Highland Beach

Chapter Nineteen Gone Sailing

July 2022

Olivia was in her bedroom when her phone rang. She was greeted by Ama’s voice, lashing like fire, when she took the call.

“Have you been ignoring me, cher?”

“No, Ama, of course not. I’ve just been—”

“Busy dealing with the Jones family smear campaign and your aunt’s mysterious death.”

“How did you know?”

“I have a subscription to that lovely town’s newspaper. And the newsletter.”

“Isn’t that only for residents?”

“You know the answer to that. As I’m sure you know that I have my ways to get information. Now, cher, are you in danger?”

Olivia shook her head. “No one’s been following me, to my knowledge. I always jog during the day, especially since everyone knows me now.”

Olivia had noticed some residents staring at her, but it seemed more as if they were looking out for her well-being than being nosy or stalking her.

“Someone doesn’t like that Christine Douglass-Jones. Mark my words.”

Olivia sighed. “My grandmother is complicated. She’s living with a mental health issue.”

“Oh well, I hate to hear that, but I have to say, that explains a lot about her behavior. Has she sought treatment?”

“I don’t know, and honestly, I don’t think it’s my business to ask.”

Ama tsked. “The way she’s been acting, I would guess not. Maybe if she gets treatment, her behavior will improve and she won’t be such an awful person to be around. Now, cher, I’m more interested in how you’ve been doing. How is that town treating you?”

The load on Olivia’s shoulders lightened at just the thought of sharing her burdens with Ama. “Can you give me a moment?” Olivia stood from her bed, opened her door, and then checked out front to make sure Cindy was still out with Aneesa and CJ was at work.

She returned to her room and closed the door. “I’m back.” She let out a shaky breath. “Ama, what I’m about to tell you will probably sound impossible.”

“Go on.”

“Right before she died, Indigo asked a historian if she knew about Frederick Douglass having a child with his second wife. She was—”

“White. I know all about Frederick Douglass, cher. And his two wives.”

“I think someone insinuated he had a child with his second wife. And based on what I could piece together from Christine, I think someone had told Indigo this lie. She asked one of her neighbors about the rumor.”

“And Christine handled it the best way she knows how... via blackmail. That woman has major control issues.”

“Yes, but that theory is pretty damning. I’m sure she has a lot of pride in protecting her family.”

“I know a few historians. I’ll reach out to my trusted circle but not beyond them, to keep things quiet.”

“Thank you, Ama. I would really appreciate it.”

“Of course, my darling girl. I would have helped sooner if you only picked up the phone.” Her tone was rich with affection.

Olivia’s chest warmed. She knew she could always depend on her godmother.

“Do you want to know the truth? Or would you like for me to handle it?”

Olivia held her breath. Maybe she wasn’t the best person to answer the question. She’d just discovered her roots, after all.

“H-handle it? Like Christine?”

“No, cher. I sting, but I’m always discreet.”

“I... I don’t know just yet. Can I think about it?”

“Of course. I’ll be here. Now Carter and I are off for a walk. We’ll talk soon, and this time you will call me, understand?”

“I do and I will. Thank you, Ama.”

“Anytime. Bye for now.”

Olivia ended the call and pressed her phone against her beating heart. The truth was always best, but she didn’t know if Christine or CJ could handle the truth about Helen Pitts Douglass. They were so proud of their lineage through Frederick Douglass, a beloved Black historical figure.

She couldn’t even find the courage to confess to them what really happened to Chris. Closing her eyes, she silently asked for strength and wisdom in making the right decision. But for now, she would remain quiet.

The Jones family could not handle another tragedy.

CJ had been quiet during the weeks after Indigo’s letter was leaked and Christine subsequently had a breakdown. But he was still busy with his mayoral duties, serving his constituents with quiet dedication, despite their distrust, and prepping for the debate in a few weeks.

He’d surprised both Cindy and Olivia one morning when he shared his plan to take a half day off from work.

“I don’t know about you, but I need a break before things get even busier. Would you like to go sailing today?”

“Do you have a boat?” Olivia asked her father.

“I’ve got a yacht and a license to sail.” He grinned when Olivia pressed her lips together. That was the very next question she planned to ask her father.

He didn’t have to twist Olivia’s or Cindy’s arm too hard. Mother and daughter packed sunscreen, towels, and snacks, preparing for a day of sailing. Then they drove to Annapolis, stopping close to the charming Eastport neighborhood, with its beautiful red-brick buildings.

“Let’s go, beautiful ladies.” CJ had a pep in his step as he walked them down the wooden plank with a maze of sailboats and yachts moored alongside.

Once CJ stepped into the boat, he assisted Cindy and Olivia into the cockpit area.

“The wind is good today.” He raised his arm, his hand drifting with the wind. “We don’t have to worry about going dead downwind.”

He smiled as he hurried about the boat, tying knots, taking the slack out of the sheet.

The yacht was spacious. Just behind CJ’s pilothouse was an enclosed kitchen with a sink and oven. Two small booths on either side were separated by a long brown table in the middle. The entertainment area, located past the kitchen, had white leather seats, a table, and a TV with speakers.

“Safety first, ladies,” CJ said, handing out two bright orange life vests.While they donned the vests, he sat on a padded seat in front of the helm, which had navigation equipment that looked like an old video game. He connected his phone to the Bluetooth speakers. A fusion of heavy keyboards and soulful music blared through the speakers.

Olivia raised her finger in the air, trying to recall the artists. “Who’s playing right now?”

“It’s nice, right?” Her father smiled for the first time in days. “Fatima and Joe Armon-Jones. My line brother played it nonstop when I visited him and his wife earlier this year.”

“I like it.” Cindy bobbed her head to the music.

He turned the key, and the engine purred. The boat rumbled and jerked forward, easing them into the open water. Standing on the deck, CJ pulled up the sail in a rapid motion until the sail stood erect, flapping in the wind.

“And we’re sailing,” he announced, curving the joystick that steered them toward the wind.

A salty gust lightly whipped Olivia’s tresses. She leaned into the breeze and smiled. Water droplets dotted her Dita sunglasses, but she didn’t care. The megadose of vitamin D from the sun and the good music did wonders for her mood.

Cindy scooted closer to CJ, whispering something that, from his sly grin and affectionate squeeze on her thigh, made him happy.

Of course, she’d been sailing before, but never with her parents. And this was more than just the fantasy that would have made twelve-year-old Olivia ecstatic. Cindy had never looked so happy, or so free. Last year, Olivia had finally released her guilt over not being close to her mother and her secret fear that she’d ruined her mother’s life.

Cindy’s grief had shackled her to self-doubt, making her believe that she wasn’t worthy of giving or receiving love.

Olivia knew that now. But watching her mother bloom in her self-confidence and fall in love was a sight to behold.

It’s healing.Olivia frowned at the thought. Sure, it was Cindy’s time to be healed, but Olivia had completed her own journey to healing last year, hadn’t she?

Dr. LaGrange’s voice floated in her mind.

Life is a journey. You hit a milestone and then you move on to your next goal. The work never really ends. Nor should it.

“And I’m my mother’s daughter,” she muttered under her breath, knowing the situation with Garrett was all the proof needed. Olivia exhaled and turned away to stare at the sea.

Why couldn’t she just say how she felt?

She hadn’t really loved Anderson, but she strung those three words together for him. Not to deceive him—she had thought she loved him, but she was never in love. Deep like? Yes. Heavy lust? Absolutely. But it wasn’t love.

The way she felt about Garrett, in contrast, felt positively metaphysical.

Her heart ached for him. And during these weeks when they hadn’t spoken, the silence felt like an enormous gaping hole in her chest. With each passing day, the pain only spread further.

I’ll try again. I have to show him I’m serious, she vowed. Will he accept my apology?

“What are you thinking about over there?” Cindy slid into the open seat beside Olivia.

“That you and I are more alike than I thought.”

“Oh...” Cindy’s smiled faltered. “I hope I didn’t mess up—”

Olivia shook her head. “No more apologies, okay? Today is a beautiful day. You’re with the man you love,” she whispered to her mother.

Cindy didn’t answer, but she looked over at CJ with heart eyes.

“I just realized my feelings for Garrett are deeper than I’ve allowed myself to believe.”

“For what it’s worth, I like him for you.”

Olivia smiled. “If memory serves, you also liked Anderson.”

“I didn’t like him for you, but he was likable.” Cindy frowned. “Well, until he lied to you about his family, that is. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

Olivia had thought over and over about when she learned that ASK Developers’ CEO was Anderson’s father, and what she concluded was that he didn’t believe that she would stick around.

He was right.

“We both hurt and lied to each other.”

And now she was hurting Garrett with her inability to commit to something more.

“Well, no matter. You are now over your hump, and you’re right where you need to be.” Cindy patted Olivia on her knee.

It doesn’t feel like it. Olivia felt an urgent need to return to Sag Harbor and speak to Garrett as soon as possible.

Her thundering heart confirmed her gut feeling.

Olivia didn’t say anything more, just looked away and let the music dissolve the unkind thoughts rolling around in her head.

“Olivia.” CJ motioned for her to sit beside him. She stood and walked to her father.

“What is it?”

“Can you go down to the kitchen and open some wine? There should be glasses in the cabinet.”

Following his instructions, Olivia found the bottle of Ama’s special blend, a rosé that wasn’t yet available to the public. Olivia’s heart surged with pride. Years ago, Ama had said in passing that she dreamed of creating her own wine, but Olivia would never have guessed that she’d buy her own winery—in France’s Provence region, no less.

Bea had convinced Ama to use a recyclable bottle and add bees to the label design. The cream-colored label featured antique lettering and said: Ama’s Blend. The back of the bottle carried the message: “I hope you enjoy, cher.”

Olivia poured them glasses, and they toasted each other. CJ then set his glass aside, since he was serving as captain and had plans to work in the afternoon.

“It’s been too long since I’ve gone sailing,” Cindy said after taking a sip.

“How long?” Olivia asked.

“A decade at least, when I joined a few of my teacher friends on a weekend trip to Oak Bluffs.”

Olivia frowned, not remembering a time when her mother went away for the weekend. “It was during the summer when you stayed with Amelia.”

“Oh. I’m glad you had some time to enjoy yourself.”

Cindy swirled her wine. “It wasn’t easy. I had this unhealthy fear that Chris’s pension would run out. So I worked myself to the bone. But that year was the fifteen-year anniversary of Chris’s death, and it just hit me hard. I told a friend or two about it, and they rallied around me and finally convinced me to take a break.”

Between the regular school year, summer school, and one after-school program or another, her mother typically worked yearlong. Back then, though, Olivia had assumed that her mother was doing everything in her power to avoid spending time with her.

“Anyhow, look at us now.” Cindy smiled. “And in five years, I can retire early with my pension.”

Olivia paused a moment before taking a sip of her wine. She glanced at CJ, who wore a soft smile as he navigated the yacht. She wondered if he would wait for Cindy to retire. He couldn’t just up and leave his job as the mayor, and it wouldn’t be fair for Cindy to move away from the New Jersey school district, leaving her hefty pension behind.

As “Purple Rain” blared from the speakers, Olivia thought back to a story Mr. Whittingham had shared about her father’s goal of winning the Sag Harbor Talent Show with the Prince song. He hadn’t wanted to perform with Chris and eventually took on Mr. Whittingham because of his guitar skills.

They won the talent show, and CJ forced Mr. Whittingham to split the prize money.

Back then, she thought CJ sounded incredibly stubborn, yet singularly focused and determined to do what was right.

And that was the key. Olivia’s heavy heart lightened at the realization. CJ would always work hard to get what he wanted. Her parents could figure out a way to be together.

She smiled when she found CJ singing along with the tune. He shifted into autopilot and then waved her mother over.

“What is it?”

“Come here, Cindy.”

Olivia helped by grabbing her mother’s glass as she jerked her head toward her dad. Her mother finally stood, just as the guitar riffs began.

CJ pulled her close, dipping his nose into her hair. He spun her out, then pulled her back to his chest. Cindy let out a surprised yelp, threw her head back, and laughed.

But Olivia could clearly see that there was something in CJ’s face that was all business—he was determined to win her over. As their mouths drifted closer, Olivia spun around to give them privacy.

I will not be joining them on the next sailing trip, she thought, laughing with joy as she observed her parents out of the corner of her eye. Yes, they would figure it out the second time around. They didn’t need her help. Not at all.

After their sailing trip, her parents’ budding romance gave Olivia the much-needed strength to call Garrett to apologize and reveal her true feelings. She set up her laptop outside, placing it on the wooden picnic table. Her hands shook, and she was sorely tempted to search online for tips on how to compose a love letter instead.

“Ah, this man,” she growled. He hadn’t taken her calls and responded to her texts only with terse messages.

I’m fine.

Zora’s fine.

We’re good.

Can’t talk right now.

“I mean, how am I supposed to confess my feelings if the man won’t answer his phone?”

She shook her head. But as quickly as her anger gathered, it rolled away. Garrett had gone above and beyond in courting her, from extravagant date nights in the city to picnics on the beach and weekly deliveries of flowers.

Admittedly, she was a failure at love. Her longest relationship had been with Anderson, and that, too, had been doomed from the start.

Olivia sighed. She wished she could call Omar. He was a master at penning letters, and he’d written Ama dozens of love letters.

Ama was no pushover herself in the letter department. Olivia cherished her godmother’s written praise and words of encouragement that she’d received over the years.

Before she could overthink it, she called Ama.

It took only three rings for her to pick up the phone.

“Well, hello, cher. I’m glad you stuck to your word and called.”

She heard a whoosh in the background.

“Where are you this time?”

“Oh, we’re back on the Bluffs, visiting with Billie, Isabel, and Dulce,” she said in a tone washed in happiness.

Olivia experienced a small pinch of jealousy. “Oh, sorry. I can call you back.”

“If I couldn’t speak, then I would tell you so,” Ama gently chided. “If you’re calling for an update on your family’s origins, I don’t have anything just yet.”

“No, I’m not calling about the research.”

“How are things at that beach?”

“That beach?” Olivia parroted.

Ama sighed. “Sorry. Highland Beach is a lovely place, but I can’t stand that you’re less than a mile from that woman.”

Olivia smiled. She liked that Ama was a little jealous of her relationship with her paternal grandmother.

“Well, I’ve called for advice.”

“One moment, cher. I’ll need to move somewhere else for privacy.”

Olivia could hear movement in the background before she heard a whisper. “Carter, I’ll be just a moment. I’ve got Olivia on the line.”

A minute later Ama confirmed, “I’m all yours, cher.”

“Have you ever written a love letter?”

“Of course. Anytime I traveled without Omar, I wrote him about my travels.”

Olivia shook her head. “No, not that kind of letter. A love letter.”

“I wrote a letter to Omar, and I loved him. Is that not a love letter?” She could hear the laughter in Ama’s voice.

“I’m writing Garrett a love letter to confess my feelings.”

“Oh well, now that is different. Can’t say I’ve written those kinds of letters.”

“Not even to Omar?”

“Cher, Omar was head, fingers, legs, and toes gone over me. I didn’t have to so much as pick up a pen. He loved me and told me very early in our relationship. I was the one who needed to catch up since I was so in-... infatuated with Carter.”

“Well, we can’t all be the gorgeous and brilliant Amelia Vaux Tanner.”

“Nor can we all be the breathtakingly beautiful Olivia Charlotte Jones.”

“I need help, not compliments.”

“Well, I can’t help you, cher,” her godmother quipped.

“W-what?” Ama always offered advice, no matter the topic. “You don’t like Garrett?”

“Oh, I like him just fine. He’s a handsome young man, smart, and he is also head, fingers, and toes in love with you. Which is why I’m confused that you need to write this letter.”

“I may not have made him feel secure in our relationship. Things have been so complicated with my family, and I’ve neglected him.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’s tough enough.”

“I know he’s tough, but... but no one puts him first. He’s a great dad, and he makes lots of sacrifices.”

Back when they were on speaking terms, Garrett had confessed his frustration with some of his male friends who never invited him out, assuming he’d say no because of Zora.

“I want him to feel special. I want him to know that he can be my number one.”

“So long as he’s making you his number one,” Ama huffed.

“It’s not like that, it’s... he loves Zora, and he loves me. And he loves us in a way that’s distinct. There’s no competition because his capacity for giving love is massive. He’s one of a kind, Ama.”

“Well, it sounds like you already know what to say.”

“I do?” Oliva thought about it, and then the realization went off like a light. “I’ll tell him just how special he is to me.”

“Bingo,” Ama sang. “But it’s not just the words, Olivia. You’ve got to show him. And don’t ask me how, because you will know best. If you write that pretty letter, fill his head up with words but then don’t follow it up with action...” She harrumphed. “Well, those words will just turn to ash.”

Olivia nodded. “Okay, thank you, Ama. I’ll keep your advice in mind.”

“I know you will.”

Olivia smiled. “I’ll see you later. Hug Billie for me, and be sure to kiss little Isabel for me.”

“Hugs? Kisses? Who do you think I am?”

Olivia laughed. Though Ama wasn’t the most demonstrative, she showed her love in building a legacy, in words of affirmation, in just simply being.

“Fine. Just tell them I said hello.”

“I can manage that, cher. Bye for now, and keep me posted.”

“I will. Bye, Ama.”

Olivia knew what to do. First, she’d write the letter. But she wouldn’t mail it, she would hand-deliver it to Garrett. This weekend.

Olivia counted on the fact that he wouldn’t slam the door in her face.

Garrett:

Right now, I’m sitting outside of my father’s house, thinking of you and our first meeting.

I must admit that you scared me. You were wearing a striped blue-and-white shirt and khaki shorts. I didn’t think I should have such a reaction to a stranger, even to a gorgeous stranger, but the pull was undeniable.

I chalked it off to attraction. Great chemistry. Nothing serious.

And now I realize my error and the lies I told myself. After all, how could I admit to myself that this stranger knew me better than my fiancé?

You noticed I ran so hard, I needed more shoes. You cared enough to buy me the best chess pieces to play my weekly matches with Mr. Whittingham.

You didn’t judge me when I told you about my childhood issues growing up feeling unloved by my mother.

You were the catalyst to showing me my potential. And best of all, you let me shine.

But I wonder, who’s protecting you? Who’s loving you the way that you need?

It certainly hasn’t been me... but that ends today.

Garrett, I love you. I love you because you are incredibly kind and strong and loving despite losing so many people in life. You take risks. It inspires me to take risks, too.

You make me better and I hope... I hope you can recall the times when I’ve made you better, too.

These past few weeks, without hearing your voice, have been agonizing. But yet, I am grateful because this is the swift kick I needed to appreciate you.

And I’m sorry that it’s taken me so long. I’m sorry if I’ve made you doubt my feelings for you.

If you still feel the same about me, I promise you that I will:

1. Be fully committed to this relationship. I want to be with you for the rest of our lives.

2. Be the best stepmom to Zora—and if it isn’t obvious, I love her, too.

3. Love you how you deserve. I will show you my love every day in word and deed.

With all my love,

Your Olivia

Olivia sent a text to her SAG girlfriend group text.

I’m coming back to Sag for the weekend. I know it’s last minute, but I have a few things to wrap up there. Would love to connect on Sunday for brunch?

Three dancing dots immediately popped up on the screen, showing an incoming text message.

Addy: Girl, you must have ESP because I was JUST about to call you. You need to come ASAP because that Francesca woman is making major moves on Garrett. The other day her “toilet” was clogged.

Olivia frowned at the text. Addy continued.

Addy: And I’m all like, Garrett, tell her to call a damn plumber. You’re an attorney! Anyway, he helped, and then she just had to make him dinner.

Olivia: Oh great.

Olivia bookended the text with an eye-roll emoji.

Kara: Don’t mind Addy. She’s overreacting. Though Francesca is making her intentions known. So yes, good timing. But Garrett is solid.

Whitney: Well, I, for one, can’t wait to see YOU. I’ll set up reservations.

Olivia laughed. She was glad Whitney, who’d become a close friend, hadn’t mentioned Garrett and Francesca.

Olivia folded her letter, with a plan to pack it before she hit the road in a few days. “Watch out, Garrett. I’m coming for you.”