Stranger at My Door

CH26: Ana

Ana’s POV

It is Saturday, it has been three days since I have seen Christian; he has been on a business trip to New York where he owns an apartment.

“Where else do you have properties?”

“Aspen, that’s all. Come!”

We are walking on the boardwalk. It is early morning, the sunrise was about an hour ago and the air is not warm yet. The cool breeze feels great on my skin. Christian is wearing a navy suit, crisp white shirt, no tie – he looks delicious!

“Why Aspen?”

“We used to go skiing there when we were young; when I found a good place I bought it. I should take you there sometime soon; I think you will like it.”

Christy is skipping and giggling in front of us under Christian and his security men’s ever watchful eyes. “This is ‘The Grace,’ a Catamaran.” His voice is proud and expectant.

“You have a boat!”

“Yes.” He looks shy.

“It is beautiful!”  

“Do you like it?” He chuckles and I am embarrassed - calling it a boat is an understatement; it is big, I think it is as long as an 18-wheeler. I think there are at least three levels.

“Oh, Christian, it is fantastic!” I am still in awe. “How many levels does it have?” We are stepping up to the top level.

“Come let me give you a tour.” His voice is playful. I am speechless.

“Up, dada, up!” Christian hoists his daughter with ease on his left hip as he pulls me along with his right hand; his wide care free smile matches Christy’s.

“This is Mac. Mac, this is Ms. Steele, my girlfriend.” The man drops the rope he is holding and cleans his hand on his crisp white trousers. He extends his hand. When I take it, his grip is firm, his hand is rough and callous.

“Hello.” Mac is an older man with a thick accent and sun-weathered skin. He tips his hat and moves to undock the boat while Christian gives me a quick tour.

There is a large rooftop deck with kitchenette. The second deck has a large outdoor and indoor living zones, indoor dining room, kitchen, and guest bedrooms; but the most outstanding feature is a fully equipped master bedroom with stunning glass-bottom flooring, large seating area, television and veranda. The view is spectacular.

“Wow” – yes that is all I am able to articulate, and to think I took him to Marrakesh for our date!

Christian is still looking at me, taking in all my silly expressions. All I can do is to look around wide eyed. The furniture is modern, everything is earth colors: beige, whites and browns. In whatever direction I see, there are large window panels that let the ocean in.

“Fish, fish, fish!” Christy grabs my hand and pulls me down to the glass floor pointing down and expecting fish to magically appear.

“Not yet, Christy, you have to be patient! Make yourself comfortable. I will be back soon;” he kisses me, and rubs Christy’s head on his way out.

Christy has a one sided conversation with me; I find that the more time I expend with her the more I understand what she says. Excitedly she tells me that fish swim under the glass, and that she loves to kiss them. She shows me how she blows kisses at the fish and runs around the room to pull open the curtains and finding toys in hidden bins.