Lost and Found

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The food was wonderful, the weather fantastic, and the ocean was warm when Amelia paddled in the shallows. Li was enjoying herself, they both were. But she needed these moments away, on her own, to think. There’d been no further news on Clay, though Marilyn had emailed her and told them that they were all out of work whilst the FBI investigated the company. She’d also had an email from her new employer Marc Freeman assuring her that her job was still safe.

Kicking at the sand, she watched two people jet-skiing around a distant headland, a spray of water shooting up behind each of them. Oh for a carefree life. She was dreading returning to the real world, the new real world apart from Clay and him arrested.

Back at the room, there was a note from Li, she was in an archery competition with the entertainment crew, but she’d meet her for dinner in half an hour. Amelia showered and changed into a summery long dress, then made her way to the open air bar next to the restaurant. She was drinking a Long Island Ice Tea when a cacophony of noise came from around the side of the main building. Looking up Amelia burst into laughter, seeing Li hoisted onto the shoulders of at least three men, reminiscent of Cleopatra with her black bobbed hair and exotic complexion.

                “I won!” she shouted across to Amelia. “Apparently I have talents I never knew about!”

Amelia laughed, “I could’ve told you that chick!”

Li was deposited in a rather unceremonious fashion in front of Amelia, and then the ‘Winners Sash’ placed around her.

                “I’ve got to wear this all night!” She laughed, ordering the same drink as her friend.

An hour later they sat opposite each other in the restaurant, replete after a divine meal.

                “So what do you do now?” Li asked her after explaining that she was going to change her flight to go home via Japan, it was an opportunity to meet Daichi’s family, and to extend her trip a little longer.

                “In ten days I fly back to New York and start my new job.”

                “Why don’t you call Sol? See if you can...”  Her question was halted by Amelia’s hand rising. They’d talked a lot about all that had happened, how deeply Amelia had been affected by Sol, and how hurt. But she’d also been further damaged by Clay and she was in no rush to fly headlong into something new.

                “I chose Clay. Not Sol. I’m not going back on that now just because Clay is ‘indisposed’ so to speak. You know me Li, I don’t flit from one thing to another, I decide what I want in a level headed way. And I made my choice.”

Li shook her head, “you’re TOO bloody level headed. What about romance and living life on the edge?”

Amelia laughed, “I take risks at work, that’s enough for me. Now let’s change the subject. I’ve said goodbye to Sol, Clay looks like he’s out of the picture...I’m happy on my own. I always have been.”

Li wasn’t convinced, but how did you influence someone who was so damned independent?

Friday 16th July

A week in paradise had seen Amelia’s skin glow a healthy brown, the extra swimming and walking saw her slimmer than ever. As she paused looking out across the sea, at the early morning sun, she appreciated the positive effect this break, this place had had on her.  Li was the same, she’d been the life and soul of every party, every game, and she knew everyone in the whole resort. Amelia had to admit the break had been perfectly timed. She was heading home the next day, to who knew what. Li was flying to Japan to Daichi. Would life ever be this blissful again? Who knew, so Amelia threw caution to the wind and made the most of her last few days in paradise.