Finding Paradise - Sample Chapter
Chapter One
Aqua waves from the Caribbean Sea lapped at the shoreline, splashing warm, salty kisses against Morgan’s ankles. She stopped to dig her toe into the white sand to loosen a seashell. Stooping down to pick up the shell, Morgan paused as a gull cried overhead, its wings spread wide in the warm, tropical breeze.
Ahead of her, a couple, basking in the golden sunshine, whispered and laughed together, stealing kisses and sipping on icy, cold drinks with colorful paper umbrellas in them.
Morgan turned her head toward the ocean, focusing her gaze on a man, dangling from a parachute while being pulled by a speed boat. He floated and dipped, over the gem-colored water, as onlookers clapped and snapped pictures.
Feeling like a fish out of water, Morgan decided to go back to her room and take a long, hot bubble bath. She’d arrived in Cancun earlier that day and came to realize very quickly that the lavish resort was not the place for a single woman to hang out, especially over Valentines Day. She was surrounded by couples enjoying the romantic atmosphere, and families with their children, enjoying a vacation full of sun and fun.
Crouching down to gather one last seashell, she was surprised when a volleyball rolled in front of her and stopped. She picked up the ball and stood to find herself looking into a pair of blue eyes.
The man smiled, his broad, white-toothed grin lighting up his whole face. Morgan admired his tousled black curls and bronzed skin and couldn’t help smiling back.
He held his hands toward to her.
She stared at his hands for a minute, then realized why they were outstretched toward her. “Oh! This must be yours. “ She handed him the ball.
“Thanks, “ he said, “You want to play? “
She flashed a brief glance toward the bikini clad beauties and group of muscular guys waiting for him to return with the ball, and she became painfully aware of her pale skin, and less than buffed body.
“Oh, no, “ she stumbled over her words. “I was just on my way back to my room. “
“Okay, “ he said with a wink, “Maybe another time. “
He turned and batted the ball back to the group, then joined his friends and the game continued.
Morgan hurried away, feeling a flush of color rise to her cheeks. Part of her wished she would have accepted his invitation to play volleyball, but the timid, librarian side of her won as usual.
Wishing her friend, Samantha, had planned a more traditional wedding rather than getting married on a powdery white beach in Cancun, Mexico, Morgan figured there wasn’t much she could do about her “square peg in a round hole “ situation at the resort. Samantha was determined to get married on Monday, which was Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day in the year, on the beach.
Just make the best of it, Morgan told herself, then you can go home right after the ceremony. She’d planned on staying the rest of the week like most of the guests attending the wedding so she could hang out with Sammy’s litter sister, Veronica. But Ronny had a boyfriend who’d tagged along and that meant Morgan was on her own. Of course, she’d received invitations to join Sammy’s parents for dinner and go on tours with them to see Mayan ruins, but that wasn’t the way Morgan had planned on spending her vacation, the first vacation she’d taken since starting at the library three years ago fresh out of college.
The Gran Caribe Real resort, was a sprawling five-star hotel, with a luscious pool, five highly-rated restaurants and nearly every room with a view of the ocean. Morgan had been hesitant at first to agree to attend Sammy’s wedding, but Sammy had insisted and helped Morgan realize that she deserved a vacation. And besides, Sammy claimed she couldn’t go through such an important day without her best friend.
Sammy was LDS, like Morgan, but had stopped going to church soon after graduation from high school. The two girls had been friends since junior high school and were as close as sisters. Even though Sammy’s parents were LDS, neither of them attended any of their meetings or even acknowledge any association with the church. Sammy’s interest in church and Young Women stemmed from her friendship with Morgan and the efforts of loving leaders who took the girl into their hearts and homes.
But after high school Sammy’s full-time job required she work on Sunday and Morgan saw her less and less at church until finally Sammy quit going altogether. It broke Morgan’s heart, because she knew deep down inside, Sammy had a testimony. Meeting Trevor, a non-member, seemed to be the final step in Sammy’s complete separation from activity in the church. Sammy was still a sweet, wonderful person, she just didn’t seem to see a need for religion in her life. But Morgan vowed to never give up on her friend, especially when she was the only link Sammy had to the church.
“Morgan, “ a voice from overhead called.
Morgan looked up to see Sammy waving wildly at her as she hung over the balcony four stories above.
“Come up, “ Sammy yelled. “I need your help. “
Moments later Morgan arrived at Samantha’s hotel room where it looked like a clothing store had exploded. Swimsuits were strewn from the balcony to the bathroom. Sarongs, cover-ups, lingerie, and all sorts of beachwear littered the floors and the beds.
“If you’re expecting me to hang up all this stuff, I’m leaving, “ Morgan said. The two had shopped enough together for Morgan to know that it was usually Samantha inside the dressing room trying on clothes, while Morgan sat outside watching the fashion show and hanging up the rejects.
“No silly, “ Sammy replied, “I was sure about this dress, “ she said, holding up the white chiffon dress she’d planned on wearing for the wedding ceremony, “but I saw this downstairs in the window and fell in love with it. Plus I saw a few other things I liked. “
“A few! “ Morgan exclaimed. “Is there anything left in the shop? “
Sammy gave her an unamused look. “Come on, Morgan, help me. The wedding’s tomorrow. I have to decide. You’ve got such great taste, you know me better than anyone, which one says, ‘Sammy’? “
Morgan looked at the two dresses. The spaghetti strap, chiffon dress was airy and simple, perfect enough for the beach, elegant enough for a wedding. The other one, a strapless, clingy number with sequins and a slit up to the thigh on one side was indeed an eye catcher, but a little too glamorous and Hollywood, neither of them were modest enough in Morgan’s opinion.
“The strapless one says, ‘Sammy’, “ Morgan told her honestly. “But I like the other one the best. “
“Well, that doesn’t help much, “ Sammy complained.
“I can’t choose for you, Sammy, “ Morgan said. Then she had a thought. “I know, why don’t you try each of them on. That might help us decide. “
Out of habit, while Sammy tried on the dresses, Morgan began hanging clothes back on their hangers. She’d gotten quite good at it over the years.
Sammy stepped out of the bathroom in the strapless dress. The dress was stunning, but the bare shoulders and low-cut neckline just weren’t flattering.
“I think Trevor would really like this one, “ Samantha said, turning from side to side in front of the full length mirror.
Morgan grimaced. Trevor. She’d never grown to like her friend’s fiancé, even though she’d tried as hard as she could. Sure, he was handsome and charming. And cute if you liked bleached blonde hair, in gelled spikes, tatoos and pierced ears. The problem was, he was just too rough, too crude for Morgan. He just wasn’t classy enough for Sammy. But Sammy adored the ground he walked on.
Morgan noticed Samantha pulling the dress up several times, holding herself stiffly, as if trying not to inhale too deeply for fear the whole thing would slide to the floor.
“Why don’t you try on the other one, “ Morgan suggested.
Continuing to hang up clothes, Morgan nearly had one bed cleared off when Sammy stepped out of the bathroom again.
Samantha walked to the mirror, the dress floating gracefully with each footstep.
“This one is just so plain, “ she complained.
Morgan walked over to her friend. She stood behind Sammy and took her long, curly blonde hair and twisted it on top of her head, letting several tendrils fall on each side of her face.
“This dress couldn’t be more perfect, “ she said. “It looks beautiful on you, plus you don’t look as worried in this one. “
“Worried? “
“You know, “ Morgan clarified, “Like you’re afraid to breathe for fear it will fall off. “
Samantha had to agree that the other dress did concern her a bit.
“You want people looking at you, not the dress, “ Morgan told her. “This one looks like it was made just for you, for this occasion. “ Morgan didn’t tell her that ever since her friend began dating Trevor she didn’t really like how her appearance had changed from the wholesome beauty she’d always been, to a hard, biker chic look she now sported. Samantha had changed her silky, light brown hair to a bleached, permed style. Her creamy skin was constantly tanned and she’d had several cosmetic surgeries to enhance her shape. Luckily, Samantha was still the same inside, but Morgan noticed that Trevor’s influence was even having an effect on her that way, too. Sammy had never been a drinker, nor a late-night partier, but Trevor’s lifestyle involved those elements and if Sammy wanted to be with him, then that’s what she did.
Sammy smiled and took one last look in the mirror. “You’re right, it really is beautiful. “
“You’ll make a beautiful bride. “
“Thanks, Morgan. I’m so glad you came. It wouldn’t be the same without you. “ Sammy gave her a hug. “Have you been having fun? Where had you been when I saw you? “
“Just down to the beach. “
“How’s the water? “
“Like bath water, “ Morgan replied. “The weather is really beautiful outside.. “
“Have you decided yet which tours you want to go on? “
Morgan busied herself hanging up a pair of white linen capris and didn’t answer.
“Morgan, you’re still not planning on going home early are you? “ Sammy scolded. “I won’t let you. This is a vacation that is long overdue for you. You need to learn to loosen up, have fun, experience life. You spend too much time with books and sitting behind a desk. “
“I know, I know, “ Morgan replied. But Sammy didn’t understand that even though Morgan thought she was right, a vacation by yourself was no vacation at all. What fun was going to fascinating sites or experiencing new and interesting things, if you couldn’t share it with someone? And the last thing she wanted to do was try and meet guys while she was here.
Not that she had a boyfriend. Or did she? She wasn’t sure what to call Manny, the guy she dated back home in Sacramento. They dated fairly regularly, but they were also free to date others. She wasn’t sure what to think about their relationship. Manny had been the most popular boy in high school; handsome, athletic, a born leader, and to Morgan’s surprise, out of all the girls he could have, she was the one he’d dated. But his family moved out of state after high school and then he’d gone on his mission. After that, they’d drifted apart.
When he showed up in Sacramento again, it had been fun and exciting and Morgan had thought that maybe there was a reason he was back in her life. But now, after months of dating, she wasn’t sure where their relationship was going. There was something that just didn’t seem to click between them. But in all honesty, at twenty-six years of age, she was afraid that if she lost him, she might never find anyone else. Sure, things weren’t perfect in their relationship, but there was a sense of security with Manny, she knew what she was getting with him.
“Hello, “ Sammy said, “earth to Morgan. “
Morgan blinked and looked at her friend. “Sorry, did you say something? “
Sammy rolled her eyes and shook her head helplessly. “Listen to me, Morgan. You are beautiful and intelligent. Go out and have some fun. Meet some new people. Who knows, maybe you’ll find someone special. “
“But-- “
“I know, I know, you and Manny are dating, but you two aren’t serious. It would be silly for you to not have fun while you’re here. I have one suggestion, though. “
One thing about Samantha, she was straightforward and honest, painfully honest. Morgan had grown used to her friend’s frank opinions, but she didn’t always appreciate them.
“Yes? “ Morgan prompted, wanting to get the advice over with.
“You need to tone down your goody-two-shoes image. I think you scare guys away. “
Morgan wasn’t offended by Samantha’s statement, she’d heard it from her before. But she was hurt by it. Why should she have to change who she was to get a guy? What was the sense in that? Shouldn’t a person love another person for who they were, not for who they pretended to be?
“Then I guess it will have to take a pretty special guy to fall in love with me, won’t it? Someone who doesn’t scare easily. “
Samantha’s expression softened and she nodded. “I’m sorry. You’re right. And I think you deserve someone very special. “
“And he’ll be someone worth waiting for, won’t he. “
Samantha nodded again, in complete agreement, then she turned back to the mirror. “So, this is the dress I’m going to be married in. Can you believe it? I’m getting married tomorrow. “
The telephone on the night stand trilled loudly. Samantha rushed to answer the phone.
Morgan continued hanging up clothes while Sammy spoke briefly on the phone.
“That was Trevor. He’s going to grab a bite to eat with Justin and the rest of the guys, “ she said after she hung up the phone.
“Which one is Justin? “
“Trevor’s best man. “
Trevor and all his college buddies were still very close even though they’d been out of college for several years. In Morgan’s opinion, Trevor seemed to place as much emphasis on his relationship with his friends as he did on his relationship with Samantha, and Morgan hoped it didn’t lead to problems in their marriage down the road.
“I think out of all of his buddies, though, he thinks the most of Justin. He’s a really great guy, “ Sammy continued.
“That’s nice, “ Morgan said, clipping a soft, coral colored sun dress onto a hanger.
“You should meet Justin, I think you’d like him. “
Morgan shot her friend a warning look. She’d advised her family and friends that she was not going out on any more blind dates. For some reason, everyone who knew her seemed to think they knew just what kind of guy she was looking for. But after all the “set ups “ she’d endured, she finally told everyone that she was taking a break.
“I know, I know. I’m not trying to set you up, I just think you’d enjoy being around him. He’s a lot of fun. “
“I’m fine, “ Morgan assured Samantha. “I don’t need someone around to help me have fun while I’m here. I can do that on my own. “
“I hate the thought of you being alone, though. Especially here in Cancun. I didn’t know Ronny was bringing her boyfriend. I’m sorry, “
“Hey, I’m fine, don’t worry about me, “ Morgan insisted.
“But I don’t want you to leave without at least seeing some of the ruins. My parents are going to Chichen Itza. You should go with them. “
Morgan looked at her friend’s pleading expression. “I’ll think about it, okay? “
“And would you promise me just one more thing? “
Morgan wasn’t about to agree with anything until she heard the proposition.
“Promise me you’ll at least meet Justin. “
Morgan opened her mouth to remind Sammy about her agreement to not play matchmaker, but Sammy stopped her, “I know, I know. I’m not trying to hook you two up, but he’s special to me and Trevor, and so are you. It would be nice if you two knew each other. “
Figuring she had nothing to lose and that there was no commitment involved, Morgan agreed.
Sammy smiled, “Good. Now, help me take these back to the store and we’ll go grab a bite to eat. I’m starving. “
Aqua waves from the Caribbean Sea lapped at the shoreline, splashing warm, salty kisses against Morgan’s ankles. She stopped to dig her toe into the white sand to loosen a seashell. Stooping down to pick up the shell, Morgan paused as a gull cried overhead, its wings spread wide in the warm, tropical breeze.
Ahead of her, a couple, basking in the golden sunshine, whispered and laughed together, stealing kisses and sipping on icy, cold drinks with colorful paper umbrellas in them.
Morgan turned her head toward the ocean, focusing her gaze on a man, dangling from a parachute while being pulled by a speed boat. He floated and dipped, over the gem-colored water, as onlookers clapped and snapped pictures.
Feeling like a fish out of water, Morgan decided to go back to her room and take a long, hot bubble bath. She’d arrived in Cancun earlier that day and came to realize very quickly that the lavish resort was not the place for a single woman to hang out, especially over Valentines Day. She was surrounded by couples enjoying the romantic atmosphere, and families with their children, enjoying a vacation full of sun and fun.
Crouching down to gather one last seashell, she was surprised when a volleyball rolled in front of her and stopped. She picked up the ball and stood to find herself looking into a pair of blue eyes.
The man smiled, his broad, white-toothed grin lighting up his whole face. Morgan admired his tousled black curls and bronzed skin and couldn’t help smiling back.
He held his hands toward to her.
She stared at his hands for a minute, then realized why they were outstretched toward her. “Oh! This must be yours. “ She handed him the ball.
“Thanks, “ he said, “You want to play? “
She flashed a brief glance toward the bikini clad beauties and group of muscular guys waiting for him to return with the ball, and she became painfully aware of her pale skin, and less than buffed body.
“Oh, no, “ she stumbled over her words. “I was just on my way back to my room. “
“Okay, “ he said with a wink, “Maybe another time. “
He turned and batted the ball back to the group, then joined his friends and the game continued.
Morgan hurried away, feeling a flush of color rise to her cheeks. Part of her wished she would have accepted his invitation to play volleyball, but the timid, librarian side of her won as usual.
Wishing her friend, Samantha, had planned a more traditional wedding rather than getting married on a powdery white beach in Cancun, Mexico, Morgan figured there wasn’t much she could do about her “square peg in a round hole “ situation at the resort. Samantha was determined to get married on Monday, which was Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day in the year, on the beach.
Just make the best of it, Morgan told herself, then you can go home right after the ceremony. She’d planned on staying the rest of the week like most of the guests attending the wedding so she could hang out with Sammy’s litter sister, Veronica. But Ronny had a boyfriend who’d tagged along and that meant Morgan was on her own. Of course, she’d received invitations to join Sammy’s parents for dinner and go on tours with them to see Mayan ruins, but that wasn’t the way Morgan had planned on spending her vacation, the first vacation she’d taken since starting at the library three years ago fresh out of college.
The Gran Caribe Real resort, was a sprawling five-star hotel, with a luscious pool, five highly-rated restaurants and nearly every room with a view of the ocean. Morgan had been hesitant at first to agree to attend Sammy’s wedding, but Sammy had insisted and helped Morgan realize that she deserved a vacation. And besides, Sammy claimed she couldn’t go through such an important day without her best friend.
Sammy was LDS, like Morgan, but had stopped going to church soon after graduation from high school. The two girls had been friends since junior high school and were as close as sisters. Even though Sammy’s parents were LDS, neither of them attended any of their meetings or even acknowledge any association with the church. Sammy’s interest in church and Young Women stemmed from her friendship with Morgan and the efforts of loving leaders who took the girl into their hearts and homes.
But after high school Sammy’s full-time job required she work on Sunday and Morgan saw her less and less at church until finally Sammy quit going altogether. It broke Morgan’s heart, because she knew deep down inside, Sammy had a testimony. Meeting Trevor, a non-member, seemed to be the final step in Sammy’s complete separation from activity in the church. Sammy was still a sweet, wonderful person, she just didn’t seem to see a need for religion in her life. But Morgan vowed to never give up on her friend, especially when she was the only link Sammy had to the church.
“Morgan, “ a voice from overhead called.
Morgan looked up to see Sammy waving wildly at her as she hung over the balcony four stories above.
“Come up, “ Sammy yelled. “I need your help. “
Moments later Morgan arrived at Samantha’s hotel room where it looked like a clothing store had exploded. Swimsuits were strewn from the balcony to the bathroom. Sarongs, cover-ups, lingerie, and all sorts of beachwear littered the floors and the beds.
“If you’re expecting me to hang up all this stuff, I’m leaving, “ Morgan said. The two had shopped enough together for Morgan to know that it was usually Samantha inside the dressing room trying on clothes, while Morgan sat outside watching the fashion show and hanging up the rejects.
“No silly, “ Sammy replied, “I was sure about this dress, “ she said, holding up the white chiffon dress she’d planned on wearing for the wedding ceremony, “but I saw this downstairs in the window and fell in love with it. Plus I saw a few other things I liked. “
“A few! “ Morgan exclaimed. “Is there anything left in the shop? “
Sammy gave her an unamused look. “Come on, Morgan, help me. The wedding’s tomorrow. I have to decide. You’ve got such great taste, you know me better than anyone, which one says, ‘Sammy’? “
Morgan looked at the two dresses. The spaghetti strap, chiffon dress was airy and simple, perfect enough for the beach, elegant enough for a wedding. The other one, a strapless, clingy number with sequins and a slit up to the thigh on one side was indeed an eye catcher, but a little too glamorous and Hollywood, neither of them were modest enough in Morgan’s opinion.
“The strapless one says, ‘Sammy’, “ Morgan told her honestly. “But I like the other one the best. “
“Well, that doesn’t help much, “ Sammy complained.
“I can’t choose for you, Sammy, “ Morgan said. Then she had a thought. “I know, why don’t you try each of them on. That might help us decide. “
Out of habit, while Sammy tried on the dresses, Morgan began hanging clothes back on their hangers. She’d gotten quite good at it over the years.
Sammy stepped out of the bathroom in the strapless dress. The dress was stunning, but the bare shoulders and low-cut neckline just weren’t flattering.
“I think Trevor would really like this one, “ Samantha said, turning from side to side in front of the full length mirror.
Morgan grimaced. Trevor. She’d never grown to like her friend’s fiancé, even though she’d tried as hard as she could. Sure, he was handsome and charming. And cute if you liked bleached blonde hair, in gelled spikes, tatoos and pierced ears. The problem was, he was just too rough, too crude for Morgan. He just wasn’t classy enough for Sammy. But Sammy adored the ground he walked on.
Morgan noticed Samantha pulling the dress up several times, holding herself stiffly, as if trying not to inhale too deeply for fear the whole thing would slide to the floor.
“Why don’t you try on the other one, “ Morgan suggested.
Continuing to hang up clothes, Morgan nearly had one bed cleared off when Sammy stepped out of the bathroom again.
Samantha walked to the mirror, the dress floating gracefully with each footstep.
“This one is just so plain, “ she complained.
Morgan walked over to her friend. She stood behind Sammy and took her long, curly blonde hair and twisted it on top of her head, letting several tendrils fall on each side of her face.
“This dress couldn’t be more perfect, “ she said. “It looks beautiful on you, plus you don’t look as worried in this one. “
“Worried? “
“You know, “ Morgan clarified, “Like you’re afraid to breathe for fear it will fall off. “
Samantha had to agree that the other dress did concern her a bit.
“You want people looking at you, not the dress, “ Morgan told her. “This one looks like it was made just for you, for this occasion. “ Morgan didn’t tell her that ever since her friend began dating Trevor she didn’t really like how her appearance had changed from the wholesome beauty she’d always been, to a hard, biker chic look she now sported. Samantha had changed her silky, light brown hair to a bleached, permed style. Her creamy skin was constantly tanned and she’d had several cosmetic surgeries to enhance her shape. Luckily, Samantha was still the same inside, but Morgan noticed that Trevor’s influence was even having an effect on her that way, too. Sammy had never been a drinker, nor a late-night partier, but Trevor’s lifestyle involved those elements and if Sammy wanted to be with him, then that’s what she did.
Sammy smiled and took one last look in the mirror. “You’re right, it really is beautiful. “
“You’ll make a beautiful bride. “
“Thanks, Morgan. I’m so glad you came. It wouldn’t be the same without you. “ Sammy gave her a hug. “Have you been having fun? Where had you been when I saw you? “
“Just down to the beach. “
“How’s the water? “
“Like bath water, “ Morgan replied. “The weather is really beautiful outside.. “
“Have you decided yet which tours you want to go on? “
Morgan busied herself hanging up a pair of white linen capris and didn’t answer.
“Morgan, you’re still not planning on going home early are you? “ Sammy scolded. “I won’t let you. This is a vacation that is long overdue for you. You need to learn to loosen up, have fun, experience life. You spend too much time with books and sitting behind a desk. “
“I know, I know, “ Morgan replied. But Sammy didn’t understand that even though Morgan thought she was right, a vacation by yourself was no vacation at all. What fun was going to fascinating sites or experiencing new and interesting things, if you couldn’t share it with someone? And the last thing she wanted to do was try and meet guys while she was here.
Not that she had a boyfriend. Or did she? She wasn’t sure what to call Manny, the guy she dated back home in Sacramento. They dated fairly regularly, but they were also free to date others. She wasn’t sure what to think about their relationship. Manny had been the most popular boy in high school; handsome, athletic, a born leader, and to Morgan’s surprise, out of all the girls he could have, she was the one he’d dated. But his family moved out of state after high school and then he’d gone on his mission. After that, they’d drifted apart.
When he showed up in Sacramento again, it had been fun and exciting and Morgan had thought that maybe there was a reason he was back in her life. But now, after months of dating, she wasn’t sure where their relationship was going. There was something that just didn’t seem to click between them. But in all honesty, at twenty-six years of age, she was afraid that if she lost him, she might never find anyone else. Sure, things weren’t perfect in their relationship, but there was a sense of security with Manny, she knew what she was getting with him.
“Hello, “ Sammy said, “earth to Morgan. “
Morgan blinked and looked at her friend. “Sorry, did you say something? “
Sammy rolled her eyes and shook her head helplessly. “Listen to me, Morgan. You are beautiful and intelligent. Go out and have some fun. Meet some new people. Who knows, maybe you’ll find someone special. “
“But-- “
“I know, I know, you and Manny are dating, but you two aren’t serious. It would be silly for you to not have fun while you’re here. I have one suggestion, though. “
One thing about Samantha, she was straightforward and honest, painfully honest. Morgan had grown used to her friend’s frank opinions, but she didn’t always appreciate them.
“Yes? “ Morgan prompted, wanting to get the advice over with.
“You need to tone down your goody-two-shoes image. I think you scare guys away. “
Morgan wasn’t offended by Samantha’s statement, she’d heard it from her before. But she was hurt by it. Why should she have to change who she was to get a guy? What was the sense in that? Shouldn’t a person love another person for who they were, not for who they pretended to be?
“Then I guess it will have to take a pretty special guy to fall in love with me, won’t it? Someone who doesn’t scare easily. “
Samantha’s expression softened and she nodded. “I’m sorry. You’re right. And I think you deserve someone very special. “
“And he’ll be someone worth waiting for, won’t he. “
Samantha nodded again, in complete agreement, then she turned back to the mirror. “So, this is the dress I’m going to be married in. Can you believe it? I’m getting married tomorrow. “
The telephone on the night stand trilled loudly. Samantha rushed to answer the phone.
Morgan continued hanging up clothes while Sammy spoke briefly on the phone.
“That was Trevor. He’s going to grab a bite to eat with Justin and the rest of the guys, “ she said after she hung up the phone.
“Which one is Justin? “
“Trevor’s best man. “
Trevor and all his college buddies were still very close even though they’d been out of college for several years. In Morgan’s opinion, Trevor seemed to place as much emphasis on his relationship with his friends as he did on his relationship with Samantha, and Morgan hoped it didn’t lead to problems in their marriage down the road.
“I think out of all of his buddies, though, he thinks the most of Justin. He’s a really great guy, “ Sammy continued.
“That’s nice, “ Morgan said, clipping a soft, coral colored sun dress onto a hanger.
“You should meet Justin, I think you’d like him. “
Morgan shot her friend a warning look. She’d advised her family and friends that she was not going out on any more blind dates. For some reason, everyone who knew her seemed to think they knew just what kind of guy she was looking for. But after all the “set ups “ she’d endured, she finally told everyone that she was taking a break.
“I know, I know. I’m not trying to set you up, I just think you’d enjoy being around him. He’s a lot of fun. “
“I’m fine, “ Morgan assured Samantha. “I don’t need someone around to help me have fun while I’m here. I can do that on my own. “
“I hate the thought of you being alone, though. Especially here in Cancun. I didn’t know Ronny was bringing her boyfriend. I’m sorry, “
“Hey, I’m fine, don’t worry about me, “ Morgan insisted.
“But I don’t want you to leave without at least seeing some of the ruins. My parents are going to Chichen Itza. You should go with them. “
Morgan looked at her friend’s pleading expression. “I’ll think about it, okay? “
“And would you promise me just one more thing? “
Morgan wasn’t about to agree with anything until she heard the proposition.
“Promise me you’ll at least meet Justin. “
Morgan opened her mouth to remind Sammy about her agreement to not play matchmaker, but Sammy stopped her, “I know, I know. I’m not trying to hook you two up, but he’s special to me and Trevor, and so are you. It would be nice if you two knew each other. “
Figuring she had nothing to lose and that there was no commitment involved, Morgan agreed.
Sammy smiled, “Good. Now, help me take these back to the store and we’ll go grab a bite to eat. I’m starving. “
