Her Own Paradise: Southern Comfort, #3

Chapter One

The stifling heat wave hit Charleston at the beginning of July, just as it did every year. That weather pattern was as predictable as taking a breath—it just happened. As the temperature rose, the southern lifestyle slowed down. Abby and Ellie sat on the patio as Maili napped. The sweat rolling down the cold glasses of sweet tea cooled their brows as they rubbed the glasses across their foreheads.

How soon do you think they’ll have the air conditioner fixed? Ellie asked breathlessly, as if talking were an effort.

Soon, I hope. Erik is on them like a dog on a bone. I don’t want Maili to melt… poor little sweet potato pie.

Ellie smiled at Abby’s precious description of her sleeping three-month-old baby girl. Maybe we should go somewhere, like a restaurant where it’s cool.

Yeah, maybe, but I don’t know if I have the energy to get up. I’m so gross and clammy, meaning I’d have to shower first.

That sounds like work.

Uh-huh.

Abby’s phone vibrated and scurried across the table. They both stared at it. She picked it up and answered before it could fall to the pavers below. Hello, Abby speaking.

Abs, it’s John. How have you been, sweet girl?

She sat upright and grinned into the phone. Hi, hon. Other than sweating my ass off, I’m fine. The air conditioner broke down today, but Erik is all over it. How are you, hot stuff?

He laughed. I’m fine, too. I’m thinking about visiting you next month, but I might reconsider. You know I can’t live without AC.

Right… and that statement is coming from the guy who practically lives on the beach. It will be fixed today, you goof.

I’m just giving you a hard time. Anyway, I’m in Nebraska right now at my folks’ place. I’m going to help them move to Florida next week. I guess there’s an artsy little town they’re pretty fond of just north of Orlando. It’s where they want to retire. The house is sold, and we’re having an estate sale over the weekend. After that, we’ll be on our way. I figure once I get them settled in, I could shoot up your way for a week or so.

You better, or you’ll be in hot water, mister. I know how much you want to meet little Maili. She’s absolutely precious. Keep me posted. I have to go see how the progress is going on the AC. They may need an extra jacking up. Love you. Bye.

Ellie gave Abby a questioning look. Was that your friend from St. Thomas?

Yep, he’s the best guy friend I’ve ever had. Wait until you meet him. He’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.

Interesting, but I’m spoken for. Ellie lifted her wobbly, sweaty hand and flaunted it at Abby, showing off the enormous engagement ring Don had put on her finger last month.

Oh, I know. Who could forget that rock? You could start a fire with the sun bouncing off that sucker.

Jealous?

Nope, I’m very content with the beautiful ring and hunky husband I have, thank you.

I think I heard someone mention a hunky husband. Obviously, you’re talking about me, Erik said, grinning as he exited the basement cellar door from the backyard. I think we’re good to go, babe. The house should start cooling down really soon. Thanks, guys. Erik shook hands with the repairmen and led them out the side gate. At least it was cool in the basement, and they got the work done pretty quickly, he said when he returned from the kitchen with an icy beer in hand. Where’s babycakes?

She’s napping in the library. I have the monitor here on the table. John just called. He’s thinking about visiting next month. He’s anxious to meet Maili.

Who wouldn’t be? Between you and me, babe, we created quite a stunning little girl. Erik kissed Abby on the forehead, guzzled down the beer, and pushed his chair back. Gotta shower and head to the library project. The contractors have some questions for me.

Okay. Bye, hon.

You know Gina’s grand opening celebration is in two days. You guys are coming, aren’t you? Ellie asked.

Of course we are. We wouldn’t miss it for the world. Let’s head inside before we pass out. The house has to be cooling down by now.

***

Saturday at noon, the jazz band was already performing in the corner of the parking lot of Mane Attraction. Luckily, the weather was tolerable, in the high eighties, with blue skies and a light breeze. The weekend offered a welcome break in the humidity. Caterers loaded the appetizer table with every possible finger food known to man. Three ten-gallon coolers of sweet tea and two coolers of lemonade were placed next to the food. Jugglers, a fire-eater on a unicycle, and a magician entertained the crowd. Even if passersby weren’t there deliberately, the excitement in the parking lot was enough to draw them in.

Gina spoke into the microphone, welcoming everyone to the grand opening celebration of Mane Attraction, the fun new upscale hair salon on King Street. Gina’s publicist told her to use as many positive adjectives as possible, without sounding ridiculous, in her description of the salon. She pumped up the crowd, offering raffle tickets for sale. Tickets cost two dollars for one or eight bucks for five. The grand prize was a full spa day at Lady Julianne’s on Meeting Street, a three-hundred-dollar value. All of the remaining prizes came from Mane Attraction, such as styling product discounts and mani-pedis and hair treatments for twenty percent off. The winning tickets would be announced at three o’clock. The crowd of people spilled out onto the sidewalk as onlookers gathered and cheered, giving the fire-eater plenty of room to perform in the center of the parking lot. The jazz band played on, and the magician mingled in the crowd.

Gina caught a glimpse of her friends as they headed in her direction. The salon was officially closed today for the celebration, so everyone, including all of the stylists, attended the party. Adam snuck up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and gave her a quick kiss on the side of her neck. Well-wishers stood in line, hugging her and shaking her hand. Congratulations were in order, especially considering that the salon had been open for only a month and was already in the black. Gina, who owned five salons in Wisconsin, was a pro and knew how to maximize promotions and grand openings.

***

With an icy cup of tea in her hand, Melanie stood near the band, tapping her foot to the music. As the unicyclist performed his stunts, the crowd spread out to give him more room. An accidental push from someone in the crowd caused the mingling magician to lose his balance and catapult into Melanie, sending the entire cup of sweet tea down the front of her top.

Her screech echoed through the parking lot as she shook ice cubes out of the shelf bra built into her tank top.

I’m so sorry, ma’am. Can I help you? The magician asked the question before he actually saw what she was doing. I guess not, huh?

Melanie’s angry red face softened when she saw how gorgeous the young magician was. His pitch-black curly hair was beautiful but nothing compared to his bright green eyes with long black eyelashes. The deep dimples in his cheeks were accentuated by the enormous grin he wore when he looked directly into her eyes.

I’m fine, Melanie said. Just the shock of… oh, never mind. Embarrassed that she was still trying to remove melting ice from between her breasts, she looked away from his piercing stare.

I was bumped by the crowd, you know. This isn’t the normal way I introduce myself, and I really am sorry. I have some costumes in the back of my SUV if you want to change into something dry. Actually, I think a jester’s suit would look pretty hot on you. He laughed when he saw her upturned grin.

I don’t live far away. I’ll just go home and put on some clean clothes, but thanks.

So you aren’t the ‘live in the moment’ type? A look of disappointment crossed his face as Mel began to walk away.

She stopped and turned back. What exactly does that mean?

You know, there’s a reason things happen, even if they aren’t preplanned. This could be our destiny, the way we met that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. I may not have ever noticed you in this huge crowd, and vice-versa.

She couldn’t help laughing. You’re kind of forward for such a tyke.

Tyke? I beg your pardon. I’m far from a tyke. I have a lot of hardworking years under my belt.

Really… how old are you? she asked, engaging the handsome young magician.

I’m twenty-two… going on thirty, but that doesn’t have anything to do with anything. Do you want to live a little and wear a jester’s suit today, or go home, lose your prized parking spot, and come back wearing a very average outfit just to blend in with the crowd?

Tell me your name first, then I’ll decide.

I’m Jax. My real name is Jackson Reed, but Jax works pretty well professionally. What’s your name?

She held out her hand and shook his. "I’m Mel. My real name is Melanie Davis, but Mel works pretty well for me professionally and unprofessionally," she said with a laugh.

You’re a funny girl, Mel. I like that. So come on. Today looks like a party day. You’d fit in perfectly wearing a jester’s suit. Let me show you my wardrobe selection.

Do you live in Charleston, and is being a magician your profession? Mel asked as they walked the two blocks to his car parked on Wentworth.

Yeah, actually it is, and I’m really good at it. I’m sure you didn’t have a chance to see my magic, plus I don’t do the spectacular stunts at small venues that I do when I’m on stage.

On stage? Are you serious? She looked at him with wide-eyed curiosity, wondering whether the young man was joking with her or not.

Sure, I travel all over the United States, opening for big-name magic acts, especially in Vegas. Does that surprise you?

Of course it does, especially at your age.

Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment, but I’ll tell you a little secret. There’s a lot more to me than meets the eye. Okay, here we are. He pulled the key fob out of his pocket and popped the hatch with two beeps.

Melanie was impressed. Jax had a cranberry-colored Ford Expedition. It looked to be the latest model. Nice car. I love this new body style.

Are you a car enthusiast?

Not over the top, but I do appreciate a nice-looking vehicle. So, let’s take a look at your selection of outfits.

He reached in the back and pulled a large suitcase toward them. As he unzipped it and flipped the top open, he asked Melanie her age.

"I’m twenty-eight and not going on thirty. She laughed as she thought about it. Don’t try to grow up too fast, Jax. Aging will happen all by itself without your help. I’d love to stay twenty-eight for at least another ten years. So, you didn’t say before, do you live in Charleston?"

Oh, sorry. Actually, I live just over the bridge in Wando Crossing. It’s a small area but nice, and close enough to Charleston. He pulled out several clothing selections as he spoke. Let’s see, we have the jester’s suit, a hobo suit, a tuxedo. If those seem too hot to wear, I have a Raggedy Andy costume, he said, grinning. That would look really cute on you.

Okay, I’ll take it. I’m going to run into the Starbucks and change clothes.

Great… do you want me to grab a couple of iced coffees while I wait?

Surprised, she gave Jax a smile. That would be really sweet. I’ll be out in a few minutes. Melanie had to wait her turn in the ladies’ room, finally opting to enter the handicap stall so she would have room to change clothes. It would take only a minute or two. What am I doing, for Pete’s sake? Why am I hanging out with this boy? There’s nothing beyond today that could ever happen between us. She remembered Jax saying she should live in the moment and see what happened. Okay, I guess I can do that, at least for today. She laughed at the nonsense of her encounter with Jax, although he was sexy in a cute sort of way, polite, and seemingly genuine. Nothing said they had to be more than friends. As far as Mel knew, he probably had a cute girlfriend in Wando Crossing who would be beginning college in September. Mel opened the stall door to find four women waiting in line. They all laughed when they saw her, apparently surprised to have a Raggedy Andy–costumed woman exit the lavatory.

Aren’t you in the wrong costume, honey? an older woman asked with a chuckle.

Melanie laughed, too. I’m going to live in the moment and not feel the slightest bit embarrassed. After all, I’m going to be walking out of here and down the street in front of thousands of eyeballs. Yeah… crazy, huh? Guess they got my costume mixed up with some guy’s. Can you imagine what he must look like?

The women in the ladies’ room hooted with laughter as everyone wished her well and asked what the occasion was.

Come on down to Mane Attraction on King Street. There’s an enormous party going on. I’m just one of the many goofballs there. Bye, everybody!

Jax waited at a small bar table by the window, facing the hallway to the restrooms. He saw Mel exit and laughed. You look awesome. I’m pretty sure today is going to turn out great. Here, have an iced coffee. I even grabbed a plastic bag for your clothes.

They sipped their drinks as they walked back to the salon. Were you just passing by and enjoying the music at the festivities when I slammed into you?

Oh, not at all, I was there on purpose. My friend Gina Angello is the owner of the salon. She opened last month, but today, obviously, is the grand opening celebration. Actually, I’m there with a ton of people who are probably organizing a search party for me as we speak. I didn’t think to tell anyone I was leaving.

So, what you’re saying is I mesmerized you so much you forgot all about your friends?

Sure, if that’s the story you want to go with. Look at all the people smiling at me. Maybe I should dress like this every day. I’d probably have tons of friends.

Something tells me you already do.

Chapter Two

Guess I better get at it. I did get paid to do this gig. Catch up with me later, okay? I’ll be done with my magic at four o’clock. You can even stick around and watch me if you like. Jax winked at Melanie, causing her to stammer.

What? Oh, sure, I’ll be back in a few minutes. I have to find my friends and see what they’re up to first.

Okay… hope to see you soon. You look great as Raggedy Andy.

Melanie pushed through the crowd of people dancing to the music. She found Ellie and Don standing with the crowd of people watching the unicyclist juggle bowling pins while he rode the bike.

Hi, guys. Where’s everyone else? Melanie had forgotten she was wearing the Raggedy Andy costume.

What the hell are you wearing, and didn’t you arrive here with regular clothes on? Ellie asked, giving Mel the once over. Spin around and let me see how you look. Humph… it’s kind of cute. I want one, too.

Sorry, babe, this is a one-of-a-kind outfit. My new friend let me wear it. Mel looked around for a garbage can to throw her Starbucks cup into.

Where did it come from, and who is your new friend? You really get around… geez.

The magician, Jax. Have you seen him perform yet?

Oh yeah, earlier… he’s actually really good. He’s your new friend? He looks like he’s eighteen, but that doesn’t explain why you’re wearing one of his costumes.

Someone accidently knocked him into me earlier, spilling my iced tea all over my tank top. He felt bad and offered me one of his costumes to wear. Nothing too exciting, El. That’s the story I’m going with. Anyway, where is everybody?

Abby and Erik went home. I guess Maili was cranky. As far as I know, everyone else is milling around. I think Gina and Adam are dancing. Do you want to dance, Don?

Sure, babe, let’s go.

Okay, see you in a bit, Mel. Go find your magician friend and have him dance with you. He’s a cutie, Ellie yelled back as Don pulled her through the crowd.

Melanie got in line to order a hot dog and another cup of iced tea. That time, she planned to stand off to the side while she drank it. She found herself alone, watching as the couples danced and swayed to the sexy music. The men stole kisses with their partners whenever they could. Feeling like she stood out too much, Melanie turned to walk away. She didn’t want to appear more obvious than she already was in the Raggedy Andy costume.

Want to dance? Jax asked, still looking very young and very sexy. I have a half-hour break due me.

Um… okay, I guess. Isn’t everyone going to stare at us with this silly costume I’m wearing?

Probably. I look kind of silly myself but not nearly as silly as you.

She slugged him in the shoulder. Come on, smart-ass. Let’s see what kind of dancer you are.

At that very moment, the music tempo changed and slowed to a sultry, sexy blues song. Jax pulled Melanie in so close that their bodies rubbed against each other. He held her by the small of her waist and drank in her beautiful features as he swayed to the slow, melodic beat.

I’m surprised, she said. She lay her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Yeah, about what? he asked as he nuzzled her ear.

That you dance so well.

I’m not that young, Mel, plus I come from a family of entertainers. I took dance and gymnastics as a kid. There are a lot of things I’m good at.

She felt the heat climb up her neck as their bodies mingled. Live in the moment, Mel, and enjoy right now. Stay calm and be happy. He’s a really nice guy.

The song ended, and Jax led the way to a picnic table with a few people around it and just enough room for two more to squeeze in.

So, what is it you do for a living?

I’m a blossoming fashion designer. Actually, I have one year of apprenticeship left before I can officially call myself a fashion designer. I work just a few blocks from here at Colette’s Closet."

Wow that gives me all sorts of ideas.

What do you mean by that?

"Would you like to grab a glass of wine with me after my