He made a plan but he did not account for the vixen
Dan woke up the next day. His mouth was painfully dry, his head hurt so badly he couldn't see straight, and every motion brought fresh hell to him. Still, he thought about waking up without Amber. He thought of her scent, the way she always wanted to make him happy, and her genuine concern for his well-being.
He closed his eyes. He had understood just how wrong he was yesterday. All these years he had felt shafted—like Amber had been a punishment—now he wondered if it was poor Amber that had gotten the short end of the stick.
David woke up earlier than Dan and got on the phone. First, he called Virginia to make sure Amber was okay.
"Well, if it isn't David Mackie! You never call me anymore. I am going to have to assume Dan has spoken to you."
"Good morning, beautiful. You are the one who stopped calling me. How long is a man to wait? Dan spent the night here. He is really worried about Amber. Is she staying with you or Cristina?"
"He stayed with you?! Good! I am on my way for his keys. Paul and I want to get Amber's things. She is staying at her house on the Blue Serene."
"Is she? Good. Dan will be glad to know. Come and get the keys. He told Jessica to leave the house last night."
Virginia laughed. "Like she will listen to simple commands." She paused. "But good for him. Tell him… never mind, I will tell him when I get the keys."
David sat for a while, thinking things through. Dan had returned early, and Amber had up and walked out of her life. They were both moving way too fast for him, and he found himself wondering if either of them really knew what they wanted.
The doorbell rang, and David smiled. He looked up as he heard Dan moving around upstairs and shook his head. He opened his front door to see Virginia waiting.
She was a shorter, spicier version of Amber. Her long red hair flowed softly over her shoulders, and her green eyes sparked with defiance and strength.
"Is he not awake yet?" She spoke loudly enough for the neighbors to hear her. Dan came stumbling down the stairs.
"Can you get your sister out of my house?"
"No, but I will get Amber's clothes for her."
He sighed but gave his sister-in-law his house keys without a fight. She took the key and looked at him for a long moment.
"I will tell Amber that you do seem different, but understand it may take more than superficial change. Amber has been in love with you for a long time. For her to leave you like she did, it had to be something serious."
Dan nodded. "I will show her. It won't be my words, it will be my actions."
Virginia smiled. "She is not just living at Blue Serene, she is creating a retreat and spa. She is okay. Just make sure you are." She narrowed her eyes. "And get out from under Jessica."
Dan cringed but didn't say anything. She laughed and hurried off.
"I am going to go to Cristina's and see if I can get her to help you. Make yourself at home. I will be back soon." David said.
"Just go, bro! I haven't given up all hope. I will be okay."
Once David left, Dan sat in the quiet darkness of the kitchen, smelling the coffee but not wanting to be fully awake yet. He wanted it to all be some dream and wanted to be back in the Caribbean shooting videos—enjoying life.
But now… He wouldn't even let the thought form in his mind. He exhaled dramatically and picked up his phone.
Text:
"Hey Am❤️"
"Good morning🤗"
"I know I haven't been the best husband.'
"But that changes now."
"I won't sign those papers"
He looked at his phone—wishing she would respond—and sighed again. He got up and poured himself some coffee, and then he got to work.
He called builders, contractors, and different suppliers. He found out that many of them already had contracts with the main project or smaller projects at Blue Serene—and those who didn't asked him for help to get on a project there.
He couldn't find out any specifics, but he found out two smaller projects—an artisanal dairy and a large restaurant. These were headed by a Brandon Crisps and Calvin Tucker. Dan heard these names, and something inside his chest heated up.
He felt that these two men were obstacles to his personal happiness. Obstacles he would need to overcome. He started when there was an urgent knock on the door. He frowned, and then the bell was rung several times.
His frown deepened as he went to open the door.
Jessica smiled broadly and moved to enter. Dan's eyebrows rose, and he did not move to let her in. Jessica pouted and leaned into Dan, her hand lightly placed on his chest.
"Baby, why are you behaving this way? Do not worry about Amber. She is fine. I am sure she is with Cristina, I mean…" she scoffed. "… where else could she go?"
Dan narrowed his eyes. "Listen, Jessica. I have made some mistakes. Amber is my wife, and I want it to stay like that. I can no longer have anything to do with you. I want my marriage. Please take ALL of your things from me and my wife's home." He went to close the door and paused, looking at the burgundy dress she was wearing.
"And leave all of Amber's clothes."
Jessica scoffed incredulously. "You don't mean that, baby."
Dan just closed the door and went back to thinking about his regrets