Trapped In Paradise

Anna's POV

––––––––

Are you calling Ridley on the other end and asking him a question??

Yes, I clenched my teeth and answered. "Why didn't you tell me that we were providing services for a singles party?"

She replied matter-of-factly, "Because I knew you'd answer 'no'.

Because you knew I'd exclaim, "God forbid, Ridley, what were you thinking?!" I lost it, boiling within. You of all people should be aware that the last thing I want to do is spend a week alone on a boat with inebriated scumbags.

"First, it's a yacht," she said. Second, they are extraordinarily wealthy a$$holes who will tip us well. Third, we only need to interact with them for a short period of time, and fourth, Jason Stryker is the boat's owner.

"Yeah, so?" you reply. Not knowing the man's name and not caring a rat's ass if he was the president of the United States, I replied. My skin crawled at the notion of being stranded in the middle of the ocean with a group of horny, undeserving males. I was hurt if anything. Hurt because one of my closest friends in the world, Ridley, had to be aware of how painful this would be. especially considering that less than a year before, my ex had cheated on me during his own bachelor celebration.

He is the pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, as you would know if you watched baseball.

I said, pacing back and forth in my living room, "I don't care who this Jason person is. You see why I don't want to do this, Ridley, really, don't you?

"Anna, I'm sorry. I had hoped that you would have moved over the event with John by now. Furthermore, because they are all strangers, we may assume that they will behave themselves.

I replied pathetically, "I'm trying to get over it, but this certainly won't help."

Walking inside our just-constructed home the morning after his stag party still made my heart hurt. I had gone out of town with Ridley for a catering conference, and we had returned earlier than expected. He was not alone when I discovered him in bed, nude and unconscious. He apparently got two rides home-one in her posh new Corvette and the other in our bed-from one of the strippers at his party. John pleaded for my pardon when I woke him up with a bucket of ice water and said he couldn't remember anything. But I could tell he was full of it by the sneer on the stripper's face and the sheer volume of condom wrappers on the ground.

I apologize for not telling you. In actuality, we need this job. We risk losing the food truck if we don't act soon since I'm late on several payments, said Ridley.

I sighed. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

I was aware that we ought to have attended the Bar Mitzvah celebration last weekend.

The flu struck me. We were unable.

I said, "Maybe I could have tried doing it myself.

The guest list was too enormous, and organizing it would have been a nightmare.

I said glumly, "At least we'd have been paid."

If we accept this job, we will be paid well.

I remained silent.

She begged Anna, "Come on. You even said that you were having trouble paying your rent for the next month. We get enough money from Jason Stryker to cover our expenses for the next six months.

I moaned.

We only need to make the dishes and give them to the servers, you see. Most of the time, we'll be in the kitchen and most likely be away from the visitors.

That didn't seem entirely awful, to be honest.

The size of Jason's boat, according to my brother, is absurdly large. Sincerely, I'm certain that none of the inebriated fools will ever cause us any trouble.

Sports agent Anna's brother had a lot of contacts. He organized our performance with Jason Stryker. I was thrilled to discover that we will be sailing for a whole week close to the Virgin Islands. Worry was the only feeling I had right now.

Is your brother planning to attend?

I had faith in Michael to maintain order since he was a nice man.

"No," she said. Even he doesn't know who is going to be on the guest list since it's a highly secretive party. Most likely a group of well-known athletes. You know, this may genuinely be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If they like our meal, it may even increase our sales.

provided it was the only thing they tasted. I couldn't speak for myself, but Ridley was stunning and had a lot of interest from guys. She wasn't the cheating kind, but she did have a boyfriend. even with a wealthy, attractive, or well-known person.

I bowed to pressure and responded, "I guess it does sound like a great opportunity." And, as you said, we do not need to be in the vicinity of these men during the bachelor party.

"Exactly. All we have to do is make sure their tummies are full. We'll leave the strippers, or prostitutes, to worry about the rest of their bodies.

I said, "Yuck," in response. Do you truly believe that there could be prostitutes present at this event?

"I'm not sure. They undoubtedly have the resources to purchase whatever it is they want. A bachelor party would be incomplete without some kind of nude entertainment, in my opinion.

I had hoped it might stop at a pornographic establishment, but I didn't think we'd be that fortunate.

"So? How do you feel? Do you have access?

I grimaced as I looked out of the window in my living room. I must be out of my mind for accepting this, ". Said the speaker

But you're going to carry it out?

"Sure. We don't have any other choice. Of course, we both need the funds.

She shrieked. "This employment will alter our way of life. It's something my bones are telling me.

I just had a sharp knot in the center of my stomach. I had a feeling she was correct, but at what cost?

Anna's POV

The next day, Michael, Ridley's brother, asked both of us to dinner to talk about the trip and Jason Stryker. I had yet to meet the guy who hired us, and we had a week to decide on the menu and make the necessary purchases for the stag party.

She stated, "Michael said Jason is going to try and meet us for dinner," earlier in the day while we were both enjoying coffee in my kitchen. Wear that black cocktail dress you have, please.

I hadn't worn that specific dress in months, but John had chosen it. It was close-fitting, flirtatious, and eye-catching, none of which I really desired. I had taken a vacation from the other sex since we broke up, and I still wasn't ready to start dating again.

"Why?" Narrowing my gaze, I questioned. "Hold on a second. Are you sure you're not attempting to set me up with this guy?

She seemed innocent to me. "Of course not. No."

I gave her a stern look. "Ridley..."

She tried to maintain a straight expression as she said, "What?" Even I am aware that it would be extremely improper and offensive.

"You're damn right, it would."

She took the binder off her wrist and put her blonde hair back into a ponytail. "I mean, it may not necessarily be a negative thing if he thinks you are attractive and chooses to ask you out. Rich and readily accessible, he is.

"Is he single?" I answered, without even knowing why I had asked. I had no desire to date anybody and had no idea what this man looked like or, more significantly, how he treated women.

She responded, "He just got divorced." Michael stated, "From what he said, it was pretty messy."

I sarcastically said, "Let me guess... he had an affair," aware that I was being cynical but with good cause.

"No. In fact, I believe she was solely to blame. She sounds like a terrible mother, yet they have a boy together.

I moaned. "Really? That's a shame.

Nodding, Ridley. He must travel often, and she must party like a rock star. There must be more to it than that since Michael informed me Jason ultimately received exclusive custody of their baby. Stupid child. To lose in court, the lady must have actually been careless. Rarely do cases proceed in that manner.

I said, taking a drink of coffee, "Or the judge is a huge baseball fan."

Ridley gave a shrug. There's always that, I suppose. Even judges have unusual effects from fame and wealth. In any case, you have to feel bad for their kid. He's just eight, I believe.

"Damn," I said, envisioning a little youngster who was dejected and undoubtedly mourning his mother terribly. He still loved her despite the fact that she was a party animal. So, if Jason has exclusive custody, does he bring his kid on trips with him?

"I don't know. He must have a nanny or something, I think.

The bottom line is that he presumably doesn't visit his parents very much.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. However, because his father is a well-known baseball star, he probably spoils the hell out of him.

Even yet, I said, recalling the time my parents had separated, "Money can't replace someone you love." I had just turned eleven at the time. After spending a lot of time trying to convince my father to stop drinking, my mother finally had enough. She ejected him from the home one morning after he damaged the vehicle due to drinking and wouldn't allow him to return unless he got therapy. Unfortunately, neither my father nor dad liked ultimatums though he had a drinking problem. Eventually, he was able to move out on his own, and I was able to see him every other weekend. Fortunately, he typically remained sober at such times, but I had a sneaking suspicion it hadn't been simple for him. Tragically, five years later he ended up passing out while driving home from a Christmas celebration. It was said that he passed away after his automobile collided with a tree. After receiving the news, my heart ached. Despite his issues, I was always aware of my father's affection for me, and I never stopped loving him.

The eyes of Ridley became softer. "I know. You're correct, and I'm certain that no one knows it better than you. Just letting you know that Jason Stryker may not be such a horrible find.

"I'm certain he wouldn't, but I have no desire to cast any lines. at least not right now.

"Fine. I understand. except since John perpetrated that prank on you about a year ago, your social life has resembled that of a cat lady's, except without the cats. Your hobbit lifestyle may be preventing you from meeting the guy of your dreams. And no, I'm not always referring to Jason.

I realize that you may find it difficult to understand, but a guy or my pursuit of the ideal one need not be the focal point of my existence. I'm content to be by myself.

"You're quite content to spend every weekend at home by yourself?" She smiled slightly and questioned.

I'll admit that there were moments when I became bored and even missed John. I sometimes had to force myself to refrain from returning his calls or texts. He had texted me only last week.

I'm sorry, Anna. But I still love you, and we can still be in this together.

I had, as usual, chosen to ignore him, though it had not been simple.

"My life is going well right now. And most of the weekends are taken up by work anyhow, I said. I don't recall many of them being ones when I'm unhappy and bored to tears at home.

"Whatever. Still time. It's with Adam, I think. You seem to have lost the ability to be single, I guess.

I remarked dryly, "Believe me, that's certainly not the case. Every morning when I woke up and discovered that I was alone myself in bed, I was reminded of it.

You should have some enjoyment in your life, however.

"I enjoy it," I pointed to my dependable camera that was resting on the counter. "When I'm bored, I take that out."

And take photos of yourself naked?" she mocked.

"No. Obviously not.

Ridley took it in his hands and switched it on. She started looking at my most recent images, which I'd shot just before sunset at the beach.

She gave me an aside. I must confess that you take beautiful images.

I said, "Thank you."

After leaving home, my father gave me my first camera. I quickly became passionate about photography, although more as a pastime. My mother first taught me to cook when I was old enough to see over the kitchen counter, and it was still my greatest passion today. On the other hand, the camera gave me a different type of pleasure. It preserved fleeting moments in time that you could still look back on with nostalgia.

She continued to browse them and said, "You know, Anna, you could probably sell a lot of these photos online." You can do it on websites, according to them.

"Why on earth would I want to sell them?"

She seemed astonished at me. "For cash?! Just have a look at this picture. This dog belongs to who? He's cute enough, and you managed to snag him just as he was about to go off. And have a look at this one; it resembles a photograph from National Geographic.

I strolled over and grinned as I looked at my Cocoa Beach photos. Near the ocean, a guy had abandoned his Golden Retriever dog. He had let me fire a few rounds while the animal mocked a ghost crab that was moving along the beach.

Without a model release form, "I doubt I'm allowed to sell most of the pictures I've taken."

She jokingly said, "Something tells me that this one would have given you a "ruff" time."

I chuckled. "Exactly. Anyway, this is simply a pastime. opposed to cooking.

I received the camera back from her. "I suppose I should be pleased that you aren't spending a lot of time on this or turning it into a profession. Without you, I don't know what I would do.

Despite the fact that Ridley was an excellent chef and we had both graduated from culinary school at the same time, she lacked patience, particularly when it came to cooking. It wasn't uncommon for her to go into hysterics if anything went wrong. Normally, it was my responsibility to defuse the situation and refocus our efforts.

I concurred, "We definitely form a terrific team. "However, it would be good to start making enough cash so that we could employ one or two helpers. After that, we could have much bigger parties.

We were now operating out of Ridley's mother's fine dining establishment in Miami. Her wealthy parents had three houses, one each in Florida, Hawaii, and New York. They were visiting Maui for business purposes and her father was some kind of real estate developer. We had been talking about the prospect of asking for a loan to do precisely that, but we really wanted our own facility to operate from even if it was saving us a ton of money.

"I'm telling you, this gig we've got coming up might just let us do that,"

"What does he pay us? Before sipping the last of my coffee, I said, "You didn't actually give me an actual number yet.

Enough to buy the Jimmy Choo shoes I saw at Saks yesterday, please.

"Which one is?"

"Twenty million. Additionally, the price of food," she said, grinning.

I gaped at her in disbelief. Is that what I heard her say? "How much is it? $20,000?"

She bowed.

I was aware that she had said that the money would be fantastic, but I had no clue.

That's crazy. how many visitors? I asked, now overjoyed.

"About fifteen. We'll have our hands full, I mean. From Friday through Sunday, breakfast, lunch, and supper must be made. And that excludes the party itself.

"Twenty million. I responded, feeling a surge of exhilaration and relief, particularly knowing that the bills will really be paid for the next several months. "I can't believe it," I said. I even had enough money to hire someone to examine my vehicle, which was clunking loudly every time I rounded a bend. Are you certain that he said "grand"?

"I am certain. Since he may join us for dinner today, we'll confirm it with him. I'm so excited to really meet this man. She remarked, snatching her phone, "Maybe I'll swing by Sak's on the way home and check if they still have those sandals in my size. I wish I could put them on tonight.

I had to confess that I had been eager to meet Jason Stryker ever since I first heard his name.

Anna's POV

We took different routes to meet Ridley's brother, Michael, at Café Bianca, a posh, five-star restaurant where reservations were often hard to acquire without connections.

"How did you manage to pull this off?" After we were seated, Ridley questioned. Was Jason there?

He grinned wryly and said, "Excuse me?" "I want you to know that I'm now a trusted agent. Do you not believe I am influential in this city?

She jokingly said, "It's Miami, not one of those backwater areas you visit, where anybody driving a BMW is considered a "big deal." Please forgive me, Jerry Maguire.

He put on an injured expression. Obviously, little sister, you didn't get the message. You may be able to acquire an invitation to the club if you play your cards well with Stryker now that I am a big thing.

With a look of disgust on her face, she said, "It's one of the reasons we've agreed to cater a stag party." "And the money, of course. This brings up the question, "Is Jason coming tonight?"

Michael said, leaning back in his chair, "He's going to try."

"Good," she affirmed. "I cannot wait to meet him. Anna is also.

Michael gave me a glance. "Talking about Anna, how are you tonight, stunning? By the way, you look fantastic in that hue.

I reddened. Even I had to agree that the coral and white sundress I was wearing highlighted my tan. I'm doing well, thanks for asking. How are you doing? Where is your hubby at this hour?

Michael had just wed a Palm Beach-based golf professional. Alex Torensen was the person. Since they had a small wedding, Ridley and I had actually catered their reception, which had been rather simple.

He's back at work. Michael twisted his wedding band around his finger and said, "I swear, I see him less and less now that we're married. But to be fair, he has a lot on his plate managing the clubhouse now that he has bought out the previous owner and is doing everything alone.

"Really? That's fantastic news. Will you please congratulate him on my behalf?" Ridley said. "I am aware that he has been discussing doing it for the past few months."

"He finally bit the bullet," Michael added. And despite his hectic schedule, he is happier. Hell, we are both.

Ridley said that Alex must be glad to be free of that jerk.

"Yes, God. The fact that the individual was unwilling to adapt to the changes clearly impacted the company. Not to mention how the jerk revealed his real colors when he learned that Alex was homosexual. With a gloomy grimace, he gave me a quick look. "An outright homophobe. He wasn't even modest enough to attempt to cover it up.

Then, good riddance. I said, "Alex is a great guy and shouldn't have to deal with it on top of everything else. By the way, let him know I said "hello" and best of luck.

"I'll do that," Michael said. If you're ever interested in joining the sport, his offer is still good. From the maestro himself, free lessons. Anyone can learn from him if he can teach me.

I laughed. "What a thoughtful man he is. Inform him that I could one day accept his offer.

"Will do," he said.

Ridley remarked, "Not to change the subject, but did you find out who Jason's friend is that's getting married?"

"No. He's keeping very quiet about the bachelor party," he retorted while perusing the drink list.

I took a drink of my water and inquired as to whether it may be a member of his baseball squad.

Michael gave a headshake. "Is that true? The fact that Jason retired last year is the only reason he can have this party in the midst of the season.

"Really? Wow. I wasn't aware," an astonished Ridley remarked.

He smirked and said, "Since when have you followed baseball?" You couldn't tolerate it as a child.

"I didn't despise baseball, however. I simply grew sick of watching sports on television with your dad and you all the time. If not baseball, it was probably football. If not football, it was either hockey or basketball, she claimed.

Oh well, whatever. Michael said, "You never had time for television. "If there's anything I remember about you, it's that you were never home and were always out having fun with your friends."

She smiled as she said, "Technicalities." Anyway, Adam is a devoted baseball fan who has taught me a lot about the game. In fact, I'm beginning to like it.

Ridley's boyfriend Adam was undoubtedly a die-hard sports lover. It seems that when I was around, it was all he ever spoke about.

"Really? That dude is a keeper, without a doubt. Michael gave me a glance. "How do you feel? Are you a baseball fan?

"I don't object to it. Just a little bit dull to watch," I acknowledged.

Michael, who was pretending to be in great amazement, said, "Did you just say that baseball is boring to watch?" Blasphemy, you say.

I chuckled. "I apologize. I'm not sure. I suppose I'd prefer to play to watch.

Which is why you ought to rejoin the game, Ridley replied with a smug smile. Before you lose the ability to score, hit some home runs.

"Join the game again? Did you play on a team? Michael inquired, oblivious to Ridley's barb.

I said, giving Ridley a wary glance, "I played softball in elementary school."

"So, you've lost interest?" Michael enquired.

"Really not. I just halted my playing, I said.

Ridley remarked, "You have a habit of doing that," with a sparkle in her eye. "I'll bet Jason Stryker knows his way around the field and plays a mean game of baseball."

I sighed. "Would you mind stopping?"

At the very least, she said, "Look at the size of his bat."

Michael guffawed. Is my younger sister attempting to arrange matches?

"Yes," I answered. And it's incredibly irritating.

Ridley informed him, "As you can see, she's tense since she hasn't been bedded in months.

I shrieked. "Ridley!"

"What? She said, grabbing for her glass of water, "I'm only trying to assist.

I said, "I don't need your help," even though she was correct. Since John, I hadn't had any sex. But I wasn't stressed out. I didn't believe I was, at least. Simply put, I didn't like talking about my sex life over dinner with her brother, who was now beseeching me.

"Obviously. Because of your attractiveness, I'm sure men would queue up to give you a romp in the hay. But don't spend your time on Jason. He was severely damaged by his ex. As you go through shoes, Ridley, is now going through women. That isn't something Anna needs in her life.

"Believe me," I pleaded. "I don't give a damn about Jason's appearance or how large his bat is. I'm not trying to get laid with anyone. Particularly a player who is definitely a major player off the field as well. You get it, Ridley?"

She groaned. "Fine. I'll let it go now.

When I saw it, I would believe it.

Changing the topic, did you ever purchase the shoes you were mentioning earlier? I prompted her.

She looked at me poutingly. "No. They had left. But I also purchased another pair. How do you feel? Ridley protruded her sneaker. It was a white glittery pump that complemented her white lace cap-sleeve dress perfectly.

Very attractive. Jimmy Clooney? I queried.

"No, Valentino," she retorted. "More expensive, but I couldn't resist."

"You can never resist, which is why you're always broke," her brother added.

She jabbed him with her tongue.

He grinned before glancing away from me. "Good. Our waiter must have entered a password. I started to believe we were invisible.

Ridley added, "I myself was wondering what was taking so long.

The waiter came up to our table. He was in his twenties and had a youthful Leonardo DiCaprio vibe about him. "Hello, I'm Ben and good evening. Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. Greetings from Café Bianca. Is this a new place for you?

Ridley tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and said, "Oh, heavens no." Why do you think that?

He said, grinning at her, "Because I would have remembered someone as beautiful as you."

Blushing, Ridley. "Nice comeback. You need to be making advances toward my brother, you know. Tonight, he is the one leaving tips.

He laughed as he turned to face Michael. "Well, it's clear that beauty runs in the family. I hope it won't insult you if I stop it there.

He smiled up at him and said, "No, not at all. But if you're out of prime rib, I could be outraged. There appears to be a scarcity wherever I go.

The waiter said, "I'm almost certain that it's still available. I'll check for you, however.

"Thank you," he said.

"Not a problem." The evening's specialties were then discussed with him.

The salmon sounds amazing, Ridley remarked. "I'll probably have that," you said.

"People gush about it. Could I get you anything to drink first, please? This time, he questioned while glancing at me. The question "Other than water?"

Ridley and Michael both ordered martinis, while I chose a glass of white wine.

Michael glanced at his watch and added, "Ben, just so you know - there could be another person joining us. I am a gentleman.

"Excellent. Once I've placed your drink orders and you've had a chance to look over the menu, I'll maintain the watch. Would you want to place an appetizer order?

"I am certain we will. Give us a few minutes, please. Michael answered.

Of sure," Ben said. He filled our water cups again in a flash. I'll be back soon with some new bread.

"Thank you," Michael said in response.

Looking in the direction of the entryway, Ridley said, "I truly hope Jason can join us. By the way, why does he no longer play baseball? He can't be more than thirty years old. Isn't that too soon to be retiring?

"His arm wasn't the same after the injury. By the way, I wouldn't question him about it," Michael remarked, dropping his voice. It's a sensitive issue.

"I bet," I said. How well do you really know this man, then? I inquired as I browsed the menu.

"About five years ago, I met him at a party in Beverly Hills. He enjoys old automobiles just as much as I do, and the two of us have gone to various auctions. In fact, Jason purchased a 1965 Shelby Cobra at the same time that I got my 1967 GTO two months earlier. What a lovely vehicle.

Ridley said, "Are those expensive?"

That was the one. Michael said, "I think he paid over five hundred thousand. And it was just a whim, you know.

"A whim? That man sounds like my kind. I wish I were single and madly in love," Ridley remarked.

"It's impossible for me to even consider having that much money to spend. He must have earned a lot of money playing professional baseball, I said.

"He did, for sure, but it's nothing in comparison to what his grandpa, who died away three years ago, left him. The individual reportedly had run a shipping business and after selling it, made some wise investments. Michael spoke more subtly. He reportedly has billions in net worth at this point.

Ridley questioned, "Jason is?"

"Yes. You didn't hear that from me, however, he retorted.

Looking in my direction, Ridley said, "Wow." "Perhaps we should try to get more money,"

I cautioned her, "Don't you dare." He already gives us more than enough money.

Naturally, I won't. I was only kidding," she said, but I could see she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea.

Michael caught my eye. "How are his parents doing? Have they vanished? I enquired, wondering whether he had come into the family's wealth on his own.

He gave a nod. When Jason was a very little child, they perished in an aircraft disaster. After that, he lived with his grandparents.

What a horror! And there are no siblings either? I queried. Or uncles and aunts?

He said, peering above my head once again, "I know that he has two live relatives from his mother's side. "One of them is a band singer."

"She is? Which one?" Ridley enquired.

Why not put it to him? He just entered the establishment, stated Michael.