Summer in Bliss, page 1
SUMMER IN BLISS
(A Bliss Cay Novella)
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Written and Published by
FREDA ANN
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Edited by: Viva Sisante of Vespertine Editing
Cover Design by: Green Lizard Designs
Formatted by: Green Lizard Designs
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
A note from the Author
About the Author
Copyright © 2020 by Freda Ann
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All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof in any form.
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment and is a work of fiction. All names, people, places, incidents, events are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people (living or dead), businesses, places or events is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Chapter 1
MIa
Glaring at her computer, Mia’s solitude was interrupted as a staffer stepped through the door.
“Mia, you’re needed in the sound room—there’s a problem!” Andy the audio tech, blurted out before bolting down the hallway with Mia close behind.
Rounding the corner to the room, a deafening, high pitched sound flooded the hall. Mia’s trusted companion Hope whined as she nudged her hand. She patted her head. “It’s fine, girl.” Pointing next to the door, she stretched her hand out, palm to the ground. “Stay.”
Stepping behind the sound board, she examined the equipment, pressing buttons until the squealing stopped.
Mia propped her hands on her hips, huffing. “Well, I think it’s time to look for new equipment.”
Maggie nodded and smirked. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Surveying the back of the system, an unpleasant odor rushed Mia, causing her senses and thoughts to go haywire as a memory surfaced.
Wincing and closing her eyes, all she could do was focus on Hope’s warmth at her side as her heartbeat paced rapidly out of control. Mia struggled to catch her breath.
An intense light blinded her as the flames began to lick at her toes, her ankles, higher and higher until—
“Hope!” Mia cried out as the pressure of her dog’s paws on her upper body, her barking, and the feeling of her cool nose against Mia’s chin pulled her from the debilitating flashback.
The pup’s antics were instantly calming, allowing her breathing to slow down.
Rustling her ears, Mia kissed Hope between the eyes. It was her way of thanking the pup for looking out for her.
“It’s over, Hope. I’m okay.” The dog acknowledged her with a short whine before sitting by her side.
Mia inhaled a long breath as she eased herself upright, grinning at Maggie behind the audio board. The woman slumped in her chair uttering, “I’m so sorry Mia. I should have unplugged it.”
“Nonsense. You couldn’t have known that would happen. I’m fine, Maggie, really. I’ll have someone check into a new board.” Mia nodded and slowly exited the room despite a strong urge to sprint down five flights of stairs and outside to suck in some fresh air.
Keeping a steady pace to her office, the feeling of Hope’s body by her leg with every step calmed the fight or flight urge.
Walking through her office to the far wall, she gazed out the oversized window at downtown Sandy Lake. Still breathing deeply, Mia’s locked shoulders finally drop and released when her thoughts wandered to Bliss Cay.
After accepting the editor position at WCSL-TV Station six years ago, she’d made quarterly trips to Bliss, and stayed a month in the summer. The island held fond family memories from as far back as she could remember.
Though she loved her job and its demanding and unpredictable schedule—especially after the incident— it had taken a toll on Mia’s self-care. It’s something her therapist told her was key to her peace of mind.
Born and raised in sunny Florida often left her daydreaming of her favorite summer destination. With the beach a short drive away from her home, it was a much needed place of disconnect.
Motionless for several minutes while imagining the warm, soft sand between her toes, Mia’s companion scampered to her side nudging her hand with her wet nose.
“You don’t have to worry so much. I’m really okay.” She used her kid voice extending her hand. She scratched under her chin reassuring the dog, whom she loved like her child. She reminded her of something else that had been on her mind of late—kids.
“Hey, good looking.” Flinching at the unexpected sound, she straightened and eyed the tall, brown haired guy trudging across the room, as if on cue. He was immaculately groomed with more product in his hair than she had.
Grinning, she recited, “Hello Grant. I didn’t think you’d be in this early.”
Constantly lobbying for a full-time on air position, he frequently showed up an hour or two before needed. Once hired over a year ago as a part-time, fill-in news anchor, Grant took a liking to her. Being part of management, Mia rarely fraternized with anyone who answered to her. Putting their careers first was something they insisted on and never complained about.
Leaning closer, Mia’s boyfriend gave her a peck on the lips. “How’s your day going?” He questioned as she sat at her desk.
“Not bad, overall.”
He plopped in the chair in front of her. “Did something happen? You don’t seem quite yourself.”
“Well, the sound board in the audio room fried itself. When I inspected it, the dang thing started smoking…so that was kind of freaky.”
She kept the flashback to herself, for now at least. The sympathy and worried looks thrown at her the past eighteen months were getting old.
“Is that all?”
Pfft, isn’t that enough? Mia blew out a lengthy breath adding, “For weeks I haven’t been able to keep my head in the game. Maybe I should start my vacation early.”
Watching him, he stood and paced the floor with his hands on his hips and his jacket open. “You said you weren’t going for three more weeks. You know I can’t leave now.”
“Yes, I know. But, I think I need a break and you know how relaxed I am at the beach. I wouldn’t expect you to go now anyway. It would give me time to clear my head, you know?” Mia pushed up and gazed out the window.
He sighed. “Well, I have to go. Obviously, it’s your decision so…just let me know what you decide.” She waved him off dismissively, trying not to let her irritation bubble over.
“Come in sweetie. I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope you’re staying for dinner.” Mom raised her brows before embracing Mia. “Have a seat. We can talk while I make banana pudding. Erik has been craving it.” She grinned.
Mia’s eyes grew. “Mmm. Oh, you know I’ll be staying for dinner now!” She giggled when mom smiled, shaking her head.
Peeling the bananas, her mother glanced up. “So you got done early, huh? How’s everything at the station?”
She exhaled harder than she meant to, causing her mom to look at her with wrinkled brows. “I don’t know mom. I mean, everything at work is pretty much the same, but I’ve been feeling this disconnect and I can’t figure out why.”
“Do you think it’s the job? Or has something happened with you and Grant?”
Shaking her head, she answered. “Grant and I are fine, I guess. And I love what I do, don’t get me wrong, but for a few weeks now I seem to daydream my day away by staring out the window.”
Mom tossed the bananas with lemon juice before putting the spoon down and leaning across the island, eyeing her girl. “Are you sleeping alright? Any nightmares?”
Studying her clasped hands, Mia admitted, “I uh, I’ve had a few brief flashbacks but they only last for a few seconds. Nothing bad.”
When her mother stretched her hand out placing it over Mia’s. “Maybe you should talk with your therapist, honey. You don’t want it to fester.”
She rubbed her mom’s hand before sitting upright. “I’ve decided to take my summer vacation early. I think it’s exactly what I need right now. That’s why I stopped by. I wanted to let you and Erik know that Hope and I will be driving to Bliss this weekend. I checked with the rental agent to see if anything was available. Unfortunately, I can’t get my usual rental this soon but they have another one not far down the beach.”
Her mother’s eyes brightened as she smiled. “Oh sweetie, that sounds like a good idea. It might be exactly what you need.”
“Thanks. I think so too. I feel like there’s things I need to sort out on my own and Bliss will be the perfect place to do that.”
“Well, if your flashbacks get any worse, I think you should call the doctor. You don’t have to put on such a brave front all the time, Mia. I know you have a hard time accepting help, but please don’t be so stubborn in this case. You’ve been through a lot and have come so far since the incident. As your therapist said, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help.”
“Mom, I’m fine. I’m not letting them get to me. And I have Dr. Harper’s cell number and I’ll call her if I need to. Don’t worry, okay?”
As if wanting to reassure her mother, Hope stood up trotting to Mia’s side, letting out a whine.
“That’s right, Hope. You tell your mommy there’s nothing wrong with talking to someone when you feel bothered or confused about something.”
Mia tipped her head and glared at mom. “Sweet talking my dog won’t make me accept something I don’t need. Believe me, I’m fine.”
Chapter 2
Dash
“Hey dad?” Allie yelled while running down the stairs. “What picture of mommy should we bring with us this time?”
Rounding the edge of the banister, Dash broadcast, “Hey, hey, slow down Allie before you fall.”
She eyed him standing on the bottom step. “Okay, but what picture?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. Let’s look.” He turned toward the front of the house and marched into the family room next to the stairs.
Positioned in front of the far wall, Dash skimmed over the family photos. His brown-haired eight year old daughter planted herself beside him, tipping her head and analyzing each photo with her father.
After a few seconds, she pointed, “How about this one?” His wife, Annie, was made up like Priscilla Presley complete with dark poofy hair and porcelain skin. Dash donned a white jumpsuit adorned with sequins and a black wig and sunglasses. Posing for the camera with full smiles, he hung his arm loosely over Annie’s shoulder as three year old Allie sat on her right hip.
Dash chuckled. “That was one fun night.” He nodded beaming at the photo before turning to his girl. “That there was all your mom’s idea. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be caught dead in anything with sequins. But as usual, she got her way. We had a blast acting our parts but you were the one who stole the show. You bobbed up and down dancing to the music and giggling.”
Allie smiled proudly. He knew she didn’t recall that night since she was so young but she loved hearing him retell their story of that Halloween five years ago.
“Can we bring it?” She peered at her dad.
“Yeah sure, why not.” He lifted it from the hook. “I’ll put it with the stuff by the front door.
“I’m going to pack some more.” Allie smiled rushing up the steps.
“We have to leave soon, Al, so make sure you have your things packed for a sleepover with Nana and Pop.”
“I’m already packed, daddy.” She yelled from the top of the stairs.
He smiled with a shake of his head realizing he should have known. She seemed to have adopted his organizational skills over the years, for the most part.
His daughter used to make fun that he was so picky about where things were put. In recent years he’d noticed items in her room were straightened and her clothes were even grouped together by style. It was only a matter of time before she adopted his habits anyway—after all, he was her only parent and role model.
Their perky, adventurous brown-eyed girl was only five when her mommy held her tight one day but was gone the next.
Annie was the beautiful soul that possessed the magic to make Allie’s boo-boos heal, and she made raising their girl look effortless.
For five years her mommy read her bedtime stories, putting her own spin on each and every one. And now that Allie was getting older, it’s clear that she was becoming her mini-me.
For months she would search the house looking for her mother. Whenever someone came to the door, she’d giggle and take off running expecting mommy to be there.
With Annie ripped from their lives far too soon, it was something Dash struggled to make sense of, and three years later the pain still reared its ugly head at times.
Backing out of his parent’s driveway, Allie leaned on nana waving and yelling, “Bye daddy!”
“I’ll see you in the morning honey.” He beamed, pulling out of view.
Being a Lieutenant with the Sparrow County Fire Department, he worked twenty-four hours on the job and forty-eight off.
He didn’t know what he would do without his mom and dad nearby to watch his little girl. It gave him peace of mind while he worked.
When a car blew the red light from the opposite direction, Dash slammed on his brakes. Skidding along the road, the books on the passenger seat of his SUV slid onto the floor.
“Jerk!” He huffed, watching the driver who was oblivious to what he did.
On the final mile to the fire station, Dash caught a glimpse of the book spread open on the pile of books now laying at the foot of the passenger seat.
Snickering, he remembered the day he met Annie in his EMT class thirteen years ago. She sat next to him as it was one of the few spots left. When they were told to open their Emergency Care Book, they both reached for the one sitting between them.
With a straight face, she stared at him and made it clear, “That’s my book.”
Dash scanned her face and flashed his dimples. “Nah, sorry but this one is mine. I put it there when I sat down.”
She squinted looking at the table on his other side. “I think you mean you put it there when you sat down.” Flicking her finger beyond him, he turned to look.
While his face reddened, he hung his head. Sitting up, he gazed at her. “Yep, that would be the one—sorry.”
Despite their rocky start, Annie warmed up to his cocky ways a little more each week. He not only won her over by the end of the semester, but Dash married her three years later.
Once at work, he briefed his squad and went into the office to tackle his inbox. Skimming over the reports from B-shift, he heard someone step through the door.
“Hey man. You ready for your summer vacation?” He heard James’ croaky voice coming closer.
His best friend since the Fire Academy had talked him off many an emotional ledge after his soulmate passed. He was also an honorary uncle to his daughter since Dash didn’t have any brothers.
“I guess. I’m looking forward to making more memories with my daughter. The beach activities, relaxing on the porch, reading, and roasting marshmallows by the bonfire will be fun.” Snickering, he finished. “She’s even more excited this year. That girl is growing up way too fast.”
“Tell me about it. Bailey has grown two inches in a year!”
“Hey, that reminds me. I need to make Allie’s school physical appointment today. Her doctor books up quick as the summer wears on.”
James crossed his arms. “Yeah, my wife made ours the other day. Are you staying in the same villa? The one with the attractive, curvy, and single blonde next door? Uh, what was her name?” He showed off a silly grin.
Dash peered at him, battling a smile. “Yes, I’m staying at the same place. And her name was Madison. I’m sure she won’t be there. Her and her daughter try different locations each year.”
“Hmm, well maybe your new neighbor will be more to your liking and you’ll ask her out.”
“No way, I’m not ready for that. I have zero interest in dating anyone. The only girl I want in my life is my daughter.”
His friend huffed and stepped closer. Putting his hands on the desk, he leaned in muttering, “Buddy, you’ve grieved for over three years. I think it’s time to go on an occasional date. I’m not asking you to run off and get married the minute you meet someone.”
Dash stood up and walked behind his chair to the window with hands on his hips. Peering outside, he spoke softly. “I really don’t think I can do that yet. I’d probably think of Annie the whole time and that wouldn’t be fair.”
James scooted next to him, mimicking his friend’s stance. “I think you should at least stay open to the idea.”
