ISLA RENEE

Genre: Modern, Beach Escape, Wealth Fantasy

Rating:  R

Summary: A woman wins the lottery and buys her own island, finding unexpected love while vacationing there.

Renee read the numbers over and over again…She just couldn’t believe it.

“OhmygodOhmygodOhmygod!”

“I WON THE LOTTERY!!!!!!”

“I20 MILLION DOLLARS!!!

She started to hyperventilate. Then, she passed out.

~~~

She went out to the local spa and got a make-over. She purchased a few new quality clothing pieces by her favorite black designer, Tracy Reese, but was still smart about her finances, despite her small splurges. She spoke to an accountant and a lawyer, right away. She insured that she not only protected her fortune, but invested it, in as least a risky way, possible.

Renee was incredibly fortunate. She had been an orphan, raised in the system. Once she’d turned eighteen, she struck out on her own, successfully.

She had her own apartment and worked three jobs to pay for her education…She graduated, Magna Cum Laude, with a Business degree.

From there, she dove into her career, at Vexal Advertising Firm. -But it was not all that it was cracked up, to be. Old, ugly, married men constantly, hit on her. Despite being the best at her job, she hadn’t gotten a real promotion, since she’d been hired.

After years of working at that place, facing discrimination, sexual harassment, being ignored whenever she pointed out the stereotypes in the ads, they produced…Renee was itching to tell them exactly what she thought of them.

Renee strode into her workplace, looking like royalty. Her hair had been done by the trendiest stylist.

She had just had a facial, her skin was practically, glowing.

Everyone turned to watch her. A meeting was going on in her department.

She pushed the double glass doors open.

She walked in, interrupting the meeting…As usual, with confusing memos and her backstabbing superiors, she hadn’t been invited.

All twenty-one other members of the team, her colleagues for five years, turned and looked at her like she was some invading outsider…

She gathered herself and began:

“Vexal Advertising Firm… When I first arrived here, I was proud. I felt privileged, that I had been hired to be a part of this team.”

“-But you people have made my employment here a living hell...” Many colleagues started grumbling then..

One of them yelled “Call security!” despite the fact that Renee hadn’t raised her voice above speaking level.

What they didn’t know, was the black man working security, had, had a relationship with Renee, before he got married. They still were friends.

She commiserated with him about her loneliness, as the only person of color on the staff and he understood, shaking his head and saying. “Hang in there, sister.”

None of her white colleagues had bothered to even try to get the know the man, beyond a curt “Good Morning” and “Good Evening.”

She continued:

…Calling out people by name.

“Mr. White, you’re a married man and there hasn’t been a day that you haven’t ‘accidentally’ brushed into me, inappropriately. …And Gerald, you’re ethnic jokes are not, funny, you slimy, little, racist…”

By this time, Terrence the security officer, had arrived on her floor, and heard the ruckus coming from the meeting room, coming from Renee. He suddenly realized he had to go to the bathroom, smiling as he strolled on towards it.

“And Heather…” She turned to the pretty blond sitting at the far end of the table.

“…You and I are the only two women here. I had hoped we could share and perhaps even be friends, supporting each other in this tough misogynistic workplace…But you…took every opportunity to undermine my work, spread lies about me behind my back, and fuck every man you thought could get you to the top!”

The whole room gasped audibly, while Heather, looked around embarrassed.

“And you...” She turned to her boss.

“You have ignored my requests for promotions, at every turn, despite the fact that my reviews have been impeccable. My colleagues here have had reviews far less than stellar than mine and have been promoted, over me several times, while I remain in the same GOT-DAMN position I had, when I was hired!”.

She didn’t call out Mark, a quiet sensitive man, who the was the only one who thought the shit, she was going through was wrong. He shared his copies of the others’ reviews, with her, on the low.

“I watched as you all shake your heads in agreement, thinking that the buffoonery of my people was hilarious, and a perfectly acceptable way to sell products…” She narrowed her eyes, looking everyone in that room in the eye.

“Well, you sexist, racist, back-stabbing, mother-fuckers…I just won the lottery and I QUIT!! You all can KISS MY BLACK ASS!!”

And she strode out the room, head held high.

As she rounded the corner she ran into a doubled-over Terrence, laughing his butt off. They hugged. Girl. That was GREAT!! I am SO happy for you.

“Well, you don’t have to be happy just for me…There’s ten million dollars waiting in an account in your name.”

“Thank you, baby girl!!” And they gave each other another big hug. Terrence didn’t even bother with formalities. He simply stripped off his badge, peeked into the meeting and said….I quit too…”

“FUCK YOU, VERY MUCH!” he tipped his head with a smile and they both walked out of the office like they owned the place.

A few days, after her incredibly satisfying, (former) workplace dress-down, she left another substantial financial gift for Mark, anonymously, with a simple, “Thanks.”

Rashida, her best and only girlfriend, got the same treatment. Renee laughed hard when that girl did the running man and the whop, all around her apartment, in celebration…

“I am so, rich now…I can be lazy…And no more, work now” She sing-songed, snapping her fingers, while doing the snake.

“Listen girl, that’s not all…I am getting the hell out of this country, for awhile…Shit, maybe even, permanently…I am now the proud owner of Isla Renee!” She held up a picture of a gorgeous tropical island.

“GET OUT!” Renee shook her head in affirmative.

“GET OUT!” Rashida shouted, excitedly.

“And girl, after my villa is finished we’re both going down there…” She said rolling her neck while snapping her fingers

”AHHHHHHHH!!!!” Rashida screamed and grabbed Renee, squeezing her best friend, in a tight hug…

”I love you, girl!” She said, through glistening eyes.

They both shed tears that day, neither had been on a real vacation since their college days…They spent the rest of the evening in the most expensive restaurant, in town. They sampled everything, all the tasty exotic foods, they had never been able to afford.

~~~

The island she chose, was incredible…It was a large mountainous place with pristine white beaches. She found it about 80 miles east and below the Spanish coastline, where the weather hovered around 85 degrees, year-round. She couldn’t believe the previous owner sold it!

She had wanted to find out who she was buying from, but it had been an anonymous transaction on both sides….It was probably just, as well. She could imagine some old money family looking down their noses this new money, black girl.

The time go to inspect the place was near.

Everything had been built to her very strict specifications. The villa was Andrew Lloyd Wright-inspired, with flat overlapping roofs reminiscent of Falling Water…except much larger.

She specified that the home had to leave a minimal environmental footprint, on the island. And it had to use natural materials, that were abundant…Bamboo flooring and recycled newspaper that had been processed into a very durable (and surprisingly beautiful) material for her counter-tops, for example… And every appliance was energy star approved.

She even had the home built for maximum ventilation, so she didn’t need air conditioning..But her bathroom…with a tub the size of a small pool, had floors with radiant heat, so her feet were would be warm.

A large twisty tree grew straight through the great room, creating a gorgeous natural pillar.

Her pool was natural spring. The construction workers had found it while they were building the place…It constantly bubbled and had a natural dark blue color.

She and her girlfriend, got their ‘ha’r did‘ at the same salon, they’d gone to for years and left a huge 500,000 dollar check for Wanda, the amiable owner of the place. She too passed out, when she saw that check.

Renee got beaded braids while her friend got a complicated cornrowed up-do…They were both ready for the beach.

~~~

It was a long flight to Spain, as was the ferry-ride to the island. Apparently, there were other islands dotted off the coast, where the wealthy lived. The ferries were specifically for the purpose of getting rich people to their private islands.

Once they arrived at the house, they ran around and shrieked, like banshees….”Oh MY GOD, DO YOU SEE THIS BATHROOM???”

They didn’t even notice the old Spanish man dressed in an impeccable uniform or the maid.

The butler, “ahem”ed, to catch their attention…Even he wasn’t immune to their enthusiasm, as he smiled at them…

“Welcome, ladies, I am Javier and this is Frida…If you need anything, we are at you’re service.”

“Nice to meet you guys!” They said cheerfully. They were both caught off guard, as they shook their hands enthusiastically, in turn. Again, they were taken aback. They were used to serving snooty people, with old money.

“Shit, the place already looks nice…Why don’t you take a break, for awhile??…I promise we’ll call you, if we need anything.” Frida looked happy, but Javier looked almost hurt, as he was born to put his obsessive-compulsiveness to use for the wealthy.

Renee and Rashida put on their bathing suits, and went out to the beach…They splashed around in the water, playing like children…very rich, children.

Renee just floated in the gentle waves, while squinting up at the sun.

Finally, Rashida, said…”Girl, I am spent…I think, I’m gonna go break in that tub of yours…”

“Okay, Rashi’ I think, I’m gonna explore the island, a bit.”

There was a reason, the execs at Vexal kept flirting and harassing her so much, and it wasn’t just because they had some creepy, chocolate, fantasy.

Renee was model-beautiful…With even features, amazing bone structure, and bee-stung lips, she looked like the more gorgeous sister of Kerry Washington. And her body? To. Die. For. She had model perfect measurements, on a tall lean body, Naomi Campbell might envy.

She wore a glaringly white designer swimsuit, that hugged her body, and complimented he skin-tone perfectly. She now understood, why they cost so much.

She walked along the beach, enjoying the solitude and watching the crabs and exotic birds traverse the island.

She was so deep in her thoughts, she didn’t even notice the man laying further up the beach, under the shade of the palm trees.

He had been relaxing, almost asleep, really, when he heard the sound of feet crunching on the sand and a strange clacking sound (her beads).

He sat up a bit and peeked…

The most stunning woman he had ever seen, was walking along the beach.

His mouth fell open. He blinked a few times, thinking her good looks were some kind of hallucination.

He watched as the beads in her hair swung around her face, as she walked with a tall, confident, even, stride.

She was getting little far up the beach, so he scrambled up to his feet and jogged up to her.

“Hello, there!”

Renee, jumped pretty high, with a little yelp. ”OhMiGawd, You scared the shit out of me!”.

“Who are you and what the hell are you doing on my island??.”

“Of course,” he thought… “This is my mystery buyer.”

“I’m Philippe...” he said in a heavy French accent, offering his hand. She leaned back, her weight shift on one foot, with her arms crossed, on her chest.

“I wanna know what you’re doing on this island. It’s private.”

“Well,” He said…A friend of mine, used to own it.” He lied. “And I missed it…I had no idea, it had changed owners.”

Despite her apprehension about this man, she couldn’t help but notice he was quite good-looking, his black wild, wavy, hair was almost shoulder length, his eyes glinted, hazel or green, she couldn’t tell and he had a boyishly handsome face.

His body, too was nice…lean, but athletic. She had a thing about men’s legs, his were lean too, but nicely muscled.

“My friend gave me a hut, back here…” He said walking towards the palm trees. She didn’t get any negative vibes from him but still, against her better judgement, she followed him.

It was quite literally a hut…It just had the minimal amenities one would need, if they were camping.

The hut looked to be about a level or two up from a child’s tree-house.

“Nice place.” she said sarcastically, but not too unpleasantly.

“I know, it’s not much…but it’s a nice change from my everyday life…”

They sat together on his front ledge and chatted.

She told him about her lottery win and an abbreviated version of the very satisfying way, she quit her job.

“Yes” He said, considering. “It’s because of your country’s history of slavery, right? I know America has quite a few problems with racism.”

She perked up at that, surprised he would say that.

“…In Brussels too, but that’s usually more of an issue with foreigners and those prejudiced people, really are in the minority.”

“You know? A pretty lady like you, would really stand out, there.”

Was he flirting?

She smiled, coyly.

The time passed, so quickly she forgot about her friend.

“Shit! I have to go…I left my friend back at my house! She’ll be worried.”

She got up, said a quick good bye, and jogged off.

“Bye, Renee” He said quietly.

He didn’t want to scare her off, or saddle her with the baggage of his complicated life.

...Usually, that came with false admiration and fawning, that he didn’t feel he’d earned...and of course there were the ambitious gold-diggers, eager to be made a real princess.

Philippe, was in fact High Prince of Brussels.

*

Once, Renee got back to her house, she met a very angry Rashida.

“Where THE HELL, have you been?!” She yelled. “I thought a shark ate you or something!”

“I am so sorry, it’s just that this guy met me up on the beach…and well, we got to talking and I lost track of time…He snuck up on me. Scared the hell out of me.”

“A man, huh?” She said smirking. “Well that’s about the only excuse, I can tolerate…”

Suddenly the bell rang…

“I bet that’s your friend…” Rashida said as she went to the door.

She opened it raising her eyebrows, appraisingly… “Well, hello there. I’m Rashida.” She said extending her hand. Philippe took it and kissed the back of it.

“I’m Philippe…I wonder, is Renee here?” he said in his thick French accent.

“Yes.” Rashida said, smiling. “Renee is here.” She pronounced her name like he did, rolling her “r” and saying “RIN-nay”.

“Why don’t you come in?”

Rashida headed for the kitchen to get him something to drink, but Javier waved her off… “Let me, madam.”

Frida still sat on the balcony, chillin’.

“Okay, Javier…Do your thing.” She said standing back and smiling.

Renee, stood in the great room, still dressed in her swimsuit…

“Hey, Philippe…Would you mind, if I went and changed?”

“How do say? No problem.”

Renee smiled and went off to her room.

Rashida used this time to interrogate Philippe. She usually, had good instincts about people, and she had a feeling this man was hiding something.

“So…How did you get on the island, again?”

“I never said….but I took a ferry, here.”

“My friend used to own it…”

“Hmm.” Rashida said. “So, you knew, this island, now belonged to someone else, NOT your friend and you thought it would be okay to trespass??”

“Well, not exactly, it’s just that this island is big, I didn’t think anyone would find me here.”

“-Well, as Renee told it, you found her.”

Renee re-appeared in a green tank-top and a pair of jean shorts. Rashida slyly shot her an “I don’t trust him.” look She mouthed the words “He’s hiding something.”

“Uh, I’ll just join Frida, on the balcony.”

Rashida left…

“So.” Renee, said. “Your hut got a bit too uncomfortable?”

“Well, it is an especially chilly night.-”

As they talked, Javier busily prepared a complex fruit punch, using the island’s fruits.

“Actually, I just wanted to see you, again.”

Javier was just about to appear from the kitchen when he looked up and saw who it was.

He had been a butler to families of stature, for many years. It would have been difficult not to recognize who this man was.

He gasped under his breath. “It’s Prince Philippe!”

Renee turned to look at him. “Javier did you say something?”

“Uhhh, no madam…Here are your drinks.”

“Renee took a sip…Mmm!! This is the best punch I’ve ever had! Javier you are a wonder.”

She said, and he tipped his head modestly.

“You know.” Renee said. “My friend doesn’t trust you…She thinks you’re hiding something.”

He spilled his drink a little.

“Well, honestly, there are aspects of my life, that make it difficult for people to see beyond the label…So, I’d rather not say, just now.”

She frowned… “Are you gay?”

“No.”

“Are you gigolo?”

“What is that?”

“A male prostitute.”

“No.” He said and laughed…”I promise it’s nothing lurid.”

“-But, just let me have this for a while…I promise I will tell you, in good time.” He said, as he held both of her hands in his.

Javier listened in from the kitchen.

~~~~

“Well, you better not be after my money, because I’m no idiot…Now, that I have this money? I’m not marrying anyone…I’m not opening the doors to some dude, getting half.”

Philippe laughed. “-Not even if he had his own money?”

“Not even…” She said.

“I’ve read about too many celebrity divorces where both parties got the shaft.”

He smiled…Smart woman, he thought. He’d been thinking the same thing about the potential brides, his parents kept trying to shove down his throat…All of them moneyed snobs, who’d sooner take his money, when things got even a little bit tough, then try to have a real marriage.

This one he thought, would stick it out.

“Philippe, how would you feel about spending the night here?”

“I just wanted to come in and warm up, I’m not sure if it’s proper…”

“Such a gentleman…” She said, teasing. “Don’t worry, this place is huge. You can have a whole wing to yourself.”

“You put it that way, how can I refuse?”

Javier had heard enough. He would keep his secret. He could tell that Philippe wasn’t just going to use this good lady and toss her away, like so many of the moneyed royalty he’d seen.

Nonetheless, Javier caught Philippe, before he went to his wing…He spoke to him in French.

“I know who you are.”

Philippe started to say something…But Javier put up his hand.

“-Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, but if I see that your intentions are less than honorable?’ Javier said seriously. “…I’ll make sure she knows your identity and the philandering reputation, men of your stature, have.”

“Of course.” Philippe said…

As he rounded the corner, he ran into a suspicious looking, Rashida…

“What were you two just talking about?”

“Oh, he was just familiarizing me with the section I would be spending the night in.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if he actually showed you around the wing?”

“Well, Javier said, he had some matters to attend to downstairs.”

“Look, buddy…” Rashida said harshly. “I KNOW you’re hiding something.”

“You just better not hurt my best friend, or I’ll beat you down myself.”

“Wow.” He thought. “This woman has a lot of loyalty, real people who care about her, in her corner.”

He envied that. Everyone he knew was only concerned with his status; maintaining it, tearing it down, or benefiting from it in some way, even his own family.

He lay in bed that night, thinking about Renee, her beauty, her toughness, her intelligence, and the fact that people really cared about her.

~~~~

The next morning he was the latest to rise. By the time he got to the kitchen everyone was eating a hearty breakfast and laughing about some joke.

“Oh! Come join us, Philippe! Frida and I actually made breakfast, together…She taught me some tricks…”

“You needed them, mi lady.” She said, while they all laughed. Rashida put in… “Well, she told the truth.”

“Well…” said Rashida pointedly… “I’m going to check out that cool, natural-spring pool of yours..”

Javier and Frida also shuffled off mumbling some excuse about housework, that needed to be done.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Fine, fine.” “Thanks, for letting me sleep here” He said kindly.

They past the time easily…Talking about their interests. It turned out Philippe liked eighties American action flicks as much, as she did. They debated the merits of Predator vs. The Terminator.

“-But the Terminator had action and love.” Philippe said.

“Always the romantic…Fitting the French stereotype…” She said, smiling…He couldn’t resist anymore…He leaned over the counter and kissed her.

Renee, looked a little shell-shocked. She hadn’t expected his kiss, to…well, have that effect on her.

“Renee…Let’s get out of here.”

“But Rashida, Javier…”

“We’ll leave them a note…Come on.” He urged grabbing her hand.

She scribbled a quick note on the fridge and headed out with Philippe.

“I’ve been to this island many times.” He said…”I wanted to share some of it’s secrets with you…”

They walked up the beach a bit and then cut through the lush trees. She couldn’t see how he even knew were to go. There was no discernable path.

“Shhhh!” He said and crept low…

She could hear the sound of rushing water…

They stepped out into a clearing, where a high cascading waterfall, spilled down over black rock.

“But I don’t understand, why I’m supposed to be qui-“

Butterflies of all shapes and varieties came floating down from above….

Renee was awestruck… “Oh my God.” she said quietly.

‘Where do they come from?”

“From all over…This is a special place…Above, at the tops of the trees, there are rare flowers and below the springs where they can drink…They do this only once a year…You just got lucky….”

Butterflies landed on her hands and shoulders, gently fluttering their wings…

“Look, Philippe!”

“They say that means your spirit is pure.”

Philippe began shedding his clothes…

“Uh, Philippe what are you doing?” She said, turning away, embarrassed.

“I’m going for a swim…”

“I uh, heard the French were lacking in modesty…”

“Another stereotype proven true, for you, yes?”

She heard a splash and thought it was safe to turn around.

Of course, he would be doing backstrokes….

“You want to join me?”

Renee crossed her arms across her chest… “I promise, I won’t look, but everybody should go skinny-dipping at least once in their lifetime…It is very freeing.”

“You promise?”

“On my honor.”

And he was true to his word, though tempted.

He heard a splash and an “Okay!” and knew it was safe.

They swam around and splashed each other playfully…

Renee was having naughty thoughts…She swam a bit closer to him, looking at him meaningfully. A sudden undercurrent swept her into his arms… They were kissing again…

Philippe steered her so, her back was against a grassy edge. There, he made love to her, kissing her gently as he pushed into her with a slow rhythm. They kissed and watched each other, as he did this…

Renee wrapped both arms around his shoulders as they both came.

They hugged for bit, in that position and then kissed.

Philippe, spoke up first…”Renee, you are very important to me.”

“And I want you know the truth from me…”

“Oh, God, you don’t have AIDS do you?!”

Philippe laughed heartily at that one.

“No…Woman, would you let me get this out?”

“Woman?” she said raising an eyebrow “Am I your woman now?”

“Yes, if you wish to be.”

He sighed…”Renee, I-“

Suddenly a helicopter buzzed over-head.

They couldn’t see Philippe, but he still said “shit!” and got out of the water helping Renee with him.

They got dressed, quickly.

“What’s going on?”

“They’re looking for me.”

“Why?!” She said astonished.

He took a deep breath… “Because I am High Prince of Brussels…”

“What?!” She laughed…”No.”

He shook his head, looking very serious.

“OhMyGod….You’re not lying…You are.” She said, looking like the air had been knocked out of her.

*

They ran into the trees, hiding themselves as best as they could, in a thick brushy area.

“So what does this mean?!” Renee said, incredulously.

“Those people in that helicopter have a very good reason to be looking for you.” Renee said, pursing her lips.

Philippe sighed. “Yes, they do…But I cannot expose you to this. Not yet.”

“Philippe…I just don’t know…I mean this is every girl’s dream but-.”

“-Yes, I know. It is a lot to consider.” He said.

“It’s up to you, but these people won’t let me stay here, now.” He said gesturing towards the helicopter.

“Don’t worry. I will get in touch with you soon.” He kissed both of her hands and left her looking confused.

Renee didn’t know what to do. This was a lot to process.

She watched him from her hiding place as he flagged down the helicopter and several well-dressed, intimidating looking, men got out and ushered him into it.

After they lifted, off…Renee got up and slowly emerged from the trees, trudging back up to her home.

~~~~

“So?…” Rashida said, looking cheerful. “How did it go?”

“It was great!” She said, truly meaning it…”But…”

She sighed. “You were right…He was hiding something.”

Rashida jumped up and down…”See! I knew it! I knew it!”

She calmed down enough to ask “What is it? It can’t be that bad or you’d be all mopey, right now-“

“-He’s a prince.” Renee said cutting her off.

She began to pace, nibbling on her nails, while Rashida made a nice big fly-trap with her mouth.

“I didn’t just mishear that…HE’S A PRINCE?!”

Renee nodded her head… “Of Brussels.”

“Well, girl, let me give you a hug…That’s such good news. You’ve bagged a Prince!” She said embracing her.

“Maybe he knows other royals, who dig black chicks.” Rashida said grinning.

Renee shook her head.

“Come on, Rashida. It sounds good on paper, but I’m not sure I can deal with all the paparazzi, the expectations, the judgements. Can you imagine me having to avoid reading tabloids? And don’t even get me started on the blogs and message boards. I’m sure there will be all kinds of slurs about my looks, my blackness, whatever…anything they can say to tear me apart.”

Rashida leaned back on one leg, her face twisted up.

“-And?” She said. “Fuck ‘em. They ain’t you. They’ll just wish they were.”

“Like Katt Williams says if you’ve got fourteen haters, get to sixteen before the Summer is out…” She said, swerving her neck.

“Haters gonna hate. If you really like this dude?…Get yours.”

Javier cleared his throat. “I am inclined to agree with your friend.”

“Me too.” Frida chimed in.

“Well, he said he’d contact me…but...Wow.”

“Oh, he will.” Rashida said nodding her head vigorously. “I saw the way he looked at you.”

“You just enjoy this island…relax, put up your feet, and brace yourself, because you know after this, things will change.” She said seriously.

~~~~

The High Queen Marta and The High King Pierre Lothaire stood in the heavily ornate great room of their castle…

“Where on earth have you been?!” Marta said exasperated.

“Taking a break.” Philippe said.

“A break! A BREAK?! You don’t get a break from this….You have a responsibility to the people.”

“The people did just fine without their figurehead.” Philippe said, sighing.

The queen threw her hands up. “Pierre, maybe you can talk some sense into him.”

“Son, it is not just the people, but the press. It did not look good, for the royal family to have no idea where their son was.”

“The press?…I’ve spent far too much of my life being concerned about strangers with flashbulbs and pens.”

Marta put a hand to her chest. “Well, it doesn’t matter. We’re just glad you’re back. Now, you can call a press conference and fix this.”

“Did you not hear a word that I said?” Philippe said, frustrated. “I am tired of being concerned with the press!”

“And besides…I’ve met someone.”

“Met someone?” Marta said, her mood picking up a bit. “Did you hear that, Pierre?”

“Finally, you are preparing to settle down…We’ll have grandchildren…Heirs to the throne, and the people will love this-“

“-She’s American…Black American.”

Now, it was Philippe’s parents’ turn to catch flies.

“I need to sit down.” Marta said. “Oh my God.”

Pierre simply stood and rubbed his face.

“Her name is Renee…She’s a great woman and very beautiful.”

“I -I know…” Marta began. “…that our people, the French have been good to the Blacks, but…”

“This?” She shook her head. “No, Philippe, NO. You cannot parade some black girl…”

“Renee, mother and she’s more honest and sure of who she is, than every moneyed aristocrat you’ve tried to match me with, put together.”

Marta gasped and put her a shaking hand on her chest.

His father sighed. “Listen, son…It’s okay, you wanted to sow your oats a bit, experience another flavor. I understand.”

Marta flashed a look at Pierre.

Pierre, cleared his throat. “But you must, you must come back to the reality of your crown. And the fact is the press, the people will never accept not only a foreigner but an American commoner, who is BLACK!”

“I accept her. That is all that matters.” Philippe sighed heavily, disgusted that his parents had so many years and yet so small an idea of the real measure of human worth.

Marta began to cry. Philippe stormed off.

He turned just before leaving. “She is enjoying herself on holiday, right now…but you will meet her soon.”

~~~~

Renee talked and laughed with her friends and soaked up the beauty of her home and the island, but the longer she was there, the more she missed Philippe.

“Okay.” Rashida said. “You know that moping I was talking about? You’re doing it.”

“What?” She said snapping out of her thoughts.

“You miss him.” Rashida said smiling. “It’s okay to let yourself fall, girl.” She said, placing a hand on hers.

Renee remembered her last relationship, with Terrence. She really loved him, but they argued and she was too proud to forgive him. They broke up and he ended up happily married to someone else.

Of course, after his marriage their friendship was great, but the experience had made her gun-shy about another relationship. As hellascious as that job was, she threw herself into it, completely, any thought of another relationship forgotten…and now?

And now…She would wait and see if this thing is real.

~~~~

It was late in the day when the ship arrived. A huge chartered yacht pulled up to the shore…

“Oh My God.” Renee said awestruck.

“That’s how you spend a hundred million…” Rashida said, equally awestruck.

The captain walked down the steps onto the docks.

“We know that it is late notice, but Prince Philippe requests your presence at his castle. We will dock as long as you need. And…” He said “…You may bring your friends along.”

Rashida screamed… “I can’t BELIEVE this!”

“Neither can I.” Renee said. She kept thinking this was all some elaborate dream and she’d wake up any second in her own bed, having to go back to work.

Javier was efficient. She allowed him to indulge his compulsions with this. He packed everyone’s bags, quickly and neatly, save Frida’s. She was very particular about how she wanted things packed.

“Your room, milady.” The captain said as he ushered her into her own suite. Everyone had their own. Renee plopped down on the bed and exhaled. Her hands were trembling.

“It’s okay…Haters will hate…” She whispered to herself. The words made sense, but the actions behind them are always more difficult. She was terrified of the scrutiny his world would lay upon her.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in Rashida, I am so glad you- Philippe!” She shouted throwing her arms around his neck.

She kissed him. “I missed you.”

“And I you, Renee.”

“Listen.” He said. “I just want to prepare you for my parents. They are…How do you say? Stuffy idiots.” He said shaking his head.

Renee laughed.

“…But I still love them. They may be stubborn, but you are extraordinary. I truly believe they will grow to love you. Just be yourself.” He said and kissed her forehead…

“Now, there is a nice dinner by candlelight on the deck, I had hoped you would attend with me.”

“Of course, Philippe.” She said, smiling. They both walked up, hand-in-hand, grinning at each other like teens going steady.

The dinner was romantic. Just stars and the candles lit up their plates. The music of the ocean was the perfect accompaniment.

“Philippe.” She said. “You’ve become very important to me. And I’m really afraid.” She said, looking at him seriously. “I hope, I’m strong enough for your world.”

Philippe stretched his hand across the table and held hers.. “You’ll be fine.”

He walked her back to her room and bid her good night, but not before a very lusty kiss.

~~~~

As the Rolls Royce pulled through the castle-gates, Renee was grateful for the tinted windows. There were hoards of reporters swarming around outside the gates.

Apparently, Philippe said, someone had tipped them off about him bringing a woman home to meet his parents.

Renee’s hands began to shake. Philippe squeezed them tightly. “It’s okay. It’s okay….All that matters is what you mean to me.” He said and kissed her again.

They pulled into the immense carport and entered the castle. There waiting in their huge grand-entryway, were Philippe’s parents.

“Well.” Marta whispered to her husband. “No wonder, he seems so entranced. She is a beautiful girl.”

“Huh?…Yes, she is quite pretty.” Pierre said. “But she’s nothing compared to you.” He kissed her hand and they both smiled at each other.

“Renee, these are my parents High Queen Marta and King Pierre Lotharie of Brussels”

Renee, curtsied deeply. She made Javier give a her a crash course on everything proper, when it comes to royals.

“Renee, is it?”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

“Well, why don’t you come along. We were just having lunch.”

END PART III

~ by Raven White on March 13, 2008.