Seven Days Seven Nights: More Skeletons Revealed

By L'Mignon

Seven Days Seven Nights: More Skeletons Revealed is the second installment of the McKenzie Series. In this novel readers learn more about McKenzie's past as she sets out on an impromptu decision that leaves Milton on the edge.
On this exotic escapade McKenzie is overwhelmed with emotions. She is left to think about the life changing decision she has made and the quick development of a romantic connection with Adair. Not only was this connection unplanned but one that was hard to deny. As Adair tries to remain neutral on his thoughts and feelings for McKenzie and the sporadic decision she made he can only hold in his feelings for so long.
Seven Days Seven Nights allows readers to not only learn more about McKenzie but also join her on another exciting voyage as she explores the possible start to something new or taking a chance on working things out with Milton...WHICH WILL SHE DECIDE?

• Language: English
• Publisher: L'Mignon
• Release date: Jun 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458127150

L'Mignon

L'Mignon was born June 1979, in Richmond, VA. She graduated from Highland Springs High School where she graduated in 1997. It was here that she developed and pursued her passion for writing. It has always been her dream to become an author and have her works published for all to see. LaTangela attended Strayer University, where she received an Associates and Bachelors Degree, majoring in Business Administration with a primary focus in Contract Management. She is the proud mother of an eleven-year-old. When she is not writing she can be found on the baseball field or spending time with her family. L'Mignon is a social butterfly that loves to have fun with her friends, and the women of the Ladies of Life~Love~Laughter chapter of the Red Hat Society where she serves as chapter queen. She is also a reality tv junkie. Favorite shows include anything dealing with dance, Project Runway, Real Housewives of Atlanta, House, 24 & Fringe. Through her writing she hopes to captivate her readers by providing descriptive situations that will paint vivid images in their minds. She aspires to bring the girl next door character to life by always presenting every day situations we all can relate to in her stories.

Book preview

Seven Days Seven Nights: More Skeletons Revealed

Copyright 2011 L'Mignon

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

YOU DID IT TO YOURSELF

THE AIRPLANE

TOUCHDOWN: MIAMI

TEMPTATION

GO GIRL

DINNER FOR TWO

I GOT MOVES TOO

ALL ABOARD

HEARD IT ALL BEFORE

MEET AND GREET

DESTINATION: NASSAU BAHAMAS

SELF PLEASURE

FUN DAY AT SEA

DESTINATION: ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

OH CRAP

DESTINATION: SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO

PJ PARTY

I AM IN THE MOOD FOR LOVING

THIS IS HOW I FEEL

FUN DAY AT SEA

BACK ON DRY LAND

WHAT’S THE DEAL

TIME TO FACE REALITY

IT'S A DONE DEAL

START TO SOMETHING NEW

YOU DID IT TO YOURSELF

I can’t believe this, screamed a mad Milton. His expression was priceless as he stood there dumbfounded.

How could McKenzie do this to me? What am I suppose to say to all those people out there?

It’s a little too late to be asking those questions, said Jay in a sarcastic tone with a bit of laughter mixed in.

You did this shit here to yourself. All she wanted was answers…some sort of resolution to your bullshit, and you couldn’t even administer that. You were quick to jump down her throat because of her past, yet all along, you had your own skeletons. Jay could not cover up her smirk as she addressed Milton. She had been waiting for some time to serve him with a piece of her mind. Just as she ended her statement, Ms. Brown barged into the room.

Where is McKenzie? We are so behind with this ceremony. Ms. Brown was clearly a ball of nerves.

Calm down, Ms. Brown. I can explain. Better yet, Milton is the reason McKenzie isn’t here. Let him explain, Jay said consumed with laughter. She got great pleasure in seeing how upset Milton was.

Milton, what is Jay talking about? Ms. Brown took a deep sigh as she waited for a response…

Silence.

Answer me, son. Don’t stare at me with a blank face. The guests are getting antsy, said a stern Ms. Brown. She was starting to pace, taking a deep breath with each stride. Just as Milton was about to answer, Momma Williams and Mrs. Johnson entered the room.

What is going on here? Where is my daughter? asked Mrs. Johnson. She was worried something might have happened to McKenzie.

Milton, answer the people. Curious minds want to know where McKenzie is, Jay continued to taunt him.

Milton was obviously at a loss for words. He leaned against the table and sighed before he spoke to the waiting ladies.

Hmmm…Well…

Milton could not find the words. Instead, he handed Ms. Brown the letter Jay had just read to him and stormed out of the church. A nervous Ms. Brown read the letter out loud to the worried mothers. As she finished the letter, she leaned against the wall to compose herself.

That damn McKenzie. She should have told me before we left the house. I should have known something was going on. She was just too calm, said Ms. Brown as she reached for a nearby bottle of water.

In her defense, I really think she thought she could go through with this wedding. I know it must have been a tough decision for her, Momma Williams said calmly to the other ladies. Mrs. Johnson’s face was flushed, as if she was about to hit the floor at any moment. Ms. Brown took another deep sigh and quickly snapped back into her demanding persona and began to give orders.

Jay, you go and gather the entire wedding party and head to the fellowship hall. Once you have every one there, explain to them that there will not be a wedding. Momma Williams and Mrs. Johnson, you come join me as I break the news to the guests.

***

The guest had puzzled looks on their face as they saw the three ladies approach the altar. Momma Williams took a deep breath as Ms. Brown prepared to speak.

I would like to start by thanking you all for your patience as we were waiting to get things started. However, I have to be the bearer of bad news today. Without putting all of McKenzie and Milton’s business out in the open I will just politely say that, as a result of some unexpected matters, the couple to be will not be exchanging vows today.

One could have heard a pin drop. The room instantly fell silent.

Both mothers join me in support of the decision that has been made and extend their appreciation to you all for joining us here today. Since we have a ton of food, wine and music that has already been paid for, we might as well make good use of it. On behalf of the mothers, I ask you all to join us at the reception hall. Though there is no wedding taking place, we still can celebrate friendship, family, and good times. Ms. Brown was so good at what she did. She handled the announcement with such poise. As she and the mothers made their way back up the aisle, Jay was downstairs breaking the big news to the wedding party.

***

Unfortunately, I am stuck doing what Milton should be doing. But since he is not here, I have to do his dirty work, Jay began to explain.

What are you talking about, Jay? asked Chris.

Where is Milton? Why is he not here? Did he and McKenzie decide to do a private ceremony? he continued.

Chris, shut the hell up and let me finish. Lord, please forgive me for cursing in church, Jay tried to say in a calm tone despite Chris’ frantic questioning.

Long story short, there is not going to be a wedding today. You all are still welcome to attend the reception since it has already been paid for, explained Jay to the wedding party. She proceeded to tell them about the note McKenzie left for her to read to Milton.

Damn…I mean dang, all this time I thought McKenzie knew about Jayla the way Milt talked, said a confused Stephen. Stephen was a childhood friend of Milton’s who came up for the wedding from North Carolina. From what he was explaining to Jay, Milton had him convinced that McKenzie was accepting of Jayla. Milton clearly was keeping secrets from everyone. He had everyone fooled.

How can McKenzie be accepting of something that his own mother and sister weren’t aware of? Jay inquired. She was not going to allow Milton to catch a break anywhere. Stephen and the fellas just sighed at that revelation.

Did you know, Chris? You tell everything, but you didn’t tell that, did you? It was Kelly’s turn to find answers to the unknown Milton had created. Chris fell silent.

Speak up. I mean, you quick to tell everything else. So, why didn’t you tell that? Kelly continued.

Honestly, I did not know. I mean I know Desiree from back in the day. But as far as the kid, I am just as shocked as you are. Milton told me that the kid was someone else’s and he was just helping Desiree because of his bond with her. Chris just dropped his head. This was the first time that anyone had seen him at a loss of words. It looked like Milton was pulling one over on quite a few people.

There was a somber feeling amongst the room as everyone gathered their things in silence. The two key players that could supply answers to any and all questions running through everyone’s mind were nowhere in sight. After all the drama that had unfolded, the only choice was to head over to the reception for drinks, dancing, and fellowship.

THE AIRPLANE

I was speechless when I saw Adair step onto the plane. I thought he had forgotten all about me. Here it is, my wedding day, and the last thing that should have been on my mind was Adair. You would think I would be a ball of nerves wondering what was taking place at the church where I was supposed to be exchanging my wedding vows. The last 48 hours were an emotional roller coaster for me. It took me a year to fall in love with Milton and 48 hours for everything to crash. Even though I left him at the altar, I still was not sure what was going to become of the situation with us. All I know is that at this moment I need time to clear my head and really analyze what is about to happen next. For the next seven days, I want to enjoy myself and enjoy Adair. In the short time he has been around, he has been a comfort to have around. Unlike most men, he has yet to take advantage of me at this vulnerable state. Nothing is guaranteed and I am not trying to rush into anything with him. Right now, I am just going with the flow with an open mind…whatever happens happens.

I was beginning to worry you were not going to show up. I tried to call you several times from the car, I said, full of excitement.

Now you know I was not going to stand you up, my sweet lady. I was trying to get some things in order prior to us leaving. I know it took a lot for you to come to this decision and I am honored that you picked me to accompany you. I am looking forward to learning more about you. Let the adventure begin!

It was something about the way Adair spoke that confirmed the right decision was made. I know it all came as a shock to him when I told him my plan not to go forward with the wedding. Even as I sat there with him on the plane I knew in my heart I made the right decision. How could I ever move forward with trusting Milton after he deceived me?

As Adair settled in his seat, he grabbed my hand, much like he did that night at the Bubble Bar. I looked at him and he just smiled. My heart began to flutter. This man does not even know me, but yet, he is on a plane headed out the state with me. Adair had a look of passion in his eyes. In all my time with Milton, I never recall him looking at me this way. Before I could break the trance and look away, Adair kissed me gently on the cheek. His lips felt like satin against my skin.

McKenzie, everything is going to be alright. Don’t think about anything. Just relax and let’s have a good time. This could very well be the start to something new, Adair whispered into my ear. His words were like music as they entered into my ear. I gave him a slight grin in agreement to his statement.

At this time, ladies and gentlemen, I need for you to turn off all electronic devices and fasten your seat belt as we get ready for departure, said the flight attendant. Just as I was about to power down my phone, a text message from Milton came through.

McKenzie, where are you? What the hell are you thinking? How could you embarrass me like this?

A look of worry appeared on my face. Adair looked over at me and took the phone to read the text. Before I could say anything, he was responding.

McKenzie is just fine.

After sending the response, he politely powered down my phone and placed it in my lap.

My love, don’t allow any of that nonsense to distract you. When you decided on this impromptu getaway, you said you wanted to have fun and not be bothered with distractions. Clearly that is a distraction. Adair was really on point with keeping my train of thought on task. I had no response to his statement. I just sighed and closed my eyes as the plane prepared to take off. With my eyes closed, all I could think about was the text from Milton. I wondered what his reaction was when Jay read him the letter. Did I take the easy way out by leaving Jay to handle this for me? Should I have shown up at the church and called it off there? I could have at least given my mom and Momma Williams a heads up about my plans. I am sure they were in just as much shock as Milton was once they learned that I was not coming. Here I am on a plane with a man that I hardly know. What in the hell am I thinking? All of these thoughts and more danced around in my head. I was so deep in thought that I did not realize we had been in flight for over thirty minutes. I did not even hear Adair calling my name.

Huh, I answered in a startled tone.

Do you want something to drink? I swear, every time this man talked it sent chills up my spine. As I was gathering my thoughts to answer him, I noticed the flight attendant standing in the aisle with her beverage cart.

Yes, I need something strong. Get me a vodka and cranberry, please. She was so busy starring in Adair’s face she didn’t even acknowledge my request. I have to admit, Adair was looking as debonair as he has the past few times I have seen him. He had on a nice pair of Levi jeans, an orange and white striped Polo shirt, and some casual Kenneth Cole loafers. To add insult to injury, he smelled good. There is nothing like a good-smelling man. That is the icing on my cake any day. I was so much in awe of him when he arrived on the plane, I had not noticed until that moment he cut off his locs. His new bald look made him look even sexier. I am not sure what the motive was but it sure looked good on him.

Did you hear the lady? She would like a vodka and cranberry, Adair said to the flight attendant. She cut her eye over at me in a very condescending way. It was obvious the bitch was hating because I had this fine specimen of eye candy by my side. I was not in the mood to act out, so I just looked at her with a reassuring smile as if to say, bitch, don’t even try it.

So, are you excited about our trip, asked Adair. It was obvious he could sense the tension between me and the flight attendant.

Yes, I am very excited about our trip. It should be a lot of fun.

Originally, Milton and I were going to Aruba for our honeymoon. I knew that, had I gone forward with those plans, he would have either showed up or called constantly, trying to track me down. I was not up for dealing with the drama, as I was sure there would be plenty to deal with once I returned. When the travel agent said that, even on a short notice she could repackage everything, I was ecstatic. It was actually her who suggested the cruise. When I filled him in on my plan, I knew he was just as shocked as I was for suggesting something so spontaneous. But something about it really did feel right. I still had not made up in my mind whether I was going to give him the goods or not. All I knew was that I needed a distraction. I wanted to have fun and wanted my mind to be so far removed from Milton and his lies. When I stepped on the plane, I vowed to make the most out of this trip. I was going to go with the flow. For once, I was going to live a little. This trip was about me starting the healing process of the year of lies I had been served by Milton.

So, how did you break the news that the wedding was off? I do believe that was the last part of the equation we never discussed. Man, you were on a mission. I know not to mess with you, Adair said, jokingly. Just as I was about to answer, our rude flight attendant returned with my drink. She never made eye contact with me. She continued to gaze in admiration at Adair. Adair could sense the tension growing thicker by the moment, so he leaned over and planted a big one right on my lips.

Isn’t my fiancé just beautiful, he asked her as he grabbed my hand to display the engagement ring that I was still wearing. We both laughed as she took off up the aisle. He had a sense of humor about him that I loved.

Are you really glad I am here with you, he asked once our flight attendant was out of site.

You can be honest, babe. I am a big boy, he continued.

I hesitated before I answered as I had a flashback from the bachelorette party. Adair saying he was a big boy was an understatement. He was a monster from what I could remember.

Yes, I am really glad you came along. I was beginning to worry when I got on the plane and did not see you here.

Adair chuckled at my statement, as if I had just told a joke or something. I coughed to signal that I wanted a response to my statement.

McKenzie, we both know this is some crazy shit we’re doing. Clearly this is a first for me in my lifetime, and I have done some pretty bold stuff in my day. But when it’s all said and done, something about this venture with you just seems right…the start to something new.

I smiled as confirmation to his response. I had to admit to myself that this was a rare circumstance for anyone to be in. Here I am on a plane about to go away for seven days with a stranger. I did not know squat about Adair. I only knew his name, address, occupation, and the very basics we had shared in our conversations within the last few hours leading up to this moment. Hell, he could kill me and no one would have a clue who I was with or where the hell I was, other than the travel agent. As much as I should have doubted myself, there was something about Adair’s presence that was calming. It seemed as if we had known each other in another life or something.

Up until now, my mind was going a mile a minute with all the drama surrounding Milton