The Stipulation

By Patricia Kennedy

Ryan

Ten years ago my father bought an island. He wanted to create the ultimate in island luxury where the residents' every wish and need is met to the nth degree. But six years mother nature decided that my father's time had come to an end. So, every year my two best girlfriends and I spend the Fourth of July honoring him on his dream oasis. And this year isn't any different. That is, until the man I've wondered about for the past six years shows up. He's more than anything I could have ever imagined and in every way too. He, nor his friends back down from any of our 'truths' or 'dares' either. No, instead they rise above them. And even though it is just a game, for once it makes the three of us wonder if there could be more.
I know it's not possible.
Because things like this only happen in fairy tales.
And at the end of this vacation this fairy tale will only exist in our dreams because our time in Wonderland will run out.

Max

Six years ago, after I retired from the NHL I decided I wanted to develop land. Low and behold this island fell into my lap and all the dreams I've ever had I made come true. Thankfully the original developer did all the infrastructure work so all I had to do was complete it. The odd part is I've never heard from him nor seen him since the sale and yet we're neighbors on the island. But then I got a call from Daniel, the GM of Nell that said his daughter and her friends were going to the island for the Fourth and I couldn't not go. My curiosity just got the better of me. So, I called my buddies and the moment our eyes landed on them we knew we'd jump down any rabbit hole they 'dared' us to, for Ryan was my Alice. She was perfect, and in every way. She made us never want to leave Wonderland, it too was perfect.
But time is a thief and a villain.
And she refused to believe that there could be more beyond this Wonderland she created because to her all things come to an end in due time.
So I had to do something that could make her believe.
I 'dared' her.
She turned her back on me and walked right out the door.
Off the island.
Gone.
Now I know that if I'm ever going to get her to believe I'm going to have to go all in, head first down that rabbit hole of no return.
It's that or walk away from my Alice, just like she did to me.
But is that what I really want?
Is that even what she wants?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia Kennedy
• Release date: Sep 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370808212

Patricia Kennedy

Author Patricia Kennedy showcases vintage postcards and images from her personal collection, along with photographs from the San Francisco Archives. She has added to her collection extensively while traveling as a pianist aboard the American Orient Express.

Book preview

Prologue

Boredom has officially set in. It’s only been six months since I retired and I’m already going stir crazy. So the moment this property was presented to me I knew I had to have it. I know I’m taking such a huge gamble but this itch is too strong. The rush of developing is a high that I can’t describe but damn do I find myself needing it. Everything about this one is perfect too. The location is beyond fabulous and the potential is profound. On top of it all most of the grunt work regarding infrastructure, fill, electricity and channels have already been done. In fact the entire island has already been planned out with lots assigned and marina location figured out.

There’s one lot though with a big ‘X’ through it.

And it’s the biggest.

Though I have an inkling of what it is my curiosity won’t die until I have the truth. What’s with the ‘X’?

Stan, the broker representing the property says, Ah yes. That is the one stipulation. That property will forever remain with the seller and his family. As well as he is to receive any and all resort perks and luxuries like all other land owners for life without cost.

Well, considering he’s already done so much ground work I think this is a no-brainer. Especially considering I’ve done the research and all that the developer has done costs many of millions. Fuck I’ll definitely be considerate, which is a first. That is just not my style. Let them know the deal is done but if they sell the property, none of the terms apply.

The agent nods and immediately gets on his phone. Within a matter of a few minutes I own an island that will become the next best, and definitely a better version of Necker. The huge difference is people get to own not rent the luxurious lifestyle.

Chapter One

Good afternoon ladies.

Hey Tomas, how’s it going handsome? CJ says as we step off the tender.

As he takes our bags and puts them into the golf cart he replies with a playful smile, I’m better now that you three are here. You girls always put a smile on my face.

Well that’s because of the high maintenance bitches you have to put up with all the other weeks when we’re not around, Emily chides as she gets into the golf cart and puts her feet up on the dash with a pained groan. Of the three of us she’s the one who lacks the filter the most, though we’re all pretty bad.

With a chuckle he looks at me and with a devilish grin asks, All set Ms. W?

I simply just nod because my hungover ass can’t do much else at the moment. He knows this too, since it’s been the ritual for CJ, Emily and me for the past ten years. Every year for the Fourth of July we come here for ten days. And the night before we leave to come here they come over to my place at the hotel, where we precede to kickoff the trip in our normal fashion. Over the top.

As CJ adjusts her bikini top through her sundress, which for her is a constant necessary since she always wears the tiniest ones and has the biggest boobs, says, Handsome please tell me that there’s a pitcher of your famous cocktail at the house. I have been craving one for months. Plus, we all know it’s the only thing that can cure this mother of a hangover.

He chuckles some more and replies, Yes Ms. CJ there is. In fact I made a few pitchers for you ladies seeing as how you tend to need more than one on the first day.

See? He knows us so well.

On another note, Ms. W you now have a neighbor.

I figured this day would come. I knew it would. I just wish I had found out any other weekend besides this one. Will they be here during our stay? God I hope not.

He nods saying, Yes. In fact they’re arriving tomorrow evening.

Well at least we have tonight to be our normal selves. I mean we’re not going to change things once they arrive per se but as anyone knows when you’re alone you’re able to be free. Whereas when you have neighbors one has to have somewhat of a filter in order to keep peace. And this is not the weekend for that, if that’s what they’re looking for. Quite the opposite in fact.

Please tell me there aren’t any kids, and I’m not saying that in a negative way. I’m saying it in the worry of having to be ‘PG’, Emily thankfully asks what I too am concerned about. After all we’re notorious to do crazy shit.

Not that I’ve been told Ms. Emily. As of this morning there are just four men coming in for the holiday.

"Oooh four men? Do you think they’re something us three, well more so me, might be interested in handsome?"

He laughs and replies, I do think they have potential Ms. CJ.

Yippee, I can’t wait, CJ returns with as much glee as her hungover body can. But I know underneath this definitely intrigues her because it has been a long time since she’s been with someone and she’s a player, so that says a lot. Her excuse is she wants fresh meat, someone new, but I call bullshit. To me it’s that she’s tired of playing the game and can’t admit to herself that she’s ready for something more permanent.

As we drive through the mass of new homes, shock yet awe hits me big time. I remember this place when it was nothing but grass and dirt roads with tons of trucks and machinery but now its Bahamian glam but not in a pretentious way. Seeing all this new development makes me a bit nostalgic because this was my father’s last dream. He wanted to see this through and was so close but good old Mother Nature had other plans.

Oh daddy I wish you could see this now.

You’d be so proud.

Pulling up to the house a bittersweet smile pulls at my lips. At least this part of my father’s dream came to fruition. The moment we walk through the front door the ocean view takes your breath away, especially ours. I will proudly admit that my father did one hell of a job building and designing this place. It’s a tricked out island oasis with views to die for from every room with all the most high-tech stuff imaginable.

He was a groundbreaker in everyway.

God this place is paradise. I know I say it every time I come here but it’s the truth, Emily gushes as she walks right through the living room and directly out to the pool area, staring at the picturesque turquoise waters and white sand beach.

I totally agree but I’m having one of Tomas’ delicious, much needed cocktails before I join you out there kitten, CJ professes as she heads right for the fridge like a woman on a mission.

Ms. W is there anything else you need for now?

No Tomas but thank you. You are going to join us for dinner right?

He smiles from ear to ear. I wouldn’t miss it for the world Ms. W. I reserved your normal table for six tonight. Is that fine?

Yes, and thank you for everything.

I swear the Bahamian blushes. With not another word said he leaves us and after we each make ourselves one of his magic drinks we walk into the pool to let our bodies dissolve of the pain that’s riddling us and enjoy the island bliss.

Sugar I can never thank you enough for bringing us here to this paradise. I look forward to coming here more than anything else, Em tells me as we sit here floating in the water, hanging onto the infinity edge of the pool, gazing mindlessly at the ocean beyond.

It truly is a perfect paradise.

All thanks to my father and his dreams.

Chapter Two

Since it’s our first night here we dress up, it’s a tradition. One that signifies the official beginning of our vacation. We dress up on the first night, casino night and our last night. So needless to say the three of us right now are decked to the nines in gowns, jewels and heels with our faces painted and hair done. CJ has on a blush pink metallic dress that has such a deep v-neck cut that her tits are about to bust out. And that’s just how she likes it. Emily is wearing a white one shoulder dress with a slit that’s cut up to hip showing her mile long legs. While I’m in a black lace number that has a deep v neckline, both front and back with a wide baby blue sash that wraps around the waist then drapes down the back.

Champagne ladies? I inquire because I sure as hell am going to have a glass. After having a few of Tomas’ concoctions I feel like a brand new person. And a glass of bubbly sounds perfect right now.

Yes gorgeous, I’d love a glass, CJ says, taking a seat on one of the cream linen barstools. I swear if she leans forward too much we’re all going to get a more than just a peep show.

You know I’ll never turn down a glass of bubbly, Em answers as she too takes a seat.

I pour all of us a glass plus one for Tomas, since I know he’ll be here any minute. "So ladies I have a dare for you. It’s one that we have all ten days to complete. And given Tomas’ earlier revelations I deem it more than doable, especially this weekend being a holiday and all."

Alright woman would you just spit it out already, CJ barks out. She’s excited and loves a good challenge but this one I know she’s really gonna love.

"Okay here it is…..drum roll please…..We are to get laid at least twice. It can be by two different guys or by the same."

CJ smiles wickedly, licking her lips as her brain goes into dreamy man land while Emily, ever the thinker, ponders this over. "What about two guys at the same time? Does that qualify as twice?"

I shake my head in awe. The sweetest of us just suggested one of the naughtiest scenarios. While two man meats may constitute as twice the fun, it doesn’t mean two separate times. That’s the stipulation. But kitten if you manage to get a duo I will be so very proud of you.

To hell with proud I’ll be jealous, CJ professes as I’m sure she’s playing this out in her brain. Of the three of us CJ is the most devious. While I may be the instigator, the one who gets things in motion, she’s the one who sets the bar and challenges any and everyone to one-up her, and that’s only after she’s corrupted and manipulated it to her liking. Emily, on the other hand is the not-so-innocent pot stirrer. She plays it off like she doesn’t realize what she’s doing but that’s all just a façade. Only the people who don’t know her fall prey to her feisty ways.

A knock on the front door followed by, Ladies? comes from Tomas.

In the kitchen, I holler back and look at the girls. "So? Is the dare accepted?"

Oh hell yeah I accept, CJ answers with a wicked smile. I bet she’ll get laid every night just to one-up Em and I.

"Sure, why not. I mean, it’s been over a month since the last time I got laid so what the hell. I could use some good old one-night stand cock, twice."

Tomas enters the kitchen just as Emily finishes what she’s saying and I can’t help but die laughing at his expression. This should be old news to him by now but clearly we can still get to him.

As I hand him his flute CJ says, You look good handsome. He’s in his normal attire for our three nights of dress-up, a Kiton double breasted tux I had made for him years ago.

Thank you Ms. CJ. I will admit this is another reason why I love it when you ladies come to town, I get to dress up.

I totally understand all the hidden meanings behind his words. When we’re not here his job is to see to the island and the outlandish wishes of the guests. But when we show up, his only job is to see to me, well us since I’ve never been here alone. At least not since my father passed. Therefore the only time he can enjoy the perks of the island without contingencies is when we’re here. Well it looks good on you, I tell him then hold up my flute. Here’s to the beginning of another fabulous vacation. Let the fun begin, cheers! With knowing smiles we all clink our flutes and sip the Armand de Brignac Brut Rose.

"So handsome I have a truth for you. He smiles playfully at CJ then nods, accepting the challenge. When was the last time you got laid?"

He chuckles and his eyes dance, knowing he fell right into this. Last Saturday Ms. CJ.

She smiles in return because we all know he doesn’t like to kiss and tell but backing down is not an option with us three. Back down means you’re a quitter and quitters pay dearly consequences. I had to ask Handsome, it is after all hump-day. He raises his flute in understanding. Let’s go get this party started, shall we.

Oh boy, I hope everyone is ready for this tornado, Em chides then tosses back the rest of her champagne.

Don’t worry Ms. Emily, I gave them ample warning.

We all giggle guiltily because ‘warning’ is such an apropos word for us.

I wonder if there will be any men man enough to take any of us on. After all there never has been. Time will though. We do have ten days to play. And oh will we play.

Chapter Three

Ms. CJ I have a bit of news you might like to hear, Tomas admits as he drives us to the clubhouse.

Instantly she perks up at his words. Oh pray tell handsome.

We do have a few new staff members.

Her head spins like a cobra. Really?! There hasn’t been anyone new in over two years. This is music to my ears. Tell me, how many do you think are worthy of all my luscious goods?

She’s in her element, being herself. At home she actually has an extremely well kept-in-place filter, seeing as how she’s the Chairman of our Performing Arts Center and on her own raises over a million a year. When she’s here though, she tosses all those hats out to the turquoise waters and puts on the only hat needed, CJ. I smile to myself because I’m able to help her do this, to help the three of us get back to who we really are and not what we’ve become, workaholics.

For ten days at least.

Laughing Tomas answers, I’d say there is at least two, maybe three Ms. CJ.

"Oh goody. Please introduce me to them tonight. After all, I have a dare I need to fulfill. And tonight seems like a good night to start."

Told ya.

The moment we walk into the clubhouse Anastasia, the hostess with the mostess says, It’s my three favorite ladies! I’m so happy to see you. When Tomas told me of your arrival I got so happy. Please, let me take you to your table. She sits us at our usual table, the one by the bar so we can check out any possible eye candy, and right by the water so this view, one of our favorite views, is always in our sights. As usual Peter will be your server for the evening. Enjoy ladies.

Tell me Tomas, are we the favorite because we’re everyone’s entertainment?

He snickers, Ms. Emily you three are that and then some.

The moment Peter arrives I tell him, Peter we’re going to be having blue martinis tonight. But we’re going to start with shots of Chuck Norris and all the appetizers. Oh, and shots of the same for everyone here. He nods with a knowing grin. Knowing this is the beginning of the first of many fun filled nights here. And for everyone at that, since I make it a point for everyone including staff to join in on the fun. It’s something my father instilled in me a long time ago.

Treat your employees how you’d like to be treated and once in a while treat them better.

So Ms. W what’s on the agenda tomorrow? The normal?

I smile and nod. Yes, I guess you can say we’re a foregone conclusion. Tomorrow will be recovery day or more like a continuation though island time. We’ll do the spa, say one o’clock if it’s available. But after that, if we do go anywhere, that is if I can get angel and kitten here to leave the confines of the pool, it’ll be around five or six.

Party on Friday then I take it?

Again, I smile and nod just as Peter shows up with our drinks and shots. Cheers! After the tasty liquor is down I continue, Yes, so we’re going to need to stock up on everything, especially ice. Every year I throw a party where everyone on the island, including the staff is invited and the last thing anyone ever wants is to run out of ice. If you run out of alcohol that means you’ve had a successful party, but you run out of ice and that means you aren’t adequately equipped. And I refuse to let that happen. After all this isn’t my first rodeo by any means.

Tomas grins like he knew I was going to say this. Overall it’s probably the only thing I’m a real stickler about. Yes ma’am. As of right now we have three boats going to other islands to get more Friday morning. He takes a sip of his cocktail then adds, And your champagne came in this morning.

A pleased yet sad smile pulls at my lips. The champagne is to celebrate my father, though only Tomas and the girls know this. He was the greatest, strongest man I’ve every known but the cancer was stronger than him and it took him on the fourth six years ago. So since then Tomas helps me go the extra mile to pay tribute to the man who meant the world to me and hopefully many others. And this year the fourth happens to fall on Sunday fun day therefore making it extra special.

As the appetizers are placed on the table we order another round of both shots and drinks. I swear this is the only place that can make these drinks properly, Emily gushes with a pleased look then eyes the food on the table like she hasn’t eaten since we left Aspen. This all looks so delicious I don’t know where to start.

I completely concur but this is how it is here, the finest of the finest. The developer did a stellar job finishing what my father started and made it even better.

Actually it reminds me a lot of the hotel back home.

Chapter Four

As the island below us comes into view giddiness swells inside me. I haven’t seen my house since it was finalized, which was two months ago and I’m anxious to lay my eyes on the finished product. Plus, I want to see all the other new development that’s taken place while I’ve been handling things back home. Daniel, the man who is President of developing this island informed me last week that the island is practically sold out, which is beyond fantastic. I had a ten year sell-out prospectus and yet in six we’re there. Clearly my lavish ideas and insane standards have paid off.

The other thing he also informed me of, which has me excited as well is that the residents usually go way out for the fourth, more so than any other holiday and for the last six years three women always show up for this. So with that said I immediately called my boys, told them what was up and needless to say