Steel City (Blue Island, #2): Blue Island, #2

By N.S. Marc

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - PART #2 IN THE BLUE ISLAND DUET. PLEASE READ PART #1 BOHO BEAUTY FIRST.

Being a supermodel sucks. No, really.

Renee never wanted fame and fortune. She never wanted to live in a bombastic city like New York. Even as she's being signed up for yet another mega-contract, all she can do is dream about her little beach hut in Hawaii, where she'd rock herself to sleep in a hammock to the sound of the ocean.

Unfortunately, hammocks and sunny beaches are a thing of the past. After her vicious brush with death, Renee is forced to leave her tropical home behind in favor of the cold, Big Apple. After all, celebrities are untouchable, right?

Wrong.

When Renee's worst nightmare rears its ugly head yet again, she has no choice but to reach out to the last person she should be contacting – Sean Evans, her devastatingly handsome ex-lover, who seems to think they can get along by pretending like they're just really, really good friends.

Pretending to be 'just friends' with someone who stole your heart, can peer into your soul, and soothe away all your fears with just a touch – now that's a failproof plan if she's ever heard one.

But Renee's always been self-reliant, and she isn't going to change that now, not even with strong, invincible Sean in her corner. If her past insists on hunting her down, for once, she's going to stop running.

She's ready to fight.

+18. MATURE CONTENT. READER DISCRETION ADVISED. THIS IS THE FINAL SEGMENT IN THE RENEE OCEAN STORY.

• Language: English
• Publisher: N.S. Marc
• Release date: Aug 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393849810

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

K oko, honey, you’re making me nervous. Get down from there, it’s not like you’ll be able to see them from twelve floors up. If you come over here I’ll give you a foot rub. . .

Finally detaching her nose from the windowpane, Koko swiveled in her squatted position on the kitchen windowsill to stare at her best friend. When Renee wiggled her fingers enticingly, she sighed, jumped down to the floor and made her way over to the couch, landing her feet in Renee’s lap.

It’s been three months, Renee! What if I’ve been missing him like crazy, and for him it was just meh?

You have nothing to worry about. All the Beach Bums tell you how miserable he’s been without you. He calls you ten times a day, and texts in between calls. It basically feels like you’ve both moved to New York with me. Since her fingers were busy, Renee used her chin to point at the five framed photos of Koko and Kai perched on the end table.

I guess that’s true, I mean I’m pretty unforgettable.

That you are, Renee agreed, digging her thumbs into an acupuncture point that was supposed to help with relaxation.

Koko pulled her feet away from Renee and propped herself up on her elbows, looking very serious all of a sudden. Are you going to forget about me, when I go back home?

Like I could, even if I wanted to, Renee said, pointing at all the other framed photos Koko had put up of herself all around the apartment.

I’m serious, Koko’s voice was quiet, this is Manhattan, and you’re a frikkin’ supermodel celebrity now. After the Laguna show Sunday night, there won’t be a single person left in the country who doesn’t know the name Renee Ocean, Laguna Swimwear’s Fresh Face of the Year. The days when we were just two bartender Beach Bums living in huts on a Hawaiian beach are over. Nothing’s going to be the same anymore.

Renee looked at her best friend, the five-foot-two ball of energy with the shiniest, straightest black hair she’d ever seen, and a mouth that could persuade anyone to do anything, and felt her heart squeeze inside her chest. Monday morning Koko would be getting on a plane back to Hawaii, and for the first time, Renee would be on her own in the Big Apple. It was a terrifying thought.

Life is change, Renee said, trying to sound as lighthearted as possible, but that— she pointed at the large photo of the two of them hanging above the couch, hugging in a selfie, wet-haired and smattered with sand, that will never change.

Wanting to change the subject, Renee patted the cream-colored couch they were sitting on and said, Are you sure Kai’s sister will be comfortable on this? She can sleep with me in my bed if she wants, it’s gigantic.

Oh no, no. . .  definitely not your bed. Couch will be fine, Koko said quickly, suppressing a laugh, and once again Renee noted that every time the subject of Kai’s sixteen-year-old sister came up, something about Koko’s behavior wasn’t exactly right.

The landline phone in her kitchen rang.

Hey, Roger. . .  Yeah, I’m expecting them, sorry for not giving you a heads-up. You too, have a nice day.

When she hung up with the front desk, Koko was already in the hallway, bouncing on her feet and staring at the climbing numbers on the elevator’s floor indicator.

By the way, Koko said offhandedly, Kai’s sister isn’t coming. Their mom thought she was still too young for a trip like that.

She’s not? Well then who’s. . .

The elevator pinged. Before he could step out, Koko launched herself at Kai, wrapping her arms and legs around him in a vice-grip. When their conjoined bodies flashed past Renee and disappeared into the apartment, she was shocked to find someone else—definitely not Kai’s little sister—towering over her in the empty hallway, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder, and a sheepish smile on his handsome face.

Caleb? She couldn’t contain the surprise in her voice. What. . . ? How. . . ?

His smile faded a bit, and he ran a hand through his wayward dark-brown hair that grazed his shoulders. It was Koko’s idea. . .

Renee snapped out of her daze and plastered on a reassuring smile. Wow! This is. . .  a good surprise. I was just, um, really not expecting it, is all. Come on in, you must be exhausted.

Uh, no, thanks. I’m gonna crash at my buddy’s place in Brooklyn. I just wanted to stop by and say hi, and wish you luck for Sunday.

Not a chance, Renee said, taking his arm and leading him into the apartment, Brooklyn is too far, and we’ve planned a whole fun weekend. The couch is almost big enough for you, but you’ve slept on worse. Besides, you can’t leave me alone with that. She nudged her head at Koko’s closed bedroom door.

You sure?

Of course. She circled her arms around his waist and gave him a squeeze, which he reciprocated with an awkward clap on her back. Clearing her throat, she released him and said, This is going to be great.

Caleb set his bag and coat down, and started shuffling around, taking in her new apartment with its espresso-and-cream color palette, French tiles, and top-quality appliances. Compared to Renee’s previous home, which was basically a hut on stilts sitting right on the waterfront, her trendy Soho two-bedroom was a huge change in lifestyle.

Woah, he called out from the bathroom, then stepped out smiling like a kid. That’s the most incredible bathtub I’ve ever seen. You must be in there all the time, you water baby.

Renee shrugged. She was about to offer him a drink when X-rated noises began filtering through from behind Koko’s door.

Uhh. . .  coffee? From downstairs?

Most definitely, Caleb answered, already in the process of putting his parka back on.

THEY STOOD IN LINE at the crowded coffeeshop, thawing from the three-minute walk down the snow-covered block.

I don’t know how you do it, Caleb said as he rubbed his hands together.

It would help if you actually wore pants, she snickered, taking in his ridiculous outfit: high-tops, surfer shorts, and a parka. You can take the surfer dude out of Hawaii. . .  she thought wearily.

I might have a pair of jeans somewhere, he said while turning to look behind him at the three preteen girls who were whispering to themselves and giggling. What are you kids laughing at?

The bravest one turned to Renee and said, You’re that Laguna model, Renee Ocean, right?

Renee adjusted her baseball cap so that it covered more of her face and said quietly, Yeah, that’s me. You girls enjoying the winter holidays?

We love you! the smaller girl from behind piped up. You’re so pretty, I have a Barbie that looks just like you. She has turquoise eyes and really long blonde hair, too.

Well, I think you’re all very pretty. And you seem like really clever girls as well.

I’ll never be as pretty as you, the third girl said in a solemn voice. All the women in my family are shubby. At the sight of Caleb and Renee’s mystified expression she explained, Short and chubby.

Renee sighed, then bent down so she was at face-level with the girls. Listen kiddos, no matter what, always say good things about yourselves. And if someone says otherwise, you just tell them to jump in the lake. Okay?

They giggled and asked for her autograph, and just as Renee was about to inform Caleb that this wasn’t something that happened on a regular basis, they reached the cashier.

Whoa! Renee Ocean! the barista, a young guy in a green apron, exclaimed. Listen, man, he turned to Caleb who was trying to hand him some cash for the coffees, I’d give my right arm to buy her a cup of coffee. I hope you realize you’re the luckiest man on the entire planet.

Nah, I’m her brother, Caleb answered coolly as he paid, dropping the change in the tip-jar.

Really? the barista turned to Renee, So can I have your number?

All right, time to go. Caleb handed Renee her drink and steered her out of the coffeeshop.

My brother? Renee laughed as they stepped outside. That’s cute.

He shrugged. I figured giving him a full rundown of the nature of our relationship would take a long time, and there were lots of people in line, so. . .

His remark was like a punch to the gut; their relationship was complicated, so much so that she was amazed he’d agreed to Koko’s idea of a surprise visit. She hadn’t heard a word from him in the three months since she’d moved to New York, giving her the sinking feeling that he was mad at her for leaving. They walked a while in silence, sipping on their coffees when Renee finally asked, Are we cool?

Sure, of course we’re cool.

She stopped at the corner, the smell of cooked meat wafting from a street-vendor’s cart. It’s just. . .  I feel like I owe you an apology. He didn’t say anything, just stared at the fumes rising from his coffee. Caleb, I feel terrible about how I left things. You were so sweet to me after the whole. . .  incident. She couldn’t bring herself to say the actual words. I just hope you know that my leaving had nothing to do with you. It was simply the right thing for me.

He looked at her, his smile not reaching his eyes. I get it, Ren’. And you deserve everything, you really do. If you’re happy, I’m happy.

He snuck a glance at the food truck, and she laughed. I should know better than to have a serious conversation with you when we’re around greasy junk food.

THIS IS THE LAST THING I have to do for the show, she promised as they approached the upscale Fifth Avenue boutique. The tuxedoed guard gave Caleb the once-over, but as soon as Renee took off her baseball cap the salespeople went into a frenzy, fawning over her as they ushered them into the shop’s VIP dressing room.

Is she here? a deep feminine voice rang out, belonging to Deedee Gordon, Renee’s modeling agent, who’d burst through the front door with her usual gusto. She was an extremely slim African-American ex-model, with impeccable taste in clothing and never a moment to spare. As soon as she saw Renee, she flung her arms wide and gave her a squeeze.

There’s my bohemian mermaid! Have you seen the dress yet? You’re going to look delicious— She stopped when she noticed Caleb. And who is this?

Caleb Shaw, he answered as they shook hands.

She eyed him appreciatively, extending a finger to poke him right above the navel. My, my. Hard as a rock, just like I suspected. Who are you signed with?

Caleb seemed confused, so Renee answered for him. Deedee, this is my friend Caleb, from the Blue Island Hotel. He’s a surfing instructor, and one of my closest friends. He flew in from Hawaii especially for the show.

Deedee grabbed Caleb’s square jaw, turning his face from side to side. Surfing instructor, you say? Hmm. . .  there must be something in the Hawaiian saltwater that molds exceptional human beings. She let go of his face, not before caressing his cheek with a well-manicured finger. Then she peeked at her watch and said, All right, enough distractions. Renee—changing room. Clara— she pointed at a nervous-looking saleswoman, Go help her. And you, gorgeous, she said to Caleb, can sit on this bench with me while we wait.

Five minutes later, Renee stepped out dressed in a slinky midnight-black silk gown with a deep slit up the side, and spaghetti straps running all the way down to the small of her back in an X shape, leaving most of her back exposed.

Deedee jumped up from the bench and started twirling Renee around, checking every angle to make sure she was picture-perfect. She grabbed the gown’s fabric and pulled it in, making it cling to Renee’s waist like a second skin.

See? That’s what we want: ribs, hipbones and nipples poking out. Get on it, Clara.

Once Renee was back in her jeans and bulky winter coat, Deedee asked if she liked the dress.

Renee shrugged. It’s all right.

You don’t like it? Deedee sounded offended, as if she’d sewn it herself. That gown is a one-of-a-kind! It’s nineties-chic. I know it’s not your usual shanti style, but this is your big night.

I’m not complaining. It’s great, really. And you know I trust your fashion sense.

Deedee tapped her foot. But you don’t love it.

Renee sighed impatiently. When it came to these types of things, no one in the modeling industry seemed to comprehend that she really just didn’t care. She wore what they told her to wear, smiled when they told her to smile, and went home when they told her she could go home. I love it, I adore it, I want to marry it. Now, can I please go? It’s Caleb’s first visit to New York, and we’re wasting precious sightseeing time.

Deedee looked over at Caleb, who was slumped on the bench, staring at his hands. Fine, enjoy your weekend. Just make sure she doesn’t fall and scrape anything, she said to Caleb, I need her in perfect condition for Sunday.

Caleb gave her the thumbs-up, and Renee grabbed him by the arm and led him outside.

Sorry about all that, I didn’t think she’d want that many alterations. Did you like the dress?

Sure, he said, though it seemed like there was more on my mind. Instead of elaborating, though, he looked up and down Fifth Avenue and asked, So what’s for lunch?

CHAPTER 2

H appy Chanukah! Koko cried cheerfully as the four of them entered the small Chinese restaurant, a greeting which was well-received by the other diners.

It’s like a cool, intercultural pact, she explained as they sat down, Jewish people in New York always eat Chinese food on Christmas. As a native New-Yorker, Koko took her role as tour-guide very seriously.

Thank god—any god—that they’re open. I’m starving, Kai said as he perused the giant menu, and after a few good rounds of remarks on how seven straight hours of sex will make you hungry, they placed their orders.

Just be thankful that Renee and I backed down from the idea of cooking dinner for you guys, Koko said.

Come on Koko, tofuck isn’t that bad, Renee said defensively.

To—what now? Kai asked as he munched on the fried breadsticks starter.

It’s a tofu duck recipe—tofuck. It’s delicious.

Is that what you’re having tonight? Caleb asked just as the waitress came over with everyone’s main dishes, placing before Renee a small bowl of vegetable broth. She shifted uncomfortably as Caleb stared at her soup. That’s all you’ve ordered? But you haven’t eaten anything all day.

Forget it, Koko said through a mouthful of Kung Pao chicken, she’s been like that for a while now because of the fashion show. I’ve tried everything, including physical pain. Nothing’s worked.

You do look particularly skinny, Kai said quietly.

Did Deedee tell you to lose weight? Caleb asked, a sharp edge to his voice.

No, Renee said with obvious annoyance, no one told me I needed to do anything. It’s just. . . Renee paused for a moment, needing to sound as convincing as possible. Though Koko probably suspected her true reasons for not having the healthiest appetite lately, she didn’t feel like opening any of that for discussion. I’m in the big leagues now, all right? The stakes are higher, and I need to work harder. I’d like to see one of you have to march practically naked on live television and not try to lose a few pounds first.

They ate mostly in silence after that, everyone feeling a little awkward after Renee’s speech, except for Kai who was simply too hungry to care about the tension in the air. Koko tried to lighten the mood with some more anecdotes about China Town, but no one seemed to be listening. Finally, the evening was saved by a pretty young woman with flowing brown hair and striking bright-blue eyes, who stopped by their table, causing Renee and Koko to shriek, jump up, and hug her fiercely from both sides.

Renee pulled up a chair for her. Sit down, Sarah. You guys, this is Sarah Kahn, my lawyer for the whole. . .  you know.

Sarah sat down. You have no idea how happy I am to see you guys. Gave me an excuse to take a break from the fam’. She pointed at the table across the room where her parents, grandmother, two sisters, and baby-brother were sitting. It’s a long-time tradition of ours, spending Christmas Eve here.

Koko gave the table her famous ‘I told you so’ look.

"And now we are at the traditional ‘when is Sarah going to get married and give me grandchildren’ part of the evening, so I decided to come over and say hi instead. She turned to Caleb and Kai. You two are friends of theirs from Hawaii?"

What gave them away? Koko asked jokingly, the fact that Kai is the poster-boy for Hawaiian hotness, or the fact that they are both super-tan while everyone else in this city is rocking the pale goth look?

Sarah laughed. I am actually really jealous of those tans. I’d kill for a beach vacation right now. So you’re here for the show? Renee is going to take it to another level. And I hear there are going to be some extra-cool surprise performances. Everyone at Laguna must be ridiculously excited.

Everyone except Renee, Kai was finally able to speak again now that he’d wiped his plate clean. If you ask her, it’s not even that big of a deal.

Sarah gaped at her. It’s a huge deal! Renee, the show will be broadcast live at Times Square, and after that they’ll have a poster of you in a Santa bikini plastered on the side of a six-story building. She looked Renee over and then added in a less enthusiastic tone, Am I imagining things, or are you even skinnier than usual? How is that even possible?

Not wanting to revert to that topic, Renee said, I had no idea you were into this stuff, Sarah. Do you want a ticket to the show?

Sarah’s eyes lit up. Seriously? Yes! She then glanced over to her table and added, Would it be extremely rude of me to ask for three tickets? I’d love to take my sisters. They’ll worship me forever.

Sure, I’ll have them sent over tomorrow.

It’s a Chanukah miracle! Koko exclaimed.

Sarah tried to say thank you, but Renee wouldn’t let her. After everything you’ve done for me, this is nothing. Koko nodded in agreement. During those horrible two weeks of court hearings in Colorado, Sarah had been more than just a fierce attorney; she was supportive, compassionate, and the rock Renee had needed in those tough moments. Thankfully, the proceedings were held at the courthouse in Denver rather than in Renee’s hometown, and she only ever saw Derek from the other side of the room, without actually having to talk to him directly. Nevertheless, the entire ordeal had been horrific, and Sarah went above and beyond to help Renee feel like she was in good hands. She and Koko both idolized her.

Sarah squeezed her hand and got up reluctantly. Just doing my job. You people enjoy your night. I’ll head back to the trenches.

Koko watched her walk away and sighed. Can you believe a girl like that is still single?

THE NEXT MORNING RENEE woke up at five a.m., and with her gym bag slung over her shoulder, she tip-toed out the front door, careful not to wake up Caleb, who was sprawled out on the couch, hugging a pillow to his bare chest while the fluffy blanket lay abandoned on the carpet. She smirked to herself—of course he didn’t need a blanket, Caleb was like a human furnace. She still had the vivid memory of his hot hands trailing up and down her body, leaving scorch-marks in their wake. . .  

She shook her head. Don’t go there, Renee.

The state-of-the-art gym on the underground level of her building was always deserted this early in the morning, which was exactly how she liked it. Back in Hawaii she’d start each morning with yoga, surfing, and meditation in full view of the magnificent Hawaiian sunrise, whereas now there were fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, and her view consisted of a switched-off flat-screen.

Even though the gym boasted an Olympic-size pool, Renee skipped it and made a beeline to the treadmill instead, turning it on to a rigorous setting.

She couldn’t stop thinking about Caleb, and not in a good way. Something was bothering him, and it made him distant and just. . .  wrong. She felt a strange urge to shake him hard, force him to snap out of his weird funk and be the old Caleb again. But it seemed like everything she did managed to anger him. Never before had he given her such a scornful look the way he had last night, with the soup fiasco. Turning her head sideways to watch herself in the full-length mirror, she could see why he was being so prickly about her weight: though she’d always had a naturally slim physique, now she was mostly protruding bones and hard edges, all her softness gone.

Renee sighed. It seemed fitting. After all,