“I’m happy you’re here but that’s extreme for an interview that never aired! I can’t imagine where you’d be right now if the interviewwasbroadcast,” J.P said. “Probably in Bora Bora. Or one of those places you hear about but don’t think exist.”
“What are you talking about? It aired last Wednesday. It was a big primetime event that the network—and every other media outlet under the sun—teased for a week. NBC pulled out all the stops for the shebang. I’m sure they’ll get an Emmy nod for the interview,” Kenny argued.
“You really are out of the loop! NBC didn’t air the interview. It was all over the headlines. I’m not exactly sure what happened. There was talk of violated gag orders and cease and desist letters, angry attorneys, and an irate judge. There was a lot of legal jargon in the reports that was over my head. But, whatever happened, NBC aired two hours ofLaw and Orderreruns last Wednesday rather than the much-anticipated Clinton White interview.”
Kenny leapt to her feet, threw back her neck with her hands on her head, took a deep breath, and then put her hands on her knees and hovered over J.P. who was staring up at her with a look of bewilderment.
“Do you know what this means? This means my life and career isn’t over! I want to kiss you right now!”
J.P.’s bewilderment turned to amusement. He couldn’t wait to hear what was going to come out of Kenny’s mouth next. He didn’t know her well, but he was thoroughly entertained by the show unfolding in front of him.
“Oh my God,” Kenny blurted. “Did I say that out loud? I don’treallywant to kiss you right now. It’s just an expression, you know? I don’t evenknowyou. It would be like kissing a stranger. And, well, who goes around kissing strangers? People do, but not people like me. Don’t worry, I don’t do that.”
“I’m just going to sit right here and let you have your moment,” J.P. said with a wink and provoking smile. “It seems you have a lot of thoughts flying through that pretty little head, so I’ll give you time to talk through them.”
J.P. watched as Kenny ungracefully plopped back down on the mat next to him, extended her legs long in front of her, crossed her ankles and stared quietly out into the ocean.
J.P. knew he was spot-on with his internal assessment. Thoughts flew through Kenny’s head like cars on the autobahn, at a fast and furious pace. But she grew comfortable driving through the chaos and loud noise of life at rapid speeds. That’s how J.P. operated, too.
He hoped that, even just for this moment, she would find peace in the sound of crashing waves, the intoxicating smell of salt air, the warmth from the sun and gentle breeze. And maybe silence.
“I’m sorry about that.” Kenny clenched her teeth and shook her head. “In case it wasn’t abundantly clear, the Clinton White story has been a source of tension in my life lately. I’ll save you the details but losing that interview took a hit on my ego and career. So much so that I abruptly left town for five weeks to recharge. This trip is, by far, the most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done. I don’t even cross Central Park from the West Side to the East Side of Manhattan after 7:00 p.m. without weighing the pros and cons.”
“No need to apologize, Kenny,” J.P. said in a sympathetic tone. “You found yourself in the right place if you needed to get away from it all. Thinking and reflecting and processing life while sitting on this beach has worked wonders for me over the years,” he continued as he picked up the green tennis ball, tossed it and directed Cliff to go fetch it.
“Thanks, J.P.” Kenny smiled and lifted her oversized tortoise shell sunglasses to her face.
“As for the kiss, the ladies onSex and the Citywent around hooking up with strangers all the time. If that’s how you New Yorkers deal with things, don’t let a good ole’ Southern boy like me stop you.” J.P. tried to change the trajectory of the conversation from serious and personal back to flirty and casual.
“Something tells me you’re not as good and naïve as you pretend you are, Casanova.Andyou don’t sound like you’re from the South.” Kenny laughed and playfully tapped her foot against his leg.
“Look at you go all investigative reporter on me. I might have been born and raised in Ohio, but I picked up this Southern charm years ago.”
“I can’t disagree with that. It was very thoughtful of you to have Jose hand-deliver the key lime pie cookies to my door yesterday when he came to check on the pool. I’m not sure I ever tasted anything like those.”
“I wasn’t sure they were going to make it to you.” J.P. smirked insinuating Jose might’ve eaten them mid-delivery. “Those cookies are like crack and Miss Luana is the only dealer on the island with the recipe.”
“I try to stay away from sweets, but I had no control when it came to those. I finished them for breakfast this morning.”
“They have that effect on people. Miss Luana is the head of housekeeping for Low Country Hospitality and when she took them to a company potluck picnic a few summers ago, people nearly lost their minds. She refuses to share the family recipe so people can only get their fix on Thursdays when she bakes for the farmers market. Occasionally, she’ll make a few dozen for a coworker’s birthday or a holiday.”
“Mr. Cunningham ought to take a play out of the DoubleTree’s playbook and offer Miss Luana’s cookies at check-in.”
“You know about those warm front-desk chocolate chip cookies?” J.P. asked with a smile.
“I’m on the road so much for work that I keep a packed suitcase under my desk. I know the pros and cons of all the hotel chains, airlines, and car rental companies.” Kenny laughed. “The complimentary cookies score the Hilton chain a few points in my travel log.Butthey have nothing on those key lime pie cookies.”
“You might be onto something. Mr. C. is always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience,” J.P. said in a serious tone. “He’ll be gone by the time I get back to the office tonight, but I’ll remember to bring that up with him next week.”
“I can’t believe it’s already after four, I should really get going,” Kenny abruptly announced while she strapped her Apple Watch back on her wrist. “I’ve been out here since this morning,” she said and took a big gulp from her green bottle.
“It looks like you put in a full day,” J.P. smirked motioning to the burn lines on her legs. “When you were sleeping, I noticed your stomach got a bit pink, too. The hot water in your shower is going to sting tonight.” J.P. laughed all while doubting himself.
Again.
Had he gone too far? At what tee, on what course had he lost his confidence in witty banter?
“I guess I missed a few spots,” she tapped her shins as she stood up.
