Butterflies Blue E-Book

Daniel Maldonado

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Layla Little was hurt and damaged by her previous relationship. Years later, while vacationing in tropical Puerto Rico with her new boyfriend, Layla unexpectedly encounters her former, jealous boyfriend, Leon.

The encounter brings back memories of heartache and unresolved longing. Leon desperately wants her back, even though he knows that she is with another man. Making things even more complicated for Layla is the persistence of an old high school sweetheart, Roland, who is also vying for her love and affection.

Faced with these diverse prospects and also tragic life circumstances, what will Layla do - and who will she choose? Even she doesn't know.

Leseprobe

BUTTERFLIES BLUE

CHAMBERS LANE SERIES BOOK 4

DANIEL MALDONADO

CONTENTS

Content Advisory

Old San Juan

Graduation Party

Pigeon Park

The Chokin’ Kind

The Butterfly Cafe

Bryant Park

Missing You

Rio Mar

Queens

Boxes And Boxes

Bio-Bay

El Yunque

Chance Encounter

The Beach

The Shuttle

Dinner

Palominitos Island

Marina

Roland

A Distant Hope

An Empty Fridge

Other Prospects

Hamilton

Revelation

Palmdale

Forgettable Memories

Why Have I Lost You?

Sipping Coffee

Birthday

Confrontation

Ecg

Self-Condemnation

Worrisome

Contemplation

Conflict

Confession

The Hospice

Cemetery

Vulnerability

Reflection

Resolute

San Diego

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About the Author

Copyright (C) 2019 Daniel Maldonado

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2022 by Next Chapter

Published 2022 by Next Chapter

Edited by Fading Street Services

Cover art by CoverMint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

This book is dedicated to a special woman who taught me patience, forgiveness, the value of listening and being a friend, even when longings and desires were present and needed to be subdued. May you have the rebirth and love of life that you deserve.

CONTENT ADVISORY

Content Advisory: This book is intended for mature audiences and contains graphic violence, explicit language, and disturbing imagery.

OLD SAN JUAN

OLD SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Present Day

The blue and purplish cobblestones that laced the long, hilly street called Calle del Cristo by the original Spanish inhabitants glistened brightly as Layla gently strolled along the road. She was arm in arm with her new man, Daniel. Daniel was a burly, bronzed Hispanic male whose light brown eyes occasionally gazed deeply towards her as they walked. They had only been walking the streets of Old San Juan that afternoon for a few minutes when Layla heard the bustling noise of locals eagerly setting up tents for an event.

"Look. It must be starting soon," Layla said as she smiled and gently squeezed Daniel's arm. He was not startled but sensed her excitement.

"Yes, dear. Looks like they'll be ready in a few hours."

Daniel pointed to the red and blue banner flapping in the brisk easterly Caribbean winds. The winds not only brought the new couple coolness and relief from the warm November day but also a saltiness that they could smell and even taste in the air. The banner revealed that the San Juan annual culinary arts festival would begin at five p.m. and last well into the night.

"Do you want to go? We can eat some local cuisine," Daniel asked, awaiting her response.

"Hmm, that would be interesting. I've never had Puerto Rican food. How is it?"

"I think you'll love it."

Even though he had never lived on the island, Daniel had traveled to Puerto Rico on several occasions and enjoyed eating his people's traditional food. He also enjoyed cooking Puerto Rican food and sharing that experience with his friends and family.

"There is a dish that you should try. Mofongo. It's made with plantains, which are green bananas, and topped with whatever meats you want."

"Can they top it with fish?" Layla inquired.

Daniel was amused and smiled. He knew that Layla recently started only eating fish. She was a pescatarian, but he secretly wanted her to try different foods on this trip. "Sure. You can get mofongo with fish. But you can also have it topped with other seafood: crab, lobster, conch, shrimp… or even pork or chicken. You can get any flavor that the Caribbean offers."

Despite her reluctance on previous occasions to try new things when the couple dined out, Layla was now eager to step out of her comfort zone. She had only officially started seeing Daniel two months ago, although they had known each other for years. This was the first vacation that they planned together. She had always wanted to see places outside of the United States, especially exotic places that her friends had never traveled to before.

Once, Layla went on a day trip to Montreal when she first moved to New York about twenty years ago. But she did not consider that brief excursion to Canada anything extraordinary. There was something about Daniel's sense of excitement about his past travels around the world that challenged Layla and encouraged her to get away from it all. She wanted to get away from her work, the freezing, snowy winter, her family, and even the fears of past relationships. When Daniel offered to take her to Puerto Rico for Thanksgiving, she eagerly accepted.

"I think I'll try the conch. I don't even know what that is, but it's not anything that I've ever eaten before. It just has a sexy vibe to it." She giggled. She wanted to say that the word conch reminded her of the word for the male sexual organ, but her shyness and unfamiliarity with Daniel made her reluctant. Instead, she slyly asked, "Does it taste like gooey duck?"

Daniel visualized the large phallic mollusk with its lightly golden siphon and laughed. "No, honey. To be honest, I haven't eaten gooey duck before. I've seen it on TV with that bald-headed guy who eats all these strange foods. What's his name? I can't remember. He seemed to like it. I've always wanted to try it though."

Layla secretly loved that Daniel ate exotic foods from around the world, but she would never let him know. Years ago, he offered to cook her kangaroo rendang, a curry dish. Daniel found an Australian recipe on the internet adapting the traditional Indonesian one. He cooked it the previous year for himself and wanted to try it again. Daniel had explained to Layla how the lemongrass, coriander, and cumin seeds in the curry paste combined with the desiccated coconut flakes, coconut milk, and cardamom to give the kangaroo meat a fragrant taste. He loved it and thought that she would too. Layla, however, was reluctant to try anything so unfamiliar, especially because it was a friendly marsupial that Daniel recommended to consume. She derided that suggestion when he made it. But she was willing to eat conch for dinner later that night.

Because the festival was hours away, in the meantime, the two continued walking down Calle del Cristo. They could see signs for the various restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques that lined both sides of the street. Other travelers, who had disembarked from the cruise ship docked at the port of Old San Juan, were carrying shopping bags with purchases from the local craft and artisan shops. Layla decided that she wanted to look inside one shop to see what they had to offer. An electronic bell rang as she opened the door.

"Bueno. Welcome to our store." A skinny, pale Puerto Rican woman greeted them as they entered. She stood behind the cash register in the middle of the store checking out another patron. Both Layla and Daniel smiled at her and returned the greeting.

After looking around the small shop, Layla walked to the glass-encased jewelry display case near the front of the store. She looked haphazardly at the various items for sale, hoping to find something that she liked. Daniel dutifully followed her.

"You should get these," Daniel said as he pointed to a pair of oval-shaped earrings featuring a Puerto Rican flag. A white lone star was nearly centered in the triangular blue background. Three red stripes and two white stripes alternated to fill the remaining glossy background whose edges were scalloped.

Because they looked unique and were representative of their trip, Layla asked to try them on. Ultimately, she decided not to purchase them.

She then perused the far left corner of the store. There she saw numerous hand-carvings of the three wise men. Some carvings had a Puerto Rican flag situated in the middle of the base.

"Daniel, what are these?" Layla was unfamiliar with the story of Three Kings Day. Daniel proceeded to tell her of the celebration of the visit of the three magi when Jesus was born. He also explained that the holiday is traditionally celebrated on January 6 and that typically Puerto Rican's exchange gifts on Three Kings Day rather than on Christmas.

"We never celebrated it in my house. In fact, I never heard of it until I was an adult," Daniel added.

The two continued perusing the store, bought a few trinkets for themselves, and a gift for Layla's youngest daughter, Amirah. After completing their purchase, they walked further down Calle del Cristo past Calle Fortaleza until they reached the Chapel of Christ the Savior.

GRADUATION PARTY

GILBERT, ARIZONA

Three Years Earlier

“Can we have the caterer set up the cake on the back table? I also want the bottle of Cristal placed in a champagne bucket near the head table. It’s for Leon. The other champagne is for the guests. But this is my man’s day and he deserves the best.” Layla Little barked orders with determination. She had been planning this event for months ever since her long-term boyfriend, Leon Blackman, told her that he was finally graduating with his doctorate.

Never-mind that Leon didn’t offer to pay for his own graduation party. Neither did his parents or the rest of his family. He seemed content to have Layla pay the full expense of his graduation party even though they were not officially a couple according to him. They had dated for two years now. Layla tried desperately to push any negative thoughts about Leon or his family's attitude from her mind. She would deal with them later once all of the hectic planning and celebrations were over. She focused only on the fact that her man was finally graduating and what that would mean for the future of their relationship. At least she hoped that the future was bright for both of them.

To show her commitment to the relationship, Layla took a temporary job in Arizona to be closer to Leon. The long-distance relationship was stressful and strained at times. Her grave-yard shift work schedule made it even more cumbersome. She slept during the days when Leon was working. And he slept when she was awake. Fortunately, her job in New York had a lateral position with a sister hospital in Tempe. Layla jumped at the opportunity to be closer to Leon. At first, he was reluctant and did not want her to take the job. Layla suspected that Leon was concerned about his reputation in the community. He did not want his congregation to see him with another woman so soon after his public divorce. Five years had already passed, but several failed relationships since made him more wary about being in a relationship in public. Layla tried to understand, but she was soon running out of patience.

“Ms. Little, I placed the centerpieces on each of the tables as you requested. Is there anything else that you need?” The tall male assisting her watched as Layla perused the room with her eyes hastily.

“No. No. This is fine. Thanks again for all of your help, Deacon.” Layla took a deep sigh of relief and steadied herself for the entrance of the guests. She had waited for this moment and hoped that it would be glorious and victorious as she promised Leon.

Thunderous sounds of music began bellowing throughout the room. DJ Quikster, also known as Buttalove in other settings, was playing both rhythmic and slow 80s tunes. Leon was pretentious in many ways, but Layla was not going to have dry church music at a joyous celebration even if Leon insisted. He compromised with 80s music; his only vice.

Guests trickled into the large conference room for the upcoming festivities. Leon’s mother and sister traveled from Southern California to attend. They were staying at Leon’s house in Mesa for the duration of their trip. He drove them along with his younger brother, Joseph, to the party. Layla also invited all of the church members and even some of her own co-workers. She wanted the evening to be special and subconsciously wanted Leon to recognize her efforts to treat him the way that he always longed to be treated by a woman.

When Leon entered the room with his family, he greeted Layla with a formal handshake and continued welcoming the other guests. He ignored Layla’s overture for a kiss and hug, which sorely disappointed her. When he was finished welcoming each guest, Leon proceeded to the right side of the room and grabbed the microphone from DJ Quikster.

“Ladies and Gentlemen and distinguished guests.…” Leon was referring to Dr. Martin Jacob Johnson, his mentor and former head pastor who encouraged Leon to enter the ministry at a young age and to attend divinity school. Dr. Johnson, his wife, and three children sat quietly in a table near the front. “Without you and especially Dr. Johnson, who has been an inspiration, I would not have my doctorate and my purpose in life. I love being a pastor. Jesus brought me through. Can I get an Amen?” Amens echoed haphazardly and joyously as if it was a Sunday morning and the now-christened Dr. Leon Blackman was preaching at his pulpit at the First Conservative Baptist Church of the Valley like he did every Sunday for the past thirty-two years. “Ya’ll, we have some good food catered from Bubba’s BBQ. I’m gonna bless the food first…”

Leon prayed over the food in his typical booming voice which echoed throughout the conference room. Everyone’s heads were bowed except Layla, who looked glaringly at Leon as he prayed. She bowed her head and closed her eyes before he finished praying. After blessing the food, Leon escorted his mother and sister to the food table. They were the first in line. Layla watched in dismay. She shortly followed with the intention of serving a plate of food for Leon and herself. When she arrived at the food table, she quickly noticed that Leon’s mother had already made him a plate. Layla could hear his mother asking Leon what food that he wanted on his plate. Determined not to make a scene, instead, Layla served herself a plate of food and waited in line with the rest of the guests. After putting a few scoops of vegetables and other items on her plate, she walked to the head table and sat down at the only empty chair available next to Leon’s sister, Loretta.

“The ribs and brisket are good, but this mac and cheese is dry. I’ve never tasted anything so strange like this,” Loretta complained as she tried to daintily spit out the food in her mouth into a napkin. She glanced towards Layla with subtle disdain in her eyes.

Layla knew that Leon’s sister hated her. Leon’s mother, however, adored Layla. But it was Loretta’s approval that Leon needed before formalizing any relationship, especially one that was supposedly destined for marriage. Because that approval was currently withheld by Loretta, Layla knew that marriage was out of the question at this point. She feared that this obstacle may be insurmountable.

“Try the greens. They are to die for. Just like my momma’s.” Layla tried to deflect as quickly and politely as possible.

Loretta restrained herself from making the derogatory remark that first came to mind. After all, it was her brother’s graduation party.

“I think I will.” She smiled devilishly. Layla was relieved.

As the evening progressed, couples rose from their tables and began dancing on the dance floor. Layla looked around pleased. She then glanced towards Leon who seemed uncomfortable when their eyes met.

“Momma, you want to dance?” Leon asked as he turned towards his mother on his left.

“Yes, dear.”

Leon’s mother leaped to her feet and they proceeded to the dance floor. As the song continued to the next, Leon now danced with a lovely young widow, Maya. He grasped her small waist tightly and vigorously. He smiled and darted a look deeply into her eyes. Maya was consumed as if this was her first dance ever. Her heart quickened. Leon secretly hoped that Layla could hear the widow’s pulsating beat from where Layla was sitting. He always enjoyed making her jealous and letting her know that they were not yet a couple and his options were still open.

Layla, infuriated, said to the guests seated at the head table, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She walked outside and did not bother to turn around to see Loretta’s amused expression.

PIGEON PARK

OLD SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Same Day

When the couple reached the Chapel of Christ the Savior (which is known as Capilla del Cristo), they asked a local male to take a picture of them in front of the chapel with its exposed bell tower. Layla and Daniel stood joyfully arm in arm in front of the modest, stone structure; its wrought iron gate enclosed the silver and gold altar. After thanking the man for taking their picture, Layla noticed that dozens of silver ornaments decorated the inside of the chapel.

“What are those things hanging inside?” Layla inquisitively asked. As she looked closer, she could tell that some of the ornaments were various body parts - an ear, a nose, a foot, an arm, a leg. Other ornaments were of the entire body.

“I have no idea. We’ll have to find out.”

Daniel had not yet learned of the story of the young horse rider who was miraculously saved at the location where the chapel was later built or the reason for its construction. The ornaments were placed there for those seeking miracles for physical ailments.

Within seconds of finishing his comments, Daniel’s feet were inundated with three pigeons who were eager to be fed. He heard the cooing of more pigeons from afar and looked to his right towards Parque Las Palomas. He could see what looked like hundreds of pigeons on the ground. Some pigeons were also nestled in square holes in the reddish brick and mortar wall along the back of the park.

“Wow, this park reminds me of St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Do you mind if we go in? You aren’t afraid of pigeons, are you?”

“No, silly.”

Layla was anxious to experience Pigeon Park having never been to Italy. She had always wanted to visit the holy city of Rome. Although she could easily afford a trip to Rome and the flight from New York wasn’t too long, Layla wanted to share the experience with a romantic partner. Unfortunately, none of her suitors since her divorce measured up. She secretly hoped that Daniel may be the one who she could finally feel comfortable taking to Italy. Only time would tell.

Daniel paid the two dollars so that he and Layla could enter the park. He then purchased some pigeon food from an old lady seated near the entrance of the park. He handed the bag of bird food to Layla.

“Here, so you can feed them. Just watch out. They may land on your shoulder and give you a little gift.”

He laughed.

“You’re kidding me, right?” Layla asked while wincing her eyes in concern.

She tossed some bird feed on the ground. The pigeons near her greedily ate them. Others came closer to share in the feast, hoping that the latest park guest would throw some food in their direction. Layla eagerly complied until all of the food was gone.

After a while, the birds were a little overwhelming. Realizing this, Daniel took Layla’s hand and led her to the grassy area further into the park away from the crowd. They stood near the small, southern brick fence overlooking San Juan Bay facing the water. A cool breeze flushed their faces. Daniel stood directly behind Layla, nearly pressing up against her body. He pointed towards the horizon.

“In the distance, there, you can see the Bacardi Distillery on the other side of the bay.”

“Oh, we should go,” Layla exclaimed.

“Yes, we will once we go to the Dorado area. I’ve never toured the facility.”

Layla was excited that they had another adventure on their list of things to do together.

While still looking towards the bay, Daniel slowly grabbed Layla’s waist and swayed her body with the wind. She could hear him humming a song while he gently caressed her hips ever so slightly with the tips of his fingers. She could not make out any words.

“When I hold you…”

Daniel mouthed the words but sang them silently in his mind.

“When I touch you…”

He continued to sway Layla’s body with his hands. Their bodies swayed in unison rhythmically. Daniel turned Layla’s sensual body around so that they were face to face. He could feel her feminine warmth unmistakably. The silent sound of a sultry saxophone resounded in the song that was ringing inside of his mind. The saxophone inspired him to boldly press even closer to Layla’s body. His manhood was erect and firmly pressed against her body. He could feel Layla's warmth exuding from between her firm thighs.

“When I kiss you…”

Daniel closed his eyes, cupped Layla’s chin with his right hand and lifted it gently towards his mouth as he leaned his head down so that he could kiss Layla’s succulent and full lips. Layla also closed her eyes in anticipation of their first kiss. She had waited for this kiss for nearly six years. As Daniel was about to suck on Layla’s lips for another kiss, she pulled away from his grasp.

“No, please,” she nervously said.

Daniel opened his eyes and could see and feel Layla’s outstretched hand with her index finger pressed against his lips so that he could not continue. Her eyes sheepishly looked towards the ground.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“I’m not… I’m not ready,” Layla sighed deeply and somewhat ashamed.

“I don’t understand. Is it me?”

“It’s not you, Daniel. You’ve been a perfect gentleman. It’s me. I’m sorry to say that. I’m just not ready.”

“I understand.”

Daniel resisted the desire to pull away like a man scorned. Instead, he held Layla tightly. This comforted her.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. We can wait as long as you want. And if you never feel…”

“It’s not that. It’s that my last relationship was…”

“Do you mean Leon?”

“Yes.”

Layla knew that Daniel was aware of her relationship with Leon. She had posted about their relationship on Facebook for several years. As mutual high school friends, Daniel could see all about Layla's seemingly happy relationship with Leon on Facebook except the tragic end. Layla never posted why the relationship ended abruptly. But prior to coming to Puerto Rico, she told Daniel the truth about the failed relationship. Unfortunately, not all of it.

“I just… It’s that he hurt me more than any man. I was at the lowest point in my life.”

Daniel listened attentively. He could see the pain in her eyes.

“It’s okay. If you don’t feel comfortable right now talking about it, we can do something else.”

He wasn’t sure if smiling or showing some expression of happiness in spite of the circumstances would be appropriate. He simply wanted to be reassuring.

“No, I want to tell you all of it. I’m just not sure if I should tell you now.”

Layla paused.

“I… I…”

“It’s okay, babe.”

Daniel held both of her hands and squeezed slightly.

THE CHOKIN’ KIND

GILBERT, ARIZONA

Same Night, Three Years Earlier

As Layla stood under the moonlit stars trying to calm down, she could hear DJ Quikster from inside the conference room. “Boggie down, y’all. This is the Quikster aka Buttalove. I know you guys have been sweating like dogs because of tonight’s grooves. The playas gotta take a break, but I’ll let my tunes play so y’all can keep boogieing. Thanks for the love. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes. I’m out.”

Until DJ Quikster made his recent announcement, Layla hadn’t realized that she had been standing outside of the building alone for nearly an hour. The time had passed quickly. She realized that this was her party. She was the hostess and needed to get back inside so that no one would be offended, especially Leon’s mother, not to mention his obnoxious sister, Loretta. But before Layla mustered the courage to return to the graduation party, she could hear footsteps slowly approaching her.

“Layla… Layla, is that you?” Leon’s voice was quiet yet stern.

“Yes,” she said nervously when he finally came close to the light and she could discern his features.

He was surprised to find her outside rather than mingling with the guests or seated at the head table with his mother and sister.

“I couldn’t find you inside once the DJ took a break. How long have you been out here?” he asked.

Layla knew that Leon was too busy flirting and dancing with other women to notice that she had been gone for a long time.

She quickly replied, “Only a few minutes. I had to get something out of the car.”

She hoped that Leon’s sister would not mention her absence to him until after the party. Layla did not want to address her feelings now. She wanted to wait until they were alone, and his family had returned to California.

Leon approached closer and stood next to her. He unexpectedly grabbed her arm tightly and was about to scold her like he typically did when he was upset.

She interrupted him. “I have a gift for you, honey.”

She pulled a small, wrapped package from her Louie Vuitton purse and gave it to him.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a surprise. I hope you like it.”

She knew Leon hated surprises. He looked puzzled towards it and reluctantly took it from her. Once the gift was unwrapped, Leon could see the stainless steel TAG Heuer watch; its blue dial shimmering from the outdoor lighting. He put it on.