The duel began early in the morning as the Portofino sun spied on them over the railing and seabirds giggled in anticipation of a brawl.
“You don’t love her—nor do you really care about her.” Forrest finally broke the silence the
two men used for posturing.
“Neither do you old man.” Troy countered. His thin lips curled around the words as he rocked back on the heels of his Italian walking shoes and crossed his arms.
“I do, just not as the trinket you portray her to be.”
“She’s too young for you. You couldn’t possibly give her what she needs; not without pharmaceuticals; and a LOT of them.” His imported Chinese silk shirt billowed in the wind seeming to laugh.
“Perhaps you’ll loan some to me from your personal stash?” Forrest smiled wryly. “Good one.” He thought to himself and shuffled his smudgy sneakers. “But more importantly, and it’s pathetic if I must explain it to a man of your self-declared caliber, there are many facets to love. Each can be satisfying alone or magnificent when compiled into a complete picture.”
“Well at least we agree she IS a work of art.” Troy ran his fingers through his thick sun-kissed hair, readjusting his sunglasses to perfection by using the reflection of the window behind his opponent. He winked at himself.
“To be appreciated,” Forrest continued, stepping in to block Troy’s view. His snow-white hair blew carelessly in the breeze. “Not bought and displayed.” He stood upright revealing a muscular toned body contrary to the “old fart” physique Troy had perceived. Troy realized his competition was not so old or frail. He stepped back.
“But certainly to be enjoyed.” Troy tossed casually with a smile that dripped with sensual mischief.
“I know you’ve done this all your life, Troy. You pretend you’re vulnerable to lure in the most nurturing and gentle of souls. You play eternal victim; needing all their attention and heart, but once you get that, you shrug and walk away from the devastation YOU’VE caused. You destroy them and couldn’t care less when they see you sniffing about for the next one. Your greedy sincerity and selfish compassion leave women like Lacie devastated. Will you even remember her name in six months?” Forrest stood close to Troy. His voice was soft but remarkably threatening.
“If she makes it worth my while.” Troy shrugged and flipped his bangs with his long manicured fingers. His Rolex applauded against his heavy braided gold bracelet.
Forrest’s face went rigid and his eyes flicked with rage. “Buy another trinket. You brag you have pick of litters.”
“She’ll make a wonderful pet.” Troy grinned enjoying Forrest’s agitation.
“She’d make a better love.”
“I don’t have time.”
“But it’s all I have left.” Forrest said quietly.
“As if she’d be happy with you.”
“She’d love it here…with me.” A soft smile crinkled the corners of his mouth.
“Who?” The innocent click of her heels on deck forced the two men to leap apart and stare at the sapphire water. Lacie came and stood between them.
Troy searched his reflection again before speaking but Forrest took a deep breath beating him to the punch.
“You, Lacie. We were discussing you.” He set his chiseled jaw and fired an angry look at Troy.
