“Then let’s get this party train moving to the tiki bar,” Kendall chimes in, her enthusiasm contagious. She pulls her redhair in a twist and throws it over her shoulder. Those long legs are accentuated by her high-cut bikini bottoms.
We all break into a spontaneous dance, our arms swaying above our heads. As I look around, I notice how we've transformed from our comfortable travel sweats and turned into beachgoers. Our bikinis hug our bodies, sunglasses glint in the sunlight, and our hair is swaying in the breeze. I'm the only one sporting a wide-brimmed hat, but it was too good of an accessory to pass up—it matches the blue of my bikini.
The leisurely walk to the tiki bar takes just a few minutes, and there’s plenty of seating available. We each grab a stool and hop up.
The bartender stands in front of us and asks, “What can I get you ladies?”
We rattle off our drink order and grab the menu. The only thing we’ve eaten all day were those tiny snack bags on the plane. I’m starving and want everything on the menu as I browse it. My mouth waters as I decide to order the margarita pizza. I glance over to the brick oven filled with pizzas. The smell surrounds us. It’ll be a perfect afternoon snack.
“This vibe is contagious,” I say as my eyes roam, watching the guests around the tiki bar and the laughter as people drink their cocktails. Plates with grilled skewers and tropical fruit are scattered on the bar, the smell mingling with the salty breeze. It’s confirmed—this is the ideal spot to unwind, and the only rule is to keep a smile on our faces and enjoy every moment.
Kendall shifts on her bar stool, her gaze piercing through me. Her lips are tightly pressed together, and one eyebrow is arched in curiosity. "Fill us in. Did Kai text you?" Her voice is tinged with eagerness as she waits for my response.
"We’ve been texting back and forth. He’s really sweet," I reply, feeling the warmth creep up my neck to my cheeks."Texting seems like a great way to get to know each other before we meet up for our date."
"When is the date?" Kendall inquires, rubbing her hands together with anticipation. "Hmmm?"
"Our first date is planned for the Sunday after we get back," I explain.
"That’s wonderful news!" Lane chimes in with her chin in her hand and leans in closer. Her large breasts and wavy blonde hair move with her. "Kendall, do we know what he looks like? Is he hunky or more on the nerdy side?"
“All I know is he works out, and Dane says he’s a good-looking guy. His words, not mine.”
Addison looks at me and shrugs. “Well, this one already sounds different than the last few dates you’ve had. Maybe this one will be different.”
The bartender finishes making our frozen margaritas and brings them to us. And just like that, we are immersed into paradise.
“Come on! Enough about me. Kendall, give us an update on the wedding planning!” I’m ready for a new topic, and Kendall loves to talk about her wedding. I can’t blame her. Getting married to the love of her life who treats her like a princess? That seems like, quite possibly, the best thing in life. The love she has for Dane is beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed. Being able to celebrate their love next year will be one hell of a wedding.
“Fine! But I enjoy talking about your love life more,” she says, clasping her hands together. “But I know it’s your least favorite thing to talk about. As for the wedding, the resort will provide everything—the photographer, flowers, rooms, food…literally everything. Once we have the meeting, Dane and I will decide if we will move forward. Let’s be real, though. We are getting married here next year. He loves to spoil me.”
The bartender places plate after plate of food in front of us. There’s enough food here to feed the whole bar. Pizzas, loaded fries, calamari, chicken wings, and onion rings. It takes a minute for us to process all of the food he set down.
Addison hops off of her stool and reaches over everyone to rearrange all the plates to fit in front of us. Then she hands out the smaller plates so we can dig in.
She slides herself back on her stool and runs her hand through her short hair. “There we go. All nice and organized,” she says to Kendall with a nudge. “Let us know what we can help with. Your bridesmaids know how to do things right.”
As I’m eating, the sky catches my attention. The sun is setting with ribbons of pinks and oranges over the ocean. I want to capture this, so I pick up my phone from the bar and take a few pictures.
“Ok come on, let's all get a picture with this gorgeous background.” I gesture for everyone to squeeze together in the frame of my camera phone. Our smiles reflect back to us on the screen. The excitement and gratitude that we are spending this time together sharing, growing, and supporting each other is one for the books. Snapping a few shots, I swipe to check them all out. They capture our friendship so well.
“We’re going to look back at this and remember some pretty amazing milestones in all of our lives. I love you guys,” I say, and we do a collective group hug.
Life won’t always be like this. Next year, Kendall will be married to the love of her life. Who knows where the rest of us will be. I’m savoring every moment with my friends and my alone time to reflect on my own life while I’m here soaking up the rays.
Kendall breaks me out of my thoughts as she stares out across the bar. “Well, well, look at that beautiful specimen of a man.”
We all follow her gaze to a gorgeous couple. The guy is positioned so we can only see his profile—and his olive skin and striking tattoos. The Celtic design starts at his shoulder and winds down his muscular bicep to his defined forearm. I’m a sucker for tattoos and strong arms. I lean forward, resting my elbows on the bar, and fix my eyes on him. To ensure I get a clear view, I slide my sunglasses down. His slightly longer hair, swept to the side, reminds me of…Jude.
“The guy with all those tattoos?” I utter with some hesitation.
“Ah yeah! I’ll be talking to Dane about finishing his sleeve, because that’s hot.” Kendall dramatically fans herself.
“You’re too much, yet you’re not wrong.” Lane slaps Kendall’s shoulder as her eyes linger on the man in front of us.
I glance back at the couple and watch them interact. They aren’t close enough for me to hear what they are talking about, but the way they have each other’s attention is intriguing. Someone who listens to what you’re saying, looks at you, and doesn’t break eye contact? I want that. Again. Like when Jude and I were together before everything went to hell. The way this guy talks with his hands and puts them through his hair reminds me of him. Maybe it’s his doppelganger. What are the odds that he and I would vacation here at the same time? I giggle. What a ridiculous thought. There’s no way that’s Jude.
It reminds me that Kai texted when we arrived at the resort, but there was a lot going on. Breaking away from staring at the couple, I grab my phone and read his text.
