JACKIE:Alma y Tierra is beautiful. Really up your ally, Bron. Fake meat tacos and all.
BRONWYN:Oh! I’ve always wanted to go there!
TANIKA:You haven’t explained why it’s a nightmare.
JACKIE:First, I barfed on the plane. Second, I fell asleep in Antonio’s arms, drooling on his shirt. Third, we have to share a seaside villa because they thought we were a married couple. I’m going to kill Calvin!
TANIKA:Wow. Stuck with a fine man in paradise? That’s… horrifying. LOL
BRONWYN:Oh my Goddess! This is wonderful!
JACKIE:Bron don’t start your shit!
But it was too late. Jackie could see the bubbles flashing fast and furious on her screen.
BRONWYN:This is fate, Jackie! First, he’s at your job. Now, you have to share a room with him. The universe is bringing you two back together.
TANIKA:Now you know Jackie doesn’t believe in fate, B.
Or did she? The words from that wacky woman played over in her head.The universe has a way of putting things in your path. Jackie stared at the phone, then shook her head.
JACKIE:You’re right. I don’t believe in fate.
TANIKA:Can you even talk right now? Like physically?
JACKIE:Still don’t have a voice. Using Honey’s app via Wi-Fi.
BRONWYN:And how has Antonio been communicating with you? Assuming you can’t always get WIFI?
Jackie thought about it. It was as if Antonio understood her even when she didn’t say anything. Communicating with him was weirdly easy. But she didn’t feel like telling her girls that.
JACKIE:With old-fashioned pen and paper. Or Notes app.
TANIKA:This is bananas! What the hell is happening with your voice?
BRONWYN:Where is Antonio now?
Jackie glanced around the suite, then back toward the bedroom and glass patio. She nearly choked on a cracker. There was Antonio, using the shower in all of his naked glory. Jackie’s eyes widened in disbelief, but she couldn’t turn away. Every drop of water clung to his deep brown skin. A bit heavier than he’d been ten years ago, Antonio still had rippling muscles in his back and an imposing physique. And was that a new tattoo on his arm? Another on his torso? The lines and curves of the tattoos snaked around him like swirling vines. Seeing Antonio butt-naked, dripping with water, had not been on her bingo card for this trip. Jackie quickly sipped some juice and returned to her phone.
JACKIE:And now he’s butt naked!
BRONWYN:I don’t recall Alma y Tierra being a nudist resort? Kenny would love that!
JACKIE:No, you nut! The shower is visible from here! I can see him in the shower!
TANIKA:Oh snap. Is he as fine as you remember?
BRONWYN:He has to be. That’s why she’s freaking out!
Jackie hated to admit it, but the man had gotten finer somehow. How was that possible?
JACKIE:He’s alright. I don’t care! I’m not here for this!
TANIKA:You’re lying. He’s fine as hell. I knew it!
BRONWYN:It’s paradise, love. It’s ok to indulge in some adult activities. Maybe it’ll open your senses.
TANIKA:or open something else. ;)
