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“Be safe.” He doesn’t say this for show, no one can hear him. I don’t understand. Then the sun hits his eyes and I’m a bit lost in them. Correction. Katy is a bit lost in them. Kat sees right through his bullshit.
The villa is beyond, as is the bacon. I’ve stayed in luxury before, but never with a view like this. My family vacations were less beaches and more castles and cobblestones. The color of the water reflected onto our private porch/patio gives everything a hopeful glow. I shower outside and feel lifted further. The humidity, the fragrance, the sun, the sounds all seem to be seducing me.
I button up the front of my new sundress sporting a quaint vintage Tahitian doll pattern. Everyone will think it’s kitschy cute. I’ll never wear this shit again.
Finishing with my mascara, he rings. “How’s it going, fiancée?”
“Your daddy’s home, isn’t he?” I enjoy I can speak freely and he can’t.
“Something like that. They want to go someplace with the best sushi, and your opinion on flowers.”
“Wildflowers. This place is crawling with flowers, pick some off the patio and call it a day. Next problem.”
“Nate wants to have a bros lunch.”
“Strip club?” I offer up.
“There’s a buffet.”
“Scouting wife number four?”
He laughs as I put the cap back on the mascara. I floof up my hair, although the humidity is doing the heavy lifting in the volume department.
“I’m down with a strip joint.”
He sounds like he choked. “Good to know, but it’s bros only.”
“Fuck no. I’ll fake cramps if you go. I’m only under obligation to make them believe me, not bond with me.”
In a soft deep round tone, “Don’t fake a thing. You’re right, it’s not fair.” He takes me by surprise. Then he speaks in a forced normal tone for everyone listening. “Interesting point.”
I mess with the man while packing up my purse. “It would be more interesting if I didn’t need any of those clothes I bought today and we got into our private plunge pool for the weekend. Spend our time wet and slippery.” I giggle.
He cuts me off quickly. “What are you doing?”
“Anything coming up for you? Or is coming an activity for later?” There’s a long pause and then a low growl.
“Stop it, Harpy.”
I say nothing and purse my lips together. The tension sits and I grin silently then I can’t hold it back and laugh my ass off. He joins me.
“That hard-on is courtesy of Katy.” He laughs even harder.
“Fine, I’ll get out of that shit with Nate. And only because I want to see you react to Aunt Lolly shoving the decorative pineapple soaps in her mouth like mints.” I guffaw.
“I’m on my way, and I’m in costume.”
His voice returned to normal volume. “Drive safely.”
“It only goes sixteen miles per hour.”
“I miss you too.”
“Say I’m the savior.”
“You’re the savior.”
“Hell, yes.”
