I stepped onto the balcony and took in the water and the bar not too far from the wave pool's entrance. I saw everyone who sat at the bar clearly yet remained out of view unless someone was truly looking. I loved that about this room. I asked for it every single time. I wasn’t a nosy individual but I did like to see people enjoying themselves and the music selection wasn’t bad either, even this late.
I pulled out a pre-roll and watched the water as I listened to the soft tunes filling the air. Sparking my blunt alive, I watched a woman walk up to the bar and place her order. She laughed at something the bartender said and my eyes lowered. She was ravishing. Though her attire was simple, in biker shorts and a sports bra, her hair was in a loose bun, her skin glowed against the light, and that smile of hers was liberating.
She looked my way and I almost choked on my blunt. She didn’t look at me directly, but she might as well have. It was likeshe knew I was watching her, but when I noticed her eyes roam around the entire area, I just took it as her being aware of her surroundings.
Or at least trying to be. She should’ve noticed me. I wasn’t high up or anything like that. Look hard enough and you’d see me tucked in the corner of my balcony in my shorts with this blunt in my hand.
She laughed again at something else the bartender said and I just knew I had to speak to her. Something made me gravitate toward her and I always followed my instincts.
The second I stood, I noticed someone approaching the bar. He placed his hand on her lower back and she instantly jumped out of reach, revealing his face when he turned toward her.
DiMarco.
I scoffed and hit my blunt once more then headed inside to get dressed. I was sure he would keep trying so there was no use in rushing. He was a persistent fuck and that would work in my favor tonight.
Not only had he stolen from me, but he was also now harassing women. It was time for him to go. And here I thought I wouldn’t be making a move for another hour or so. Such a shame.
THREE
Brandy Davenport
ARRIVING AT SUCH A LUXURIOUS resort had me patting myself on the back. I knew what I was walking into but to see it in person had me in awe. Though the transport from the airport to the resort was an hour long, the views of the land and ocean were purely captivating.
The white sand fading into the shore. The water clashing against it in mild spurts was so exhilarating I found myself lost in it a few times, tuning out the conversations with some of the ladies who had come along with me. Being snapped to the present by Marsha wasn’t something I was fond of but welcomed since this was my trip after all.
“Brandy, it seems like you’ve been tuned out this entire time. Are you okay?”
“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m good. I’m sorry. This scenic route has taken over my mind. What were you saying?”
“Well, we were just talking about how we are going to embrace this time away from our spouses and the real world and truly tune into ourselves. Maybe shake a tailfeather here and there and just unwind,” she explained.
“Oh yes, absolutely. That’s the entire point of this trip. To let loose and untense our bodies. We all go through so much in our daily lives and this trip is to let go and be free. Even if it’s only for a few days.” I laughed.
The other three ladies joined my laughter and put in their two cents on all the festivities and excursions they’d like to go on when we weren’t doing activities together. Just mentioning them made me excited and I agreed to join them.
I knew our sessions wouldn’t be enough to keep them occupied. I needed time to myself as well. These couple of excursions with them wouldn’t hurt. I didn’t have many friends and my little yoga circle was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.
Jeffrey often made it impossible for me to hang out with the couple of friends I did have. This was the only thing he couldn’t touch for real.
As we checked into the Ravenna Bay Resort, I looked around and saw nothing but happy faces and genuine interactions. My heart swelled. I knew this would be the right place for our yoga retreat.
“Stella and Marsha, make sure you gather all the ladies in a couple of hours. We’re going to link for a late lunch then relax down at the beach. Are you all cool with that?”
“Oh, girl, yes! I’m definitely with that. I couldn’t keep my eyes off that beach,” Stella said.
“It gives me time to get a quick nap in. I’m exhausted, girl. The twins had me up all night,” Marsha said.
“Oh, that’s going to be me too.” I laughed. “I need a nap. Okay, great. See you guys then!”
I watched them as they took off with China and Shavonne. We had about five other ladies with us, but I was closest to these four. We’d often link up for dinner dates or lunch. Complaining to each other in our group chat. We were a whole yoga clique.
Once we got back from the day at the beach, I found myself exhausted but unable to rest. We all had dinner together and went our separate ways. I took another shower, called my mom and sister and talked for a good hour or so, but still remained wide awake. I looked at the clock and turned myself back over. There was no way it was two in the morning and sleep would not come in such a beautifully peaceful place.
It took another twenty minutes before I shot up and got dressed. I was sure someone had to be up at this hour. There was still music in the distance. I spotted a nice bar by the pool area when we made our way to the beach. Maybe I could get a couple of shots to help me sleep.
As I traveled the path to the bar, I noticed a few couples sitting poolside and a few people in the lobby. Maybe I wasn’t so crazy to still be awake at this hour. I was sure the weariness wore horrible on my face though. I could feel the bags under my eyes getting puffier by the second.
As I approached the bar, I noticed a handsome bartender who greeted me with a smile before I even reached him.
