“Of course you can visit my dreams. Honestly, I prefer visits from you over the horrible Kate nightmares,” I sigh then describe my terrifying Kate dreams.
As I complete my recollections, she grabs my hand. We stay motionless as we listen to the serenade of nightly creatures surrounding us. I ask Clara to share about her childhood; she smiles then begins to verbally paint the luscious landscape she played in as a child. Her family’s plantation was healthy and thriving. I thought about how different my childhood would have turned out if I had lived on my family’s plantation.
I question if she had ever re-established contact with her family. She shares that her family was a lost cause. The sky begins to clear as the moon trades places with the sun. I feel myself begin to wake. I tell her that I look forward to our next visit.
She responds, “I’m so sorry I gave up my opportunity to be your parent. I’m happy knowing what a wonderful person you grew into.” She pauses to wipe tears from her face, then continues, “I love you, Scarlet. Please know I always did. You deserved this.” She gestures towards the landscape I enjoyed as a child.
“If I had kept you…I would have been your burden. You would have been a child-parent taking care of a mother with an addiction…you deserved better,” she shares as she gazes into my eyes. I nod in agreement. The emotion from hearing my mother’s rationalization brings tears to my eyes. It wasn’t that she didn’t love me; it was that she loved me enough to know that she couldn’t be my parent anymore.
Clara’s choice was ultimately the best thing she could have done for me. I love her more at this moment than I ever have. Simultaneously, we embrace in a tight hug then cry on each other’s shoulders. The sky changes, and, like a sandstorm, the dream world my subconscious has created shifts and pulls. Small tornados erupt everywhere. The wind grows too strong. Before I can readjust my grip, a violent wind snatches my mother from me. I scream in pain as I watch the vengeful winds sweep her away.
As I lie processing my dream, someone knocks on my bedroom door. I sit up to see Tim standing in my doorway, wearing only his pajama pants.
“Good morning, gorgeous. Did you sleep well?” Tim walks into the bedroom then scoots into my bed. We wrap up tightly in the hotel bedding.
“Let’s just have a lazy, pampering day at the spa, and then lounge in the poolside cabana all day. Does that sound appealing?” Tim questions with a wide smile on his lips.
“Let’s have a lazy day!” I cheer as I clap my hands.
“Yay!” Tim fumbles out of the bed as he claps his hands in excitement. He disappears into the living room. I listen as he picks up the hotel telephone to dial the receptionist.
“Hello. Yes, good morning. I’d like to reserve a double massage for the longest time slot, also manicures and pedicures… ooo, and facials! We’d like the full spa experience. We would like to reserve a cabana for after. Yes. Yes! Perfect!” Tim ends his phone call then as I hear his footsteps move closer to my bed. He stops when we hear the key card unlock the penthouse door.
“Good morning, beautiful people!” Kim bellows as she walks into our room; she’s still wearing yesterday’s clothing.
“Hello, party girl!” Tim teases. We laugh at Kim’s reaction. Her eyes bug out as her jaw drops; she stares in confusion, but relaxes once she realizes he’s teasing her. He informs her we wouldn’t join today’s exploration of the island. Kim stares at the ceiling as her mouth wrinkles to the side. Then Tim mentions that our reservation is only for two and that we could schedule another spa day before leaving. Kim nods in agreement then excuses herself to prepare for her day.
“What time does our spa day begin?” I question.
“It’s 9:45. We need to be at the spa at or before 11:00. We’re having the full experience: massages, manicures, pedicures, deep-tissue detox wrap, and a deep hair treatment, then cabana lounging with umbrella drinks until we’re bored or hungry, whichever comes first,” Tim says as he moves towards his luggage.
Since we’re having so many treatments, we agree to wear loose-fitting clothing; so, I skip applying lotion. At 10:30, we’re dressed and ready for a quick breakfast. Tim places a call for scrambled eggs, whole-wheat toast, sausage, and coffee for two. We wish Kim a good day then leave for the hotel restaurant.
Tim and I are seated quickly, and, shortly after, our breakfast arrives. After eating, we leave our payment with a generous tip. Tim’s much more excited than I am. Frankly, I need another cup of coffee.
At 11:00, we’re greeted by two spa employees, Claire, and Ronda. They’re artificial blondes, with blue contacts.
“Hi, there! Are y’all our 11:00 full spa experience?” Ronda questions as she proceeds to check us in. Shortly after, we’re given plush spa robes and thong slippers; they’re as soft as baby blankets.
“Those are yours to keep,” Claire informs as she points to our robes and slippers.
Tim decides we should have our massages first, so, fifteen minutes after checking in—we’re naked under warm spa sheets. I place my face into the headrest of the massage table and for a long, luxurious hour Tim and I are given deep tissue massages by Hans and Fret. They’re two heavily-accented European immigrants. Smooth but firm hands massage me into a subdued state, and I doze off from my intoxicating deep tissue massage. Tim dresses in his robe and slippers as I lay motionless. I’m on the verge of surrendering to my body’s desire to fall asleep.
“I’m ready. I’ll wait for you outside,” Tim says as he pats my leg, then leaves me alone. As I sit up, I glance around the room; it’s decorated in warm cream and blue décor. I dress myself in my new robe and slippers then join Tim outside.
“Where to next?” I question as a yawn escapes my mouth. Tim leads us to our next station: mud wraps with hot stones. We undress and lay down to be wrapped in warm, damp leaves layered with Dead Sea mud, next we’re covered with hot stones. It isn’t a pleasant smell, but it’s relaxing. We lay in our wraps until the mud hardens.
Sisters Jander and Jae, our mud-wrap ladies, guide us to individual tubs that are filled with hot water and an essential oil solution that dissolves the mud wraps. We soak in our assigned tubs without speaking. My fingertips wrinkle as soft instrumental music plays in the background.
“Please shower as you would normally and apply the moisture sealing cream,” Jander and Jae instruct as they provide a bottle of body wash, lotion, and a towel.
“Those are yours to keep,” Jae offers as she leaves us to our task.
Fifteen minutes pass, until we’re finally able to rinse all the mud off. We moisturize and smell fresh.
“This is a much-needed experience,” I say as I slip into my robe.
“Yes, we need to do this again; before we return to Naples,” Tim suggests. As I open my mouth to speak, new attendants arrive. They introduce themselves as Tate and Bae.
“Are you two ready for your face, nail, and hair pampering?” Tate enquires as he shimmies and shakes. Bae has a hand on his hip and the other in the air, as if there should be a cigarette in between his fingers. I’m sure he’s overdue for one, because he is glaring at us as if we took something from him.
We follow the two spa attendants into another area. Tim is seated first, then I’m directed to sit in the chair next to him. We recline as warm water streams over our scalps. Two pumps later and our spa attendants are massaging our scalps as they comb their fingers through our hair. I drift into a hair-washing sleep, until I’m stunned by a cold hair mask.
Next, Tim and I are guided to our relaxing spa pedicure chairs where our feet are submerged in bearable hot water. We gossip and snicker about celebrity lives with Lupa and Lae, our nail attendants. They’re Hawaii natives, and hilarious. Tim and I laugh hysterically as they renew our feet and hands. Once our finger and toenails are glimmering with fresh polish, we wobble to our final stop: facials.
Connor and Tessa are somehow related, but don’t disclose their relation. They’re Key West locals who enjoy rejuvenating worn faces—their words, not mine
. Tim and I sit silently as Connor and Tessa pick and probe our faces then massage a gritty, fruit fragranced substance onto our faces. Once Connor and Tessa remove the gritty scrub—a hot mud-like substance is applied, followed by two cucumber slices for our eyes.
“Sit still and relax while the mask hardens. We’ll be back shortly,” Tessa instructs as someone pats my shoulder. I hear the door open then close. We sit in silence, waiting. The mask hardens as I doze off while listening to instrumental music. My face mask hardens to the point that my skin itches, but I ignore the desire to scratch.
As I raise my hand to scratch my face, Connor and Tessa return to place hot towels on our faces.
It’s 5:00, and I’m starving, so Tim and I thank all of our attendants as we leave generous tips.
“I feel brand-new,” Tim beams as we leave the spa in our robes with our clothing in a reusable spa bag. I agree to have dinner in our hotel room before we relocate to our cabana.
I change into my cabana attire, a black bikini with cream and gold colored cover-all dress. I slip into my poolside sandals, then join Tim in the living room.
“I ordered salad and soup again,” Tim offers as he walks to his room. While I wait for dinner, I turn the flat-screen television on and search for anything to watch. Promptly at 6:00 there’s a knock on our penthouse door. Since Tim’ s unavailable, so I open the door to find macho hunk, Luk, waiting in the hallway.
“Hello, again,” he greets with a snide smile. For whatever reason, his eyebrows keep wiggling at me. I’m more uncomfortable than interested, so I greet him then move out of his way.
Once he pushes our cart in front of our sofa, I thank then tip him. I expect him to leave, but he awkwardly lingers.
“So…you from around here?” he questions as he glides his shoe across the carpet.
“No. I live in Naples,” I respond as I stare at the food cart. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him straighten his posture. He wishes us a great evening, then leaves.
Tim joins me in the living room, then sits in his seat from the night before. We eat our salad and soup. I pour a tall glass of water, gulp it down, but slow sip my second glass. We call for cart pick-up, but we’re told to leave the cart in the hallway, so that we can meet our standing cabana reservation.
At 7:00, we’re sitting in our cabana, waiting for our cabana attendant, Joyce, to return with our umbrella drinks. We were unable to drink until now, so Tim is silent as he relaxes and slowly sips his drink.
Our cabana has two soft, cushioned lounge chairs, with a table in between. The pool is a tad overcrowded for a Sunday night. After two umbrella drinks, that were more rum than the sweet stuff, Tim decides he’s bored with the cabana. As he leaves, he’s knocked down into his lounge chair by Kelly.
“Oh, my! Are you all right, Tim? I saw you and had to say hello. And now look…I have knocked you off your feet,” Kelly says as he helps Tim up.
“It’s all right. I just wanted to check out the pool…Do you ever have time off, Kelly?” Tim inquires as he straightens his shirt. To avoid eavesdropping, I direct my attention to my cell. I smile spreads across my lips when I see a text from David—a naughty one:
Babe, I miss your body more today than yesterday. I can’t wait to taste and feel you all around me, lover.
Whoa. Mmm…David’s text makes me flashback to our last encounter. My body longs for his. I recline, my eyes closed as I evoke David’s smell, his voice, his gentle kisses all over my neck. Ugh! Why isn’t he here with me?
“Scarlet? SCARLET! Hello! Earth to Scarlet!” Kim bellows as she nudges me.
“Whaaat?!” I utter as I open my eyes to the surprise of a full cabana.
Kim and company are all dressed in cabana clothing that reveals abnormal tans. I smile at everyone then receive a similar greeting.
“Did you guys enjoy your trip?” I ask no one in particular.
“Brunch at a local café by the shore, then lots and lots of sight-seeing,” Emily reveals. Their sunburnt skin glows.
Kelly steps forward to suggest he move us to a larger cabana. I notice he’s not in his usual work clothing, and mention how handsome he appears in his leisure clothing. Kelly blushes a tad then reveals, “I’m off duty, but a manager is always on call.”
Without saying another word, Kelly disappears out of the cabana. The ten of us adjust ourselves to somehow fit in the snug cabana. Charles’ utterly uncomfortable demeanor is impossible to ignore. We chat and recall the events from today.
“We spotted more dolphins when we were having lunch on the pier,” Anne says. Paul speaks up to tell the group about his plans for the next day.
Emily interrupts, “Tomorrow I’m going for a jog, then I’ll be up for whatever. I promised myself I wouldn’t slack off.” A grin forms on her face, then she continues, “I have a triathlon I’m preparing for.”
“The Naples Triathlon?” I question.
“Yes, that’s the one,” Emily beams with accomplishment as Fredrick pulls her close.
“Hold on. So you guys are all from Naples?” Charles questions, pointing at us.
“Yes, we recently relocated from Miami. But we didn’t know Scarlet, Tim, or Kim before this trip,” Charlotte clarifies then gives Charles’ hand a squeeze.
Before Charles can say anything, Kelly returns to direct us to our larger cabana. Tim and I collect our cell phones and drinks, then follow Kelly and our group.
Once inside, Kelly lingers to keep Tim company; they find a secluded corner. The larger cabana fits us perfectly. The entrance opens to a fake fire pit that’s also a table. Large sofas line the cabana, leaving just enough room to walk or stand. With ease, Joyce takes on the responsibility of tending to eleven guests. She hastily wins Kelly’s favor for working so diligently.
It’s 9:00, and the pool is no longer a play area for children. Small groups of young and beautiful patrons scatter around the pool—several frolic and play in the water. Kelly turns his Pandora app onto Foster the People’s radio. Like a group of alcohol-influenced music zombies, we stand to dance along to Helena Beat.
“Just show them what I choose, got nothing to lose…” Kelly releases a soulful singing voice. Shortly after, the rest of us are singing along, enjoying ourselves until the acting manager, Chad, appears.
“Excuse me, Kelly,” Chad interrupts, with a wide-eyed expression.
“Sorry, Chad. I’ll turn down our music,” Kelly says as he gives Chad an infectious grin.
Chad reminds Kelly that at 10:00, the resort DJ would be setting up for the poolside club to start. Everyone in our cabana cheers, and even Charles perks up. Kelly shuts his Pandora off just as the DJ starts a popular techno song. Several from our group exit the cabana to dance near the DJ. Tim and Kelly continue in their intimate corner.
“I’m not much of a public dancer,” Anne reveals. Marshall and I nod in agreement.
“If we were at an actual club, and I had more to drink—maybe. But this setting feels too revealing,” Marshall discloses.
Joyce appears with a confused stare then asks, “Where did everyone go?”
“They’re dancing. Could you bring us a pitcher or two of Coors Light with enough glasses for everyone?” Marshall requests with a smile.
“Keeping up with pitchers would be easier than keeping up with individual orders,” Joyce says through a smile as she departs.
We’re silent, until Anne confesses, “Marshall is considering relocating to Naples.” Anne is beaming as she squeezes one of my hands. I gave Marshall a questioning stare. He shrugs then says, “Everything happens for a reason. I’m merely a first-year pediatrician. I can relocate anywhere. I’d be an idiot not to see where things go with Anne…I care for her.” He turns to face her, then stares deeply into her eyes. I congratulate them on their promising future. Joyce enters the cabana, carrying our pitchers, just as the rest of our group returns.
“Awesome timing, Joyce!” Charles shouts as he pumps his fist in the air.
“We should make a toast
,” Charlotte cheers as she holds her drink in the air.
“Yes. YES!” the group cheers.
Charles attempts to give the toast until Charlotte interrupts by saying, “Cheers to Kelly for being the manager of such a fabulous resort. Only fate could place us in a location where we would meet such wonderful new friends!” Charlotte beams with sincere gratitude.
“Friends?” Charles questions as he stares down at Charlotte.
“Shhh!” Charlotte hisses as she puts her finger on her lip.
“What are you guys hiding?” Emily probes.
The group focuses on Charles and Charlotte. We’re silent and waiting in anticipation to hear their revelation.
“Well…” Charles starts to speak, but his eyes grow wide as he averts his attention to Charlotte. She straightens up, and, with a matter-of-fact expression on her face, she says, “Charles and I are considering continuing our relationship after our vacation ends.”
“Whoa…” Kim and Emily say simultaneously.
“Congratulations!” I offer to defuse the awkward situation.
Our night continues with many drinks and lots of laughter. The pool area becomes quiet as the resort patrons leave for their rooms. Tim interrupts our group by saying, “Folks, I’ve enjoyed our time, but I need some rest.”
Kelly and Tim leave the cabana first. Next, Kim and Paul wish everyone a good night, and disappear into the night. Emily and Fredrick, Anne and Marshall, and I are the only ones left after Charlotte and Charles say their swift goodbyes.
“Would anyone like to run with me tomorrow?” Emily inquires as she glances at us for a response. Anne, Marshall, and Fredrick shake their heads no.
“Babe, you’re dedicated,” Fredrick teases as he kisses Emily’s forehead—they’re an adorable couple. Several yawns escape Anne’s mouth.
“I better get this little lady to bed,” Marshall declares as he stands then helps Anne to her feet. Before they leave, they wish us a good night. Emily and I plan to jog before breakfast. I say good-night, then leave them to their conversation.
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