Chapter 8 Jude
EIGHT
JUDE
After an afternoon of hanging out at the beach, enjoying the water, and playing a game of football, we all make our way back to the dedicated wedding party wing.
The resort boasts two of these spectacular wings that are designed for those who choose to celebrate their destination wedding here.
Each wing features eight luxurious suites with additional rooms available for larger parties.
The suites are elegantly arranged around a courtyard, which has a shimmering pool in the middle.
Every suite has a private patio, offering either a breathtaking view of the ocean or it overlooks the courtyard and pool.
Our group is loud and excited. We’ve known each other for years, and when we all get together it’s like one big party.
It just so happens to be a celebration of marriage this week that our energy is overflowing.
Some hit the pool, but others head to their suites.
For me, my skin feels tight from all the salt water and sand that covers my body from head to toe.
“I’m going to grab a quick shower and meet you guys in a few,” I yell to Max and the crew.
As I shut the door behind me, I release a heavy sigh, my thoughts drifting to Faith on the beach and the smell of her, it was vanilla mixed with coconut.
The smell, the look, the electricity between us…
I had to hold myself together. Her beauty is undeniable, and the way she responded when I gently moved her hair from her face—there was something electric in that moment.
She’s still gorgeous and has curves for days.
I’d love to roam my hands over every inch of her body.
I adjust myself as I try to get the image of her in that tiny bikini out of my head.
I shake my head to scatter my thoughts. A shower is much needed after all the fun on the beach.
My suitcase is still packed, I never unpack when I’m in hotel rooms unless something needs to be hung up, otherwise it all stays in my suitcase.
I rummage around for clothes to change into and take out a white tee and black shorts and stride to the bathroom.
The shower sprays extra hot water, and as I step in, it feels good on my muscles.
I work the soap into a rich lather and scrub away the gritty salt and sand clinging to my skin from the day.
I shampoo and condition my hair to keep it silky and smooth.
I rinse off my body, step out of the shower and reach for the towel I had hung on the rack yesterday, but it's not there.
With a slight sigh, I grab a fresh towel from the shelf, wrapping it around me as I pat myself dry.
Once I’m dressed for dinner, an unexpected urge hits me—a desire to write.
This inspiration catches me off guard, as it's been ages since I last penned anything creative.
Inside my laptop bag is a trusty notebook, reserved precisely for these moments.
I make my way out to the patio, the breeze brushes over my face and the vast ocean in front of me.
Sliding into the chair, I flip open the notebook, and, like a river, the words begin to flow effortlessly onto the page.
Seeing you it’s like the first time
Touching you it’s like no time has past
Dreaming
Feeling you in my arms
Promises made, Life taking hold
You’re my home
Deeply loved
Life with you, dream come true
Leaving behind my bleeding heart to heal yours
My love, my touch, my words
Mistakes that can’t be taken back
Forgiveness
I can’t walk away from You
Showing you who I am, truly am
There’s never been a day that I didn't love you
I’ll love you forever, if you let me
I haven’t written that many words in years.
A sense of accomplishment overcomes me while I think about Faith.
It was her that inspired me years ago, and today it’s her again.
I lean back in the chair, spread my legs, clasping my hands behind my head, and on the horizon is the sun, in all its beauty, dropping down through the sky, a ball of bright orange.
What a reminder that the world is bigger than we think, and things happen in life you don’t understand in the moment.
The reaction to push her hair behind her ear was purely instinct.
But then I lingered, it felt right, I couldn’t hide my smile.
When I'm close to her, my senses short circuit, including my sense of self-control. I can’t seem to keep my hands to myself.
The look on her face, the glint in her pretty sky-blue eyes…
it makes me want to pull her into my chest, cradle her head, and hug her tightly.
I wonder if her body still fits mine perfectly after all these years.
What am I doing to myself? I can’t have her.
I came to terms with that a long time ago.
Now, I need to look to the future. Straightening up, I'm resolved to move on from these encounters with Faith and enjoy the rest of the days here in Aruba with the wedding party.
There are a few items that need to be done for the wedding.
As I glance down at the notebook on my lap, I hold it in my hands and move back into the room. I’m ready for dinner, so I slip on my shoes and leave.
It wasn’t hard to find them. They were all gathered across the way at Max’s patio. It’s a short walk from my suite to his.
“Max, are you guys ready for dinner?” I yell, ready for a change in scenery at least for a few hours.
Max is looking around. “Yeah, if I could find my phone. Can you call it?”
As the phone starts to ring, I check the bathroom. Yup, there it is. “Found it.”
“Thanks, now I’m ready,” he says, ruffling his hair. He gestured toward the pool area, where the sound of laughter comes from.
“I can’t believe I penned some rough lyrics.” My thoughts drift to Faith, the muse behind my inspiration. I can’t help but smile, “You know that hasn’t happened in such a long time.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Wow, Dude! Seriously?”
“Yeah!” I nod, the excitement still buzzing inside me.
“Do you think it has anything to do with a certain someone?” He gives me a knowing look with his teasing grin.
“Maybe,” I admit, shaking my head, trying to play it cool. “But it doesn’t matter.”
“This conversation is not done,” he declares, wagging a finger at me with a smirk. “We’ll pick it back up later. We don’t want the ladies listening in on this one. Let’s grab a beer, you and me after dinner.”
“Deal,” I agree, glancing over at the group by the pool. “Now round these people up, and let’s go eat.”
Everyone looks ready, and Max is corralling them out. We don’t want to leave anyone behind. Although I wouldn’t mind staying behind and regrouping, I can’t miss out on the wedding celebrations. We all stroll out the door as it closes behind me and we all roam through the resort to the restaurant.
We settle into our seats, and the menus are laid in front of us.