22. Paper Rings
Paper Rings
V acations were the only time when I would do two things willingly: waking up from an alarm and getting up before the sun.
I rolled over and stopped the Taylor Swift song I had designated as my phone’s alarm tone. I settled my head back on the soft as hell pillow but kept my eyes open. The day outside bathed the bedroom around me in a dark periwinkle blue through the sheer white curtains in front of the balcony door. It made the day dreamy like an aesthetic post you see on Instagram or Pinterest. I just knew today was going to be a beautiful day.
It had already been an amazing weekend, and we were barely halfway through. I stretched my manicured fingers away from my pedicured toes under the posh sheets. After Quinn had landed and parked the jet yesterday morning—smoothly and all with one hand, might I add, since her other one was still gripped around mine—a driver had taken us to the Porcarola Resort. As soon as we exited the plane, I knew we were in Florida. There was, after all, only one place in the US that was both this wet and hot at the same time. The Porcarola Resort though was a posh experience meant to teleport you to a seaside town on the Italian Riviera. The decor was all marble, murals, Renaissance art, columns, and archways. It belted bougie like an opera performer right down to the welcome Puccini cocktail served in a glass by a freaking butler at the door.
Outside, there were colorful buildings on either side of the hotel part of the resort. Outdoor seating areas and Vespas added to the immersion. Everything faced a harbor with boats and a tiny dock. The smell of fresh pasta and baked bread, along with the music in the air, really took you to Italy, even if the humid heat and the unforgiving Florida sun kept you grounded in the states.
Another butler had taken our bags upstairs to our penthouse suite on the topmost floor, decked out for my birthday with balloons, glitter, confetti, streamers, and another magicked banner. But before I could marvel at the shiny pastel decorations, Nat had declared that we had an appointment to keep if Quinn wanted to spoil me like she had planned. When I looked at her questioningly, she had just given me a slow smile that honestly made me weak in the knees.
The spoiling in question was a full jam-packed spa day. Everyone participated, even the boys. Well, especially Cody, who actually had a regular spa day once a month where he got a facial and a mani-pedi. We all chattered excitedly as we walked in the door, and we continued that same vibe throughout the appointment. I’m sure if the cousins and my besties weren’t there, I would have felt insecure. I was, after all, a plus-sized black woman. Spas have always felt like something only rich skinny white women living in Beverly Hills or on Real Housewives get to do. I had seen so many of them get to be pampered and taken care of, allowed not to worry. I had never seen my mom, Aunt Max, or other black women in media get that same privilege. We weren’t allowed to relax. Even getting our hair done felt more like a chore or something to be checked off a list than a relaxing experience.
From the moment I walked into the spa, though, I felt comfort and tranquility. They had a robe in my size, Simone’s size, and even bigger than that. There were women of various shapes, sizes, and races working and enjoying the spa. They were all friendly and welcoming, and I didn’t feel any worry.
I got to enjoy the mud bath and steam shower. I met peace that day as every single nugget of stress was rubbed out of my shoulders and hands. Honestly, after the treatments, I felt like my whole body was traded in for a new, fresher model that had that new baby smell. Even getting my nails done for the first time in years by an actual person rather than Maisie’s magic proved to be absolute Nirvana. Probably because I was on my fifth glass of wine at that point, but it was still luxurious. The academic navy blue with gold accents that Quinn had picked out was beautiful, and anything on me had ever looked this good. After the spa, we walked around and did some shopping at the resort ahead of a beautiful dinner with fireworks. It was all spectacular. I don’t think any of us ever stopped smiling the entire day and night. Already, this was the best trip of my life.
My girlfriend had outdone herself.
Wait, had I just called Quinn my girlfriend?
I sat up in the bed at the thought. Where had that come from? We hadn’t discussed that. I mean, we had only known each other for a few weeks. Yeah, we were lesbians, but there wasn’t a U-Haul in sight right now. Gods, here I go again. This was why I had made that promise after the party. I always presumed we were all on the same page, assumed the next step and that everyone was ready, and then I ended up with my heart broken while listening to Olivia Rodrigo and drowning my sorrows in gallons of Blue Bell ice cream. Didn’t this mean I was making the same mistake I always did?
No .
This was different.
How many women that I talked to had gone this far for my birthday? Who had gifted me anything or even planned out a date?
How many girlfriends had done all of this just to make me happy? Gone out of their way to hold my hand? Knew how to save me from an anxiety attack with the simplest action? Could make me melt with just a glance? Had I had instant attraction to?
How many girlfriends had made me feel like Quinn did?
Just the mere idea of Quinn drove me wild. She had come out of nowhere, and I hadn’t been able to forget her since. I don’t think she had been able to get me out of her mind, either. Who plans a birthday weekend for someone they plan on ghosting? Especially one this lavish? It was obvious Quinn cared. She liked me. Maybe even… Well, I at least knew she really liked me. I know I had sworn not to fall any further for Quinn, but I couldn’t help it. I was always inclined toward love. I hated, in romance movies and books, when the protagonist could just turn their back on love and be miserable. That wasn’t me. I had promised not to love the idea of Quinn, but she had become so material in my life that the thought of never seeing her, being around her again, made my heart ache painfully in my chest.
I liked Quinn Garcia. Like a lot.
And maybe—just maybe—she liked me back?
Enough to make it official?
One step at a time, Brydgette Pierce, I thought.
I checked my phone for the time, remembering that Quinn had told everyone to be up before six if we wanted breakfast. Being the birthday girl, I had declared that we definitely wanted breakfast.
I took my time in the shower since I had set my alarm to allow me to get ready lazily. This shower and the entire bathroom was enormous and fancy as hell with a shower big enough for five that had shower heads everywhere, name-brand and normal-sized toiletries inside of the shower, and a separate tub for an additional four people along with bubble bath soap. There was even a double vanity, and the entire space was covered in Italian marble. I was able to enjoy the warmth of the water raining down overhead and from the jets on every side. I hadn’t been cold since before we had landed, but I always loved a hot shower whenever I could get one. When I got out of the shower, I wrapped a bath sheet around me and stepped into the bedroom to assemble my outfit for the day.
I had no idea what we were doing today, but I had bought a new vacation wardrobe for almost every possible thing. I laid out a simple bathing suit that could function as a bra and underwear under my outfit. I also set out a sleeveless crop top with a pair of jean shorts and some broken-in Converse-like sneakers. It would be both perfect for this Florida heat, and it would—hopefully—show off my curves in the best way. It was all in theory since I hadn’t tried anything on yet, but I was feeling brave and optimistic today. I plucked out my makeup bag from my suitcase to go back into the bathroom. I turned?—
And there was Quinn.
“H-hi,” She stuttered.
“Hey, yourself.”
Her eyes were somehow both dark as night and bright as the sun. Her jaw was on the floor, while her eyebrows were up near the ceiling. She took me all in. My damp pastel pink locs. My tawny skin blushed from the steamy water. My ample cleavage and boobs that I knew were practically spilling over the towel encircled tightly around me. My thighs peeking out under the towel that, while larger than a regular towel, still barely went past my ass. Not to mention, all the water on me. I couldn’t deny how hot I probably looked. Especially under her gaze.
Gods, Quinn looking at me like that… I don’t think I had ever felt sexier. She looked at me like I was beauty incarnate, as if I was the standard and nothing else could ever compare, as if she was a planet revolving around me and giving her life. I clutched the bath sheet close and tight. I was scared that if I didn’t, I might just let go and give us both a birthday treat.
Before my resolve could give way to my… other ambitions, I cleared my throat. “My eyes are up here, starlight.”
Quinn’s molten golden eyes slowly roamed up. I could feel the heat trail from her eyes as if she had touched me. When her eyes finally met mine, Quinn swallowed. Her voice was husky and deep when she spoke. “S-sorry, I was, uh, trying to go outside to, uh, smoke, but?—”
“Oh?” I raised my eyebrows. “And you had to come through my room? After I showered?”
“The b-balcony door in the liv-living room is suck—I mean, stuck. I definitely meant stuck.”
I chuckled.
“Okay, okay, here I am! Now, maybe you can stop rushing me.” Nat appeared then, tightening her ponytail. When she entered the room, she stopped behind Quinn and gave me an appraising look. “Yes, Byrdie Too Flirty and Dirty Before Thirty! Hot shit, I didn’t mean to interrupt you two. I can wait to smoke if you?—”
“You ruined the moment, twerp. Not that we were doing anything.” Quinn rolled her eyes, but there was still a vibrance there, something in the way her hands twitched, that told me things were far from ruined.
Nat, never one to miss a beat, smirked. “Yeah, sure you weren’t.”
“Get on the balcony.” Quinn opened the door for her.
“Make sure you wear some sweat-proof makeup with sunscreen!” Nat winked before I could ask for clarification.
Before Quinn followed behind her, she turned back to me. “I really am sorry to barge in on you like that. I hope you are okay?—”
I waved her off. “Oh, do not apologize, pumpkin. Of everyone who could have walked in on me, I’m happy it was you.”
Quinn’s smirk became that smolder that I was growing to like more and more. “Maybe one of these days I can walk in on you without the towel?”
“Maybe if you are a good girl, you can.” I winked. Quinn smiled before closing the door behind her, leaving me way more hot and bothered than I should be this early in the morning.
Definitely girlfriend material.
I grabbed the clothes I had laid out along with my makeup bag, and I entered the bathroom to finish getting ready. I did my makeup first, keeping Nat’s advice in mind. I wrapped half of my hair into a high ponytail with one of those scrunchies with two tails hanging on either side, leaving the rest down with a few pieces framing my face. Finally, I put on my clothes.
Looking at myself in the full-length mirror, I was definitely right about the outfit clinging to my boobs, belly, waist, hips, and thighs in all the right ways. I loved it. But, I could see the stretch marks on my stomach peeking over my shorts. You could see every bit of my dimpled thighs with the shorts being as short as they were. My arms were free to show off my tattoos as well as the fat on my upper arms. My love handles were also on display. The outfit looked cute in theory on all the Pinterest pictures I had seen, but did it look good on me? I wasn’t sure. Most days, I loved my body and how I looked, but then there were days where I felt like a blob playing dress-up with Barbie doll clothes.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated on the counter with a text.
EEVEE BOI : Honoring your voyage around the sun, kiddo! Happy birthday! ??
EEVEE BOI : Teddy told me to tell you “Wishing you presents, presence, and power, honey!”
EEVEE BOI : Your gifts are in the living room when you get home. ??
I smiled at the texts from Uncle Everett. He was such a morning person, so it didn’t surprise me that he was up at this early hour on a Saturday. I replied:
ME: Thank yoooou!!!! You are the sweetest. ??
Then I snapped a picture of myself in the mirror and sent it to him.
ME: What do we think of this outfit? ??
His response took a second, but the video he sent to accompany it immediately explained why. It was of him and Teddy being extra as they fangirled over my outfit. It made me laugh out loud and was just the confidence boost I needed.
EEVEE BOI
You look ??HAWT??. Absolutely GORGEOUS. Is it hot because it’s Florida or because you are there? ??
ME
Oh, stop it. You are so extra, but I need it to survive. ??
ME
Also.
ME
I should have known you were in on this. ??
EEVEE BOI
Of course I am. It’s so fun when you aren’t. ??
ME
I cannot ?stand? you.
EEVEE BOI
Enjoy your birthday and ?whatever? y’all are doing. I know you’re going to have a blast. ??
I made a face. My Uncle could be so annoying. Most days, dealing with him was like dealing with an older brother. I was just about to respond to him when there was a knock on one of the bathroom doors.
“Birthday queen!” Simone’s voice sang through the door. “Are you ready?”
I opened the door to both her and Maisie. The three of us squealed over each other’s outfits: Maisie’s short shorts and cropped tank with her hair pulled in a ponytail and Simone’s short bodysuit and light button down tied around her waist with her hair in a low poof with a hat. We all looked amazing.
“Everyone is almost done getting dressed so we can go to breakfast! How freaking excited are you?” Simone declared.
“I’m so excited! But I’m also very glad y’all are here!” I closed the door and lowered my voice. “You will not believe the crazy morning I’ve had already. Quinn walked in on me after my shower this morning! I was literally in nothing but a towel!”
“What?!” Simone gasped.
“Did you drop it for her?”
“Maisie!” Simone and I said at the same time.
“What?! We all know Byrdie wouldn’t do it, anyway.”
“ Hey !” I cried out.
“Well? Are you going to look at me and tell me that I’m wrong? When’s the last time you had sex with a person and not your vibrator?”
“ Marceline Repond .”
“To be frank and honest, when has she had sex with a person ?”
“Ohmigods, Simone!”
“I mean, you are essentially a virgin again at this point.” Maisie gave a one-handed shrug.
“I literally came here to have a good time, and I feel so attacked right now.” I shook my head. “It’s my freaking birthday, you two!”
“Hey now, we just want you to finally live out those dirty fantasies that we know you have before your cooter turns to dust from lack of use.”
“While I definitely don’t think Maisie should ever refer to your vagina as cooter ever again,” Simone said, giving Maisie a look. “I do think she is right. Quinn seems great! She really likes you, Byrd. Like, really really likes you. I think she is going to break the second date curse.”
“Just let your feelings take this one, Bee. Don’t overthink it. Quinn obviously likes you, and you like her. Let that show you the way,” Maisie advised.
I nodded and smiled. I hugged my friends tightly and closely, trying to give them just a small sample of how grateful I was for them and everything they had done for my birthday already. I seriously couldn’t have asked for better friends, even with all their teasing. They were my sisters, and I wouldn’t be here without them.
I put on some anti-chafe cream on my thighs before grabbing my phone and lanyard wallet. The three of us left the bathroom to join the others in the living room before departing for breakfast. As soon as I rounded the corner into the hallway, Quinn’s eyes were on me and mine were on her. Her curls falling around her face and past her shoulders were shiny and damp from a fresh shower. She wore a striped green and silver gray short-sleeved button down with the first buttons undone enough to show her cleavage and her sleeves rolled to show off her tattoos and muscles. She had on khaki joggers and sneakers, too, with a fanny pack draped diagonally across her body. Not gonna lie, she had such a Dad on Vacation vibe, but I couldn’t deny how much I liked it.
She could be my Papi any time. That intrusive thought made my face heat. Maybe the girls were right before. I was so sex-crazed I had developed a new kink.
The breakfast ended up being at the resort, but it was far from a normal hotel buffet or grab-and-go bags. The restaurant serving breakfast was a culinary experience with a multi-course breakfast and themed cocktails. The servers presented our food to us all at the same time in unison like a Michelin Star restaurant. Honestly, after eating everything, I wondered if it was one. We chattered excitedly between courses. No one gave me a singular hint of what we were doing, but everyone hinted that I was going to love it and have a blast. The excitement and anticipation was going to eat me alive, but I think the heat from Quinn’s attention—her hand on my bare skin, her gaze on me, her voice warming my ear as she whispered something to make me giggle—would definitely consume me first.
Gods, I liked this girl.
Soon, Quinn paid for our tab and we headed for the dock. The sun had risen fully now, making the world look like very stereotypical Florida. The sky was a relaxing shade of blue, the sun high without a single cloud. It all colored the water ahead of us into a matching reflection. Parked at the dock was a large-ish boat with a red cover built-in and enough seating for at least fifty people, even if it was hard benches. The front was a Captain’s bay with a wide view of the front of the boat, seating below it, and a platform with the giant silver steering wheel and controls for the boat. A Captain was noticeably absent, though.
Quinn boarded first. Neither the boat nor the dock wobbled as she entered. But I had an irrational fear of falling from a dock or boat as I was getting on it. I was less afraid of ending up like a meme or on one of those fail compilations than I was of my clumsiness making me injure myself where I couldn’t recover. Sensing my anxiety in the way that only Quinn could, she turned around and held her hand out to me. It reminded me of how she held out her hand for me on the cobblestone path of her house. She wanted me to feel safe at all times, and she did what she could to make it so. I put my small hand in her large one, and I realized something as I felt that spark radiate through me and explode like fireworks.
I had never felt safer than when Quinn had me.
I stepped onto the boat without a problem. As everyone was boarding with Cole helping the girls like the gentleman he was and Cody playfully taking his brother’s hand with an eye roll from his brother, Quinn led me to the Captain’s bay. She motioned to the bench next to the wheel for me to sit in, and I followed her direction. Standing behind the huge silver wheel, she took out a key from her pocket and started the boat’s engine.
I raised my eyebrows. “Is there anything you can’t drive?”
She turned to me with a mischievous smirk. “ Technically , you don’t drive a boat or a plane. You steer one and pilot the other.”
“The fact that you know that tells me that you truly can drive anything.”
“Well, I can’t seem to drive you crazy. So, I’m inclined to say you are wrong.”
“Oh, you have no idea how mad you drive me,” I said before I could stop myself.
Quinn gave me her full smolder, her eyes bright and dark at once and her slitted eyebrow making her smirk look downright devilish. I could melt under her gaze.
I was a goner for sure.