Chapter 3
Zara
When my eyes pop openthe next morning, the first thought in my mind is Brad. Not good. Not good at all.
I vow to push him from my mind for the rest of the day.
Ugh.I groan as I stretch and pull myself out of bed. Remind me why I signed up for an eight am snorkel dive?
Like my mom would say, the early bird catches the worm. As I shower and change into my bikini and sundress, I hope my adventure today goes smoothly. My stomach growls and swirls as my worries increase. What if I can’t figure out the gear?
Should I get a wet suit?
What if I have a bikini malfunction?
Fuck, why didn’t I bring Cilla or Lilly with me?
Because you need to figure out your life on your own. Without your friends influencing your decisions. Or worse, your family.
Wait, forget that. My mom already does.
I gather my long wavy hair into a high ponytail, slather on sunscreen, and slip into my sandals.
It’s time for a new me and new adventures. Even if I’m terrified.
As I hype myself up for the swim, I stop by the hotel dining area for some coffee and fruit. There’s only ten minutes left which leaves me shoving pineapple and strawberry slices in my mouth and running out the door.
With the rest of my coffee now in a to-go cup, I walk down to the beach and admire the view. I take note of the path I’m sure I’ll walk a thousand times before my trip is over.
The whole area is beautiful, more so in person than I ever could’ve imagined. One of my favorite topics to teach my kindergarten kids about is the weather. We talk about the seasons and how the weather changes in different parts of the country.
I’m used to the heat, the sun beating down on my skin and giving it a tanned glow, but here, it’s almost scorching. A tropical paradise feel, with the smell of the ocean lingering in the air, and nothing but a humid breeze to relieve some of the heat.
I walk along the boardwalk and take in the shore below, many people already surfing, tanning, and swimming. About halfway down, I land at the snorkel diving shack where several people are gathered outside. It’s a rather large shack that extends several yards onto the beach and has a private dock.
“Here for the eight o’clock snorkel swim?” A young blonde man asks me, a clipboard in one hand, and a whistle around his neck. His smile is warm and friendly.
“Yes. Zara Leavitt.”
He finds my name and checks it off. “Got it. Welcome. Just hang tight and we’ll be starting soon.”
I shake my hands out and wipe my palms on my dress as I look around. Shit, maybe I should’ve added a shot to my coffee.
I can always ditch the swim and head to the beach. Lay on the sand and listen to the waves crash against the shore. You know maybe I just might...
“Hey! Look who it is.”
A voice I recognize, one that sends tingles down my back, one that I was very much trying to avoid hearing again, rings in my ears and when I look up, my suspicions are confirmed.
Brad stands before me with a huge grin on his face. A large pair of sunglasses covers his eyes and he’s wearing a tight black t-shirt and a pair of swim trunks with palm trees on them. The outline of his abs is clearly visible through the thin cotton material, and I suddenly want to reach out and run my fingertips over them.
I swallow hard. Fuck! There goes my plan to forget him.
“No way you’re going snorkeling now, too?”
“I am. Funny we keep bumping into each other.” Brad says. “Did you copy my itinerary?”
I laugh. “Yes, because I have access to all of your private information.”
“Ah ha. I thought so.”
“Honestly, this is the only activity I signed up for. I plan on being lazy at the pool or the beach. Either one works.”
Brad chuckles, the sound low and deep. It vibrates in parts I wish it wouldn’t. “But you chose to snorkel? At eight in the morning?”
“I know, I’m crazy. What can I say?”
“I was hoping you signed up for the same activities as me. I could use a partner in crime.”
“What else do you have planned?”
“Let’s see...swimming with the dolphins, a booze cruise, a sunset cruise, a massage, and a meet and greet with the flamingos.”
“Damn. Your schedule is packed tight. Did you leave any room for relaxing in there?”
“I did enough of that the past couple of days. I need some distractions.”
“I can understand that. But if I distract myself too much, I won’t do what I came here to do.” I explain though I don’t know why I’m explaining it to a guy I barely know.
“And what’s that?” Brad asks.
I open my mouth to answer when I’m cut off by a guy with a loud voice telling us we’re about to start.
Saved by the snorkel. Or whatever.
“Ladies first.” Brad motions for me to move in front of him in line as the crowd begins to drift inside.
I clasp my hands together and breathe slowly, in through my mouth and out through my nose. With Brad here I feel even more on edge. How embarrassing will it be to mess up in front of him rather than in front of strangers?
Once inside, the instructors gather us into a large room set up like a classroom. A set of snorkel gear along with paperwork and other necessities are spaced out along the table, one for each person participating. We file in and take our places in front of a set of supplies as one of the instructors begins to show us our first steps.
After detailing everything including the gear, he suggests that everyone partner up.
“It’ll be easier if you have someone to stick with. Of course, you’re free to explore on your own, but as always, there’s safety in numbers.”
I’ve got this myself. I don’t need to partner up.
“Want to be my partner?” Brad asks and I freeze.
I can’t say no. That’s rude.
But if I say yes...
Oh, fuck it. You only live once, right?
“Yes. Go easy on me. I’m a tiny bit nervous.” I attempt a smile but it’s more of a grimace.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”