Chapter 36
As I make my way back to my room, I take a moment to scan the surroundings. The atmosphere in El Corazón del Sol has undergone a transformation. It’s still gorgeous. The gardens are mesmerizing, with their vibrant flowers and abundant leafy foliage. The humidity in the air is as intense and thick as it was yesterday.
But it feels different.
I sigh wistfully as I watch a bellhop giving an animated tour of the resort while pushing a luggage cart overflowing with suitcases through the open-air corridor. Four overdressed, overwhelmed, eager newcomers sip champagne cocktails, their infectious laughter echoing around them, follow close behind him as they begin their vacations.
As I observe this bustling scene, I realize that maybe it’s not the resort… but me, who underwent a transformation. Since I first arrived, I’ve reconnected with myself… the improved version of my old self. The better old me. The weight of the world is off my shoulders, and I can breathe without reminding myself to take another breath.
Even with all this new positivity, my heart is still heavy from this morning’s goodbye. I gaze at the sky, aware that he’s up there, somewhere.
Thinking.
Like I am.
Where do we go from here? What’s our next move? Was it all a fantasy in paradise? We said it was real… but was it?
It’s easier to walk away than to stay and constantly wonder how deep I’ll be when it all falls apart. If we’ll fall apart.
But what if we don’t? I don’t want to walk away. Deep in my heart, I’m certain of it. I’d rather run into his arms, the place where I’m happiest.
I blink a few times when I realize I’m standing in front of my door. Lost in an overthinking relationship fog, I struggle to recall how I ended up here.
After swiping my keycard, I push open the door and step into the room. I pause for a moment to observe my surroundings. My bed is still unmade, the sheets rumpled and tangled from last night’s activities. I run my fingers lightly over the fabric, feeling its softness against my skin.
Sitting on the edge of my side of the bed, I reach out and grab his pillow, pulling it close to my chest. I inhale deeply and try to breathe him back inside me.
My gaze falls upon the painting hanging on the wall, the beach scene that haunted me for days. Not anymore. The corners of my lips curl upwards as I remember our dance under the moonlight. The echoing sound of crashing waves serenaded memories that belong only to us. And our first kiss—the brush of his lips against mine, the warmth that spread through my body.
Once the beach was no longer haunted by the painful reminders of what happened, it became a symbol of healing and resilience. Of sweet, sweet victory.
I reach for my cellphone, which has been uncharacteristically silent since my mother gave her seal of approval to Daniel. Unlocking the screen, I check for any messages.
When I find nothing, my heart sinks. He never promised to leave any. I guess I was just hoping…
As I scroll through the last text messages between my mother and Daniel, I smile to myself. I tap on the message bar, my finger hesitating for a moment, then do the unthinkable.
I text her first.
Hey Mom.
Within seconds, I receive her response.
Mom
Is something wrong?
No. I wanted to say hi.
Mom
Why?
Because I haven’t heard from you in a while.
Mom
You’re in good hands. You don’t need me anymore.
Don’t freak out when I tell you this…
Mom
Oh dear. You have diarrhea.
I roll my eyes and shake my head. This woman has a one-track mind.
What I was going to say is… I’m always going to need you.
Mom
Oh. That’s lovely. Daniel is a good influence on you.
Daniel is gone.
Mom
Men are scum.
I tilt my head back and let out a hearty laugh that echoes through the room. Momma Bear Louise is loyal and fierce.
It’s nothing shady. He had to return to NY for work.
Mom
Do you believe him?
Yes.
Mom
Good. I think he may be a keeper.
Why?
Mom
He was a friend when you needed one. He eats healthy. And he cares about you.
How do you know he cares about me?
Mom
He indulges your loving mother.
A wide grin spreads across my face.
He likes you.
Mom
What’s not to like?
Can’t argue with that.
Mom
Do you want us to pick you up at the airport?
Daniel is meeting me.
Mom
Is that so?
Don’t read too much into this. He’s doing me a favor.
I downplay it, not wanting to get her… or my… hopes too high.
Mom
If a man offers to pick you up from the airport, he’s interested in a relationship.
You think?
Mom
I do. After you two reacquaint yourselves with each other… Winking emoji…
Again, she spelled out “Winking Emoji.” Also… ewww. Against my better judgment, I continue reading.
Mom
Come by for a visit. I’m sure Dad would like to meet your new boyfriend.
“Boyfriend?” I test the word out loud. Is that what he is? Am I his girlfriend? Are we a couple? The idea of having titles for each other never crossed my mind. We were more than a hook-up. At least it was for me.
I can’t think about this. It’ll be something else I’ll over-analyze. My brain can’t handle anymore thinking.
Gotta run while there’s still some sun and fun time.
Mom
Enjoy! Don’t forget to hydrate before your flight.
With my book tucked securely under one arm and my sundries and phone slung over my shoulder in my beach bag, I stroll towards the thatched roof shaded lounger area, knowing there’s not a chance in hell there’ll be one available this late in the day.
I could indulge in a spa treatment instead—luxuriate in one of those hydrotherapy sessions or a Mayan mud wrap I saw advertised on the resort amenities channel. Or I could join in at an afternoon tequila tasting class. There are tons of activities I skipped because the man seated in the lounger next to me captivated my attention.
But I think I’ll make the most of what’s left of my day alone, embracing this newly gained freedom from my old life and enjoy my own company.
I reach the last lounger in the shaded area and spot two familiar items sitting on top of a towel stretched across it. A NY Mets baseball cap and a photography magazine with a sticky note attached.
No. It can’t be.
I bend down to read the note and laugh.
“Property of Contessa Harper.”
“You crazy, crazy man,” I mutter under my breath. A ridiculous grin spreads across my face. I look up to the sky as I realize that somehow Daniel saved a shady spot for me before he left.
I plop down onto the lounger and slather a generous amount of suntan lotion onto my skin. As I recline, I soak in my surroundings—the brilliant blue sky, the gentle caress of the warm breeze, the soft roar of the waterfall on the far side of the pool, and the intermingling scents of coco butter, chlorine, and sea air.
Casting a wistful glance towards the unoccupied lounger beside me, I blow out a breath before cracking open my book.
“Wicked Temptation?” a man’s voice interrupts my solitude. “You’re in for a treat. Do you like it so far?”
Slowly, I lower the book that is destined to never be finished, and come face to man-junk with a size-too-small swim brief that leaves little to the imagination.
Oh God.
“Um, yeah. It’s good, so far.” I try to keep my line of sight on his ‘All Balls, All Glory’ T-shirt with his signature arrow pointing towards his crotch. “I have about three chapters left.”
“I won’t spoil anything for you,” he says. “But it’s a wonderful love story.”
I nod awkwardly, my gaze shifting to anything but his swinging sultans. “Oh, that’s good to know,” I mumble, desperately searching for an escape from this uncomfortable situation.
Unaware of my unease, he leans in closer, his voice brimming with excitement. “The chemistry between Anthony and Lydia is off the charts. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions.” He leans even closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. “And the love scenes, oh boy, they’re scorching hot. You won’t be able to put the book down.”
Forcing a smile, I maintain politeness, my discomfort growing palpable. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as I struggle to respond. “I…uh…well, I’ll definitely keep reading then,” I stammer, desperately wishing for this awkward encounter to end.
Thoughts of conjuring up an excuse to leave swirl in my mind, but his genuine niceness makes me hesitate. I don’t want to offend him.
“And don’t get me started on Cassandra. That sneaky bitch,” he exclaims, nonchalantly taking a seat on the vacant chair next to me, oblivious to my discomfort.
“Yes, she is,” I nod again, feeling slightly less trapped in this conversation than a minute ago, because he’s spot on—Cassandra is a sneaky bitch. “When she hid her underwear in Anthony’s desk drawer…”
“Honey, they should have banished her to whore hell,” he says with a dismissive wave. “Poor Lydia.”
“Whore hell,” I repeat with a smile. “Absolutely.”
It’s been nearly an hour, and Walter and I have been wrapped up in the whirlwind romance of Wicked Temptation. It’s been a genuine pleasure delving so deeply into this love story with someone who treasures it as much as I do.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I’ve taken up all of your reading time,” Walter apologizes.
“I’ve enjoyed our talk,” I assure him. To be honest, I’ve completely forgotten about the sultans, and have grown to like his company.
“It’s nice talking to someone who appreciates a good romance,” he says, a hint of relief in his voice.
“It really is.”
“My friends draw their own conclusions based on the shirtless torsos of sweaty, hot men on the cover. But I don’t care. Let them believe it’s all about sex, sex, sex. I know better. Wicked Temptation is a beautiful tale of everlasting love and romance.”
I nod in agreement, my eyes lingering on the cover of the book that often draws out the snide comments from judgy people who don’t know any better. “It really is.”
“It just goes to show you,” he says with a kind smile. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
I meet his gaze, my smile widening. “No,” I agree, realizing that the same can be said about him. “You can’t.”
Walter’s attention shifts to his watch. “Oh, look at the time.” He stands up abruptly, his swim briefs back in the spotlight. “I have a volleyball game in ten minutes. Gotta run,” he exclaims, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. “Well, enjoy the rest of the book.”
I divert my eyes, making sure not to focus at sultan level. “Okay. It was nice chatting with you.”
“You too. Don’t forget to bring your boyfriend’s hat back with you.”
I tilt my head, confusion washing over me. “Boyfriend?” I question.
There’s that word again.
Walter gestures towards the resin table that holds Daniel’s stuff. “The baseball cap and magazine. Your boyfriend asked me to save you a seat before he left for home. Nice guy. Gave me a couple of cigars as a thank you.”
“Oh, thanks for doing that.” Even when Daniel’s not here, he never ceases to surprise me.
He grins, extending his hand. “Anytime. Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Tess.” I place my hand in his. “And you are…?”
“Phillip,” he responds with a friendly smile as we exchange a handshake.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Phillip.”
I had a relaxing dinner by myself, embracing the solitude effortlessly. In fact, I enjoyed it. I’ve come into my own and learned that I’m a pretty cool dinner date. My completeness doesn’t rely on a man. I’m enough.
I’ve always been enough.
But I also appreciate the companionship of a good man. And I found one. A really good man who makes me laugh and my heart sing.
After dinner, I made a stop at the theater, where I enjoyed my last paloma, and caught an hour of the enchanting and lively Mexican Folklore Show.
Now, I’m outside on my balcony, basking in the evening air. The warm breeze brushes against my skin as I stretch out my feet, resting them on the banister in front of me. My book lies in my lap, eager to dive into the trials and tribulations of Anthony and Lydia.
As I gaze up at the sky, a smile tugs at my lips. The moon shines radiantly, casting a soft, silver glow against the dark heavens. Its craters, usually rugged and rough, now appear smoother and more defined. A mesmerizing crescent glow emanates from a missing slice of the full moon, captivating the night sky.
The moonlight dances upon the ocean, painting a shimmering, silvery hue upon its surface. The soft waves on the water gently sway in answer to the wind’s touch, creating a calming energy.
“Looks like it’s just you and me tonight,” I tell my celestial friend. I pause, half-expecting to hear Daniel’s voice from the neighboring balcony, but there’s only silence. I look back up at the sky, a pang of longing in my heart. “Yeah, I miss him too.”
Opening the pages of my book, I’m ready to delve into the final chapters. With the small outdoor light casting a warm glow, I begin to immerse myself in the pages.
As I’m about to lose myself in the story, my phone interrupts with a ping.
“Ugh,” I let out an exasperated sigh, thinking my goodbyes with my mother were already complete. She knows I’m alone tonight. Maybe I should grant her a bit of grace.
Daniel
Brie.
I didn’t think my smile could stretch any wider, but here I am, grinning from ear to ear.
Isn’t Brie a full circle? Tonight’s moon is missing a slice.
Daniel
The Sky Spirits carved out a piece for a simmering pot of celestial fondue.
A joyful laugh escapes from my lips. Daniel never disappoints with his answers.
Why didn’t you call me? You have my number.
Daniel
Heard a rumor you don’t have an international plan.
A chuckle escapes me as I remember the little white lie I used to tame my mother’s crazy.
Shouldn’t you be working?
Daniel
Are you kicking me off already?
Of course not.
Daniel
Hey… has Walter taken my place? Keep his sultans off my side of the bed.
You know, that’s not his real name.
Daniel
He’ll always be Walter to me.
Me too.
Daniel
I have to run. Rich people in suits and gowns need their pictures taken.
Tell them to say cheese first.
Daniel
I’ll have them look at the moon.
I miss yo…
I type, but there’s a lingering hesitation and I stop mid word. The rhythmic tapping of my fingers fills the air as I backspace each letter and retype a new message.
See you tomorrow.
Daniel
You can count on it. Sweet Dreams.
Good night.