Stranded on Second #2
A private resort on an island in Belize.
It sounded appealing but can I really just drop everything and go on vacation now?
All my plans have just fallen apart and Tay’s solution is to disappear and “find myself” again.
My work is my identity. I am Hollywood’s sweetheart.
The teen star turned series regular with the occasional blockbuster hit.
“There’s a flight that leaves tonight if you’re interested.” Taylor’s sing-song voice pulls me out of my internal debate.
“Seems a bit soon, don’t you think? I haven’t even decided I’m on board with your plan.”
“Well, you better get on board. This is a great plan!”
I can’t help but roll my eyes at my friend’s antics.
“Tonight would be dumb anyways. You don’t arrive in a foreign country alone in the middle of the night. You should know this with all the true crime you’ve watched.”
“Oooo, good point. That’s not smart. What about tomorrow morning?”
“Give me some time today to think about it and I’ll let you know tonight, okay?”
“Fineeee,” Taylor draws out the sound, which is both annoying and makes me laugh. I miss her.
“You would be more persuasive if you came with me.”
“HA! Good try. You’re not my only client who has this issue. I have to do damage control here. Plus, if I come, there will be no self-reflection, which is what you really need more than this vacation.”
“You could help me with my self-reflection.”
“You and I both know nothing productive would come from this trip if we went together. I’m sending you the link to the resort. Just in case that helps change your mind.”
“What’s it called?”
“The Mayan Escape. It’s on one of the barrier islands, or Cayes, south of Belize City overlooking the Barrier Reef.”
Opening it, I’m struck by the massive expanse of crystal blue water. The white sandy beaches. “Wow, this is breathtaking.”
“Should I book?” she asks excitedly like she’s already won.
“I haven’t decided yet, Tay. Give me a minute. You threw a wrench in my face before I could even finish my coffee.”
“Sorry, sometimes I forget I’m three hours ahead.”
As if she just remembered what time it was, Taylor rushes out, “Oh shit, gotta run, babe. Let me know what you decide and I’ll handle everything!”
“You don’t hav—”
“If I don’t, you won't go. So yes, I do and I will!”
“Sometimes, I wish you didn’t know me quite as well as you think you do.”
Cackling, Taylor responds, “No, you don’t. You know you love me. Seriously, I’ll give you a few hours but I need to know before tonight if you’re going or not.”
“Fine, I will think about it.”
“That’s all I ask. Love you Ween!” I hate that stupid nickname. My middle name is Gwen and when I was younger, someone called me Weeny. It stuck for some reason. Once Taylor found out, she latched on. She only uses it now to annoy me.
“Hate you, Tay,” I say, ending the call.
Well, shit. What am I going to do now?
Several hours later and I’m bored out of my mind.
This condo has never felt like home. Maybe it would if I actually decorated the space with things that felt more like me, but a highly recommended interior designer decorated the space before I moved in.
If I wasn’t always working and home for longer than a few weeks at a time, it would bother me more that my house feels more like a museum than a cozy place to relax.
The clean lines, white walls, and gallery art don’t bring comfort but instead, reflect the perfect facade I have maintained for years.
It’s sterile and is putting me even more on edge.
My phone pings from the table beside me. I know it’s Tay before I even pick it up. She gave me longer than I anticipated before she started hounding me.
TAYLOR
Well?
IVORY
I don’t know, Tay.
TAYLOR
Come on, Ives. This will be good for you. I promise!
Plus, did you see this pool?
IVORY
Yes, I saw the pool
The resort does look dreamy. There’s a private beach, overwater villas, an infinity pool, sauna, hot tub, pool bar, indoor bar, sailing, and several other water activities and expeditions for guests. Can I really go on this vacation alone? Tell me you’re single, without telling me you’re single.
TAYLOR
Think of all the fruity drinks you can have.
IVORY
You know I love my fruity cocktails.
TAYLOR
Maybe you can find some other kinds of cock while you’re down there.
IVORY
OMG, you did not just say that
I cannot with you!
TAYLOR
Just saying. I’m sure it’s been a while…
Maybe that’s the real relaxation you need
IVORY
It couldn’t hurt.
TAYLOR
So can I book it?
IVORY
The vacation or an escort?
TAYLOR
I mean I’m sure both could be arranged!
IVORY
I’m sure.
I bite my lip nervously, still waffling with this getaway idea. While there are no travel advisories currently, do I want to risk taking a trip right now? Plus, what would I even do by myself on this island resort.
TAYLOR
Soooo????
On the other hand, it’s only a few days.
How bad could it be? I could read, swim, sleep.
It could be the reset I need. Maybe even the self-reflection I’m looking forward to after being truly canceled.
Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes to wash away the doubts. I can do this. I can be spontaneous.
IVORY
Yeah, go ahead.
As soon as the words are out, my nerves kick in. I can’t believe I let her talk me into this.
TAYLOR
YASSSS
Suite or overwater villa?
IVORY
Seriously? Is that a real question?
TAYLOR
You’re right. Who goes that far not to stay on top of the water?
IVORY
It was a huge selling point.
TAYLOR
Okay, you are booked for 5 days at The Mayan Escape!
IVORY
That was fast.
TAYLOR
I also booked your flight
You leave at 10 in the morning.
IVORY
Taylor.
TAYLOR
I’ll send a car over for you too.
IVORY
Taylor.
TAYLOR
What?
IVORY
How did you book it that fast if I just said yes
TAYLOR
You know I hate to say I told you so…
IVORY
But you’re going to say it anyway.
TAYLOR
I knew you were going to cave so I booked it earlier.
Your confirmation is in your email!
IVORY
TAYLOR
IVORY
Thanks, Tay.
TAYLOR
I mean, you paid for it. I just booked it.
I roll my eyes at her even though she can’t see me.
IVORY
Guess I better pack then.
TAYLOR
Lots of bathing suits and flowy comfortable clothing.
It’s a beach vacation not the red carpet. Pack accordingly.
IVORY
I’m not a complete invalid.
TAYLOR
Debatable
IVORY
Hilarious
TAYLOR
Just making sure. You haven’t had any downtime lately, so I wasn’t sure if you remembered how you’re supposed to dress and act like us normal folk.
IVORY
You’re a true comedian. What would I do without you?
TAYLOR
Good thing you’ll never know!
Well, looks like I am going on vacation. It could be nice though.There’s nothing for me to do here right now except wait to see what the studios and networks decide to do next. I don’t have a fallback option. Belize, here I come.