Chapter 11 Exposed
Exposed
Bzzzz.
Kate stirred, mind hazy, trapped between story visions and daylight. The buzzing grew louder—her phone alarm. Squinting at the screen, she groaned. Almost two? She’d been that deep in the zone?
Stretching with a wince, her muscles admonished her for every hour spent hunched over her laptop. Her stomach growled in protest. Lunch. And sun. That rustic red bikini from Callie’s spree flashed to mind—flirty, fun, perfect for a late lunch at the Tiki Beach Bar.
Moments later, she stood before the mirror.
The halter top flattered her shoulders, while the high-waisted bottom hugged her curves just right.
She twirled once, indulging in the flash of confidence it gave her, then slipped on a gauzy coverup that whispered against her skin and fastened a delicate gold chain around her neck.
Her heart thumped in anticipation as she grabbed her beach tote and stepped into the blazing sun.
The golf cart ride passed in a blur of palms and hibiscus, warm wind tangling through her hair.
At the bar, ivory umbrellas bobbed in the breeze, casting dappled shadows over teak chairs and warm sand.
Salt and grilled pineapple hung in the air, sweet and savory.
A muted joy bloomed in her chest—this place felt like magic.
She paused at the steps, scanning for a suitable spot before making her way to a satellite bar. The stool she chose offered a clear view of the action, while still feeling tucked away. The bartender looked up as she approached.
“Welcome to paradise,” he grinned. “I’m Walter. What can I get you?”
Kate smiled. “Something cold and fruity. What’s your favorite?”
He leaned in, eyes sparkling. “Coconut fan?”
“Absolutely,” she said, nodding, taste buds already tingling.
“Peanut Colada it is. Trust me—it’s life-changing. Unless you’re allergic?”
She laughed. “No allergies. Hit me with it.”
With a wink, Walter spun away to work his magic, leaving her with a menu and a little thrill of flirtation that warmed her cheeks.
Sun on her skin, sea breeze in her hair, Kate relaxed into the rhythm of the bar. When Walter returned, he placed the frosty concoction in front of her, condensation already beading on the glass.
She took one sip and gasped at the explosion of flavors dancing on her tongue. “This is divine.”
He beamed. “Told you. My own creation—and I never share the recipe. If you want another, you come to me.” His wink turned conspiratorial. “It keeps the pretty ladies coming back.”
Kate shook her head, laughing despite herself. He was outrageous. And clearly knew it.
After he took her lunch order, she pulled out her tablet. The familiar weight grounded her, a lifeline in a sea of strangers and an invaluable tool of her trade. Around her, life unfolded—waves of conversation, the clink of glass, the rustle of linen napkins. She began jotting notes:
—An elderly man with a bright red scarf, gazing out at nothing.
—A server moving in a choreographed dance through the tables.
—The scent of citrus and sea salt, curling through the air like an invitation.
Each detail fed her imagination. Even a single moment—a glance, a choice of drink—could spark a scene or full story.
In half a drink and two pages of notes' time, Walter delivered her salad with a flourish.
“Oh, wow,” she said. “This looks amazing.”
The Lomi-Lomi Salmon at least two guests were recording, screens glowing.
Walter crouched beside the girl, his voice low but soothing. “We’re going to take care of you, sweetheart. Can you breathe okay?”
The father growled. “She’s breathing now. Doesn’t mean she will be in five minutes.”
Walter rose and addressed the crowd, his calm authority cutting through the tension. “We take food safety seriously. EMTs have already been dispatched, and I’ll personally review the prep footage.”
Ten minutes later, EMTs guided the girl into an ambulance—stable now with no breathing issues. Walter returned with his tablet, flanked now by two security officers.
“Sir,” Walter said precisely, his tone professional and cold, “we reviewed the kitchen video. The spring rolls were prepared without any nut products. Furthermore,—” he tapped his screen “—this sauce was added after it left the kitchen. We have video from the patio cam of you reaching into your bag and pouring this sauce yourself.”
Gasps rippled across the tables like a shockwave.
“That’s—” the man stammered, skin washing out. “I was trying to—”
Walter’s tone cooled further. “Additionally, we saw you put a phone set to livestream under your daughter’s napkin, aimed at the serving station. Do you mind explaining what you were recording?”
The mother bolted. Security moved fast, halting her retreat. The man blanched as the other officer stepped forward.
“You’re not under arrest,” the officer stated, “yet. But you are being detained for questioning. Unless you’d like to be sued for false medical claims, child endangerment, and endangering public safety, I suggest you stop talking and start thinking.”
A stunned hush fell before someone muttered, “They faked an allergy? For views?”
Kate swallowed hard, a bitter taste in her mouth. She could almost see the social media headline: My Kid Nearly Died at This ‘Luxury’ Resort—Avoid at All Costs.
Kate’s admiration of the resort and its staff deepened. When Lisa approached again, this time with a glowing smile, Kate couldn’t help but grin back.
“I told you he’d handle it,” Lisa said, her pride evident.
“Yes, you did! Walter is amazing! Thanks for the heads-up,” Kate replied, laughter weaving through her words, relief making her giddy. “I take it Walter is not a simple bartender.”
“Nope. He’s the Beverage Manager.” Lisa glanced toward the bar. “Ready to order anything else? Or just soaking it all in?”
A thought flitted through Kate’s mind, a surge of inspiration igniting her creativity. “I’ll take a refill. This slight drama deserves a celebration, and a note for a future book scene.”
As Lisa walked away to fetch her order, Kate felt a bright energy spreading through her veins, electric and warm. This place inspired stories, and maybe, just maybe, she was ready to write them again.
By the time her fresh drink arrived, the afternoon had softened into a golden haze, but her contentment was slipping away like sand through her fingers.
She let her eyes linger on the glittering water, breathing in the salt air and the warmth, reminding herself she’d earned this—this little pocket of peace.
But then, as though conjured from the lull between waves, images of Nick slipped in. Unbidden. Unwanted. And impossibly persistent.
The memory of his eyes—so steady, so unreadable—sent an ache through her chest. What was it about him that tangled up her thoughts? Was it purely physical attraction? Was there truly something between them, or was she inventing a connection because she was lonely and starved for validation?
Her ex’s voice rose from the back of her mind, cool and dismissive. ‘Men like that don’t look twice at women who write silly little stories.’
She curled her fingers tighter around her glass, the chill biting into her palm; her pulse fluttering in her throat. Could Nick see her as anything other than a passing distraction? Not just another guest to charm, then forget the second she was out of sight?
A couple drifted past her table, hands clasped, their shoulders bumping in that unconscious way that spoke of easy familiarity. A sharp pang of envy pierced her chest, and she almost pressed a hand to it, as if she could hold the hurt inside.
Don’t be ridiculous. The scolding didn’t help. The longing remained, low and insistent—a flicker of hope she should smother before it caught fire.
With a sigh, she leaned back into the plush seat, closing her eyes against the bright glint of the sea, letting the sounds wash over her.
Around her, the atmosphere shifted—more guests arriving, a swell of laughter and music folding over her. Delighted shrieks erupted from a group of young women clustered near the bar, and a bittersweet tug reminded her she’d never had those simple friendships.
Maybe Callie was right; that Kate needed to talk it through instead of circling her own insecurities like a wounded bird.
She opened her eyes and watched the sunlight dancing across the water, diamonds scattering across the surface. The thought of calling Callie relieved her, a small promise she could make to herself.
She set the tablet aside and enjoyed the breeze washing over her, cool against her sun-warmed skin, although the uncertainty refused to let go.