There is a pool below me, and I can make out a swim-up bar, but my gaze is pulled back to the beach.
To the woman walking out of the ocean in a hot pink bikini, her long black hair wet and slicked back, her face glowing form the saltwater bath she’s just had. But damn, it’s her curves, her full tits popping out of the top, her hips that have my cock aching. Her eyes, blue as the sea behind her.
Even at this distance, I’m captivated. It’s like she’s a goddamn mermaid, her skin sparkling like the sand.
I wish I wasn’t three stories high, wish I was just inches away. But before I can even contemplate rushing to the elevator and making a mad dash to the woman of my fantasies, someone hollers at her. She runs toward a man who wraps her in a hug, and then, just like that, she’s lost in a crowd, gone.
I turn from the window, wondering why it feels like I just lost someone I’ve never even met.
2
Twila
I was born and raised on Pole Island, and I know how lucky I am to call this tropical paradise home. Today is no exception. The sun is shining bright, there is a prefect breeze coming off the beach, and my friends have all gotten together to celebrate my birthday.
So why am I feeling so blue?
“Wanna get drinks at Surf Sup?” Xander asks. He’s my best friend, a DJ, and always up for a good time. “We could take some photos out on Blood Moon Beach. You look sick in that suit.”
I laugh, appreciating his compliment as I adjust my hot pink bikini bottoms. I always say if you got it, flaunt it. There may be lots of body shamers out there, but I figure every body is a beach body.
“I close tonight,” I say, twisting my lips. “But that’s hours away. Sounds fun.”
“Good,” Xander says with a laugh. “Because one, it’s your birthday, and two, you need some new content on IG, and three, that’s where everyone is meeting us.”
I lift my eyes in surprise. “Really? You planned a party?”
Xander shrugs. “What can I say, I’m a good bestie.”
“You really are.” I give him a side hug before we collect our beach towels. We walk through the lobby of Bahamas Grand Hotel and pause to say goodbye to my mom.
“Did you have fun?” she asks, smiling in her peach suit coat. She has been a manager here for years, and always gets Xander and I guest passes when we want to glam it up at the fanciest hotel on the island.
“Tons,” Xander says for me. “But now I must whisk her off to her soirée.”
“So early in the day?” Mom frowns. “Thought you kids liked to party all night.”
Xander smirks. “I do, but you know Twila, won’t even take a day off on her birthday. She’s working tonight.”
“I’m saving up my money. Australia is this close,” I say, pinching my thumb and forefinger together.
“I love your drive, and that photography course in Australia sounds incredible,” Xander says. “But what you should really do is meet some sugar daddy here at the Grand and get them to pay your way.”
I roll my eyes. “One, eww, and two, my mother is seriously standing right here.”
My mom and Xander laugh. “Well,” Mom says with a wink, “there was a man who checked in a bit ago who was very handsome, wore a blue shirt the color of your eyes. Maybe it’s a sign.”
“Mother. I don’t care about nonsense signs. I care about someone’s heart.”
“Sweet,” Xander says. “Really precious, but this is the real world, Twila. You’re twenty-two, a virgin and—”
I cut him off. “And my mother is still right here! Where is your filter?” I shake my head, laughing.
My mom laughs too. I know my mom isn’t offended by Xander’s lack of discretion. She’s raised me on her own, and there are no secrets between us.
“I just want my Twila to be happy,” she says. “Though, having a little fun might do you some good.”
I grab Xander’s arm. “I am having fun. I’m headed to my birthday party right now, aren’t I?”
Mom waves goodbye, but Xander hops up on the counter first to give her a hug. Soon we are in his Jeep, headed down the highway.
When we get to the bar slash surf shop, my friends are all there, locals who work in tourism. Luca, Tandy, Kate, David — everyone came.
“How did you guys manage this?” I say as they carry out a cake to a beachside table, candles lit.
“It’s a Thursday,” Luca says. “We didn’t have any snorkeling tours booked.”
“And I just put a closed sign on the coffee shop,” Kate says with a laugh. “Now make a wish.”
I lean over my chocolate cake and close my eyes. I wish for this year to be better than the last. It’s a tall order. This past year I finally got over being self-conscious of my curves, and started an Instagram account to share that self-love with others. The outpouring has been incredible. Turns out there are a lot of women who like getting swimsuit recommendations from plus size women.
“Let me guess what you wished for,” Tandy says with a grin. “A lovah?”
“No one says lovah,” David teases. Then he hands me a knife to do the honors of cutting the cake. “But tell us, did you wish for a man? Because Twila, it’s time.”
“You guys…” I shake my head. I may be crazy confident about my body… but the idea of being with a man still makes me nervous. “Sex isn’t everything.”
They all exchange looks. “Sure,” Kate says. “We just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” I say automatically, giving them a big smile as everyone
