Ashley beamed.
On the crowded beach, a live band played the sounds of the legendary groups Earth, Wind, And Fire and Frankie Beverly and Maze. Some smooth jazz sounds by Kenny G were mixed in as well. Ashley had no room for dancing shoes; she danced barefoot on the beach’s white sand. She hadn’t felt this free in years. Niles was an amazing dancer, but Ashley managed to keep up with him. Ashley spotted Yvette dancing with Michael having a good time as well. Yvette danced her way over to Ashley. The cousins laughed. No one had a worry in the world, even the stars twinkling in the night sky seemed to hold a rhythm of their own.
Chapter 5
Morning came too soon after dancing the night away with the handsome and charming Niles Parker. Ashley awoke in her suite, lying across her bed fully dressed in her white dress blouse and high waisted jeans. The fresh scent of salty sea air drifted in from the open patio doors. Ashley got out of bed and walked over to the opened patio doors. She stood out on the balcony letting the morning sun touch her skin. Eyes closed, she bathed in the sun’s light. Someone played Caribbean music from their room and the sound reached Ashley until she herself was swaying like the sheer curtains billowing in the ocean’s breeze. As Ashley danced on the patio, she could hear the door to her suite close behind someone. Ashley walked back into the room to see Yvette.
“Morning, sunshine,” Yvette said.
“Hi, cousin,” Ashley smiled.
Yvette laughed, “How much did you have to drink?”
“I didn’t even finish my one glass of wine at dinner last night.”
“You didn’t wear the netted beach dress I got for you either. It’s still on the bed.”
Ashley looked at the dress on the foot of the bed.
“It’s such a beautiful dress, Yvette. I would have felt overdressed in something that nice.”
“Yeah, well, I have good taste. You can wear it today.” Yvette smiled, “Today is a special day.”
“Yes, it is. I can feel the presence of the Lord surrounding me this morning. He danced in the wind with me, shined his glory down on me in the rays of his radiant sunlight. He is amazing, Yvette.”
Yvette shook her head. “Ash, did you take one of them funny looking cigarettes from one of them islanders last night? Go soak in a nice tub of bubbles. I’m doing your hair and makeup today.”
“I would love to soak before I leave this place. Too bad we leave tonight. It has been an amazing time. I’m glad you talked me into coming. I’ll go get ready. I have to tell Niles goodbye and see where we go from here.”
Yvette laughed, “Girl, you are floating on a cloud. Enjoy your bath, I’ll be back.”
When Yvette made it back to the suite, Ashley had just stepped out of the tub and put on her robe. She watched Yvette setting up makeup and makeup brushes on the vanity’s tabletop. When Yvette started taking oils, perfumes, hairspray, and curling irons out of the bags she’d brought with her to the room, Ashley chuckled.
“Okay, cousin. What is all of this? This looks like a celebrity’s green room.”
“This is for you. You are not going back home the same old boring Ash,” Yvette teased. “Here, try this oil for your skin and layer it with this perfume.”
Ashley took the items from Yvette’s hands.
“Next, I’m going to do your hair and makeup. Trust me, Ash, you will be beautiful.”
Ashley smiled at Yvette and went into the bathroom to oil herself up and put on perfume.
***
Ashley sat with her back turned away from the vanity’s mirror as Yvette put the finishing touches on her makeup. Yvette stopped and took a step back. She looked at Ashley for a moment before applying more lipstick to Ashley’s lips.
Yvette nodded, “Now that should do it.”
“Awesome, let me see,” Ashley started to turn around.
“Hold on, hold your horses.” Yvette removed the towel from Ashley’s shoulders. “Ok, now.”
Ashley turned to observe herself in the mirror and gasped. “Yvette, wow! I look amazing. You’ve always done a great job on makeup, but this takes the cake. I look good, girl.” Ashley laughed, continuing to admire herself.
“Now let’s complete the look.” Yvette walked over to the bed and retrieved the dress. Ashley slipped into the dress. “Can you zip me up?” Once she felt the dress snug at her back, she turned around and struck a pose.
“Wow! You look damn good, cousin. Come on grab your purse, we are going to be late,” Yvette said, gathering her things.
Ashley frowned. “Late for what? Where are we going?”
Yvette had already exited the room. Ashley followed Yvette downstairs, through the lobby and to the boardwalk that stood over the white sands on the beach and water. At the end of the boardwalk was a table with a white tablecloth, two place settings were set up for dining. Ashley turned and looked at Yvette. Yvette motioned for her to sit at the table. Ashley walked away from Yvette and took a seat. A man with a violin approached the table and began to play. Ashley was so surprised. She was enjoying the music when she felt someone place their hand on her shoulder.
Ashley turned and looked up to see Niles. He was wearing a nice black suit jacket, a white button-down shirt, and a pair of black slacks to match his jacket. He looked her over and a sign of approval was expressed on his face.
“Niles, you look amazing,” Ashley said.
“So do you, dear. Your dress is beautiful.” His familiar warm and inviting smile surfaced giving Ashley butterflies in her stomach.
“Why don’t you stand up and let him see the whole dress, Ash!” Yvette said.
Ashley thought Yvette was long gone and was surprised to see her standing behind them.
Ashley stood, and when she did Niles took
