“If you say so.” I’m not so sure about her plan of not having a plan.
“All I want is for you to have fun without worrying about tomorrow or next week or next year. Live in the moment and be happy—truly happy—for once.” She means well, but she obviously doesn’t know me as well as she thinks she does.
Planning gives me a sense of security. Not planning makes me nervous because I don’t know what’s coming around the bend.
When I don’t respond, she lowers her brows and narrows her eyes. “I know exactly what you’re thinking, Daisy Nash. Not having your every moment scheduled will be liberating, not frightening.”
Well, perhaps she knows me a little better than I initially thought, but that doesn’t change my stance. But for her sake, I’ll try to go with the flow and see what happens. Worst-case scenario, she’s forced to acknowledge I can’t function the same way she does. Best-case scenario, I learn I can. We both win either way.
At least, that’s what I’m trying to convince myself anyway.
“Okay, I’ll try this your way. Don’t make me regret it. What do you want to do first when we get there?”
“Grab a couple of drinks and check out every amenity the place offers. After you’ve had enough liquid courage, we can walk around and find you a delicious man. Out of all the guys who will be there, there has to be at least one you’ll like.”
One thing Tracy has given me an earful about is how picky I am about who I will and won’t date. I’ve had plenty of offers, but my response is almost always a “no, thank you.” I can’t help it, though. I have standards I expect them to live up to immediately, and when they fall short before they’ve even suggested a date, I can’t lower my expectations for a free meal and a movie.
My standards are simple: no players, man-whores, or any man who takes longer to get ready than I do.
Going by those three principles alone, I don’t think I’ll find “the one” at a singles resort, despite Tracy’s insistence that I shut up about it and just have a marvelous time. Let whatever happens happen. Throw caution to the wind and let it all hang out.
I’m not so confident I can do that. But I’m determined to have fun with my bestie, so I’ll fake my way through the awkward moments until we’re back in Atlanta and back in our comfortable routines.
We board our three-and-a-half-hour flight and take our seats in first class. The flight attendants spoil us, bringing drinks and high-end snacks until the pilot lowers the wheels for landing. We exit down the stairs and walk straight into a separate line for immigration and customs. Our all-inclusive resort thought of everything, including our transportation via the Mercedes van, with a hotel concierge onboard to check us in so we can avoid the line in the lobby. I rarely splurge for myself, but I couldn’t resist doing it for this trip. This is the first time I’ve been away on a vacation like this in my entire life. I don’t expect to find the love of my life on this trip, but I do want to meet someone and have fun, despite Tracy’s doubts otherwise.
When we arrive at our hotel, we’re met by the resort’s greeting staff, trays of tropical umbrella drinks, and porters who take our luggage to our rooms. With our drinks in hand, we walk through the lobby with our mouths hanging open and giddiness building inside with our every step. Tracy takes my hand and pulls me up the grand staircase and through the doors to the expansive patio overlooking the vibrant blue sea below.
The wind blows across our face, and we have the best views of the clear Caribbean Sea. We settle against the railing, sip our drinks, and leave all our cares behind. For the next ten days, we’re two single ladies on an elegant island oasis, complete with pools, restaurants, bars, casinos, spas, and costume parties, on a warm southern island in the Caribbean Sea.
With my eyes closed for a moment, I inhale the salty air and envision the day ahead of us. We have what’s left of the day and all night to explore the expansive resort. Then tomorrow night, we have a late-night costume party to kick off the festivities in a big way. Focusing on the here and now helps calm my mind and tamp down the anxiety lying just under the surface, agitating all my nerves at once.
My life is splendid now, and this trip will only reinforce that fact in my mind.
“Drink up. Another round is coming.” Tracy interrupts my Zen moment with her demand, but I’m picking my battles. Having another drink on a tropical island isn’t on my list of worries.
When my glass is empty, she replaces it with a fresh one before we stroll along the pathway to the other side. “I already feel more relaxed. This was an excellent idea. Thanks for making me come with you.”
“Of course. I’ll always be your wing-girl, and you’ll be mine wherever we go. Someone has to make sure you have a little fun in your life. You can’t always be the responsible one.”
Her words strike a chord deep inside me, immediately conjuring memories I’d rather forget, but can’t. Instead of dwelling on them yet again, I intentionally turn my mind’s eye to the positive. “One of us has to be. We’d end up in the local jail for most of our trip if I rely on you to be the adult.”
Before she can hit me with her typical sarcastic comeback, two handsome men walk through the door behind us. The one in front is tall, obviously works out and
