She exclaims and leans across the table. She stirs her straw amongst the ice cubes in her drink then adds, “I am so happy you agree. I knew you would love to end your speech off by preforming our rendition of “Baby Got Back” that we choreographed in fifth grade. It would be such a great finishing touch.”
I choke on my drink, and let out a few coughs, “Really? You think?”
“Oh Megan! I knew you weren’t listening!” She pulls her straw out from her drink, and flicks limey droplets in my face, “Like I would make you do that! But honestly, this speech is important to me. You know that.”
“I know” I say wiping the sticky substance from my cheek, “I’m sorry. I promise it will be the best speech you have ever heard.”
Jessica smiles, “It better be.” and gives me a great big drunk hug.
Within no time, the bar is closing and we are the only ones left. The servers tidy up around us, and I know from my previous stint as a server in university, that this is the staff’s polite way of telling you to get the hell out.
“Let’s go back to our villa” Stephanie exclaims to entice the others.
Of course Matthew and Eric agree, but level headed Michael kisses the top of Jessica’s head, and decides for both of them to call it a night. Jessica forces a small protest, but with a final yawn, she gives in to Michael’s better notions as they head off to their villa.
“Maybe we should all go to bed.” I say with a yawn.
“Why are you always such a party pooper?” Michelle says and slams back the rest of her drink.
“I am not party pooping, I am just being reasonable. Besides, it’s one-thirty in the morning.” I reply.
“We are on vacation Megan!” Eric shouts and nudges me as he grazes by my side. “Lighten up.”
Ben laughs at Eric’s comment and teasingly gives me a pout. I roll my eyes at him and shout to everyone walking away from me, “All of you are going to be sorry in the morning.”
They all ignore me, and chatter amongst themselves continuing their pursuit to our villa. Ben lingers at my side, and drapes an arm around my shoulders to follow behind everyone else. Once we are halfway to our villa, he gives my hair a playful ruffle and whispers, “Play along with me.”
Before I can even ask him what he is talking about, he stops dead in his tracks and shouts to everyone up ahead, “Megan left her purse at the restaurant. We’ll catch up with you in a bit.”
I turn bright red, thankful it is pitch black outside. I am thrilled and nervous in anticipation of what he has in mind. Our friends mumble a mixture of whatever, and see you soon, as Ben and I watch them fade into the dark of the night.
“Are you crazy?” I laugh and push away from him, “What do you think you’re doing?”
Ben yanks my arm and pulls me into his chest. He places his chin on my head and holds me in his arms, “I wanted to be alone with you.”
His words form a tiny prickle behind my knees. He slides his hands down my back, and slips one hand to entwine in my fingers. He kisses the top of my head and tugs me in the opposite direction to lead us down to the pool area.
The water is still and glistens from the lights reflected in the pool. Ben kicks off his sandals, rolls up his pants, and sticks his feet in the water. He waves me over to sit beside him and I do. I slip off my sandals and plunk my feet into the cool calm waters.
The first thing Ben says is, “Would you rather be able to talk with animals or be able to speak all foreign languages?”
I of course laugh at his ability to come up with ridiculous things right on the spot, “Obviously I would rather be able to talk with animals. You know how much I love them.”
“Yeah, but if you could speak all languages, you could eavesdrop on all the foreigners conversations” He tries to argue.
“Yeah, but when does that ever happen?” I say.
“Well you could travel the world and communicate wherever you went.” Ben says matter-of-factly.
“Well whenever I get around to doing that, I’ll let you know.”
“Can I come with you when you do?” He innocently asks.
I roll my eyes, “Trust me, if I ever