way too hard on yourself.”
I roll my eyes, and thank him. With less than three years of my career under my belt that is far from true. Ben on the other hand was able to take his career by storm the second he got his real estate license.
We are full of smiles and continue a gossipy conversation about the people in our office. Including a discussion on our bosses’ recent weight gain, and Millie the receptionist’s creepy looking boyfriend who sends her flowers every other day. But all conversation comes to a screeching halt, when the creaking hinges of the door startle us and Stephanie and Michelle tumble into the villa. I push away from Ben feeling caught red handed, but neither one of them flinches at the sight of us lying inches apart on the bed.
“Well, hello” Stephanie says and tosses off her shoes.
Michelle stumbles in behind her and flops down on the sofa, “What did you two do all night?”
“Nothing” Ben calmly says and sits up on the bed, “I was too tired from fishing all day, so I called Megan to see what she was up to. I didn’t feel like going out either.”
Stephanie makes her way over to my bed, and flops down on the edge beside Ben, “Well you guys missed out on a great night.” She runs her fingers up his exposed arm and pinches his cheek.
Ben brushes her away, “How much have you had to drink?”
“She’s intoxicated.” Michelle says and gets up from the sofa and looks right at me, “By the way, your boyfriend was there. Eric had him and Stephanie doing shots all night long.”
“Whose boyfriend?” I ask playing-dumb, not at all impressed by this sudden labeling.
“Ah let me think. The guy you’ve been seeing, Steven, Jessica’s cousin. Does that ring a bell?” Michelle says with a slight bit of humor to her voice, and kicks off her sandals. “He asked where you were tonight, but obviously we had to tell him you ditched out.”
“Well just to be clear, he’s not my boyfriend.” I say and force my eyes to the floor.
“You would be more than lucky if he was. He’s awesome.” Stephanie says with a hiccup, “You should have seen him and Eric on stage with the dancers from the resort. They were completely wasted and it was hilarious.”
“Sounds like fun.” Ben rolls his eyes.
“I wish you guys were there.” Stephanie coos and hangs off of Ben’s arm. She grazes her hand over his chest and bats her long auburn lashes in his face. Her behavior, although not surprising, instinctually has me wanting to rip her off of him. Of course I don’t. Instead I clench my jaw and shift between the sheets.
“Well I think we had a pretty great night too.” Ben smiles at me and removes Stephanie’s hand from his chest.
She darts her glazed eyes at me and raises her eyebrows, “Well how about that.” Then she adds with a slur, “It looks like we all had a great night then. Didn’t we Michelle?”
“Shut up!” Michelle shouts and tosses her clutch; missing Stephanie by an inch.
“I caught Michelle and Matthew having sex in the washroom.” Stephanie giggles.
“I told you not to say anything,” Michelle snaps.
“Oh, who cares, you two aren’t fooling anybody.” Stephanie says and flashes a coy smile at Ben. He shifts his weight and clears his throat. A few awkward seconds later, he gets up and says he is going back to his villa. Stephanie blows him a kiss as he exits through the doors. She looks back at us then says, “Well ladies. Goodnight.”
****
The next morning I wake up, crawl out of bed and throw on a simple black string bikini. I rifle through my luggage and pull out a sparkling stunner of a cover-up. It is a sexy black sheer bodice with a dazzling gold embellishment plunging along the neckline. I wanted to wear this once I got a little sun kissed, so I am glad that my white Chicago skin is gone, and my tropical glow is radiating.
I walk down the cobblestone road, leaving the villa and the girls to their dreams. I find my way to the breakfast buffet alone and happy. I select a hearty meal of poached eggs, toast, and a fruit salad. I pick a small table in the corner over-looking the ocean, eat in peace and drink my coffee. When I cannot stand to swallow down another bite, a server comes by and asks me if I want