Page 58 of Wild Idol
“Hatred for what you represented. My father. Now I see more clearly who you really are.”
“The only reason we are here together is because Solomon told you to persuade me. I don’t need persuading. I’d feel guilty if I took advantage of the situation.”
“A man with a conscience. I like that. I didn’t think there were many left.”
“Give us a chance. We might surprise you.”
“I already gave you a chance. And now I feel silly.” She extended her hand as she treaded water by the edge. “Help me out.”
I stood up and grabbed her hand. As I did, she pulled me into the water.
33
Isplashed into the obsidian water as Ivy climbed out, giggling.
“You think it’s funny, do you?” I teased.
“Yes, I do.” She collected her bikini and got dressed. The flickering light accentuated her figure, and water beaded, glistening her smooth skin. “You should have jumped in when you had the opportunity.”
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t somewhat question my judgment. She looked damn good.
By the time I pulled myself out of the water, Ivy had scampered away, absconding with the small torch. The two remaining torches flickered as I dripped dry on the slab, water pooling around my squishy sneakers.
I peeled out of my clothes and rang them out, the water splatting against the stone. When they were sufficiently dry, I put them back on and started back toward the village, down the darkened path. I pulled my cell phone from mypocket and used the flashlight to illuminate the way. Fortunately, it was waterproof. There was no service out here and no way to charge it up, but I had been using it sparingly and turning it off when not in use.
I followed the sound of the revelers around the campfire, making my way back toward the village. Darcy’s soft voice filtered through the trees as she sang aspirational songs.
The crowd had thinned out by the time I returned. JD disappeared with Whisper, no doubt to reprise their afternoon delights. Peace and free love seemed to be a common ethos around here. But Solomon definitely had his spell cast over the congregation.
I made my way back to my bungalow and settled in for the evening. I peeled out of my clothes, climbed into bed, and draped the mosquito netting around the perimeter. The fan above spun slow circles, moving just enough air around the room to keep it from getting stuffy. The temperature had dropped to around 72°. It was a nice evening.
I was still detoxing from the interconnected world. I hadn’t received a text message or a phone call all day. Numerous times I had grabbed my device, looking to see if there were any messages. It was a habit. This level of disconnectedness was unusual, and I had the slight sense that I was missing out on something. I’m sure after a few days, that would fade, and the pace of life would slow down.
I didn’t know if we would be here that long.
But I had to admit, it was a nice break from the constant chaos. I knew that Solomon was a cheat and a manipulator, and probably worse, but I had seen nothing to lead me to believe that the people here weren’t acting of their own freewill. However, I was still concerned about their ability to just up and leave.
The candle on the nightstand flickered, glowing the room. Shadows danced in soothing ways. Somebody had obviously come into the room and lit the candle while I was gone. This was like a true resort, with turndown service and all-inclusive meals.
A gentle knock at the door drew my attention.
An instant later, the door cracked open, and a soft voice whispered inside, “Are you asleep?”
“Not yet,“ I said.
“Do you mind if I come inside?” Sunshine asked.
How could I say no?
She slipped into the room and gently closed the door behind her. She looked delightful in the soft candlelight. She started across the room, still wearing that teeny bikini and sarong. “I hope I’m not disturbing you. I don’t want to keep you up past your bedtime.”
She had every intention of keeping me up past my bedtime. I can’t say that I would mind.
“Star said you turned her down.”
“Word travels fast,” I said.
“There are no secrets here.”
