Page 47 of Wild Idol
Reality would be quite the contrast.
It took about 45 minutes of bouncing across the water before a tiny speck on the horizon came into view. The island grew as we drew near. Before long, we approached the beach.
Miguel pulled up to a small wooden pier that extended into the bay. We grabbed our bags and disembarked, stepping onto the sun-bleached planks.
“I’ll come back in three days,” Miguel assured with a smile.
Somehow, his smile looked insincere. It didn’t give me a lot of faith.
“Three days,” I repeated.
Another center console was tied up at the dock. There was at least a way off the island if Miguel failed to return.
The guide reversed, spun the boat around, and headed back toward San Montego. The outboards howled, spitting white water. The bow crashed against the surf, and the boat grew small as Miguel headed toward the endless horizon.
The island was paradise.
White sand beaches and translucent waves crashing against the shore. Water so clear you could see all the aquatic life in the bay. Towering palm trees and lush foliage covered the oasis.
Apart from the heat, it was heavenly.
That sentiment was further confirmed when two sun-kissed blondes approached, wearing teeny bikinis with sheer sarongs wrapped around luscious hips. The taut fabric could barely contain their enthusiastic endowments which yearned to roam free. Bare feet hustled across the sand and slapped against the wooden planks. Withsparkling blue eyes and pearly teeth, they welcomed us to the island.
The heat turned up a notch, and my pulse quickened.
Somebody had obviously been keeping tabs on our approach.
“Greetings, weary travelers,” a soft voice said, spilling from kissable lips. “Welcome to Xaqualta. The land of dreams and possibilities.”
There were possibilities, alright. So far, the island was looking good.
“I’m Sunshine, and this is Whisper.”
We made introductions, but the process was interrupted.
“We don’t shake hands here,” Sunshine said. “We hug.”
We were more than okay with hugs.
Sunshine and Whisper closed in with open arms and squeezed us tight with blissful smiles on their pretty faces. It was that soft, lingering kind of hug that made you wish you could freeze time. The kind of hug that made you feel like you were home.
With Sunshine’s bubbly endowments mashed against my chest, the beat of her heart thumped against me, and soon we were in sync.
The girls broke free, and that momentary euphoria faded. They took us each by the hand after we grabbed our bags and led us down the dock, through a path amid the trees. Their skin was soft and smooth, and the girls smelled of coconut. A pleasant floral scent swirled, which could havebeen a homebrew perfume or the natural scent of the island.
The girls had a relaxed carefree vibe, moving like they had no particular place to be and all eternity to get there. Life was a beautiful poem, and their steps were light and effortless. In their presence, the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. Suddenly, Xaqualta didn’t seem like such a bad place to be.
Was I ever wrong about that!
26
Shaded by tall trees and towering palms, the jungle path led to a small village. The crash of waves grew distant, and birdsong filled the air. Even the wildlife seemed happy and content here.
The narrow path gave way to a cozy village that was both primitive and elegant. There were plenty of thatched-roof bungalows with sheer silk curtains that fluttered with the breeze. An open area pavilion with a bar and handwoven tables and chairs provided an area to gather and have meals. Wicker lounge chairs offered a place to soak up the sun around a natural well of spring water that was so blue it almost glowed. Pure and unadulterated. Liquid sapphire. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought somebody had poured dye into the water. A slew of lazy hammocks strung between trees offered a place to pass the time without a care in the world. The landscaping in this area was meticulously groomed, and there were plenty of well-tended pathways.
It felt like a resort while retaining a natural, unmolested vibe. Everything here was crafted from what was availableon the island. The community was truly one with the land. The island gave them life and provided sustenance, and in return, they treated her with respect.
The smell of grilled food drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of spices. Adjacent to the pavilion, a team of chefs prepared meals on makeshift barbecue grills, cooking over open flames.
