Page 10 of Paradise Pride

“Sure. Then we’ll do Tuesday,” Kim said, taking a seat at one of the tables in the outdoor area. “I love travelling with you. You’re so independent and I never feel like I have to worry about you.”

“I have to be, babe. I’m single.” Meghan sat back, enjoying the mild morning temperatures. Since most guests were yet to arrive, it was quiet in the dining area, but she suspected it would be chaos tomorrow. Scanning the other tables, she saw couples, mainly, or at least she assumed they were couples as they seemed so comfortable with each other. Some were younger than her, some older, all of them smiling, visibly excited for the weekend ahead. “Do you think they think we’re a couple?” she asked, lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Gross. I hope not. I wouldn’t do you in a million years.” Kim grimaced and got up when the staff showed no intention of serving them. “Come on, I need coffee.”

“Thanks for the confidence boost, arsehole. Same here,” Meghan joked. She left her bag on her chair and followed Kim to get breakfast.

“I feel like everyone’s checking me out,” Kim said with a nervous giggle as she piled scrambled eggs onto a slice of toast.

“They probably are. Take it as a compliment.” Meghan slapped Kim’s behind playfully. “You’re looking lovely, by the way. Is that a new sarong?”

“Yes. Andres might pop by on his break. I said I’d meet him in front of the hotel.” Kim picked up a fork and pointed it at Meghan. “But you look nice too, darling. Who did you dress up for?”

10

Florence

“What can I get you?” Florence put on her most charming smile as she leaned over the bar. “Three beers? Sure, coming up.” She kept half an eye on Meghan, who had just chosen a sunbed on the other side of the pool, facing her. The other woman, whom she assumed was her friend, had applied sunscreen to her back, and Meghan was returning the favour. She’d put one of the hotel’s garlands around her neck to make up for the lack of colour in her black bikini and matching sarong, and her long, dark hair fell over her shoulders with bouncy, curled ends. Florence was hoping Meghan would order a drink from her, and her smile widened when she finally walked over with her friend. Typical that of all the women here, she only had eyes for one of the two straight ones.

“Three beers for you,” she said, placing them on the bar. Wanting to impress Meghan, she rushed to get a margarita ready as she arrived.

“Hey, there. I hope you’re not too tired?” Meghan asked, twirling a lock of hair around her finger as she propped her elbow on the bar.

“Not at all. I’m feeling great today, and you look fantastic.”

“Oh, thanks.” Meghan looked her up and down. “So do you. You’re rocking the rainbow top.”

“Thank you.” Florence felt her cheeks turn pink as she put the margarita in front of Meghan. “Here, your usual,” she said with a wink. “Or would you prefer something else?”

“Ehm, it’s a bit early for alcohol, but I’ll have one.” Meghan chuckled. “You’re quick.”

“I told you I’d look after you.” Florence turned to Meghan’s companion, whose curious eyes looked her over. “You must be Kim. I’m Florence. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Very nice to meet you too.” Kim smiled. “And thank you for staying with Meghan last night. It’s so sweet of you.”

“Trust me, the pleasure was all mine. What can I get you?”

“I think I’ll have the same. But don’t make it too strong. I’m seeing my boyfriend later,” Kim announced loudly enough for everyone around her to hear it. She was clearly a bit uncomfortable being straight amidst queer women, but she seemed nice nevertheless, Florence decided.

“Don’t listen to her, she’ll have a double.” Meghan took a sip of her drink and nodded slowly as she shot Florence an approving look. “It’s good, babe. Just have the same as me, you’ll be fine,” she said to Kim.

“Will you be here later?” Florence asked. She just couldn’t help herself. “There’s a dance competition on at eight.”

Meghan laughed. I’m a crap dancer, so I won’t sign up for that, but I might come and watch.”

“You should.” Florence had specifically mentioned the last event of the day, hoping she’d be able to catch Meghan before she went to bed. “I’m a crap dancer too, but I might give it a go anyway.”

“Oh, are you feeling it?” Meghan asked.

“Yeah, I’m kind of bouncy today.” Florence chuckled when a couple of women cheered at her comment. She hadn’t realised people were listening in and had totally forgotten about her job, which was to serve people. Not just Meghan, but everyone. “I’ll see you around,” she said with a cheeky smile. “I’ll be here.”

“So will I.” Meghan turned and walked off, and Florence wished she wasn’t at work, so she could talk to her some more. “Who’s next?” she asked and laughed when at least ten women raised their hands. Manuel came back from his break, and she let out a sigh of relief. “You take the left side, and I’ll take the right,” she said, giving him a fist bump.

Manuel arched a brow at her when most women shifted over to the right. “Check you out, little Miss Popular,” he muttered. “How do you do that?”

“Just be nice,” she mouthed back. “That’s all there’s to it.”

“Like you were nice to that hot brunette over there last night?” Manuel glanced in Meghan’s direction.

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