Page 13 of Paradise Pride

“Hey. Are you having a good time?”

“We are.” Meghan smiled. “And you, Miss Popular?”

Florence laughed. “Don’t be fooled. I’m only popular because I hand out free drinks.”

“I doubt that’s the reason.” Meghan, who was on her fourth cocktail, sounded flirtatious, and Florence caught Kim shooting a curious glance at her. “I mean, you’re very nice,” she quickly corrected herself. “That’s why everyone likes you.”

“We were just discussing with these lovely ladies here what our type would be if we were gay,” Kim chipped in. “And although she denies it, I have a feeling you might be Meg’s type.”

“Kim!” Meghan nudged her friend and let out a nervous chuckle. “You’re embarrassing me.” She turned to Florence and waved a hand. “Don’t listen to her, she’s had too much to drink already.”

“I’ll say it, you’re definitely my type, Florence,” one of the other women yelled over the music, saving Meghan and Florence from the awkward exchange. Florence wasn’t easily taken aback, but hearing those words from Kim did something to her, whether they were true or not.

“Thanks. I’m feeling good about myself today,” she joked and gave them a quick wave before she walked off. “Enjoy the party, ladies.”

13

Meghan

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay, babe?” Kim was dressed ready to go out, and a trail of strong perfume wafted around her as she got up and hung her handbag over her shoulder.

“Yes, stop asking me that and go!” Meghan waved her off. “Have fun with your man and don’t worry about me.”

“We’ll take care of her,” Sammy, one of the women next to her said. She was from the UK and holidaying with her partner Laura. They were fun and chatty, and Meghan and Kim had been talking to them for hours.

“And we’ll let you know what her type is tomorrow,” Laura yelled when Kim blew them a kiss. “Sorry, no offence. I couldn’t resist,” she said with a grin, clinking her glass against Meghan’s.

“No offence taken.” Meghan sat up and took a sip. Feeling light-headed, she searched for her water bottle in her purse. Downing the bottle in one go, she looked from Laura to Sammy and back. They were sweet and constantly fussing over each other. “So how did you two meet?”

“We met at a festival similar to this one, in Greece,” Laura said. “Sammy bravely saved my life. I stupidly went into the sea against all warnings as the current was strong that day, and I got pulled under.” She put an arm around her girlfriend and kissed her cheek. “And then Sammy dove in and rescued me.”

“How romantic. That’s quite a story to tell if you ever get married.”

“Yeah, right?” Laura beamed. “As soon as I caught my breath and came to my senses, I looked at her and I just knew she was the one.”

“So did I,” Sammy said. “Call it luck, call it fate, I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.”

“Even though I looked like a stranded whale once she’d pulled me onto the shore.” Laura laughed. “My bikini was all over the place, there was sand everywhere, my skin was raw from being dragged over the sea floor, and I think I was drooling.”

“You looked beautiful,” Sammy said. “But her thighs and one ankle were quite badly hurt, so I took her to A and E. When we came out of hospital, we passed this super-cute restaurant. I asked if she wanted to have dinner with me and the rest is history.” She cupped Laura’s face and looked at her so lovingly it brought a lump to Meghan’s throat. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” Laura shot her a cute smile before she turned back to Meghan. “Anyway, that’s our story.”

“It’ so, so sweet.” Meghan noticed they were running low on drinks, and although she’d had enough herself, she was happy to stand in line at the bar and maybe talk to Florence for a few minutes. “Can I get you a drink?” she asked, getting up. “Same?”

“Yes, please! Are you going to order from that bartender you spent the night with?”

Meghan rolled her eyes and chuckled. “How many time do I have to tell you?”

“Sure. You’re not gay and you don’t fancy her.” Sammy arched a brow at her. “Come on, Meghan. I may not know you very well, but I’ve seen you checking her out, and she’s been doing the same. There’s nothing wrong with being gay for a day.”

Meghan shrugged, hoping they couldn’t see how flustered she felt. “I know there’s nothing wrong with it,” she said. “But I’m not gay, not even for a day. Not yesterday, not today, and not tomorrow.” Heading over to the bar, she noticed the queues had died down, and she could see Florence behind the handful of women who were clearly not there to get a drink.Just like me.

“Hey, there.” Florence waved at her before she’d even reached the bar, and to Meghan’s delight, she ignored everyone else. “Would you like another margarita?”

“No thanks. Just two Unicorns for those women next to me.” She pointed to Laura and Sammy. “And a water for me, please.”

“Okay. A water for you…” Florence made a show of making her the most beautiful pint cup of water with lots of ice, lime and so many sparkly cocktail sticks and decorated straws that it made Meghan snicker. “And the Unicorns,” she added, handing Meghan two cocktails she’d made earlier. The DJ announced the dance competition over the speakers, and she arched a brow at Meghan. “Are you sure you don’t want to join?”

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