Page 15 of Paradise Pride

“Hey. Did you have a good day?”

“It was lovely. I made so many new friends.” Meghan hesitated as she fiddled with the strap of her straw beach bag. “And I really enjoyed our dance.”

“Me too. You’re a great dancer. We should do it again some time.”

Meghan met her eyes, and Florence was sure she detected a little flirtation in her gaze. “I’d like that.” Apart from a couple of women who were talking to the DJ, the poolside was quiet. She got up and grabbed her bag. “I’m sorry. I suppose I should leave so you can clear.”

“I’m off duty now, but yes, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave the poolside,” Florence said. “I’ll walk you to your room if you want.”

“You don’t have to do that. It’s—”

“It’s nothing. Please let me,” Florence interrupted her. She put a hand on Meghan’s lower back as she led them into the hotel. “I sense that you’re still uncomfortable. Are you?”

“A little.” Meghan gave her a grateful smile and let out a long sigh. “Thank you. You must think I’m crazy. There are hundreds of women here, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“That’s not the point. Your fear is real to you, so no, I don’t think you’re crazy.” Florence noticed women staring at them as they went into the lift together.

“I bet they’re jealous,” Meghan said with a nervous chuckle as if reading her mind. “They’ve been pining after you all day.”

Florence laughed and shook her head. “It’s more likely to be the other way around. You certainly made yourself popular today.” She let Meghan exit the lift first and waited for her to open the door to her room.

“They were just being nice,” Meghan said with a shy smile, taking a few careful steps into her room while Florence got on her knees to check under the bed, then went outside to the balcony and into the bathroom. “Like you.” She looked at her pensively. “Whyareyou being so nice to me? I know I already asked you, but it’s late and I’m sure you’re tired.”

Florence shrugged. “I like you.” Her eyes met Meghan’s, and she hoped Meghan could see she meant it. There was a long silence in which neither of them moved or looked away until Meghan finally spoke.

“I like you too,” she said in a whisper. “And thank you, for checking the room. It makes all the difference.”

“You’re welcome.” Florence felt like she was drowning in Meghan’s big, dark eyes that still carried a hint of unease. “Is Kim coming back tonight?”

“No. She’s staying with Andres.”

“Will you be okay?”

“I think so. It’s about time I get over this…” Meghan’s voice trailed away, and she swallowed hard. “This stupid, irrational anxiety.” She gestured to the thin wall that let through the noise from the room next door. “There are people here, for God’s sake. So many people. Nice women. It’s not like they’re going to…”

“Going to what?”

“Nothing,” Meghan whispered, shaking her head.

Florence put a hand on Meghan’s shoulder and winced when she felt her trembling. “Would you like me to stay with you?” When Meghan didn’t answer, she pressed on. “You don’t have to feel bad about it. I’m very happy to sleep here again so I don’t have to commute back and forth, and my manager already knows I spent the night here, so it won’t get me in trouble.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Florence pointed to the bed. “Can I have my usual side?”

“Of course.” Meghan looked visibly relieved. “I have a nice bottle of wine in the fridge that Kim brought from Andres’ restaurant. Would you like a nightcap?”

15

Meghan

It was cooler than last night, and it was pleasant as they sat on the balcony with a blanket. Meghan was torn between contradicting emotions; shame that she couldn’t spend a single night on her own without being afraid, a sense of excitement that Florence was here again, and on top of that, she felt confusion regarding that same excitement. Her anxiety hadn’t been an act; she truly was scared of being here by herself, but she’d never expected Florence to offer her company for the second night in a row.

“What Kim said today, about you being my type…” She paused, pondering over how best to explain she wasn’t taking advantage of Florence. “It was just a joke. I don’t want you to think I’ve been playing the damsel in distress because…”

“I know. You already told me. You’re not into women, and even if you were, that’s not why I’m here.” Florence put a hand on hers and turned towards her. “Look, you don’t have to tell me, of course, but if you’d like to talk about it, I’m here.”

Meghan felt her heart race at the question. In any other situation, she’d avoid answering, but Florence made her feel safe and she wanted her to understand why she was behaving in a way that may seem pathetic to some. “I was robbed in a hotel room,” she said in a thin voice. “Two years ago, in Paris.”

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