Page 19 of Paradise Pride

“Yeah, about the straight thing…” Manuel tilted his head as his gaze followed Meghan, who was walking back to Kim with their drinks. “I’ve been all levels of confused with such a mix of different women here, but I could have sworn she was into you.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. It’s the way she looks at you.” Manuel shrugged. “So maybe she’s not so straight, and as far as your job is concerned, Stella knows about your sleepovers, right?”

“Not exactly. She knows about one sleepover,” Florence said.

“Stella knows what?”

Florence jumped at the voice behind her and turned around. “Oh, hi, Stella. Manuel was just asking if I’d told you about staying over in Meghan’s room.” She had no intention of mentioning the second night unless she really had to. Or the other nights she planned on keeping Meghan company.

“Yes, she told me, and it’s fine,” Stella said while she opened the fridge to check the stock levels. How are you guys? I’m not super busy, so I can take over if you need a break.”

“I’m good. Everyone prefers to order from Florence, so I haven’t exactly been working hard.” Manuel tutted. “They’re practically throwing themselves at her. I’ve never felt so invisible in my life.”

Stella laughed and tapped the fridge. “Why don’t you go and restock, then? We’re low on Bacardi, vodka and lemonade.” She paused as she scanned the bar. “Oh, and we need more straws and umbrellas. They’re in the back of the stockroom, top shelf.”

“Will do, boss.” Manuel piled the empty bottles into a crate and slipped from behind the bar.

“And you?” Stella turned to Florence. Do you need a break?”

“No, I’m fine,” Florence said, needing distraction from her recent exchange with Meghan. “Maybe later.”

“Okay, just give me a shout.” Stella shot Florence an amused look. “I’ve never heard Manuel complain about lack of attention.”

“I actually wouldn’t mind if the attention was on him.” Florence lowered her voice as a group of women approached. “It’s hard work, and we don’t even get tips as it’s all-inclusive.”

“Yes, if this was a paid resort, my guess is you’d be able to retire tomorrow,” Stella joked. “Well, let me know when you need a breather. I’ll be over there with Lisa for a little while.”

Florence watched Stella join her girlfriend and some friends at the other bar. It was weird to see her boss all giddy around a woman, but Stella and Lisa made a cute pair. The tall, blonde woman had arrived from the UK months ago, and after meeting Stella, it looked like she was here to stay. Well, not at Paradise Hotel, as Lisa was living with Stella now, and Florence admired how they were doing everything in their power to make it work.

“Florence!” two women shouted in unison. “Our favourite bartender!”

“Hello, ladies!” Florence dug through her memory as she greeted them with great enthusiasm. They’d introduced themselves several times, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember their names. She’d never been good with names; not like Manuel, who memorised the name of every attractive woman on the premises. But Florence always remembered what people drank, and that was good enough, she supposed. “What are we having? Unicorns, right?”

19

Meghan

Ican do this, Meghan decided. She would go to her room early and get used to being there alone before it got dark. Surely, that would help. Kim had just left to meet with Andres, so she wouldn’t question why she was up there. Meghan didn’t want to rely on Florence, and it was time that she faced her fears so she wouldn’t find herself in this situation again in future. The phone number had been a wake-up call. It had bugged her all day, and that wasn’t healthy. If she spent another night with Florence, her irrational jealousy might ruin her holiday, and she didn’t want that to happen. The constant speculation as to whose number it was bordered on obsessive. She’d been observing women at the bar, imagining them with Florence, and it made her feel sick.

As she walked to the main building, Florence came up behind her. “Wait!” she said, catching her breath as if she’d been running. “I was just looking for you. The event finishes at nine, so I’ll probably be done by nine-thirty. Do you want to grab some dinner with me later?”

Meghan’s heart pounded as their eyes met. This woman had the ability to throw her off her game in seconds. “Don’t you have a hot date or something?” she asked, hoping she didn’t sound irritated.

“Are you referring to the phone number?” Florence looked slightly uneasy, and she averted her gaze.

“Yes. I assume you’re planning on meeting up with whoever gave you their number?”Oh, God. Now I really do sound jealous. It wasn’t any of her business who Florence went out with. Just because they were flirting a little didn’t mean she had the right to claim her, and besides, why would Florence be interested in a straight woman like her? Maybe Kim was right; the flirtations were probably just a game, and it was obvious she flirted with everyone. Maybe getting a straight woman interested in her was a challenge.

“I am, but not until Tuesday.” Florence pointed to a stunning blonde who was packing her things into a bag. “It’s that woman over there in the yellow bikini. I’m not really that bothered. She kind of cornered me, but I figured, I’m single, so why not?”

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” Meghan said, but her stomach dropped at the thought of Florence and the blonde together.

“I know I don’t. But it still feels—” Florence stopped herself and shook her head. “Never mind. So, tonight? Are you up for some company?”

Meghan hesitated, her resolve already crumbling. Florence’s company would enable her to sleep, but it was a bad idea to spend so much time together when she was becoming increasingly infatuated. At the same time, her growing interest was the very reason she wanted to see Florence. Player or no player, deep down she knew something might happen, and what was the harm in that? She was curious, and if this was a way to scratch an itch, would it be so bad if Florence felt the same way? If Florence got to conquer a straight woman and Meghan got to experience a new kind of intimacy… “Sure,” she heard herself say. “If you want to, I’d love to see you tonight.”

“Okay. I can meet you in town at nine-thirty?”

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