Page 36 of Walk on the Wilder Side

“Wow. It really is isolated out here,” Sylvie said. “I’m still shocked you chose a safari as your wish, Alice. I never imagined you’d want to rough it, but I’m not complaining one bit. I love this stuff.”

I hid my smirk the same way I’d hidden the type of accommodations that awaited us in Zambia. But it only took another few turns for our Jeep to arrive at the luxurious resort nestled right against the Zambezi River.

“Whoa!” Marge let out a whistle. “That’s not a tent!”

I smiled. “No. It’s not. In fact, it’s one of the best resorts in the world and the playground of the rich and famous. Nothing but indulgence awaits us. Private suites. International cuisine from some of the finest chefs. Infinity pools in every room. A luxury spa. It’s all here for us to enjoy.”

“Oh, geez! It looks so fancy!” Doris’s mouth remained agape as we made the final drive to the front.

“I can’t believe you thought I’d want to sleep in tents.” I snorted. “Ridiculous. I wanted to go on a safari and see the big cats in their natural habitat, but to hell if I’m sleeping in a tent. Alejandro told me about this place on our second date. He heard about it from some of his cruising guests who stayed here. They said it was the most incredible place they’d ever been to, and they traveled constantly. Ever since I heard about it, I knew I had to come.”

“This is insane!” Sylvie leaned out of the Jeep, her eyes raking over every luxurious inch of the rustic yet chic resort.

“I’m glad you ladies like it,” Ndungu said with a bright, white smile. “You each have your own personal suite overlooking the river with a private dip pool, and I’m here to cater to your every need. We’ll get you settled into your rooms, and then tonight for dinner, we will have our chef prepare you a coursed meal served out on the floating dining area on the river. It’s beautiful. A fire, sparkling lights, the open air. You’ll love it. Tomorrow we’ll go on a river cruise, and then the following day, your safari journey awaits including a trip to Victoria Falls. You’re going to have a wonderous time.”

“I’m never leaving.” Sylvie pressed her hands onto her head as the Jeep pulled to a stop. “I’m calling Tom and telling him we’re moving here. This is incredible.”

“I’m glad you approve.” I slung my purse over my shoulder and hopped out.

Several staff members came out to greet us, and after exchanging pleasantries, we followed Ndungu to our suites. After spending the whole day traveling, my skin and hair begged for a hot, clean shower.

“Get settled and rested,” I said to the ladies before I went into my room. “I need to clean up and take a nap, then in two hours, why don’t we meet out in the lounge outside. We passed it on our way through.”

Doris peeked her head into my suite, and her eyes bugged. “Does mine look like this too?”

I looked around at the impeccable blend of traditional African décor mixed with chic modern lines and amenities. “Yep. They are all the same.”

“Wow.” Sylvie and Marge echoed.

“Your rooms are this way.” Ndungu gestured for them to follow him farther down the hall.

“I’ll see you ladies in two hours.”

With a quick wave, I bid them goodbye, then walked to the giant sliding glass door that overlooked the river. After sliding it open and letting the fresh air waft into my suite, I walked to the bed, drifting my fingers over the sheer, white material dangling all around it. It looked so beautiful, yet a pang of sadness twinged inside me while I appreciated the luxurious bed. Alejandro wouldn’t be here to share it with me. Such a romantic place perfect for a night of incredible passion, and yet, I couldn’t indulge in that fantasy. Alejandro was thousands of miles away, and now that I was married, I couldn’t be the big cat I’d been for years, stalk some prey and find a young, sexy stud to curl my toes beneath the soft linens.

With one last pained look at the bed I would only use for sleeping, I stripped down and took a shower. After cleaning up and taking a nap, I got dressed and headed out to meet the widows in the outdoor lounge area.

“Over here!” Doris waved from the hanging rattan chairs they each occupied, a fruity drink clutched tightly in their hands.

“We saved you a swing!” Sylvie gestured to the swinging chair beside her dangling from the large tree branch suspending all the chairs in a row.

I waltzed over, taking my time to really appreciate the gorgeous surroundings. The river flowed right beside the stoned patio, and tiki torches lined the landscaped path I sauntered down. A fire crackled in the sunken firepit surrounded by rattan chairs with a few other guests occupying them. Everywhere my eyes roved met incredible natural beauty paired with perfect luxury.

“Get your ass over here!” Marge swung softly in her chair. “I got you a cocktail.”

I made my way over and grabbed the chilled martini from her, then slid into the last chair they’d held for me. The soft cushions and the rattan cocooned me inside of them.

“Holy cripes, Alice. This place is awesome!” Marge reached over and held out her hand for a fist bump.

As she stared at me with her big, black eye and her messed up smile, I let out a groan, but I indulged her. “I’m glad you enjoy it. It’s exactly what I was hoping for.”

“I was planning on sleeping in tents and fending off wildlife,” Sylvie said. “Which was so confusing because this isyourwish and not Marge’s.”

“Actually, ‘go on a safari’ was going to be one of my next wishes, so thanks for saving me having to spend it!” Marge grinned. “And mine would have been tents and roughing it.”

“Then thank God I went first.” I sipped my martini feeling extra grateful I hadn’t waited on this wish and got stuck in Marge’s version of her safari wish ... which would be my version of hell.

“Isn’t it incredible how God has created so many amazing places?” Doris dangled her feet that were too short to reach the ground. “I mean, first we were in Australia. Now we’re in Africa. We’ve been to Paris. Spain. Mexico. Home. Every place so different, and every place so incredible! It boggles my mind how amazing this earth can be.”

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