Phillipa seated herself at the bar. She looked to her left and right, noting she was one of about five others at the bar, and about thirty in the rest of the place. She was looking forward to the piano bar after a long day of making nice, needing to unwind with music and a few drinks. Or maybe more than a few drinks. She ordered a blended martini, and as soon as she was served, she turned and rested her back against the bar, facing the piano, and let her mind drift over the day.
She'd arrived in the Bahamas late last night, and checked into her suite, then collapsed exhaustedly on the bed. She woke up this morning to sun streaming through the thin curtains, heating her eyelids and turning them red. Slowly opening her eyes and blinking against the sun, she threw a pillow over her face with a moan. She knew what today would entail, and some of it would be misery, some would be sweet revenge. She grinned evilly into the pillow with the last thought. She knew she had to get through the worst to get the best. With a sigh, she pushed the pillow away and sat up, gathering her bearings. As she got her things together for a shower, she thought of why she was here in the first place. Her high school ten year reunion. Granted she'd graduated a couple years early, due to the fact that she didn't have a life outside of school then- mostly because she was always picked on. The rest of her classmates would be around twenty eight or nine, and she was almost 27. She'd been the youngest in her class, being born in August, and then skipping a couple grades didn't help either. But she'd gone to a prestigious private school, and of course her class president would want their reunion at some fancy resort, so they could flaunt their money. Well, now she could flaunt her own money and not her parents, she thought with a grin as the water cascaded over her head and down her back. Her parents had been lower middle class, and had worked their assess off to send her to that school. And now, she was able to repay them, and continue to support them with her career. Granted it was a little unexpected, and the career seemed to choose her, but who was she to argue? She loved what she did, and was able to turn a hobby into money. What more could you ask for in life?
Stepping out of the shower to towel off, she decided on what to wear. She knew the "popular" girls would probably wear something flashy, maybe slightly whorey. Diamond encrusted bikinis, she thought with a smirk. With their fake bodies and trust funds. Rolling her eyes, she went to her suitcase. As she hung her clothes up, she decided on a pale blue halter top maxi dress and nude wedge sandals. When she was dressed, she did her makeup and hair- mascara around her jade eyes, lipgloss on her full lips, and a little blush on her high cheekbones- she hadn't been here long enough for it to be natural yet- and her wavy auburn hair, which hung to the middle of her back, was twisted up and pinned securely to her head, with loose strands falling around. Sliding on her dark aviator sunglasses, she left her room and made her way to the check in desk.
As soon as she saw who was manning the table, she had to stop and duck around a corner, covering her mouth in an attempt to conceal the burst of laughter that was fighting it's way out. Of course it was the prom king and queen, the most popular kids of her class manning the table. She peeked her head around the corner, taking a look before she approached them. They both were orange in their attempts to look like they'd been there longer than anyone else. Keith was pretty much the same, but probably fifteen to twenty pounds heavier, but still handsome. She imagined he probably didn't have the same body type he'd always bragged about in school. And Kelly, her breasts were obviously fake, stuffed into a bright pink spaghetti strap tank top. Her lips had been lipo'd, and her nose had been straightened. Phillipa watched them as they laughed together about something that was said, and secretly wondered if they'd gotten married to each other. Well, here goes.
She rounded the corner and came into their line of vision. She jumped for joy inside when Keith's jaw dropped. She fist punched the air when Kelly elbowed Keith and frowned slightly.
"Good morning Keith, Kelly, I see you're still looking well," Phillipa said with a warm smile. Kelly's eyebrows drew together. "And you would be..."
"Phillipa Martin," she said. She was glad she was wearing dark glasses so she could watch Keith's eyes bug out of his head. Stifling a giggle, she slid her sunglasses up to sit on her head, and gave them a megawatt smile.
"Phil, how nice to see you again," Kelly said, her snottiness leaking through.
"It's Phillipa," she corrected, trying to to grind her teeth at the sound of her old teasing name. So she hadn't physically developed until later, and she had a slightly boyish figure and shorter hair. But that was an awkward stage. It was way behind her now.
"Phillipa, you look amazing," Keith said, surprise in his voice.
"Why thank you, Keith." She waited patiently while Kelly wrote her name on a sticker. She saw Kelly's hand pause when Phil was completed. "Now Kelly, let's not be childish." Kelly sighed and copied Phillipa's name from the list and handed the sticker and a paper brochure to her. "Thank you." Keith was still staring. "I'll see you around Kelly, Keith." She passed the table and into the Oceanview Suite, the room her reunion was to be held at. She paused just inside the door and surveyed the room. There were 77 in her graduating class, and she figured about half was there already. She looked at the brochure, and noticed Keith and Kelly had the three day event planned out for everyone. Mix and mingle this morning, brunch at 11, then various activities throughout the day. They were to reconvene here at five for a buffet style dinner and "reminiscing and updating," as the brochure said. Blah. Refolding the paper, she added the alarm to her phone, and felt a strange tingling on the back of her neck. She glanced up slyly, looking around, and found the reason for her body's reaction. Her high school crush. Robert Pattinson. He'd been in everything musically related the school had, and supposedly won a modeling contract after school. He still looked just as he had in high school, but more masculine. His blond hair had darkened a bit, and was just a tad longer now, long enough to look like he'd run his hands through it few times. His gray eyes sparkled as he took in the room from his post at the bar. Her old daydreams and inspirations came back, flashing past in quick succession as he pushed away from the bar and began to move. Now he was one she'd be interested in hearing about later in the catching up session. He'd always been kind to her, but never overly friendly. He was still in great shape, toned nicely. She watched him pass her by without a glance, and continue on into the room. The room its self was nice, but plain. Sand colored walls, a temporary stage with a podium at the front. About ten folding tables with burgundy table clothes were lined up against the wall to her left, obviously for food service. Round tables with chairs were in the center in rows, with matching table clothes and chairs. A small fern plant was the centerpiece. To her right were the rest rooms and the bar. Taking a deep breath, she took off her sunglasses and set them in her clutch, and made her way to the bar. Ordering a screwdriver, she took the first sip, then scanned the crowd, looking for someone familiar. Squeeing to herself like a fangirl, she spotted her old best friend. They talked occasionally, once every few months or so. She made a beeline for Marissa, talking to a guy she didn't know, but seemed familiar.
"Marissa!" Phillipa exclaimed, a grin on her face.
"Fe! Oh my God you look incredible!"
They embraced in a tight hug. "Thanks! You too! You lost weight!"
"Thanks! Twenty pounds. Baby weight and all, couldn't come here not ready for swim suits."
"I know, right?"
"Fe, you remember Aaron from our old French class? This is him!" Marissa gushed, slightly swooning.
Phillipa glanced between the two, then took a good look at his face. He'd changed quite a bit too, but now she recognized him. He'd always sat next to Marissa on the other side of her. They'd never really talked.
"Hi Aaron, how are you?" They chatted for a while, and Phillipa didn't even notice the time passed so quickly when they rang the brunch bell at eleven. They made their way to the tables loaded with a feast, and began filling their plates. Phillipa didn't fail to notice the new friendship forming between her old friend and Aaron. She followed behind them, not really paying attention to what she was doing, when she reached for a serving spoon, and her hand bumped another.
"Sorry!" she exclaimed quickly, then looking up to the hands owner. Robert. Her heart began to race, never seeming to have forgotten it's original reaction to him.
"I'm sorry, you go ahead." He paused, waiting for her to finish with the spoon. "I'm sorry, I can't place your name."
"You probably remember me by the name of Phil," she said with a shy smile, his accent melting her. He still had it, but it definitely wasn't as strong as she remembered.
"Phil- Phillipa?!" He leaned back in surprise, and took in her appearance. "Wow you've changed, for the better. How have you been?" he said with a genuine smile. They moved on down the line. "It's nice to see you again. I've been good. You look great yourself, but you always have," she told him quietly.
"This is so high school for me to say," he laughed and shook his head. "But, can I sit with you?"
It was her turn to be surprised. "Of course!" then cringed inwardly. That probably sounded a little too excited. With a newfound energy, she served herself quickly, and joined Marissa and Aaron, Robert following closely. They sat- Aaron, Marissa, Phillipa and Robert, one chair left open. Phillipa noticed Marissa and Aaron were already absorbed in their own conversation.
"God, Phillipa, I can't get over you," Robert said, sitting next to her, still checking her out. "You're beautiful. I mean, then you were-"
"It's okay," she said, trying to save him from stumbling over his words. He smiled in relief. "I understand. I'm a couple years younger than everyone else, so I developed later, after I left high school."
"Is that why? I never knew you were younger, I thought everyone picked on you because you were small and boyish. And I know it didn't help with the popular kids," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm just about to turn 27-" Robert choked. "You okay?" she asked, concerned.
"Yeah. Water went own the wrong way." He coughed once and took another sip of water. "You're 26?! I'll be 28 next May."
"I figured. But since I have your attention," she told him. He paused, fork midway to his mouth, his eyes on her. "I wanted to thank you for what you did for me in high school. You were the only guy who was ever decent to me," she told him with a warm smile, propping her chin on her fisted hand. Now or never, she thought. "And I had the biggest crush on you," she laughed, then began eating again, letting that hang. "So what do you do now?" she asked.
"I'm a professional actor."
"No way! You were always into the arts in school," she said with a smile.
He nodded. "I began modeling after high school, was in a few community plays. Then I was "discovered"."
"That's so cool! I don't get out much, don't watch a lot of t.v. or movies," she told him. "That's okay," he smiled. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm a writer," was all she said.
"Nice." There was a pause in their conversation as they ate. "Phillipa," he began.
"Please, call me Fe. My friends do. Phillipa is a mouthfull."
He laughed. "And you can call me Rob. Okay, Fe, you don't have a ring on. Why not?" She raised an eyebrow at his forward question. "I mean, you're gorgeous, creative, nice, and gorgeous," he said with a shy smile.
She couldn't help but smile herself. "Thank you. But I can never find a guy who can deal with my writing style," she said honestly. It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. "When I get a new idea, I basically go into hiding. I have a fridge and a bathroom in my office, and I write until I either finish or am too exhausted to write. It can be days at a time, and the guys I've dated can't handle my hibernation," she smiled sadly, looking down at her food, poking at her scrambled eggs.
"That's a good reason," he mused. "I'm not seeing anyone because of my schedule."
She looked up at him and nodded. "I can imagine." They were quiet again, eating, pondering what the other had said. Just then, the microphone squeaked over the speakers, and Phillipa looked up towards the podium. Kelly, of course.
"Hi everyone, I'm so glad you could all make it! Aren't the Bahamas just beautiful?" Shouts, whistles and claps sounded from the audience. Phillipa looked around the room and noticed it was quite full. "I just wanted to let you all know, our first activity is a beach volley ball tournament, and it starts in fifteen minutes. Gotta work that breakfast off!" She grinned and waved at the group, then returned to her seat.
"I bet you'll be great at that, you're tall and lean." Phillipa told Robert.
"Volleyball isn't exactly my sport, I just go to the gym," he smiled. "But it would be nice to cream Keith."
"I would almost pay to see that," she said. "But I don't plan on doing most of the activities," she told him flat out.
"Why not?" he asked, surprised.
"I'm mostly here for the sun and sand, and the occasional friends," she told him with a smile. "I'm still not very sporty."
"Then let's do something else, together," he suggested. She looked up at him, meeting his gray eyes. "Whatever you had planned. Lay on the beach, swim."
"I suppose. I was thinking maybe the spa, but the beach sounds nice."
"Okay, sure," he said with a smile. They finished eating, then left for the beach. Outside, he turned to her. "I don't have my suit on, can I meet you right there in twenty minutes?" he asked, pointing to the beach a few yards away.
"Sure, no problem," she said with a smile. Her stomach was jumbled. Her high school crush, now an actor and cute as ever, was going to lay with her on the beach. She practically skipped to the beach and found two beach towels at the towel stand, and claimed a spot near the water. After laying her towel down, she took of her dress and folded it, setting it gently on the sand. In her clutch she pulled out a small bottle of tanning lotion and applied it, slid on her sunglasses, then layed down on her back. She adjusted her green bikini, then sighed in contentment. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, a shadow covered her.
"Fe?" She lifted her glasses slightly.
"Hey Rob. Take a towel." She motioned to the towel laid out next to her, and set her glasses back so she could get a look at him. He wore blue board shorts, but his body was fabulous. All toned muscles in his arms, chest and abs- she nearly drooled. He laid next to her, on his stomach, his arms under his chin. She could feel him looking at her.
"Fe, I can't get over how much you've changed."
She couldn't help but smile. "You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Muscles," she teased.
"You said you used to have a crush on me," he stated.
"Right for the heavy, huh?" she joked. "Yeah, I did."
"Do you find me attractive now?"
If she'd been drinking water, it'd be her turn to sputter. Straight for the kill, I guess, she thought. Her mind raced. Did she want to persue this? Lead him on, or discourage him and focus on her career. Would she loose her inspiration if they were together? But, it was vacation- just see where it goes?
"Definitely." She could hear the smile in his voice when he spoke.
"I'm sorry I didn't pay more attention to you in high school," he said quietly.
"Oh, don't worry about it. No one else did either. Just because you like my face now, doesn't mean you have to apologize."
"It's more than just your face Fe," he said.
"Fine. You like my body too then," she said with a saucy smile.
He laughed. "And you're funny. I bet you're a great writer. What do you write, anyway?"
She laughed. "Well, you're probably going to think this is funny," she started.
"I won't laugh," he promised.
"You don't know that." She turned her head towards him. "I write erotica." She watched his eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but he didn't laugh.
"Like, like romance novels?"
"Kind of, there's some of that too, but the difference is, in romance novels, they usually hint at sexual relations. I actually write it happening." She watched him absorb that.
"You write sex stories. Like, porn but in a book format?"
"Yes." He was silent for a minute. Maybe she scared him.
"And you make money off that? No offense. I'm just trying to comprehend."
"None taken, and yes, I make a lot of money off that. Maybe as much as you, or more."
"Shit!" he exlaimed. "Sorry! Sorry," he apologized. She looked up at the scattered clouds and sighed. "Why?"
"I didn't plan on it," she started. "It had been a hobby." She left out the fact that her first attempt had been with him as the main male character. "It had been a hobby, that I posted on a website that nobody ever read. It was anonomous, and and oulet for me. One of the stories I wrote, I put a chapter a week up, and it gained a following. As I put more chapters up, it became more popular. Next thing I knew, I had publishers calling me to put it into a physical book. So I did, and it did really well. They wanted more, so I did. And they did really well. It's enough for me to live the way I want, and for my parents." She looked over at him, and saw him nod thoughtfully.
"So what's your goal in writing erotica?"
She noticed his voice change slightly on the last word of his sentence. She smiled at the clouds. "Like I said, it started as a hobby. It was a release, an escape for me, from my dull teenage life. And it still is. I write for my own pleasure, and if the publishers like it, then great. If they don't, there's always another. But it's for myself mostly, and then it's for my readers. The readers who are lonely and want an escape, or I imagine, to pleasure themselves while reading or after reading if it turns them on. I try to write scenes that turn me on, then that way I know they'll turn my readers on too."
"Wow," he said quietly. She turned her head to look at him again. Slowly, a smile creeped over his mouth. "I bet you write some hot stuff." She only smiled, then looked back up at the clouds, closing her eyes. "Honestly, the thought of you writing sex is turning me on. I'm glad I'm on my stomach at the moment." She couldn't stop the giggle that escaped her. "Is that as big as the rest of you?" she asked, her voice sultry.
"You're going to kill me woman!" he exclaimed. "And I've been told it is, for the record."
"Hmmm." She imagined it would be. She thought it was a coincidence on how the image of him in her mind before she saw him today was pretty damn similar to what he actually is.
"Anytime, sweetness," he told her. They were quiet for a moment, then approached by a cocktail server. He ordered a beer and she asked for a martini, keeping it simple. The server was off, and they were quiet.
"Tell me about your family, Fe," he asked, flipping over. She figured it'd be about that time, so she flipped over also, laying on her stomach. She reached behind her for the knot in her top, but his voice stopped her.
"Can I get that for you?" he asked quietly.
"Sure, thanks." She didn't want to speak just yet, her body tingling in anticipation for his touch. She heard the sand shift under his weight as he reached for her back. He carefully picked up a string and tugged gently, untying the knot. He brushed the strings away from her skin, leaving fire behind. She took a deep breath to steady her voice before going into the details of her unexciting life. Then she asked about his, while they flipped again. She attempted to retie her strings, but he brushed her hands away and did it for her. Her stomach quivered with each caress of his knuckles. When he was done, she was thankful for the humidity because her body temperature had risen quite a bit.
Laying on her back, him on his stomach again, he told her his story of how he'd moved with his family from London to L.A. so he could pursue his budding career, and in turn attending the same school.
"I'm so out of it," she admitted. "I'm sorry can't say I've seen any of your work." She knew as soon as she had a moment alone in her room, she was going to look everything up.
"When you're creating your own art, it's easy to fall out of touch," he said, understanding in his voice. "How about we hit the water for a bit?"
"Sure." They stood up, and walked next to each other to the water. It was bathwater warm, easy for her to walk into. "Wow it's warm. So nice."
"It is," he agreed. They walked slowly until they were waist deep. "On three?" he asked with a smile.
"Alright." She took a breath as he counted, then they sank beneath the water. Popping back up and wiping the water from her eyes, she beat him to the surface. Waiting for him, she felt a tug on her left leg. She jumped to get away with a squeal. Robert popped back up with a smile. "You troublemaker," she told him as he wiped his face, a grin on his face when he dropped his hand.
"That wasn't trouble, but I could show you, if you'd like," a devilish grin replacing his playful one.
She debated again. He was offering, so she'd take advantage. "I don't-" she began slowly, and then he was gone under the water. She turned for the shore, but was grabbed around her hips and lifted up from the water. She'd never seen anything more beautiful. He was smiling up at her, his arms tight around her hips. Yes, she'd take full advantage. "Don't you-" she began in warning, but didn't get another word out. She was launched through the air and splashed into the water a good five feet away from him. She popped back up to see him laughing. She stood where she was, and he made his way towards her. Her stomach quivered. Yes, she would do anything he asked.
"You really caught some good air, Fe."
"Thanks for the flying lesson," she told him with a playful smack on the arm.
"Want another?" The mischievous grin was back.
"Rob-" but it was too late. He was below the water, his arms around her like a vise. Well, two can play that game. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held on for dear life. She felt him try to launch her, but run into the resistance. He popped up out of the water, a surprised expression on his face. With her hands on his shoulders, she grinned wickedly. "I'm a quick learner." "I guess so," he murmured, studying her eyes. Instantly the air changed from playful to hungry. She watched his eyes drop to her mouth, taking a moment, then return to her eyes. He seemed to be asking permission. She blinked once slowly, and tilted her chin in invitation. He moved quickly, his mouth crashing on hers, their lips instantly forming to each other, as if they'd been missing the other half. His kiss was urgent and needy, and consumed her entirely. They were no longer in the middle of an ocean with people on the beach, but in their own private bubble. Her hands slid up his neck and into his hair, fisting and pushing him against her. She would have never been able to write this, it was better. Desire shot through her, down her torso and settled between her legs in a ball of needy heat. She rocked her hips against him boldly, and he responded by pulling her tighter against him, if it was possible, and grinded his hips against her. The friction felt amazing, and she needed more.
"This is the last tournament, banquet hall in an hour!"
They broke apart as if shocked, staring at each other in surprise.
"Whoa," Phillipa gasped, touching her swollen lips. Rob nodded, his eyes wide.
"We should..." he started.
"Get ready for tonight," she said slowly. He nodded again, so they slowly made their way to the shore. As they cleaned up their towels, he turned to her, six inches apart.
"Can I sit with you again?" he asked her quietly, searching her eyes.
"Yes," she breathed. He caressed her left cheek gently before turning and going to his room. As soon as he was out of sight, she sank down to the sand. Her legs wouldn't support her at the moment. She closed her eyes and committed his feeling to memory, to call upon when she needed it. Yes, it was better than she'd imagined it would be.
She'd arrived in the Bahamas late last night, and checked into her suite, then collapsed exhaustedly on the bed. She woke up this morning to sun streaming through the thin curtains, heating her eyelids and turning them red. Slowly opening her eyes and blinking against the sun, she threw a pillow over her face with a moan. She knew what today would entail, and some of it would be misery, some would be sweet revenge. She grinned evilly into the pillow with the last thought. She knew she had to get through the worst to get the best. With a sigh, she pushed the pillow away and sat up, gathering her bearings. As she got her things together for a shower, she thought of why she was here in the first place. Her high school ten year reunion. Granted she'd graduated a couple years early, due to the fact that she didn't have a life outside of school then- mostly because she was always picked on. The rest of her classmates would be around twenty eight or nine, and she was almost 27. She'd been the youngest in her class, being born in August, and then skipping a couple grades didn't help either. But she'd gone to a prestigious private school, and of course her class president would want their reunion at some fancy resort, so they could flaunt their money. Well, now she could flaunt her own money and not her parents, she thought with a grin as the water cascaded over her head and down her back. Her parents had been lower middle class, and had worked their assess off to send her to that school. And now, she was able to repay them, and continue to support them with her career. Granted it was a little unexpected, and the career seemed to choose her, but who was she to argue? She loved what she did, and was able to turn a hobby into money. What more could you ask for in life?
Stepping out of the shower to towel off, she decided on what to wear. She knew the "popular" girls would probably wear something flashy, maybe slightly whorey. Diamond encrusted bikinis, she thought with a smirk. With their fake bodies and trust funds. Rolling her eyes, she went to her suitcase. As she hung her clothes up, she decided on a pale blue halter top maxi dress and nude wedge sandals. When she was dressed, she did her makeup and hair- mascara around her jade eyes, lipgloss on her full lips, and a little blush on her high cheekbones- she hadn't been here long enough for it to be natural yet- and her wavy auburn hair, which hung to the middle of her back, was twisted up and pinned securely to her head, with loose strands falling around. Sliding on her dark aviator sunglasses, she left her room and made her way to the check in desk.
As soon as she saw who was manning the table, she had to stop and duck around a corner, covering her mouth in an attempt to conceal the burst of laughter that was fighting it's way out. Of course it was the prom king and queen, the most popular kids of her class manning the table. She peeked her head around the corner, taking a look before she approached them. They both were orange in their attempts to look like they'd been there longer than anyone else. Keith was pretty much the same, but probably fifteen to twenty pounds heavier, but still handsome. She imagined he probably didn't have the same body type he'd always bragged about in school. And Kelly, her breasts were obviously fake, stuffed into a bright pink spaghetti strap tank top. Her lips had been lipo'd, and her nose had been straightened. Phillipa watched them as they laughed together about something that was said, and secretly wondered if they'd gotten married to each other. Well, here goes.
She rounded the corner and came into their line of vision. She jumped for joy inside when Keith's jaw dropped. She fist punched the air when Kelly elbowed Keith and frowned slightly.
"Good morning Keith, Kelly, I see you're still looking well," Phillipa said with a warm smile. Kelly's eyebrows drew together. "And you would be..."
"Phillipa Martin," she said. She was glad she was wearing dark glasses so she could watch Keith's eyes bug out of his head. Stifling a giggle, she slid her sunglasses up to sit on her head, and gave them a megawatt smile.
"Phil, how nice to see you again," Kelly said, her snottiness leaking through.
"It's Phillipa," she corrected, trying to to grind her teeth at the sound of her old teasing name. So she hadn't physically developed until later, and she had a slightly boyish figure and shorter hair. But that was an awkward stage. It was way behind her now.
"Phillipa, you look amazing," Keith said, surprise in his voice.
"Why thank you, Keith." She waited patiently while Kelly wrote her name on a sticker. She saw Kelly's hand pause when Phil was completed. "Now Kelly, let's not be childish." Kelly sighed and copied Phillipa's name from the list and handed the sticker and a paper brochure to her. "Thank you." Keith was still staring. "I'll see you around Kelly, Keith." She passed the table and into the Oceanview Suite, the room her reunion was to be held at. She paused just inside the door and surveyed the room. There were 77 in her graduating class, and she figured about half was there already. She looked at the brochure, and noticed Keith and Kelly had the three day event planned out for everyone. Mix and mingle this morning, brunch at 11, then various activities throughout the day. They were to reconvene here at five for a buffet style dinner and "reminiscing and updating," as the brochure said. Blah. Refolding the paper, she added the alarm to her phone, and felt a strange tingling on the back of her neck. She glanced up slyly, looking around, and found the reason for her body's reaction. Her high school crush. Robert Pattinson. He'd been in everything musically related the school had, and supposedly won a modeling contract after school. He still looked just as he had in high school, but more masculine. His blond hair had darkened a bit, and was just a tad longer now, long enough to look like he'd run his hands through it few times. His gray eyes sparkled as he took in the room from his post at the bar. Her old daydreams and inspirations came back, flashing past in quick succession as he pushed away from the bar and began to move. Now he was one she'd be interested in hearing about later in the catching up session. He'd always been kind to her, but never overly friendly. He was still in great shape, toned nicely. She watched him pass her by without a glance, and continue on into the room. The room its self was nice, but plain. Sand colored walls, a temporary stage with a podium at the front. About ten folding tables with burgundy table clothes were lined up against the wall to her left, obviously for food service. Round tables with chairs were in the center in rows, with matching table clothes and chairs. A small fern plant was the centerpiece. To her right were the rest rooms and the bar. Taking a deep breath, she took off her sunglasses and set them in her clutch, and made her way to the bar. Ordering a screwdriver, she took the first sip, then scanned the crowd, looking for someone familiar. Squeeing to herself like a fangirl, she spotted her old best friend. They talked occasionally, once every few months or so. She made a beeline for Marissa, talking to a guy she didn't know, but seemed familiar.
"Marissa!" Phillipa exclaimed, a grin on her face.
"Fe! Oh my God you look incredible!"
They embraced in a tight hug. "Thanks! You too! You lost weight!"
"Thanks! Twenty pounds. Baby weight and all, couldn't come here not ready for swim suits."
"I know, right?"
"Fe, you remember Aaron from our old French class? This is him!" Marissa gushed, slightly swooning.
Phillipa glanced between the two, then took a good look at his face. He'd changed quite a bit too, but now she recognized him. He'd always sat next to Marissa on the other side of her. They'd never really talked.
"Hi Aaron, how are you?" They chatted for a while, and Phillipa didn't even notice the time passed so quickly when they rang the brunch bell at eleven. They made their way to the tables loaded with a feast, and began filling their plates. Phillipa didn't fail to notice the new friendship forming between her old friend and Aaron. She followed behind them, not really paying attention to what she was doing, when she reached for a serving spoon, and her hand bumped another.
"Sorry!" she exclaimed quickly, then looking up to the hands owner. Robert. Her heart began to race, never seeming to have forgotten it's original reaction to him.
"I'm sorry, you go ahead." He paused, waiting for her to finish with the spoon. "I'm sorry, I can't place your name."
"You probably remember me by the name of Phil," she said with a shy smile, his accent melting her. He still had it, but it definitely wasn't as strong as she remembered.
"Phil- Phillipa?!" He leaned back in surprise, and took in her appearance. "Wow you've changed, for the better. How have you been?" he said with a genuine smile. They moved on down the line. "It's nice to see you again. I've been good. You look great yourself, but you always have," she told him quietly.
"This is so high school for me to say," he laughed and shook his head. "But, can I sit with you?"
It was her turn to be surprised. "Of course!" then cringed inwardly. That probably sounded a little too excited. With a newfound energy, she served herself quickly, and joined Marissa and Aaron, Robert following closely. They sat- Aaron, Marissa, Phillipa and Robert, one chair left open. Phillipa noticed Marissa and Aaron were already absorbed in their own conversation.
"God, Phillipa, I can't get over you," Robert said, sitting next to her, still checking her out. "You're beautiful. I mean, then you were-"
"It's okay," she said, trying to save him from stumbling over his words. He smiled in relief. "I understand. I'm a couple years younger than everyone else, so I developed later, after I left high school."
"Is that why? I never knew you were younger, I thought everyone picked on you because you were small and boyish. And I know it didn't help with the popular kids," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm just about to turn 27-" Robert choked. "You okay?" she asked, concerned.
"Yeah. Water went own the wrong way." He coughed once and took another sip of water. "You're 26?! I'll be 28 next May."
"I figured. But since I have your attention," she told him. He paused, fork midway to his mouth, his eyes on her. "I wanted to thank you for what you did for me in high school. You were the only guy who was ever decent to me," she told him with a warm smile, propping her chin on her fisted hand. Now or never, she thought. "And I had the biggest crush on you," she laughed, then began eating again, letting that hang. "So what do you do now?" she asked.
"I'm a professional actor."
"No way! You were always into the arts in school," she said with a smile.
He nodded. "I began modeling after high school, was in a few community plays. Then I was "discovered"."
"That's so cool! I don't get out much, don't watch a lot of t.v. or movies," she told him. "That's okay," he smiled. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm a writer," was all she said.
"Nice." There was a pause in their conversation as they ate. "Phillipa," he began.
"Please, call me Fe. My friends do. Phillipa is a mouthfull."
He laughed. "And you can call me Rob. Okay, Fe, you don't have a ring on. Why not?" She raised an eyebrow at his forward question. "I mean, you're gorgeous, creative, nice, and gorgeous," he said with a shy smile.
She couldn't help but smile herself. "Thank you. But I can never find a guy who can deal with my writing style," she said honestly. It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. "When I get a new idea, I basically go into hiding. I have a fridge and a bathroom in my office, and I write until I either finish or am too exhausted to write. It can be days at a time, and the guys I've dated can't handle my hibernation," she smiled sadly, looking down at her food, poking at her scrambled eggs.
"That's a good reason," he mused. "I'm not seeing anyone because of my schedule."
She looked up at him and nodded. "I can imagine." They were quiet again, eating, pondering what the other had said. Just then, the microphone squeaked over the speakers, and Phillipa looked up towards the podium. Kelly, of course.
"Hi everyone, I'm so glad you could all make it! Aren't the Bahamas just beautiful?" Shouts, whistles and claps sounded from the audience. Phillipa looked around the room and noticed it was quite full. "I just wanted to let you all know, our first activity is a beach volley ball tournament, and it starts in fifteen minutes. Gotta work that breakfast off!" She grinned and waved at the group, then returned to her seat.
"I bet you'll be great at that, you're tall and lean." Phillipa told Robert.
"Volleyball isn't exactly my sport, I just go to the gym," he smiled. "But it would be nice to cream Keith."
"I would almost pay to see that," she said. "But I don't plan on doing most of the activities," she told him flat out.
"Why not?" he asked, surprised.
"I'm mostly here for the sun and sand, and the occasional friends," she told him with a smile. "I'm still not very sporty."
"Then let's do something else, together," he suggested. She looked up at him, meeting his gray eyes. "Whatever you had planned. Lay on the beach, swim."
"I suppose. I was thinking maybe the spa, but the beach sounds nice."
"Okay, sure," he said with a smile. They finished eating, then left for the beach. Outside, he turned to her. "I don't have my suit on, can I meet you right there in twenty minutes?" he asked, pointing to the beach a few yards away.
"Sure, no problem," she said with a smile. Her stomach was jumbled. Her high school crush, now an actor and cute as ever, was going to lay with her on the beach. She practically skipped to the beach and found two beach towels at the towel stand, and claimed a spot near the water. After laying her towel down, she took of her dress and folded it, setting it gently on the sand. In her clutch she pulled out a small bottle of tanning lotion and applied it, slid on her sunglasses, then layed down on her back. She adjusted her green bikini, then sighed in contentment. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, a shadow covered her.
"Fe?" She lifted her glasses slightly.
"Hey Rob. Take a towel." She motioned to the towel laid out next to her, and set her glasses back so she could get a look at him. He wore blue board shorts, but his body was fabulous. All toned muscles in his arms, chest and abs- she nearly drooled. He laid next to her, on his stomach, his arms under his chin. She could feel him looking at her.
"Fe, I can't get over how much you've changed."
She couldn't help but smile. "You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Muscles," she teased.
"You said you used to have a crush on me," he stated.
"Right for the heavy, huh?" she joked. "Yeah, I did."
"Do you find me attractive now?"
If she'd been drinking water, it'd be her turn to sputter. Straight for the kill, I guess, she thought. Her mind raced. Did she want to persue this? Lead him on, or discourage him and focus on her career. Would she loose her inspiration if they were together? But, it was vacation- just see where it goes?
"Definitely." She could hear the smile in his voice when he spoke.
"I'm sorry I didn't pay more attention to you in high school," he said quietly.
"Oh, don't worry about it. No one else did either. Just because you like my face now, doesn't mean you have to apologize."
"It's more than just your face Fe," he said.
"Fine. You like my body too then," she said with a saucy smile.
He laughed. "And you're funny. I bet you're a great writer. What do you write, anyway?"
She laughed. "Well, you're probably going to think this is funny," she started.
"I won't laugh," he promised.
"You don't know that." She turned her head towards him. "I write erotica." She watched his eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but he didn't laugh.
"Like, like romance novels?"
"Kind of, there's some of that too, but the difference is, in romance novels, they usually hint at sexual relations. I actually write it happening." She watched him absorb that.
"You write sex stories. Like, porn but in a book format?"
"Yes." He was silent for a minute. Maybe she scared him.
"And you make money off that? No offense. I'm just trying to comprehend."
"None taken, and yes, I make a lot of money off that. Maybe as much as you, or more."
"Shit!" he exlaimed. "Sorry! Sorry," he apologized. She looked up at the scattered clouds and sighed. "Why?"
"I didn't plan on it," she started. "It had been a hobby." She left out the fact that her first attempt had been with him as the main male character. "It had been a hobby, that I posted on a website that nobody ever read. It was anonomous, and and oulet for me. One of the stories I wrote, I put a chapter a week up, and it gained a following. As I put more chapters up, it became more popular. Next thing I knew, I had publishers calling me to put it into a physical book. So I did, and it did really well. They wanted more, so I did. And they did really well. It's enough for me to live the way I want, and for my parents." She looked over at him, and saw him nod thoughtfully.
"So what's your goal in writing erotica?"
She noticed his voice change slightly on the last word of his sentence. She smiled at the clouds. "Like I said, it started as a hobby. It was a release, an escape for me, from my dull teenage life. And it still is. I write for my own pleasure, and if the publishers like it, then great. If they don't, there's always another. But it's for myself mostly, and then it's for my readers. The readers who are lonely and want an escape, or I imagine, to pleasure themselves while reading or after reading if it turns them on. I try to write scenes that turn me on, then that way I know they'll turn my readers on too."
"Wow," he said quietly. She turned her head to look at him again. Slowly, a smile creeped over his mouth. "I bet you write some hot stuff." She only smiled, then looked back up at the clouds, closing her eyes. "Honestly, the thought of you writing sex is turning me on. I'm glad I'm on my stomach at the moment." She couldn't stop the giggle that escaped her. "Is that as big as the rest of you?" she asked, her voice sultry.
"You're going to kill me woman!" he exclaimed. "And I've been told it is, for the record."
"Hmmm." She imagined it would be. She thought it was a coincidence on how the image of him in her mind before she saw him today was pretty damn similar to what he actually is.
"Anytime, sweetness," he told her. They were quiet for a moment, then approached by a cocktail server. He ordered a beer and she asked for a martini, keeping it simple. The server was off, and they were quiet.
"Tell me about your family, Fe," he asked, flipping over. She figured it'd be about that time, so she flipped over also, laying on her stomach. She reached behind her for the knot in her top, but his voice stopped her.
"Can I get that for you?" he asked quietly.
"Sure, thanks." She didn't want to speak just yet, her body tingling in anticipation for his touch. She heard the sand shift under his weight as he reached for her back. He carefully picked up a string and tugged gently, untying the knot. He brushed the strings away from her skin, leaving fire behind. She took a deep breath to steady her voice before going into the details of her unexciting life. Then she asked about his, while they flipped again. She attempted to retie her strings, but he brushed her hands away and did it for her. Her stomach quivered with each caress of his knuckles. When he was done, she was thankful for the humidity because her body temperature had risen quite a bit.
Laying on her back, him on his stomach again, he told her his story of how he'd moved with his family from London to L.A. so he could pursue his budding career, and in turn attending the same school.
"I'm so out of it," she admitted. "I'm sorry can't say I've seen any of your work." She knew as soon as she had a moment alone in her room, she was going to look everything up.
"When you're creating your own art, it's easy to fall out of touch," he said, understanding in his voice. "How about we hit the water for a bit?"
"Sure." They stood up, and walked next to each other to the water. It was bathwater warm, easy for her to walk into. "Wow it's warm. So nice."
"It is," he agreed. They walked slowly until they were waist deep. "On three?" he asked with a smile.
"Alright." She took a breath as he counted, then they sank beneath the water. Popping back up and wiping the water from her eyes, she beat him to the surface. Waiting for him, she felt a tug on her left leg. She jumped to get away with a squeal. Robert popped back up with a smile. "You troublemaker," she told him as he wiped his face, a grin on his face when he dropped his hand.
"That wasn't trouble, but I could show you, if you'd like," a devilish grin replacing his playful one.
She debated again. He was offering, so she'd take advantage. "I don't-" she began slowly, and then he was gone under the water. She turned for the shore, but was grabbed around her hips and lifted up from the water. She'd never seen anything more beautiful. He was smiling up at her, his arms tight around her hips. Yes, she'd take full advantage. "Don't you-" she began in warning, but didn't get another word out. She was launched through the air and splashed into the water a good five feet away from him. She popped back up to see him laughing. She stood where she was, and he made his way towards her. Her stomach quivered. Yes, she would do anything he asked.
"You really caught some good air, Fe."
"Thanks for the flying lesson," she told him with a playful smack on the arm.
"Want another?" The mischievous grin was back.
"Rob-" but it was too late. He was below the water, his arms around her like a vise. Well, two can play that game. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held on for dear life. She felt him try to launch her, but run into the resistance. He popped up out of the water, a surprised expression on his face. With her hands on his shoulders, she grinned wickedly. "I'm a quick learner." "I guess so," he murmured, studying her eyes. Instantly the air changed from playful to hungry. She watched his eyes drop to her mouth, taking a moment, then return to her eyes. He seemed to be asking permission. She blinked once slowly, and tilted her chin in invitation. He moved quickly, his mouth crashing on hers, their lips instantly forming to each other, as if they'd been missing the other half. His kiss was urgent and needy, and consumed her entirely. They were no longer in the middle of an ocean with people on the beach, but in their own private bubble. Her hands slid up his neck and into his hair, fisting and pushing him against her. She would have never been able to write this, it was better. Desire shot through her, down her torso and settled between her legs in a ball of needy heat. She rocked her hips against him boldly, and he responded by pulling her tighter against him, if it was possible, and grinded his hips against her. The friction felt amazing, and she needed more.
"This is the last tournament, banquet hall in an hour!"
They broke apart as if shocked, staring at each other in surprise.
"Whoa," Phillipa gasped, touching her swollen lips. Rob nodded, his eyes wide.
"We should..." he started.
"Get ready for tonight," she said slowly. He nodded again, so they slowly made their way to the shore. As they cleaned up their towels, he turned to her, six inches apart.
"Can I sit with you again?" he asked her quietly, searching her eyes.
"Yes," she breathed. He caressed her left cheek gently before turning and going to his room. As soon as he was out of sight, she sank down to the sand. Her legs wouldn't support her at the moment. She closed her eyes and committed his feeling to memory, to call upon when she needed it. Yes, it was better than she'd imagined it would be.