By the time Victoria awakened, the sun was shining bright and hot on the island resort. Joy was already up and out of the bedroom suite since Victoria didn't see her anywhere. Victoria felt lighter this morning like she had a weight lifted off her shoulders. Joy may not have heard her confession last night but just saying it out loud was therapeutic enough for now.
She put on a long, loose, blue sundress and sandals. Adding on a big floppy hat she found in the suite closet and her large sunglasses, she exited the room and immediately saw Joy sitting at the kitchen table. Joy had on the red bikini they had found on sale a few weeks ago. The skimpy material fit Joy's small curves perfectly. The built-in push up bra miraculously cinched Joy's normally small cleavage to almost overflowing the delicate material. Victoria's mouth went dry as she watched Joy laughing. That smile had always melted her heart just a little.
As she moved closer to the table to join her friend, Victoria saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Cyrus was standing at the buffet arranging plates of food. His black suit was gone and in its place was a pair of khaki cargo shorts and an unbuttoned loose, linen white shirt. His deeply tanned chest was tight and muscular. She didn't count his abs but it was more than a six pack. Victoria noticed Joy eyeing him closely and deliciously. She'd seen that look in Joy's eyes many times before.
"Good morning." Victoria announced as she walked up to the table.
Joy looked up at her. "Why in the world are you wearing that hat and glasses?"
"Well I have to look good if someone sees me and wants to take my picture."
Joy just stared at her with a confused look on her face. "Ms. Chase, there are no others on this island. Only you and the Lady Joy." Cyrus answered.
"The Lady Joy?" Victoria asked Joy, amused.
Joy smiled. "He thinks because I'm British he must call me the Lady something and since Scroggs is so hideous…"
Cyrus explained the breakfast buffet menu to them before he left. He also informed them that Marta would be there at 9 that evening to clean and turn down the beds and that he would return promptly the next morning with breakfast again.
After Cyrus left, Joy and Victoria sat down and enjoyed the abundant breakfast feast that was set out for them. Joy watched as Victoria filled her plate with eggs and fruits. The older woman's movements were so carefree and effortless. She watched as one of the straps of the sundress slipped off Victoria's thin shoulder.
"So what shall we do first today?" Victoria asked between chews of a fresh orange.
"Wanna go for a walk on the beach?" Joy suggested.
Victoria said it sounded good and went to change into something more beach appropriate. Joy had packed all of her clothes so she wasn't sure what she'd find in the suitcase. The bedroom windows were open and the sea air was blowing in. The warm tropic breeze enveloped her naked body as she stripped out of the sundress. She found a pair of white shorts and a tan tank top. She didn't bother with panties or a bra since it was just her and Joy anyway.
Back in the outdoor living area, Victoria found Joy waiting for her. Joy had put a white see-through cover up on over her red bikini.
They put on their shoes and started to walk towards the beach. They got as far as the cabana near the pool when Joy stopped them.
"Wait." Joy rummaged behind the bar for something. After a few minutes she found what she was looking for. Raising a bottle over her head, "Found it."
Joy walked over to Victoria and waved the bottle in her face.
"Sunscreen." Victoria smiled. "Smart."
"Turn around." Joy ordered then poured some of the lotion in her hand. She handed the bottle back to Victoria. "Hold this."
Rubbing her hands together, she rested them on Victoria's bare shoulders. Slowly and carefully she covered Victoria's exposed skin in the white lotion. Joy continued to massage the cream in until it was no longer visible. Maybe…just maybe she lingered a little longer than she should have. But Victoria's skin was so smooth and soft. Her knees almost buckled as she took a deep breath and inhaled the mixture of the coconut scent of the sunscreen, the warm sea air and the faint scent of Victoria's perfume.
She patted the tops of Victoria's shoulders. "There you go."
Victoria didn't turn around but finished covering her skin first. She didn't want to turn around and let Joy see how her nipples had tightened up at her touch. She hadn't had that reaction to Joy's touch in a long time.
"Okay. Your turn." Joy shed the cover up so that Victoria could get to her uncovered back. Victoria swallowed as she spread the sunscreen on her friend's back. For a middle-aged woman, her skin was tight and firm. Victoria could feel the bones and muscles beneath her hands. Joy had her long wavy brown hair pulled into a loose ponytail but Victoria had to lift it to coat her neck. She had to force herself to stop. She had told herself in the middle of the night that she wouldn't…couldn't pursue her feelings for Joy.
Joy finished applying the sunscreen to the rest of her exposed body; slipped back into the cover-up then tossed the bottle onto the lounging bed under the cabana.
Joy hooked her arm through Victoria's and they made their way down to the beautiful, white sand beach.