The journey went faster than either had anticipated. Before they knew it, Jean-Luc and Beverly were unpacking in their neighbouring rooms in the flat that would be theirs for the week. First port of call – I'm going swimming! Beverly projected to him as she changed into a swimsuit, taking a moment to cover her body in a high SPF spray.
I'll read on the shore, I think, Jean-Luc thought, changing into shorts, sandals, and a deep V-neck shirt. It looked like some nice chaise lounge style deckchairs are available. He rifled through the books he had brought, finally settling upon a title that felt appealing. Going out into the common space, he was surprised to find Beverly waiting for him, dressed in a figure-hugging purple one-piece swimsuit, large sunglasses covering her eyes, a big floppy hat on her head, a sheer robe covering her shoulders with half sleeves to her elbows and extending down to billow just past her knees, small bag on a strap across her body, sandals revealing brightly painted toenails in a soft fuchsia. Wow you have great legs, he instantly thought before focusing back up on her face.
Beverly raised an eyebrow at him. Jean-Luc blushed crimson. "You don't look so bad yourself, Jean-Luc," she purred, slowly lowering her sunglasses down her nose, looking him over with an approving smile. Not bad at all! "Don't worry, this place won't give you as much trouble as Risa!" she teased.
God, I hope not, he echoed in thought. Let's head down while the locals are still at lunch!
Good idea! She grabbed her towel. "Okay, let's go!"
Making their way to the shore was a simpler task than Jean-Luc had anticipated. The two conversed easily with their minds, pointing out things of interest to the other that they spotted on the short journey. Jean-Luc took a seat by a beachside pool, Beverly putting her possessions on the seat beside it for him to mind before getting into the water. I think I'll need to practice a little before getting into the ocean, she had explained to him.
I never really enjoyed swimming in the ocean, Jean-Luc admitted, glancing up at the waves close enough they could smell the salt in the air. He had to squint even with his sunglasses. I prefer running to swimming.
I can't stand running! Beverly responded. How do you not get bored, or distracted? She slipped out of her robe, sliding the sandals from her feet.
It gives me time to think. He settled in the chair, umbrella shading him from the direct sunlight, book open at the ready. Or time not to think. Both.
Beverly shrugged, heading over to the water. She dipped a toe in. It's lovely! She projected as though she were calling it out to him over her shoulder. He could feel her happiness, the waves of relaxation coming from her. Glancing up he was in time to see her dive smoothly into the water.
Wow! He thought as she surfaced. She floated onto her side and gave him a wave. He grinned and waved back.
A few handfuls of children roamed around, some families, some pairs and groups, some single adventurers, a vibrant variety of species. Jean-Luc immersed himself in his book. Listening to his internal monologue, Beverly floated on her back and savoured the feeling of real sunlight on her body. At breaks in his concentration he would glance up.
This has got to be the best way to read, Beverly commented on one such occurrence.
Oh? Jean-Luc thought. You're listening to me reading the book?
Yes, it's very nice, Beverly complimented, diving below the water. She resurfaced at the pool edge near him, climbing up the ladder to come out. "Thank you, Jean-Luc," she said, picking up her towel and pressing it against her loose hair.
"You're more than welcome," he smiled up at her. How did I get so lucky, to be your friend?
"Ha!" she laughed, teeth flashing. I always thought I was the lucky one! Draping herself artfully upon the chair beside Jean-Luc, Beverly rummaged among her things a moment for her sunglasses. With them on, she tilted her face up towards the sun.
Jean-Luc gazed upon the beauty of her dark auburn hair, almost deep enough to be a reddish chestnut due to the water. A mystery, he thought. All these years, nearly three decades, and still a mystery. Still new adventures to be had, new stories to write or discover. Still Beverly. She has changed so much since we first met - a medical cadet, bright and eager, now CMO, doctor, commander. But she isn't all that different. That glint in her eye, her Howard stubbornness, her grace. She will always be Beverly.
She looks so nice; I wish I had brought my camera. I could stare at her for hours… After a few seconds he noticed the corner of her mouth pulled up in a smirk. Blushing crimson, he turned away, trying to bury his nose back into his book except he couldn't concentrate on the words.
A few seconds later a hard object bumped his arm. Cautiously turning his head, he found a camera being offered. "Lucky," she teased in a whisper as he accepted it. For a few moments he was frozen as she smoothly sank back into her chair, perched so naturally it was as though she were one with the universe. She held herself with a natural poise that to anyone who carefully noticed, betrayed her secret past time; dancing.
What do I do?! He panicked. Instinctively opening his mind to hear hers for answers, he held the camera awkwardly. There was a small amount of smugness there… but then… was that… regret?
Go on, she encouraged him. The corner of her mouth curled up in a small smile. Sunglasses obscured her eyes. Raising an elegant hand, she smoothly tucked her hair behind her ear. It stuck to her head, still wet from swimming.
She's okay. Jean-Luc took a deep breath, raising the camera and snapping a few pics. When he seemed satisfied, she reached out, snatching it back.
"Your turn!" she declared, turning the lens on him.
"Beverly," he said in a warning tone.
"Smile!" She flashed a grin at him.
I never could say no. He mock rolled his eyes but was already practically beaming. Beverly's company had that affect.
Oh really? She mentally remarked, mischievously. He internally groaned. She continued taking a few photographs, then turning to take some of their surroundings. I'm going back in the water for a bit more. Care to join me?
I'm not exactly dressed for it. He picked his book up again. Without him noticing, Beverly took a photo of him with it open, as though deeply immersed in it.
Suit yourself. She shrugged, setting the camera to drone, letting it fly up as she dove back into the water. Turning, she floated on her back, clearing her mind before it slowly filled again with Jean-Luc's internal dialogue as he read his novel. She smiled contentedly up to the clear sky. He did have a lovely reading voice.
A/N: I did some illustrations to go with this chapter! They are available if you go to my tumblr (relatablealien) and add /tagged/Beverly%27s-Choice%3A-Chapter-3 or /post/162121619738/beverlys-choice-chapter-3 to the url.
Thanks sash queen of the jungle for the review! I hope you all have a wonderful day and please do leave a review!
