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The sun is gleaming today but luckily I found a seat at the beach bar, underneath the small wooden roof. With a cocktail in my hand and crossed legs I watch the people as they are walking and talking, the bartenders as they are struggling to keep up with orders.
I had spent the morning shopping at the hotel boutiques, not wanting to wear the same dress two days in a row. It's just not happening.
So I looked through the little, overpriced stores, asked the assistant for help and charmed her into giving me a fat discount. Not that a reduced price would matter, I told the cashier to add the bill to my room so I would pay for the clothes at my check out.
Which considering that I didn't actually book it, would be never.
I also indulged in a nice triangle bikini and a scarf to add around my hips so I wouldn't look like I just stepped out of a soft porn. Attention is nice but some glances I can really forego.
My hair is tied up to a big bun, else I would be covered in sweat by now.
The cocktail I'm holding is too sweet and fruity for my taste and I chug down the rest. The bartender, Chad, grins at me.
"Didn't like that one?"
I know exactly what he is doing. I have been to too many bars in my life to not know that small-talk from bartenders is oftentimes not being held due to politeness but instead a sign of blue balls.
Fine, let me play along.
"No, I'm afraid you just served me diabetes in a cup. I think my arteries are glued together now."
Chad chuckles and leans forward. I can smell his cologne. Way too much cologne.
"How about an Icy Piranha? It's more refreshing and maybe more suitable for a lady like you."
I check the chalk board behind him. Icy Piranha, the cocktail that not only has vodka and gin in it but also tequila. This man is shameless.
"Are you trying to get me drunk?" I smile. "Don't try that trick on me, little boy. How about something lighter? A Paloma?"
For a second, Chad's confidence fades and his hurt ego already made this bar trip completely worth it.
"Paloma, coming right up."
I turn back around pleased and let my eyes wander. To my surprise I spot the girl from yesterday walking alongside the pool and luckily she is looking at me too.
I wave at her, telling her to come over. She hesitates but then starts walking in my direction.
"Hey."
"Hello stranger, do you want to drink something? I'll pay." Judy seems unsure so I pat the empty bar stool next to me. She sits down.
"Maybe just a coke. Thank you."
I turn to Chad. "Add a coke for my friend, will you?"
He gives Judy a weird look but nods.
I turn back to my company. "No alcohol during work?" Her smile is crooked. "No, it's the heat. It wouldn't mix well." Even though I can't relate to that, I nod.
"By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Isabella." I extend my hand and she shakes it.
"Judy."
She smiles nervously. "So...you're on vacation here? Alone?"
"Yeah, why not? I had to escape work for a minute and this place looked great online so I booked a room. I mean I could have asked a friend to join me but honestly, I need some space from time to time, you know?"
"Yeah, I get that. I'm the same way. Where do you work?"
"At a marketing company."
"Oh, really? That's cool. Explains why you are always so…" Her eyes glide over me, she blushes when she realizes that I'm still half naked. "...put together."
I laugh. "Did you just check me out?" "W-what? N-no!"
Judy's face is now redder than burnt tomato sauce. "I was just…"
"I would be careful, Isabella." Chad puts the cups down in front of us. "Judy is infamous for hitting on unsuspecting women."
He huffs and throws a dirty glare at the girl. Judging from Judy's face, this one hurt.
What a monkey. I lean forward. "First of all, don't call me Isabella. It's Miss for you, okay? Second of all, it's none of your business what she does in her free time. And third, did I complain?"
I wink at Judy, she quickly looks away.
"Oh and also. You've been gaping at me like a starving donkey since the minute I sat down so don't act like a holy savior now."
Chad bites his lower lip and huffs again. Then he walks away.
I turn back to Judy, she looks absolutely stultified. "What an asshole. Do people talk to you like this? You have to stand up for yourself."
She rolls her eyes. "Well, I'm not that brave."
"It's not about being brave but knowing your self-worth. And a beautiful woman like you shouldn't let anyone mistreat her. Understood?"
Judy doesn't seem convinced, she is playing with the straw inside her cup. I grab my Paloma and take a sip.
"You're performing tonight, right?" She nods, not looking at me.
"Yeah, at the piano bar. I'll try out a few new songs and see how it goes. I'm super nervous."
"You know, even if the audience isn't your target group, as long as you perform with conviction and passion, they have no chance but to love it. Simple law of nature."
Judy lifts her gaze, our eyes meet. She swallows.
"Do you maybe want to come? I could ask Andre to reserve you a table. It would be good to have some support." When she realizes what she has just said, she gets nervous again. "I-I mean you don't have to. I'm sure you have other plans tonight and-"
"Sure, I'd love to. What time is it?"
She seems surprised, as if she was expecting me to say no. Why would I do that?
"N-nine."
"Okay, at nine then. It's a date." I laugh lightly to lift Judy's mood.
And for a second I think it's working.