The Enigma Rising

Jacob suggested, “Let’s spend the day on the beach near the pool bar. I’d like to swim a little and maybe try to learn some of the water sports using their equipment. How do you feel about that, Petra?”

“I’m not a big fan of sting rays, jelly fish, or squid so I’ll stay closer to the pool, but only if you’ll put this SPF-200 on me so I don’t get skin cancer. Ok?”

Jacob studied her a minute and then answered, “Yes, my darling. I wouldn’t want anything like a nasty sunburn to mar your creamy skin or prevent me from touching it.”

Jacob helped Petra get settled near the pool in a comfy lounger under a large umbrella and then went to try out the water toys. Petra mused to herself, boys with toys. She smiled at her man’s efforts to learn how to use a sail bolted to a surfboard.

The problem with poolside service in resorts like this one, anywhere in the Caribbean or on a Mexican coast, was that prompt service was an oxymoron. Petra finally got up to get a drink ordered at the bar so she could enjoy it that day.

A gentle, friendly voice said, “I was wondering how long you were going to last out here without your favorite adult beverage. Hi, I’m Simone. I can tell you’re not from this part of the world because you were expecting poolside service.”

She offered an engaging smile that normally made people warm to her. Simone truly liked people. This lady she had spoken to looked nice and her male had been very kind before he’d left for the water toys.

Petra responded, “Hello, Simone. I’m Petra and you are correct. I’m not from around here. We are here to figure things out and recharge our batteries, so to speak.”

Simone said with an impish grin, “Yes, I noticed your male. He seems quite nice though not brown enough to suit my tastes, in case you were worried.”

Petra grinned, “I wasn’t worried. So is your significant other also out playing with the water toys? I can’t believe he would not be in close proximity to such a pretty lady such as you.”

Simone laughed, “Like your male, mine is also a treasure! My prince called and asked me to meet him here because he wanted to celebrate our two month anniversary and his most successful business deal to date! I’ve never been so happy. I know you must think me silly for telling you all this, but I’m so proud of him and his successes! He pulled me out of the worst possible circumstances, and he loves me for who I am. You have no idea what that means to someone like me.” 

Simone’s eyes glistened with moisture, but she did not shed any tears. Petra observed that Simone was quite pretty, with hair black as coal tight against her head with a long braid that extended down. Her make-up was a little heavy for Petra’s taste but accentuated her pretty face with hollowed cheeks that defined her thinness. Petra could see that Simone had no pretense and was quite genuine. However as in all social encounters, particularly with females (ok males too), she couldn’t help but compare herself to Simone.

The inventory included hair, facial features, mannerisms, and wardrobe. They were both pretty striking women, tastefully attired for the beach setting. Petra grinned as she thought of salt and pepper as nicknames for them. Odd, she thought, here I am comparing myself to a stranger. I’ve never done that before. She’d tuck that away to think about later.

Simone seemed ready to share her inner most feelings and gave her trust up front. Petra was more guarded and did not easily share, holding her trust more as collateral. She returned with her drink and settled back under the umbrella.

“So what does this prince of yours do, Simone? Is he a foreign diplomat? Is he a real estate broker? A handsome airline pilot? Or is he from a wealthy family that is part owner of this wonderful retreat? Inquiring minds want to know.”

Simone, excited to brag on Carlos, said, “Oh no, he is his own man! He’s worked his way up in the finance world and is now at the top of his game. You should see how hard he works! Many times we have had to cancel or postpone our time together, but he always calls me to say how much he loves me and he always makes it up to me.

“We have wonderful weekends together and he usually brings a gift. Not very much and hardly ever expensive, but that’s what is so thrilling for me. The fact that he stopped whatever he was doing long enough to get a small gift to bring back to me. Well, this time he called me and said meet him here.

“When I got here, everyone called me Miss Simone this or Miss Simone that. It is terribly exciting for me to be catered to by people at the directions left by my man. Carlos is a very special man and he is my male. I adore him.”

The two ladies smiled at each other and with the clear lines of battle now behind them, they could now be friends.

“Simone, I think we should become friends. I like your enthusiasm. It sounds like you have a wonderful life. Happy anniversary, by the way. My mother always said to remember the important times and mark them.”

“Petra, I would like a friend. Thank you. Tell me about yourself.”

Petra and Simone sipped their drinks and exchanged information. They had fun laughing at stories and getting to know the parts each of them was willing to reveal. Petra found it quite nice to have a female friend to chat with and grew more comfortable as the afternoon wore on. Simone was delighted at finding a friend as well and shared many things with Petra, though nothing about Spencer. Petra told her some about her home in Europe and a little about her work. Simone talked about her desires and of course Carlos. Several hours had elapsed when Jacob waved that he was returning his water toy to the vendor.

“Well, it looks as if Jacob is finished with the toys for a while. It has been great visiting. Perhaps we can get together tomorrow morning as well?” Petra suggested as she was putting her stuff back into her beach bag.

“Carlos should be here tonight so how about the four of us get together for dinner, Petra? I bet you’d like to show off your male, and I know I want to show off mine. Say around seven here at the hotel? The food is pretty good, and they make great margaritas. If it doesn’t work, call the desk and leave a message for Carlos and Simone in room one fourteen.”

“I think that is a great idea. I am sure Jacob would enjoy meeting you and your Carlos. I will call if we cannot make it. We are in room six forty. Thanks for the afternoon.”