Out of Practice

by Carsen Taite

  Again with the look. Roxanne took a drink of champagne before answering, and Abby couldn’t help but feel like she was stalling. Finally, Roxanne set the glass down. “I did a lot of research. It’s an occupational hazard.”

  Abby started to say research was an occupational hazard of her job too, but stopped short when she heard Campbell’s voice in her head. Don’t talk about work. Don’t think about work. Work doesn’t exist while you’re in paradise. She elected to glide over the remark and raised her glass again. “Looks like our research really paid off because this is starting off really well. And I can’t wait to see where things go from here.”

  “Me too.”

  Abby took another sip of champagne. This vacation was shaping up to be even better than she could’ve imagined.

  Chapter Two

  By Roxanne’s calculation, they were still about twenty minutes from the resort when they finished off the bottle of champagne, and she was starting to feel that giddy, bubbly feeling that came when she drank too much too fast, but Abby was clearly in the mood to let loose, and Roxanne found her vacation mood infectious. She was going to need a nap when she got to her cabana.

  In an effort to stay awake and sober for the rest of the ride, she cast around for innocuous topics of conversation. Asking about Abby’s work would only invite questions about her own, and now that she was within miles of the resort, her anonymity was more important than ever. She’d ask about the resort itself—that was safe.

  “I’m guessing you haven’t been to Azure before. I understand they don’t do a lot of advertising. How did you find out about it?”

  “In a roundabout way. I was talking to my…friend Campbell about where I should vacation, and Braxton Meadows overheard us. He insisted I check this place out. Apparently, he rented the entire resort for a corporate retreat last year. Can you imagine? ‘Hey, we’re going to work in paradise. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.’ Like anyone would get any work—”

  Roxanne grabbed her arm. “You know Braxton Meadows?”

  Abby’s face closed up. “Um, kind of. He’s an acquaintance of Campbell’s. I don’t really know him personally.”

  “He’s amazing. I saw his TED talk and it was truly inspiring. His new app, Leaderboard, is fantastic, and he’s helped so many young entrepreneurs with his foundation. I’m a big fan.” She stopped gushing long enough to notice that Abby had a weird look on her face. “Did I say something wrong?”

  Abby shook her head. “Not at all. I think I should’ve eaten something before I gulped two glasses of champagne.”

  “Me too. The peanuts in coach barely made a dent in my alcohol shield. At least you were in first class.”

  “True. I had a hot cookie.” She held up her hands and bowed her head. “Okay, I had two. You’d think that would prepare you for anything.”

  They both laughed and the mood lightened again. Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later, they pulled off the road and onto a long narrow drive marked with only a small sign that read Azure. She recognized the discreet signage from the photos the magazine had provided, and even though she was here for work, she felt a twinge of excitement about this adventure. The boutique resort had only fifteen cabanas, but their overall amenities rivaled those of the much bigger resorts closer to PV. Horseback riding, spa treatments, yoga on the beach, and world class dining. She planned to try it all because not only did she need the full experience if she was going to write a proper article, she was here on Best Day Ever’s dime. Since the magazine was paying plenty for her to be here taking advantage of all the resort had to offer was more than a pleasure, it was her duty.

  “Do you vacation by yourself often?” Abby asked.

  Roxanne started to say this wasn’t a vacation, but it kind of was in that she was simulating a vacation in order to be able to give the magazine’s subscribers the inside scoop. The only way it would be more authentic would be if she were here on an actual honeymoon. As if. She didn’t want to lie to Abby, but the truth was she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been on a real vacation. Maybe that time she, her sister, and her parents had spent a long weekend in San Antonio right after she’d graduated from high school. They’d stayed at a motel not on, but not too far from, the famous River Walk, and strolled the trails along the river for a couple of days. Even though they’d been traveling on a budget, her parents made sure they made the most of the experience, and she savored the memory. Certainly someone like Abby who flew first class and stayed in expensive resorts wouldn’t be impressed with a simple road trip, she settled on a half truth. “Not often. Frankly, I’m kind of a workaholic.” She winced, hoping that wasn’t the kind of information that would scare a pretty girl away. “Vacations are something I always put off.”

  Abby nodded. “Amen to that. This is the first one I’ve had in a while.” She grimaced. “I think the last time I traveled for pleasure was a trip to Europe after college graduation.”

  “Sounds like we both deserve a break.” Roxanne started to ask where she’d graduated from and what she did for a living, but didn’t want to invite similar questions, so she hatched a plan. “Let’s make a deal. While we’re at Azure, let’s pretend that there is no life outside. No work, no career, no obligations. Neither one of us will discuss our professional lives back home. I mean the resort encourages guests to go off the grid anyway, so we may as well pretend there’s nothing outside the resort walls. What do you say?”

  Abby raised her empty glass. “I say that’s the most excellent idea I’ve heard in a long time, and I’ll drink to it as soon as I have some dinner in me.”

  “Speaking of dinner, would you like to join me?” As the words tumbled out of Roxanne’s mouth, she wondered if she was making a mistake. She wasn’t here to have fun, but how was she supposed to test this playground for couples if she wasn’t in one, even a faux one?

  “I’d love too.”

  Too late now. Oh well, this way she could have the best of both worlds. She’d get to spend some quality time with an interesting woman and get a second perspective on the resort for her article. It was a win-win. Before she could overanalyze it, the van pulled up at the resort. “How about seven—that should allow us both time for a well earned, post-champagne nap? I’ll meet you in the main dining room.”

  “Perfect.”

  “Señoritas, let me get your bags and I’ll meet you right outside,” the driver said as he opened the door. He held out a hand and Abby stepped out first, and then turned and waited for her. Roxanne grabbed her tote and started to step out of the van, but her shoe caught on the rubber tread and she pitched forward. Henry caught her, but the contents of her bag spilled onto the driveway. With Henry’s help, she managed to get her feet back on the ground and brushed off the fall.

  “Seriously, I’m not always such a klutz. I blame the lack of cookies in coach.” She laughed, expecting Abby to join in, but Abby wasn’t even looking at her. Her eyes were focused on the scattered contents of her bag, and Roxanne immediately zeroed in on what had captured her attention. Five bridal magazines were fanned out on the pavement, having landed from the fall like they’d been set out for display with the latest copy of Best Day Ever right on top. She wrenched her gaze from the magazines to Abby’s face, and she didn’t like what she saw. The friendly smile and sparkling eyes were replaced by clear signs of distaste including a furrowed brow and pursed lips. Holy shit.

  Nothing she could do about it now—the bridal cat was out of the bag. Her only choice was to not make a big deal of it. She reached down and scooped up the magazines along with the rest of her fallen effects, doing her best to pretend like packing a bag full of wedding magazines was what every modern single woman brought on vacation. When everything was gathered, she edged away from Abby. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you at dinner.”

  She wasn’t sure if Abby responded since she sped away before the last words left her lips, unable to bear the disappointed look on Abby’s face. Unlikely now that Abby would s
how up for dinner, which was probably just as well since this wasn’t a vacation for her no matter how she wanted to pretend it was. She was here to work, and if she worked hard enough and long enough, one day she’d have the kind of success that allowed her to take first class vacations to luxury resorts for fun instead of work. But right now, that wasn’t her life and she had no business hanging out with women for whom that lifestyle was nothing more than an afterthought. But damn, she was bummed to miss sitting across the table and staring into those caramel eyes.

  * * *

  What the hell just happened? Abby watched Roxanne dash away, the images of way too many Stepford brides wearing way too much lace burned into her mind. What kind of woman carries around a sack of bridal magazines?

  The kind who’s obsessed with weddings, obviously. No, the kind who’s obsessed with marriage. As Roxanne’s form faded into the distance, all Abby could think was bullet dodged. Oh, and nice ass. But mostly bullet dodged.

  A moment later, a woman dressed in a crisp uniform met her by the side of the van. “Señorita Keane, my name is Juanita Perez, and it will be my pleasure to assist you during your stay. We have your bungalow ready. Would you like a tour of the property now or later, after you’ve had time to settle in?”

  Abby wanted to see the entire place, but she also wanted a nap. “How about a full tour tomorrow? I’d love some time to relax.”

  “Perfect. Please follow me. Henry is already on the way with your bags.”

  As tired as she was, the breathtaking scenery on the way to her bungalow captured Abby’s attention. Lush tropical gardens gave way to a spectacular view of the turquoise ocean lined with pristine white sand. She followed Juanita along a path lined with patterned stepping stones, but it wasn’t until they were standing right in front of the bungalow door that she was able to make out the structure.

  “Is it not okay?” Juanita asked.

  Abby pulled her gaze from the foliage surrounding the bungalow. “It’s beautiful. I love the way it’s nestled in the flora. I don’t think I would’ve even seen it if you hadn’t led me here.”

  Juanita’s face relaxed into a smile. “If you think this part is beautiful, just wait until you are inside.”

  She unlocked the door and handed the key to Abby, who stared at it for a moment. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been at a hotel that used real keys instead of electronic key cards. It felt…quaint. Definitely contributed to the whole off-grid experience. She shoved the key in her pocket and followed Juanita inside.

  Everything inside was light and bright and airy. Palm leaf shaped fans whirred overhead, gently lifting the gauzy curtains on the windows. Abby strode over to the window to look outside and gasped.

  “See what I mean?” Juanita said.

  Abby could only nod. The entire opposite wall of the living room area was lined with floor to ceiling windows, and outside those windows was a breathtaking view of the crystal clear ocean, not fifty feet from where they stood. She closed her eyes and opened them back up again a few seconds later, hoping this view wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t.

  “The entire stretch of beach is privately owned by the resort. If you would like a canopy and chairs set up for your use on any of the days you are here, merely let us know at dinner the night before and it will be ready for you by eight a.m. Meals are served in the dining room back at the hacienda, where you came in, but if you’d prefer to eat in your room, we can accommodate that as well.” She pointed to an old-style rotary phone sitting on a wicker table. “Simply dial one and the kitchen staff will bring you what you need. The kitchen is staffed around the clock.”

  Abby’s mind flicked back to Roxanne’s dinner invite, and she felt a twinge of longing. She’d been excited at the prospect of spending more time with Roxanne right up until it looked like she was on the marriage prowl. Maybe room service was the best way to avoid what would surely be an uncomfortable situation. “I may take you up on that.”

  “I know you said you were tired. If you don’t have any questions right now, I’ll leave you to settle in. You can call me tomorrow at this number to arrange your tour.” Juanita handed her a card, and then she walked to the door. “Have a wonderful evening, Ms. Keane.”

  When she was gone, Abby kicked off her shoes, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, and slid open the back door and stepped outside. To the left of the bungalow was her very own infinity pool, shielded from view by an eight-foot privacy wall. She sank into the poofy cushions on the lounge chair and dangled her feet in the water, instantly feeling the stress of work, travel, and beautiful, bride-seeking strangers fall away. This. This was the reason she was here.

  She fished her phone out of her pocket. She’d made a pledge to turn it off and not turn it back on until she stepped off the plane in Dallas on her return trip, with the exception of one text when she arrived to let her friends know she’d made the trip safely. Deciding a text wasn’t enough to convey the gloriousness of this place, she called instead. Grace answered on the first ring.

  “Did you make it?” She sounded worried.

  “Safe and sound. Take everything we read about this place and add fifty percent.”

  “Good. You deserve it. Now go and enjoy it. Campbell and I have everything under control.”

  “I know and I will…”

  “I hear a ‘but.’ What’s up?”

  “I’m not sure. I rode in from the airport in a van with this other woman, Roxanne.”

  “Cool name. I’m liking this already.”

  “Settle yourself. Anyway, I was definitely feeling a flirty vibe, but then I find out she’s got a bag full of bridal magazines.”

  “Let me guess, you ran like a frightened gazelle.”

  Abby both loved and hated that Grace knew her so well. “It wasn’t my best performance, but yeah, I did get away as fast as I could.”

  “Maybe her sister’s getting married and she’s helping plan the festivities. Maybe she’s looking for good cake recipes. Maybe she’s a kleptomaniac and she stole them from the airport bookshop.”

  “Maybe she’s looking for a bride.”

  “Of course you would go there first. Think about it, Abby. Why would she come to a honeymoon paradise to look for a bride? I mean you’re probably the only other person there who legit isn’t celebrating their recent nuptials. Seems like she’d have better luck finding her soul mate at one of those single only resorts. Speaking of which, why did you of all people pick a place guaranteed to be devoid of available women?”

  Abby scoffed at the dig. “You act like I plan my life around getting laid.”

  “I’ve seen you in action.”

  “Touché. But seriously, I purposefully picked a place where I could be assured of solitude.”

  “For all you know, she’s there for the same reason.”

  Abby wasn’t buying it. “Maybe she’s looking for a place to spend her own honeymoon.”

  “Maybe you could stop speculating and ask her.”

  Abby balked. “Oh, no. I think we’re done.”

  “Abby, you can talk about substantive things with a woman without it leading to an engagement. I may not be an authority, but I promise I know this one thing. You’re going to be there a week. Are you going to hide in your room the entire time?” Grace asked.

  “I’m not hiding.”

  “Sounds like you’re hiding. And from a hot woman no less. She is hot, right?”

  “Yes. Super hot.”

  “And she seemed interested?”

  “Hey, she’s the one who invited me out.”

  “Then quit overanalyzing it. She could’ve picked up those magazines by accident. She could be…anything. But you’ll never know if you don’t give her a chance. Besides, it’s a vacation. You’re supposed to do fun and relaxing things. Go have some vacation sex. If you come back with nothing more than a bunch of pictures of towel animals on a perfectly made bed, then we’re going to vote you most likely to end up a spinster.”

  �
�Are you supposed to be lecturing me on my vacation?”

  “I’m not supposed to be lecturing you at all because you’re supposed to be enjoying your vacation instead of talking on the phone.”

  “But—”

  “No buts, unless they’re cute ones. Go find the girl and have fun. That’s an order and I have no doubt Campbell would agree. Love you, bye.”

  Abby stared at her phone, but it was real. Grace had actually disconnected the call. It was just her and her thoughts, wondering what came next. First up, a nap. She sank farther into the deck chair. This truly was paradise and Grace was right. She’d be a fool not to take full advantage. A few minutes later, as she drifted off to sleep, her last thought was wondering what Roxanne was doing right this very minute.

  * * *

  Roxanne told the restaurant host she’d only needed a table for one and tried not to grimace at his surprised look. She wanted to say, “Yes, I’m pretty much the only single person at the resort, but since I’m only here to write a review, quit looking at me like I’m a cipher who can’t get a date.” But instead she decided it was better not to draw attention to her solitary situation. She dutifully followed as he led her to a two-top close to the kitchen, because who needs a quiet table when you clearly can’t get laid?

  She made a mental note about the lapse in service but decided to keep an open mind. She ordered a margarita and perused the menu which was more extensive than she would’ve thought considering Azure was an all-inclusive resort. When the waiter returned with her drink, she smiled her approval and ordered a ceviche for her first course. He nodded his approval and left her to sip her drink.

  “I don’t think you can call it a vacation unless there’s a tiny umbrella in your drink.”