Gloria's Inn

by Robin Alexander

  “Okay, everyone who wears sunscreen go ahead and put it on now, do not get into the vans yet.” Adrienne grinned as she spoke. “There is one more thing we have to do before we leave.”

  We all began to smear ourselves down with sunscreen. I had the enjoyable task of rubbing it into several well-toned backs. I made sure that I was the one to apply Adrienne’s giving Denise my best menacing glance in the process. I especially enjoyed rubbing it into her lower back and went a little further south than she intended earning me a playful slap.

  After we were all greased up, we looked at Adrienne expectantly waiting for what came next. “The creek that we will canoe down to Boiling Hole is lined with mangrove trees, which are known to harbor many annoying insects. If anyone is allergic to insect repellent let me know now, because I am about to spray you all down.” Adrienne said with a mischievous grin.

  I could hear the yelps and squeals as the cool repellent hit warm skin. Adrienne took great pleasure in spraying each member of the group. When it came my turn she looked at me with an evil grin. She coated the front of my body liberally with the spray, and when I turned she did the same to my back. I got an unexpected surprise when she pulled the back of my swimsuit down and sprayed the crack of my ass. I had plans to retaliate but she handed the repellent to Shelby to spray her down. There was no way I was wrestling that giant of a woman for the can.

  We crammed ourselves into the van, which was interesting considering we were covered in oil. I am sure anyone seeing us pass by had to find it amusing. The inside of the van was wall-to-wall woman flesh.

  “Hey Adrienne, is that repellent edible because I just ate some.” Rory said with an ear-to-ear grin. Her partner Allison sitting next to her was rubbing her shoulder where Rory had obviously nipped her. “I don’t think I got enough to poison myself, but it will probably give me gas.”

  “You can’t blame that on repellent stinky Pete.” Allison joked.

  “Too much information! Have mercy!” Myra howled with laughter. “If we smell anything bad while crammed like sardines on this bus, you’re getting an ass whooping Rory!”

  Rory and Allison were the ones I had the most trouble with keeping up with their names. They both had the same short hairstyle though Rory’s hair color was dark brown. Allison’s hair was a lighter shade of brown. They both always sported ball caps.

  Lacey the one who looked like a model was perched on Roslyn’s lap next to Adrienne and I looked at us in amusement for a moment. “So can we consider you two an item now?” She said with a grin. “Yes.” Adrienne and I both answered in unison. The entire van erupted in cheers, except of course for Denise who sat looking straight ahead.

  I stared out of the windows at the small farmlands as we passed, and marveled at how antiquated they all seemed to be. People were harvesting the fruits and vegetables by hand, and some sold them at small stands on the roadway. The sight of it made me feel like I was living back in a simpler time.

  We arrived at an Inn run by a couple that knew Adrienne well, and had already made preparations for our arrival. After a short visit we began to fill canoes two by two, and started down the creek toward Boiling Hole. Adrienne and I led the group since she had made the trip a few times before.

  “Um Adrienne are there bats living in these mangroves?” I asked as we paddled down the shaded creek. A thick hedge of mangroves casting dark shadows on the water making it look dark and creepy bordered both sides of the creek. Occasionally, there would be patches of sunlight, revealing the clarity of the water. We were able to see all sorts of marine life below us as we paddled on.

  “There very well could be. A lot of creatures make their home in the mangroves. They are fruit bats though, so unless you smear yourself in fruit you should not have anything to worry about.”

  I made a mental note to attach fruit to the straw hat that Denise was sporting. “So what other creatures live in the mangroves?” I asked as I tensed up and started to study the shrub like trees more closely.

  “All sorts of insects, and birds like Herons. Reptiles and fish are especially fond of hiding in the mangroves roots, which grow into the water giving them a safe haven from predators. When we get into a clearing you will be able to see all of the aquatic life peeking out from the roots.” Adrienne said, and I could tell she was grinning ear to ear even with my back to her.

  “When you say reptiles, you mean snakes don’t you?” I said as my skin began to crawl.

  “Yes, all sorts of species. Hayden, if we should see a snake, don’t freak out. Just remain calm. You don’t want to capsize us and send us into the creek with the critters.”

  “Adrienne I can assure you, that if I see a snake I will walk on water and will be in the bar waiting on you and the group to get back!”

  Our convoy of canoes fortunately had no problems navigating the gentle creek. I was thankful for the bug repellent that Adrienne had sprayed us down in, because there were all sorts of winged insects looking for a good meal. I was careful not to swat at anything for fear of pitching Adrienne and me into the water.

  Boiling Hole looked to me like a fresh water pond. The waters were crystal clear and very inviting even though I knew it was home to creature’s real and imagined. Adrienne explained that there were many caves and tunnels off the holes that led to the Caribbean, which explained the salt water and sea life that thrived abundantly.

  “Why is the water bubbling like that? Is it hot?” Lacey asked as she slowly dipped her toe into the blue water.

  “It has to do with the tide. I don’t think anyone really knows for sure. Island folklore says that there are mystic creatures in the holes, as well as mermaids. Most islanders will not come anywhere near here.

  Donna the cute blonde with a big mouth as I remember, was the first to hit the water. When she wasn’t eaten or even nibbled by any creatures we followed her lead and jumped in behind her. The clarity of the water afforded us a great view of the sea life that seemed totally unafraid of our presence.

  Some of the women who were a lot braver than me went in search of the more menacing creatures rumored to inhabit the hole. I chose to lie out and enjoy the sun for a while with Blair and Allison. I could not resist the site of Adrienne’s cute little bottom sticking out of the water while she snorkeled. I wondered what it would be like to dig my nails into those firm cheeks while she lay naked between my legs. I was lost in lustful thought when a voice called me back from my happy place.

  “Is there anything in those coolers besides soda’s?” Blair asked eyeing one of many ice chests we brought with us.

  “You mean like food or alcohol?” I asked.

  “I mean like alcohol.” She said with a grin. Her blue eyes twinkled with mischief, which made the freckles look even cuter.

  I got up and dragged a red cooler over to where we were laying. “I hope you like wine coolers, because that is all we have in this cooler.”

  When the rest of the group noticed us digging into the coolers, they quickly gave up their search for the sea monster and joined us. No one seemed interested in the food, since most of them had been on a strict rum diet since arriving the island. Needless, to say we quickly emptied one cooler and were delighted to find that thoughtful Adrienne had filled another with rum and fruit juice.

  Some of my fondest romantic episodes occurred near the beach when I was younger. Now whenever I am near the water and I get a whiff of suntan oil I get downright frisky.

  Which is exactly why I invited Adrienne to take a stroll with me.

  A romantic interlude on a beach towel in some secluded spot was just what I had in mind as I grabbed her hand and led her away from the group. You can imagine how surprised I was that Blair and Leigh had exactly the same idea, when Adrienne and I walked up on them.

  They were so into one another neither of them noticed the two women gawking at them. Hands and bodies moved in perfect unison as they pleasured one another in reckless abandon. When a huge bug nearly flew into my gapping mouth I came to my sen
ses, and we made a hasty retreat.

  We scampered from the brush to an outcropping of rocks near the water. Where we both chuckled in embarrassment. Adrienne leaned against on the rocks and pulled me to her. I wrapped my arms around her neck and in a matter of seconds found myself kissing her passionately. The only sounds around us were the distant voices of our friends, an occasional seagull, and our labored breathing coupled with soft moans as we kissed.

  I had been craving this woman since I had met her. The wine coolers and the smell of suntan oil on the breeze drove me from frisky to downright horny. I broke away from the kiss and weaved my fingers through her damp hair as I kissed and nibbled her neck. She tilted her head back giving me full permission to continue.

  I ran my fingertips over her breasts lightly smiling against her mouth as I felt them react to my touch. I kissed her again gently sucking her tongue into my mouth as I unfastened the clasp to her swimsuit top. We never broke the kiss while I slipped the straps off of her shoulders and let it fall to the ground.

  She shuddered and her skin broke out in goose bumps as I lightly ran my nails down her stomach. She laced her fingers through my hair this time pulling my head back, so that she could kiss my neck as my hands roamed her body. The sensation of her mouth on my skin and my hand slipping between her legs at the same time drove me to the brink of insanity.

  When she finished lavishing my neck with kisses I could not resist the temptation as I dipped my head down and circled her nipple with my tongue. She moaned and pulled me closer as I sucked and nibbled her breast and stroked her through the wet swimsuit that she still only wore the bottoms to.

  I supposed every drop of blood vacated my brain and went rushing south, which would explain what happened next. The smell of suntan oil was in the air. I had a slight buzz from the ONE wine cooler that I had consumed, and I had Adrienne nearly naked and was pawing at her like a wild bear.

  I was so consumed by what I was doing that I was only slightly aware of something rubbing against the heel of my foot, seconds later I felt the same sensation on the other heel. All movement came to a stop. I released my lip lock on Adrienne’s breast and looked down. There behind my feet was a snake about four feet long.

  What happened next was a blur, but Adrienne says I let out a girl scream so shrill that her ears rang for a week. Then she said I did some exotic dance that there are no words to describe. This in turn scared the snake that bit me just above the ankle, and then I passed out.

  I woke up in a hospital in Nassau with Adrienne by my side. She explained that the snake was not poisonous, but since I woke up in the ER hysterical they had to sedate me. There was very little of my body that did not have a cut or scrape on it from when I passed out and slid down the rocky embankment.

  I was not satisfied until I had ripped off the sheet and looked at my lower leg to make sure it was not rotting off full of snake venom. I was relived to find that there was just a puffy patch of red skin around the area of the bite. I sighed with relief and fell back onto the bed wincing from the multiple strawberry looking marks on my back.

  “Oh dear Lord in Heaven Adrienne I am so embarrassed.” I said slinging an arm over my face.

  “Don’t be Hayden. I would have freaked out too if I had been bitten. The gang is all at the Inn and are being well taken care of by Iris and the staff. The really good news is the doctor is releasing you this morning,” Adrienne said as she stroked my hair.

  “THIS MORNING! How long have I been here for Pete’s sakes?”

  “They kept you last night, just to be on the safe side. Besides, the sedative knocked you completely out.” Adrienne said as she handed me a T-shirt and a pair of shorts that one of the girls loaned us.

  She helped me out of my hospital gown kindly looking away to preserve my dignity while slipping commando into someone else’s shorts. I was barely able to lift my arms to pull the shirt over my head due to the abrasions on my elbows. She gently tugged the shirt down over my head and helped me with the sleeves. After brushing the knots out of my hair she put it up in a ponytail. After washing my face I resembled something human, even though I didn’t smell like one.

  I watched as Adrienne was kind enough to do the paperwork associated with checking me out of the hospital. I swallowed hard when I saw all of the medications the nurse handed to Adrienne, giving her instructions for each. She stuffed them in a bag and gave me a little grin before waving me over to sign the last of the papers.

  “What’s in the bag?” I asked as we climbed into a cab.

  She smiled as she recited the list. “There is some ointment for the bite site itself, oral antibiotics which are quite strong, and something for a yeast infection that the nurse said you will surely get after taking the meds.”

  “Oh that just puts the icing on the cake doesn’t it?” I groaned.

  “Let me cheer you up by telling you what happened to me when you and the snake got close and personal.” Adrienne said as she draped an arm over my shoulders. “When you began to scream and dance around, the others came running. By the time they made it to us, you were laying on the ground unconscious and I was standing there topless. You have no idea the jokes I had to endure about my tits scaring you half to death.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Actually, you have the nicest pair I have had the pleasure of

  ” I was interrupted by the cab driver clearing his throat, and reminding us of his presence.

  When we arrived back on the island one of the porters was kind enough to be waiting at the airstrip for us. I was dreading going back to the Inn and facing the women who I knew would rib me about this for the rest of the trip. I knew they would have no mercy on me even though I was banged up, because I sure wouldn’t have if it had happened to someone else.

  “Hayden, when we get back to the Inn we are going straight to my cottage and you are taking a long hot bath. When you’re done, you will lay in the bed watching TV or reading for the day. I want you to relax so your body will heal quickly. Iris, the staff, and I will be able to take care of the girls with no problems.” Adrienne said as she looked lovingly into my eyes.

  Reluctantly, I agreed to do just that. My skin burned from the abrasions and I ached from head to toe. A nice bath was just what I needed.

  Once we arrived at the Inn a large herd of laughing lesbians surrounded the van. They helped Adrienne pull me from the van and walked me into the bar. Where I stood stiffly as they told me the story of how they got me from the Boiling Hole to the neighboring Inn.

  “Aren’t you glad that I brought an extra pair of shorts and a shirt with me.” Chelsey said with a smile.

  “Yes I am they came in very handy, but I regret to inform you that I am not wearing any underwear so I will have to owe you a new pair.” I said with a laugh.

  “In that case you are welcome to keep them, consider it a get well gift.” She said with a chuckle.

  Adrienne walked me back to her cottage, and after my bath I climbed into her bed feeling refreshed and relaxed. Adrienne took a shower and soon joined me. Apparently, she didn’t sleep very well in the chair in my hospital room. I felt terrible knowing this. She probably was feeling much worse than me, but never uttered one complaint.

  Sarah woke us up when she brought dinner to Adrienne’s cottage. She was smiling ear-to-ear sporting the shirt I had given her. “Sarah, that shirt looks better on you than it ever did me. Would you like to join us for dinner? I am sure Iris sent enough to feed a small army.” I said trying to shift my weight to a body part that did not ache.

  “I cant tonight. I am helping out in the bar.” She said with a smile.

  “That’s my fault and I am sorry Sarah. I hope we are not keeping you from anything you wanted to do.” I said, feeling guilty for her having to work in my place.

  “No problem at all. I am having a great time with the girls. One has been very nice to me. I think her name is Denise.”

  When she left us Adrienne chuckled. “If Denise thinks she is going to g
et lucky with Sarah she has another thing coming. Iris thinks of her as a daughter and will break Denise in half.”

  I started to get out of bed and was met by an angry glare from a beautiful set of blue eyes. “Don’t even think about getting out of that bed Hayden. You are staying off your feet all day.” She settled a little tray over my lap and put a plate covered in Mexican food on it.

  “Iris does it all doesn’t she? Mexican, Italian, this woman is my hero!” I took a bite and the fresh guacamole made my eyes tear in pure pleasure. “These enchiladas are a slice of heaven! I may have to ask Iris to marry me.” Adrienne shot me an indignant look as she took a bite.

  “So did I ruin everyone else’s trip to the Boiling Hole?” I asked in between bites.

  “No, the gang was almost ready to go anyway. Fortunately, Shelby is an MD. She knew what to do until we got you to where we could get help. Myra and I paddled the canoe while she tended you, which was very interesting trying to move all of that weight. My arms arms are still sore.”

  “Adrienne, I am so sorry baby. I know I shouldn’t have panicked, but it touched me and I freaked.” I said losing my appetite, knowing the trouble I had caused.

  “You don’t need to apologize. Just having you back here safe and sound is all that matters to me. I was so afraid that we were not going to get you to the hospital in time. Myra and Shelby were quick to kill the snake to bring it to the hospital, so they would know what had bitten you. When they confirmed that it was non-poisonous I was so relieved. Although, when you woke up in the ER and started screaming snake at the top of your lungs I nearly wet my pants.”

  As Adrienne ran a hot bath for me there was a knock at the door. Adrienne opened the door to ten leaping lesbians who piled into our cottage. “We missed you guys so we came to check on you” Rory babbled, obviously drunk with her hat on sideways.

  Shelby ushered me over to the bed and demanded to check my bite. I of course did not argue because she towered over me like a giant. She gently pulled the bandage off of the wound and requested peroxide and the ointment the hospital sent home with me. “Um Shelby I was just about to take a bath, do you mind if I do this when I get out?” I said as I looked up at all of the faces peering over her shoulder.