Rialoves2cook: My heart broke as the speedboat pulled away from Koh Samet. I understand why everyone is already planning a return trip. The sun, the waves, and the dancing bring out a fun and carefree side of me I forgot existed, and I'm so glad to have it back. It also reminded me there are amazing people in my life who respect and value what I want and who I am.
To all my wonderful followers, you matter. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.
#islandlife #Illbeback #friends4life #beachesfordays
Posted: November 17, 6:30 PM
YourOnlySunshine: <3 So glad you've found that feeling again <3
***
Maria stared at the orange bikini in her suitcase with her hands on her hips. Was it too much? Would she be putting the wrong idea in Mitch's mind? She ran her fingers over her lips. Letting go had been thrilling: kissing his rough lips, running her hands over his chest and defined abs. His embrace erased the pain of relationships or hookups. Emma had been right.
Maria slipped into the bathroom to try on the bathing suit. As she gazed in the mirror, a confident woman looked back, one happy to wear whatever she pleased regardless of what people thought. When she returned to pack, a catcall echoed through the room.
"Looking good! Those poor guys won't know what hit them," Emma teased.
Maria smiled as she pulled Sunshine's cover-up and a sarong out of her bag. "How was your night?"
"About as fun as yours, you sly fox. How was it?" Emma grinned.
Maria raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh c'mon, I wouldn't have a dozen texts from Tom if you were a girl scout."
Maria's brow furrowed and her chest tightened. "What the hell would he know? He wasn't even out last night, and nothing happened."
"Ok, I'll rewind. So someone must have mentioned to Tom that you and Mitch were close yesterday and wandered off together."
Maria crossed her arms. "We were dancing, then we talked and chilled outside the bar, and he walked me here. If anything happened, Tom would have witnessed it."
Emma sat on the bed near Maria. "Sorry, I'm not trying to give you a hard time. I thought you'd want to celebrate since we had that whole hookup plan, and you were eyeing Mitch, but no worries."
The mattress bounced as Maria plopped down beside Emma. "I can't believe people think we slept together." Maria chipped polish off her fingernails. How many people would believe that and not talk to her again? Tom, Becca, all her friends?
"It sucks to get caught in the gossip loop, and you're not the first. I spend a lot of time pretending not to hear what those women whisper about me. It means your life is more interesting than theirs. You know your truth. Fuck the rest of them."
Maria hugged Emma and sighed. "Thanks, Em. Did you have a good night with Leanne?"
Emma grinned. "Definitely. How was not sleeping with Mitch?"
"Good, he makes a decent dance partner and kept my mind off my ex."
Emma scowled. "Is that asshole still giving you grief?"
"He's out of my life as of yesterday. I couldn't have been clearer."
"Too bad you didn't celebrate a little."
Maria bit on her bottom lip to hide her smile.
Emma nudged her in the side. "You're totally hiding something. But that's cool, you do you."
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