Page 17 of Sweet Poison

I feel only happiness as I read my family’s responses, their excitement mirroring my own.

Just as I’m about to put my phone away, I hear Uncle Cianne’s voice behind me. “Hey, little one!” Uncle Cianne calls out with a grin. “Take a photo of me with this jolly little fuck, will ya?”

I turn around to see him hugging an inflatable Santa that has bright red swim trunks and matching shades. His arms are stretched out as if he’s giving the beach Santa a big, bear hug. I can’t help but laugh at the sight of the goofy Santa paired with Uncle Cianne’s equally cheerful expression.

I quickly snap a few pictures as he changes poses. “Got it!” I say, showing him the photos to make sure he approves.

“We’re handsome, fucks you and me, chubs.” he exclaims, still laughing. “Now, Orla, send the photos to your Dad, yeah?”

I shake my head and laugh as I do.

I type out a message with the photo of my uncle kissing Santa and hit send.

Hey, Dad! Look at Uncle Cianne’s new friend!

Dad’s reply is almost instant.

Daddy: *Rolling eyes emojis*

Daddy: If he happens to drown at the beach, don’t save him.

I laugh harder now.

My Dad acts as if he can't stand uncle Cianne but I know he more than stands him. He cares for him. He wouldn't have made him my godfather if he didn’t.

“Orla, I think we will have a really fucking nice Christmas here.”

I beam at him and nod.

I think so too.

As uncle Cianne and I walk further inside the lobby, looking at everything and everyone, we are suddenly interrupted by a cheerful young man with blonde hair, blue eyes and a blinding smile. The name tag on his polo shirt declares him part of the hotel’s staff. We turn to find a group of hotel employees approaching us with warm smiles. “Welcome toPousada Céu Azul!” one of them says while signing with a friendly grin.

I am taken back when I notice they use more than one way to communicate with their guests, They’re using sign language. How rare.

They’re all also wearing bright, festive Santa hats with Christmas lights necklaces around their necks and one of them even has a Rudolph’s nose on. I can’t help but smile.

A girl about my age with a kind smile and a short blond bob holds out two shiny, cocktail glasses, filled with candy canes, tiny umbrellas and fresh watermelons. Yum. It looks delicious. “We thought you might enjoy some complimentary festive drinks to celebrate your arrival,” she says, handing them to us.

Uncle Cianne and I exchange delighted glances, and I accept the drink and sign the words ‘thank you’ which makes the staff smile brighter. Then another staff member, this one a tall man with long brown hair and a slightly crooked nose that takes nothing away from his exotic beauty places a Santa hat on Uncle Cianne’s head and then turns to me, offering one for myself. Of course, I beam and put it on, feeling the festive spirit and their friendly spirits wash over me already.

“Thank you,” Uncle Cianne says before pulling out his phone and taking a picture of me with the drink in hand. Meanwhile, I take a sip of the fruity goodness. It’s refreshing with just the right touch of tropical sweetness, and the combination of flavors exploded inside my mouth.

Uncle adjusts his hat, looking like a gigantic, tattooed bad Santa, and raises his glass in a toast. “To a fan-fucking-tastic stay and to the beautiful women of Brazil.” he winks at the women next to him, making most of them blush while the rest of the staff join in on his toast with cheers and laughter.

Uncle Cianne joining in on the trip was honestly the best idea because not only is he the least intense of my uncles but also he truly is the life of the party wherever he goes and that makes me feel less awkward when around new people.

The staff members leave us to enjoy our drinks as they resume welcoming other guests and handing out complimentary drinks and Santa hats.

I snap one last selfie of us with our festive drinks and hats and send it to my parents to make them feel like they’re with me even when oceans away.

“Come on, Willow, let’s see what else is there.” Uncle leads the way while I finish my drink and soak in the cheerful and festive atmosphere. When we reach the fountain with the colorful water and decor, a charming man approaches us with an easy, flirty smile. He’s well-dressed in a crisp, tailored suit. “Hello there. I am Antonnio,” he says while signing, his warm gaze is a mix of curiosity and friendliness. “Are you with the team of ecologists?”

I glance up at him, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks. “Yes, I am,” I sign back.

How does he know? I look down at my outfit. It is casual but nothing about it screams ecologist. I don’t think so at least. Antonnio’s attention shifts briefly to Uncle Cianne, who’sstanding behind me, his expression watchful and protective as always. Antonnio’s smile falters just a fraction as he notices my uncle’s vigilant stance, but he quickly recovers and smiles wide showing all his perfect pearly whites.

“Maravilhoso,” he says, his smile turning sheepish. “You must be Ms. O’Sullivan. Your other team members arrived earlier today. Please allow me to take care of your luggage and show you to your room.” He hands us both a few candy canes which we take gratefully.

---