Page 47 of Charming
So I do.
When he pulls away, he tucks me into his side, pushing my hair behind my ear. “I have special plans for us tonight.”
“You do?”
“I do,” he nods. “But what we do with our day is up to you.”
I contemplate the options but know exactly what I’d prefer. “I have heard that the Sky Pool at Sunset Beach is amazing. It looks out over the whole bluff and you can see the ocean for miles. How about we go up there?”
“I think that sounds perfect.”
And so, after we shower, together of course, we find ourselves taking a golf cart to the resort above ours. The cart drives up and up and up until we’re let out at a ramp where we have to walk even further. Once we get to the top, the jaunt we had to take to get here, we immediately affirm was well worth it. We can see the expanse of this resort and our own far down below, but what captivates us is the ocean, its craggy shoreline and white caps visible for what appears to be miles upon miles. A small number of sailboats and fishing boats bob up and down with the tide and present a beautiful picture. Far below we watch as the water crashes upon the shore. Further still large rocks jettison along the coast and the surf crashes against them making huge splashes of white water that’s so picturesque I snap several pictures with my phone. When I get home I plan to blow up several of the best shots and frame them – the perfect homemade souvenir.
When we bring ourselves to walk away from the railing, we grab towels from a worker manning the small adobe hut and walk to find chairs. While walking, I investigate the pool. It has two semi-circle shaped tiers: a large pool on the bottom and another glass-side enclosed one above. Upon closer observation, I note that the one on top is actually an infinity pool and water spills over the front into the one below. People stand against its edge, some conversing, some merely observing, others appearing contemplative. Many hold beverages served by the bar positioned to the side, which also entreats others to sit on its stools that erupt from the water. Steps take one between levels. Both levels are surrounded with lounge chairs, tables and sun umbrellas and are well-populated this morning. Conversation and laughter abound. It appears that everyone is enjoying their vacation.
Following Asher as he looks for seats, his ball cap pulled low over his eyes, I can’t help but laugh along with others as a guy and two girls laugh loudly and dare each other to fall over the infinity edge into the bigger pool below. They each flop gracelessly over the edge to cheers from onlookers. One woman we pass who may be in her late fifties covers her eyes with her hands and mutters, “Have kids they said. It will be great they said.” Covering my mouth with my hand I suppress a giggle. Asher looks back at me and the glee in his eyes indicates he heard her too.
Simultaneously we spot an observatory looking area above the upper pool. We hasten our pace and eagerly mount the steps to its platform where the breath-taking view seen from the railing is magnified. I turn in slow circles, eyes first opened then closed, with arms extended out from my side, as the slight breeze breathes into my pores, dazed with the sheer magnificence of our surroundings. Asher looks at me, adoringly, inevitably taking me within his arms and holding me until we have ingested our fill.
Securing chairs side by side Asher spreads out our towels, we do the sunblock thing and then get comfortable. It’s a beautiful day and as I feel the sun warm my skin I feel grateful for being in such a beautiful place and having met the man next to me. I know that this whole vacation will be one I never forget.
“Do you have a new project coming up soon?” I turn on my side and look at Asher, my gaze roaming over him like always. I can’t help myself.
“I do. I have a few meetings with the director and my agent when I get back to LA and then a week later I have to report to the set.”
“That’s exciting. What is the role? Is it another Jack Danger movie?”
“No, but I am filming another one of them at the end of this year. In this one I’m playing a detective that’s accused of committing the perfect murder.”
“Ooh, who do you murder?”
He smiles, “Who says I murdered anyone? Why are you so quick to assume my character did it?”
Rolling my eyes, I ask, “Fine, please allow me to rephrase.”
“Proceed.”
“Who died that you’re accused of murdering?”
“My girlfriend in the movie.”
“Oh yeah? And who plays your girlfriend?”
He names an actress that’s so drop dead gorgeous I’m embarrassed to admit it makes my stomach fall a little. Stupid reaction. “Wow,” I reply.
But, I can’t get anything past him, “Whoa, why did your face fall?”
“Did it?” I shrug, but my next comment and question totally gives me away, but I can’t seem to stop myself. “She’s beautiful. Have you ever dated her?”
His nose wrinkles at my question as if he tasted something bitter. “What? No. Not at all. Not interested. Besides,” he rubs his hands down his body and I follow their trail, “All this is for my wife.”
Laughing at the way he totally complimented himself in that sentence, I ask, “So, who have you dated in Hollywood?”
His face turns serious, “What makes you ask?”
Oh god, it must be really bad if he’s asking and not answering. “Well… I’m not blind, I mean I’ve seen some of the press about you.”
“You shouldn’t believe everything you read.”
