Page 20 of Beautifully Wild

“I will.” The wind has picked up, and I’ll find it easier to read through the pile of brochures in a sheltered area.

Amy hands me the brochure on theVesuviobar and gives me a pointed look. “We need to go out and let loose.”

“You know, you’re right.”

The following morning, Bree rolls her eyes at Amy. “Someone go a little hard on the Caipirinhas last night?”

Amy plucks the straw from the glass and sucks the acai smoothie in a slurp. “I had fun. Oh shit.” She glances down at the purple spots on her white tank top. “I need to change.”

“You have ten minutes before the bus arrives,” I warn her. “And we’re not missing it.”

When Amy races off, Yasmine piles the laminated menus on the table. “I’m going to brave the Dourada tonight.”

“You’re going to try catfish?” Bree asks, her voice a higher pitch.

“Yep.”

“I’m not sure why we’re discussing dinner at breakfast.” I laugh. “If we’re eating lunch atVesuvio,I might not need dinner.”

Bree starts in on the nutritional value of the exotic fruits available here. “They are a rich source of Vitamins A and C and minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc,” she says and continues on until Amy returns.

“Okay. Let’s get this tourist stuff out of the way for Edes, so I can get back here to the pool,” Amy says, out of breath.

“I found more churches as well.” I ignore the eye-rolling. “Don’t you find the architecture interesting?”

“I guess.” Amy shrugs. “I findotherthings more interesting. We have five weeks left, and it’s about meeting guys, adventure, and fun.”

We make our way to the front of the resort in time for the bus.

“Michael and I are staying in touch,” Yasmine says, taking a seat beside me. “We message several times a day.” She bows her head as though she has a secret. Or maybe she’s embarrassed. “He gets me… like really gets me. I think even more than all of you.” She peers up. Her eyes convey an apology.

“What do you mean more than us?” I whisper, my voice cracking on the last word. I’m not sure whether it’s hurt or anger that she believes a guy she has just met has a stronger force of understanding than a decade of friendship. What did he say to her? I can’t help thinking he has an agenda. I’m overcome with wanting to protect her, except it’s Yasmine. She has always looked out for my friends and me. She’s the one who’s strong in her beliefs and convictions, even more so than Bree because Bree still doubts herself and her ability even though she’s borderline genius.

“It’s like we’re searching for the same thing.” She shrugs. “There’s more to our personal being. More to this life,” she says in an even quieter voice. I tilt my head, so my ear is closer to her face. “We talked a lot in Rio about life and our individual journeys. He wants to meet up again before we get to the island.”

I had noticed she was spending more time on her phone, which is also unlike her. “What makes you think he knows you better than me?”

Her eyes scan my face, and I know I’m failing at hiding my concern.

Her head tilts to the side. “I’m different.”

“In a good way,” I say.

“If I tell you what I want to do, you’ll get mad at me.”

“Why would I? You’re my friend, and I trust you.”

Her shoulders rise and fall. “I’m considering meeting Michael in Peru.”

I nod quickly to portray I understand. “Peru is part of the itinerary.”

“I want to go further than the outskirts of the Amazon. I want to travel deeper into her heart. Experience what she has to offer.”

“If you’ve considered it, then I know you have weighed up the facts and know the pros and cons. I’m not sure why you thought I’d be mad.”

“Because I’m going to experience it all. You know I believe there are more dimensions to our world. The Amazon is a place of life. The people, their simple way of life, their beliefs… it’s a multitude of everything… race, color, plants, diversity. The jungle holds the secrets I’ve been searching for, and I want to try the medicinal plants. I know you’re freaking out, but Michael will guide me.”

Admittedly, I’m a little scared for her. Hell, Breewillfreak out because she understands what could possibly go wrong and will do all she can to deter Yasmine.

---