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they crossed the line into Clearwater Beach. it was starting to feel reel with sand and aqua blue and bright vivid colors.
They had driven from Macon.
"Let's go jet-skiing" he said gleefully.
She instantly replied, "I'm not good with that sort of thing. maybe if I can ride behind you - you can drive."
"nevermind.' he replied.
she should have said 'yes' and dealt with it later.
"oh, there's the hotel I was going to get. I'm glad I didn't get it."
They had just crossed one of those isthmus or bridges where people picnic and stop their boat and a restaurant - before the bridge. She couldn't wait to have a good meal - some crispy succulent crab with butter yum.
They pass lots of liquor stores, nail salons, tattoo parlors. she is thrilled, but she doesn't know him very well. This is their first road trip together, and he's a grumpy bird.
"wow. it's so beach. so perfect. so crowded."
it was the Saturday before Labor Day. they were only there to get the mother's money and run.
"Oh, there's the JW. I mean, it is nice, but I just couldn't justify the points."
She agreed, "but it's so cool you're a titanium plus member"
"Titanium Ultra dear."
He never called her dear, so that was flirting.
they get to the hotel and he knows just what to do and she loves it and follows him and sees his status and checks the lobby out full of beachy stuff and characters and humans.
He turned around and grabbed the bags, "they comped me free breakfast. cool of them."
"you always get upgrades."
"Well, it's not going to last. I didn't travel nearly as much last year. This expires on December 31st."
They got in the black Hyundai SUV, "this way". Let's park away from everyone. she got her bags and the cooler. On the way, they passed a nearly full pack of cans of yleung yleung. she almost picked them up not to waste them.
they made it up the strangely familiar elevators to the seventh floor. it looked like the places families vacationed in the 80s, he even said, "I think they just bought the property as a beach condo place and turned it into a Marriott. Let's grab a drink at Kokomo's after we drop our bags off."
"That sounds perfect."
He didn't touch her or look at her or hug her. He never did. He never would. They peed and she splashed her face after looking at the balcony overlooking the pool. She was glad they had his name on the screen. He had been annoyed by the lack of courtesy in Macon.
He loosened up in Kokomo's and it was fun. He was an amazing companion. she appreciated him completely. she knew he was rare.
"I'm going to go up and take a nap and work on my puzzle."
"Oh, I'll come up and get on my suit and go for a swim."
they headed up after he paid the bill easily with his weathered amex. she had gotten frozen drinks and loved it already. the pool had a waterfall and a big fake volcano. she couldn't wit. she didn't mind that he wasn't going.
She changed and got a towel. He commented. He liked to comment on her clothing, "oh that leaves nothing to the imagination." She apologized immediately and said she had a more modest one and pushed the ruffles of the low cut black suit closer to her cleavage.
"Oh it's ok."
He didn't say it in a nice way. he never ever complimented him. would that be weak.
she floated in the pool and maybe bought another drink.
they went to eat at a famous greek restaurant with a salad dressing that was the best vinaigrette.
they headed home. got drunk. talked. and said lots of things, "you're more interesting than my ex husband. I can't believe this." and he said that it had been her voice that made him want to meet her.
she woke up the next morning and reached long across the bed to touch him, "I'm sorry for anything embarrassing I said."
"don't worry. I don't even remember anything."
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