Scarlet pulled her hair from her ponytail and let it drape down her shoulders as she stood by the pool. She had changed into her orange bikini and had made her way down to catch some of the sunlight before it grew dark. When she got there, she realized that Elizabeth also had that same idea. The woman was spread out on a towel with across a lounging chair.
“Dear Lord” Elizabeth said when she looked up and saw her, “you are stunning.”
Scarlet blushed and lowered herself unto one of the chairs.
“Thank you” she replied, “you don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Oh, poor me, I can hardly get to the gym and I love my food.” Elizabeth said with a smile, “regardless, the children love the extra cushion you know.”
Scarlet laughed and lay back allowing the sun to kiss her skin. She closed her eyes and listened to the different sounds all around her, there was the sound of the sea, other people had begun gathering at the pool and not long after, it was a noisy commotion of voices.
“Here comes Lucas.” Elizabeth said beside her, “he’s heading straight towards us.”
Scarlet didn’t open her eyes, she only let out a mumble of acknowledgment and continued to sunbathe. The truth was, she didn’t know what to think of Lucas seeing her like this. She didn’t carry a noticeable mark on her stomach of her pregnancy and she had been exercising four times a week to keep up with work and her five-year-old. The only problem was that she was feeling a bit vulnerable at the thought of his scrutiny and she didn’t know why.
“Hi ladies,” she heard him say
She opened her eyes and looked up and she could hardly recognize the man. She had half imagined he would be the same lanky boy from her pas,t or at least a pudgy older version but he proved her wrong. He sported well-toned abs, arms that rippled with muscle and legs that looked to be carved out of stone.
“Hi,” she replied feeling a sudden heat on her face that had nothing to do with the sun.
“Wow, Lucas,” Elizabeth said ogling him, “have you been working out?”
Lucas laughed and smiled at her.
“When I can find the time” He admitted, “I’m always working.”
Elizabeth whistled and looked over at Scarlet,
“I really shouldn’t be sitting so close to two of the most perfect people here.” She said standing and picking up her towel.
“Where are you going?” Scarlet asked
“I’m going to get some food.” Elizabeth said with a smile, “at least I can eat without much shame.”
Scarlet looked up at Lucas and then away towards the sea. She had no idea what to say now that she was left alone with him. He came around to sit in the vacated chair Elizabeth had left just moments ago.
“So,” he said, “are you enjoying yourself yet?”
“I like it here,” she said taking in the view.
“You always wanted to visit.” He replied, “it was sort of my encouragement to book the trip here.
“Oh,” she replied, “it’s nice.”
In her mind, it was as if the scenery and the beauty were suddenly tainted.
“You look nice.” He said,
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She replied
They were silent for another minute.
“We don’t have to make this so hard you know.” He said, “we should be able to have normal conversations.”
She scoffed.
“Sure, let’s have a normal conversation.” She said
“Tell me about your company.” He said, “after all that’s why we’re here.”
“You’re right.” She replied, “it was a risk. Ethan and I were out of university and we didn’t want to work for anyone. I had made a few connections during college and they gave me the job of organizing a few events for them. I did it so well they commissioned me to do all their events. From there, we just grew.”
“Do you like it?” he asked
She thought about it for a moment. She loved working, loved the thrill of making people’s dreams come true but she didn’t like the pressure that had begun building lately. The market was dying, yet their business had expanded beyond their abilities to fully control it. She hadn’t given much thought to whether she even liked party planning, she had needed something, anything, to work for her and her son.
“I’m not sure.” She admitted, “I’ve never given it much thought. It’s become a bit more tedious of late but I guess all jobs are like that.”
“I remember you always wanted to be a teacher.” He said
She smiled at the memory. She had been in love with all her teachers and had decided to become one at a very young age. She was surprised he even remembered that.
“I couldn’t deal with that.” She said, “it would be too much pressure.”
“You did a great job,” he said, “it’s a really good business. I’m happy for you and Ethan.”
“Thank you.” She replied noting the way he said Ethan’s name.
She was a bit pleased to hear the hint of jealousy mixed in with his compliment. Knowing he thought she had a relationship with Ethan and that he was jealous would work well for her.
“Why do you want this company?” she asked
I, ugh, I think it’s going to be a good addition to the group of companies I own.” He replied, “’it will be good for our expansion.”
“I see.” She replied
She was disappointed that he felt the need to lie to her.
“And what would you do with it once you got it?” she asked, “should I expect the company to remain the same or will you be parting it out for what it’s worth.”
Her questions clearly surprised him.
“I’m not sure just yet.” He replied, “I have to talk it over with my board of directors, but I know they’ll agree to whatever it takes to acquire the company. The quicker the better.”
She nodded and lay back on the chair.
“Is something wrong?” he asked
“Nothing,” she replied
She suddenly felt too hot. She needed to take a swim. Standing and walking away from the man who had once so thoughtlessly trampled her heart, she made her way over to the pool and dived in. There was a brief moment when she hung in the air and then she was below water. Down there, all her problems were gone. When she resurfaced, she saw Lucas looking over at her and she knew suddenly that there was nothing she could ever do to stop his eyes from making her feel flushed and hot. All she could do now was make it through this weekend and the next few months before she was able to get him out of her life, out of their life.