James and Rick were delighted to hear Michelle’s idea. Still, when she told them exactly where she wanted to go for a swim, James was not as excited as before, whereas Rick was thrilled. Michelle had chosen Muscle Beach, maintaining that it was close and that the spectacle of dozens of people, working out in such short proximity would amuse them. Most of the time, the gorgeous, California Beach was full of aspiring athletes or just men who were simply trying to show off their muscles. In Michelle’s opinion, nothing could entertain them more. Olivia was able to change James’s mind and soon, they were on their way to the beach.

Upon their arrival, Olivia, Gina, James and Rick quickly stripped down to their bathing suits and went for a swim, whereas Michelle and Helen chose to lie down in sun chairs and relax. Happily for them, the beach was not so crowded and most of the people had gathered close to the gym, hundreds of feet away from them.

“God, you had the best idea ever.” Helen remarked. “You’ve got to love L.A.”

“It would have been perfect if all those morons weren’t here.” Michelle laughed. “Look at them. I’ve never seen so many posers in one place in my whole life.”

At that point, Gina’s exaggerated scream drew their attention. Rick had only thrown her into the water, face up.

“That’s a nice picture, isn’t it?” Michelle spoke in lazy tones, pointing up at them.

“Don’t get me wrong here, Michelle, but I don’t want to talk about them again.” Helen murmured, closing her eyes. “Like I said, I’m happy for them, but I have my own problems to worry about.”

“The way I see it, you only have one problem.” Michelle’s statement intrigued her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Helen asked, rolling over onto her left side.

“Lack of adventure, darling,” Michelle elaborated. “I’ve been hearing your complaints for a while now. You keep saying that ‘nothing happens in that godforsaken town. It’s like a cemetery there.’ Maybe you’re right. Shandaken is a small town, but, seriously, what do you expect; all-night parties?”

“Just something a little out of the ordinary,” Helen shrugged. “Every day is the same as the next.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Michelle stated stiffly. “I like it there. It’s a lot more peaceful than the New York craziness. Unless it…” she faltered, “transforms into a major city, things are going to stay exactly as they are.”

“What are you getting at?” Helen’s curiosity was growing by the second.

“Make the most of this, Helen.” Michelle raised her voice, slightly. “You’re only going to be here for what, three more weeks? Have some fun. It doesn’t matter if it’s with Marcus or not.”

“If by ‘fun’, you mean meaningless sex, then thanks, but I’ll pass.” Helen grumbled. “If I wanted just that, trust me, I would have done it in New York.”

“Ok, please, listen to yourself.” Michelle requested, turning to face her. “You’re on vacation and you’re looking for love? For real; come on, Helen. You know that’s next to impossible.”

“I’m just searching for something more than sex.” Helen explained. “Is that so bad?”

“Of course it’s not.” Michelle said in a softer tone. “The question is ‘do you think you can find it with him’?”

“I don’t know.” Helen sighed. “It’s pretty complicated. He said I could put myself in harm’s way if we dated.”

“I think he’s being a little too cautious,” Michelle’s words sparked a tiny flame of hope inside her. “You’ll only be seeing each other for three weeks. If things work out between you two, great. If they don’t, you’ll have something to remember this holiday by, other than my concerts.”

“Are you saying I should go for it?” Helen’s voice came out hesitantly.

“Oh, my God,” Michelle rolled her eyes in frustration. “No, I’m saying you should sit on your ass and wait until you meet someone else. Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying!”

“I’d love that.” Helen confessed. “I can’t stop thinking about him. Those eyes; that voice; that body… God, that body.”

“Don’t mention bodies,” Michelle groaned. “I’m in a dry spell, remember? It’s enough to watch that brute swimming over there. Damn, Liv’s lucky to have that stud.”

“You like him?” Helen’s voice became high-pitched with enthusiasm.

“Are you saying you don’t?” Michelle answered her question with a question. “I mean, look at all those muscles. If I were in bed with a guy like that, I’d totally bite him: everywhere.”

“Oh, my God.” Helen burst into loud giggling, slapping her forehead with the palm of her hand.

“This is not funny.” Michelle glared at her. “Olivia got married, you had sex a couple of days ago, even that redhead’s getting laid and I’m all alone.”

“Ok.” Helen chuckled, leaning against her shoulder. “I can talk to Liv about a threesome. I don’t think she’ll like it, but…”

Michelle didn’t allow her to finish her sentence. She reached behind her back, grabbed a small stone and threw it at her.

“Ow!” Helen let out a sharp cry of pain, as the stone struck her in the shoulder. “That hurt!”

“Are you done teasing me yet? Because I can go on, you know.” Michelle’s voice was not at all reprimanding. On the contrary, it came out sweet and the broad smile on her face was a clear sign that she had been enjoying this.

“Fine, I’ll stop.” Helen said with a grin.

“Anyway…” Michelle spoke in a firm tone. “Go find him. Tonight, if you can. I’ll drive you there myself. Should everything go well, call me. If it doesn’t, we’ll go out for drinks, alright?”

“What would I do without you, my twerking queen?” Helen teased.

“Cut it out.” Michelle laughed. “I asked you something.”

“Ok.” Helen gave a cute nod. “Tonight it is.”