****
Rayne exited the plane into a blast of warm humid air and a vague scent of coconut oil drifting across the tarmac. The plane sat on a heavy-duty runway that ended with a cluster of huge hangars. Makes sense, they would have had to maintain commutes for their construction and staff teams.
The trio descended from the plane to be greeted by a slew of resort staff in freshly pressed linen uniforms and a tray of tropical cocktails. One by one, the guests were led to a brand-new chauffeur-driven golf cart emblazoned with “Eden Resort” before they were whisked into the tropical forest that surrounded the landing strip.
“You work in finance?” Rayne’s driver chirped. Obviously, her suitcase and attire didn’t hint at any other reason why she would be invited to the resort. The driver wore a luxurious cream-colored linen shirt cut in a Chinese style over slightly darker slacks.
“Yes, actually; how did you know?” She hoped he might reveal something of the other guests she would meet.
“Pardon my frankness,” it seemed that English wasn’t this driver’s first language and he hesitated before continuing, “You seem very different from the other guests I have met. Is it, how they say, professional?”
Rayne laughed and nodded, “I guess that’s the best excuse for it. I will take it as a compliment.”
Her driver smiled and started pointing out various sites along their trip to the resort. “You may have noticed that the other guests have disappeared; they are living in a slightly different area from you. You are in the best area. Guests in cheaper accommodations are not given quite the same view.” On cue, they drove past a thundering waterfall that tipped river water from a height of several stories into a brimming lagoon. “They are also slightly further away from the luxury services.”
They wound gently through the forest until the tree line parted to reveal a stunning vaulted cabin. The driver parked and hauled the suitcase off the golf cart, motioning to the doorway.
Stepping over the threshold, Rayne was assaulted by the most magnificent views she had ever seen in her life. The entire far end of the cabin consisted of single-panel windows that reached from the hardwood floors to the vaulted ceiling two stories up. Beyond the balcony that sat outside the windows was a plummeting view of the tropical rainforest. To the left, misty mountains; straight ahead, a leafy rainforest canopy that cut sharply into the white gold sandy beach and aquamarine tropical waters; to the right, a gentle curve of similar style cabins and buildings--the continuation of the resort.
“Wow,” Rayne stood stunned. The driver chuckled and made an attempt to explain where her amenities were before disappearing out the back door and to his golf cart.
Everything about the cabin was supersized: the bed was a king, the bathroom had a shower you could cartwheel into, the spa was gigantic and the kitchen was better equipped than her apartment’s. Flipping idly through the amenities brochure, glossy magazine stock, how la-di-da, Rayne gathered that the cabin functioned as a complete separate entity to the resort. Guests were encouraged to hire the on-site chefs and staff rather than mingle with the ‘common people’ down in the restaurant and pool area. The room also came with a private-use golf cart, but as this was yet to be delivered (according to the booklet,) Lotus Suite guests were entitled to a courtesy driver.
Just as Rayne began unpacking her clothes, there was a ring from her door. Rayne let in a petite, prim woman in Eden uniform. This attendant gave Rayne a quick once over before plastering what could only be a professional smile on her face. Am I going to be kicked off the island? This attendant’s glossy black ponytail and barely-there makeup made Rayne feel uneasy; she felt like, at any time, a photographer would pop out to take some in-situ shots for the staff training manual: staff evicts chubby sham guest.
“Welcome to Eden Resort, Ms. Baker! We are so thrilled you could join us. I hope you are finding this room to your liking; is there anything you need?”
Rayne had a quick, cursory look, “No, I don’t think so.”
“I am so pleased to hear that, but remember, you can call housekeeping any time if you would like to make a request.”
“Okay. I’ll keep that in mind then.”
The attendant stood expectantly for just a moment too long—long enough for Rayne to rummage out a crumpled bill for the attendant’s tip.
“Oh, no thank you, Ms. Baker; we don’t accept tips here. Thank you for your generosity, though. What I was going to ask, I mean, say, is that you have been invited to our beauty room for a free private session. It’s perfect timing as tonight we are hosting drinks with a pre-set dinner to welcome our newest guests.”
“The three of us who arrived?”
“Well, yes and no; we are also welcoming guests who arrived yesterday and the day before.”
Rayne stood and nodded slowly, “Sorry, what time is the dinner?”
“Seven pm.”
“And what time is the beauty session?”
“It’s happening right now. You would need to leave soon to be ready for dinner.”
Rayne looked at the clock in the kitchen; it was just after lunchtime. “I’m going to be gone for hours?”
The attendant had the conscience to look at least sheepish while she nodded, “It’s free, Ms. Baker.”
Resigned to fate, Rayne gave a bewildered nod and followed the woman.
Rayne had been plucked, massaged, trimmed, washed and blow-dried to a rosy pinkness before the beauticians had called it quits and trolleyed out a makeup stand worthy of a department store display. Two women had then worked on Rayne’s face, critiquing and refining their work until they both stood back and clapped. Rayne had never felt so humiliated; they’re relieved the Herculean task is over.
Rayne was escorted back to her cabin where she had just the briefest moments to marvel at the work the beauticians had done. Losing two inches from her auburn hair and having a professional eyebrow threader at her face gave prominence to her cheekbones and illuminated her honey-colored eyes. Slipping into her favorite sapphire dress, Rayne couldn’t help but twirl before the mirror; I look like a million bucks. Stepping into a pair of mid-heeled pumps, Rayne clattered back to the doorway where her driver stood patiently; her beauticians refused to let her walk down to the party after their laborious work. The driver, the same from that morning, was taken aback by Rayne’s new appearance and ducked his head in embarrassment.
“Good to see you again. Sorry, I didn’t get your name?” Rayne smiled as she slipped into the leather seat.
“Oh, it’s Adam, Miss. You look very lovely tonight.” Rayne failed to still her grin as the cart took off into the forest.