Page 113 of Lucas

As we approach, I notice Kaia lounging by the poolside. She sits up, shielding her eyes from the sun as we draw near.

“Kaia, hi,” I greet her with a smile. “This is my friend Michelle.”

“Hi there,” Kaia says, rising to her feet with a friendly wave. “I was just about to head in. Don't want to intrude on your time together.”

“You're not intruding at all,” I assure her. “Feel free to stay if you'd like.”

Kaia shakes her head, gathering her things. “Thanks, but I really should get going. I've got some packing to do. Lucas helped me find an apartment.”

“That's wonderful news,” I reply, genuinely pleased for her.

“It was nice to meet you, Michelle,” Kaia says with a parting smile before heading toward the house.

As soon as Kaia is out of earshot, Michelle leans in close. “Who is that?” she whispers, curiosity evident in her voice.

I sigh. “It's...a long story.” And not my story to tell. “She’s a friend.”

Thankfully, Michelle doesn’t press further.

In the side pool, the waterfall has already been turned on, and I notice two lounge chairs have been covered with towels for us, a stack of extra towels placed nearby. I still can’t get used to the fact that Hugo takes care of all these little details.

Michelle settles onto one chair. “Wow. This place is paradise. I can’t believe this is your home now.”

“Me neither.” I sit down, put on my sunglasses, peel off my tank top and toss it onto the chair beside me.

Michelle shimmies out of her beach dress and stretches out next to me. We both close our eyes, letting the sun caress our skin.

“Mrs. Ava.”

I crack open one eye and shade my forehead with my hand. “Yes, Hugo?”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“Margarita,” Michelle requests. “Or a cosmopolitan.”

I shoot her a look. “I don’t know if Hugo knows how to make?—”

“No problem at all.” Hugo smiles at Michelle. “I’ll bring you a margarita. Mrs. Ava?”

“Just Ava is fine.” I correct him every time, and still, he insists on the honorific. “Same for me, please.”

He bows and leaves.

Michelle grabs my arm. “There are margaritas too. Fuck, Ava, you hit the jackpot. Lying by the pool sipping margaritas. What is this place?”

After Hugo brings us our drinks, I take a sip, then flip onto my stomach.

“I need to go into town for some errands, Mrs. Ava. Is there anything else you require before I leave?”

“No, thank you,” I say, and he departs.

We’re alone. Bliss.

I untie the top of my bikini to loosen it. I don’t want the tan lines.

I doze off in the warm sun, and Lucas’s face filters into my dream. I smile.

“Jesus.”