Page 6

Chapter

Five

BABY IT’S HOT OUTSIDE

Willow

“I still see you every time I close my eyes.” — W

O ur car pulls to a stop outside Pousada Céu Azul resort , and my eyes instantly widen to the size of saucers as I take in the sight before me.

How…beautiful.

As soon as I step out of the car, the warm breeze envelopes me, carrying the scent of salt and blooms.

I’m left speechless as I take in the resort’s facade, which is a stunning blend of modern glass and stone. On each side of the entrance palm trees with Christmas lights on them sway gently. Vibrant Cattleya orchids spill from pots, a riot of colors that makes my heart flutter. I can also hear the distant sound of the guest’s laughter mingling with the soft crash of waves in the distance.

Tropical paradise it’s all I can think of as I take in all the beauty around me.

Seriously… is this place even real?

Uncle and I walk toward the double glass doors that lead to the inside of the resort as the friendly bellhops deal with our luggage.

They all have smiles on their faces and a warmth aura to them.

As stunning as the outside looks, the interior’s decor is what has me blinking twice to see if I’m dreaming all of this. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places but nothing compares to this. Nothing.

With sudden eagerness to see more, I step through the revolving doors that lead to the lobby and I’m stopped dead by a sight straight out of a tropical Christmas dream.

“Holy shite,” Uncle Cianne breathes out as if he too finds this place out of this world enchanting.

Holy shite indeed.

We both stand back, taking in the stunning lobby that makes me think of it as a fairy kingdom come to life. On every corner there are towering trees with white twinkling lights woven through their branches and Christmas ornaments to match the vibe.

The scent of fresh flowers fills the air, mingling with the warm and spicy scent of cinnamon.

I love the smell of cinnamon and especially on Christmas time. It smells like home after mom bakes my favorite dessert arroz con leche . She sprinkles a pinch of grounded cinnamon to add to the flavor.

Still in a trance, I walk further inside as I turn in circles taking everything in with curious eyes. How have I never heard of this hotel? I’m always looking online for unique places to add to my ‘one day travel’ list but I guess I just missed this one.

I look up and admire the glistening icicles hanging from the ceiling like delicate crystal chandeliers, casting a soft, ethereal glow over everything. Wow…

A stream of laughter and festive music in a language I don’t know drifts through the space, adding to the jolly atmosphere.

Shifting my attention from the ceiling to the floors, I notice a mosaic of natural stones and more cheerful decorations. I love that the theme seems to be a fun Christmas because there’s nothing boring about it. It’s a mix of joyful holiday celebration and a bit of expensive looking decor. And every corner seems to hold a new surprise: white Christmas lights tucked into the plants and trees, whimsical and fun ornaments hanging from the branches of the trees, and even cozy nooks decorated with plush green and red cushions and soft holiday themed blankets. The entire lobby feels alive and cheerful, as if the hotel itself is welcoming me into its magical and warmth embrace.

My Mom would love this place so much. When I was younger she made it her mission to decorate our home as if Christmas exploded all over it. Much the same as this resort. I know seeing this will make Mom smile. So I reach for my phone, and snap pictures of the lobby and send them to her and also to the rest of my family.

First, I shoot a photo of the glittering trees with mistletoes hanging from them, and quickly text it to them with a message.

Me: Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. We made it to the resort. Look how gorgeous this place is. It feels like I just stepped into a Christmas fairy tale!

The reply from my Mom is almost instant.

Mommy: Oh wow, Willow. It looks incredible! I love it! Giant, we should go there next Christmas!”

Daddy: *Thumbs up emojis*

Next, I capture a shot of the ornaments hanging from the branches and send it to the chat I have with my cousins.

Me: It’s like Christmas exploded all over the resort!

Ella: *Pink heart and heart eyes emojis*

Ella: Wow, how pretty. I wish we were there with you, Low!

Rai: Well… that looks like a nightmare.

Me: *Rolling eyes emojis*

Ella: Oh, please Rai. You know you’re a closeted holiday freak.

Rai: *Middle finger emojis*

I take another picture of the fountain in the middle of the lobby where its water turns from green to red simultaneously and small inflatable candy canes float in it. I send it with a heart emoji .

Aunt K: *Black heart and thumbs up emoji*

Aunt K: Enjoy, Baby girl. Be safe.

I feel only happiness as I read my family’s responses, their excitement mirroring my own.

Just as I’m about to put my phone away, I hear Uncle Cianne’s voice behind me. “Hey, little one!” Uncle Cianne calls out with a grin. “Take a photo of me with this jolly little fuck, will ya?”

I turn around to see him hugging an inflatable Santa that has bright red swim trunks and matching shades. His arms are stretched out as if he’s giving the beach Santa a big, bear hug. I can’t help but laugh at the sight of the goofy Santa paired with Uncle Cianne’s equally cheerful expression.

I quickly snap a few pictures as he changes poses. “Got it!” I say, showing him the photos to make sure he approves.

“We’re handsome, fucks you and me, chubs.” he exclaims, still laughing. “Now, Orla, send the photos to your Dad, yeah?”

I shake my head and laugh as I do.

I type out a message with the photo of my uncle kissing Santa and hit send.

Hey, Dad! Look at Uncle Cianne’s new friend!

Dad’s reply is almost instant.

Daddy: *Rolling eyes emojis*

Daddy: If he happens to drown at the beach, don’t save him.

I laugh harder now.

My Dad acts as if he can't stand uncle Cianne but I know he more than stands him. He cares for him. He wouldn't have made him my godfather if he didn’t.

“Orla, I think we will have a really fucking nice Christmas here.”

I beam at him and nod.

I think so too.

As uncle Cianne and I walk further inside the lobby, looking at everything and everyone, we are suddenly interrupted by a cheerful young man with blonde hair, blue eyes and a blinding smile. The name tag on his polo shirt declares him part of the hotel’s staff. We turn to find a group of hotel employees approaching us with warm smiles. “Welcome to Pousada Céu Azul !” one of them says while signing with a friendly grin.

I am taken back when I notice they use more than one way to communicate with their guests, They’re using sign language. How rare.

They’re all also wearing bright, festive Santa hats with Christmas lights necklaces around their necks and one of them even has a Rudolph’s nose on. I can’t help but smile.

A girl about my age with a kind smile and a short blond bob holds out two shiny, cocktail glasses, filled with candy canes, tiny umbrellas and fresh watermelons. Yum. It looks delicious. “We thought you might enjoy some complimentary festive drinks to celebrate your arrival,” she says, handing them to us.

Uncle Cianne and I exchange delighted glances, and I accept the drink and sign the words ‘thank you’ which makes the staff smile brighter. Then another staff member, this one a tall man with long brown hair and a slightly crooked nose that takes nothing away from his exotic beauty places a Santa hat on Uncle Cianne’s head and then turns to me, offering one for myself. Of course, I beam and put it on, feeling the festive spirit and their friendly spirits wash over me already.

“Thank you,” Uncle Cianne says before pulling out his phone and taking a picture of me with the drink in hand. Meanwhile, I take a sip of the fruity goodness. It’s refreshing with just the right touch of tropical sweetness, and the combination of flavors exploded inside my mouth.

Uncle adjusts his hat, looking like a gigantic, tattooed bad Santa, and raises his glass in a toast. “To a fan-fucking-tastic stay and to the beautiful women of Brazil.” he winks at the women next to him, making most of them blush while the rest of the staff join in on his toast with cheers and laughter.

Uncle Cianne joining in on the trip was honestly the best idea because not only is he the least intense of my uncles but also he truly is the life of the party wherever he goes and that makes me feel less awkward when around new people.

The staff members leave us to enjoy our drinks as they resume welcoming other guests and handing out complimentary drinks and Santa hats.

I snap one last selfie of us with our festive drinks and hats and send it to my parents to make them feel like they’re with me even when oceans away.

“Come on, Willow, let’s see what else is there.” Uncle leads the way while I finish my drink and soak in the cheerful and festive atmosphere. When we reach the fountain with the colorful water and decor, a charming man approaches us with an easy, flirty smile. He’s well-dressed in a crisp, tailored suit. “Hello there. I am Antonnio,” he says while signing, his warm gaze is a mix of curiosity and friendliness. “Are you with the team of ecologists?”

I glance up at him, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks. “Yes, I am,” I sign back.

How does he know? I look down at my outfit. It is casual but nothing about it screams ecologist. I don’t think so at least. Antonnio’s attention shifts briefly to Uncle Cianne, who’s standing behind me, his expression watchful and protective as always. Antonnio’s smile falters just a fraction as he notices my uncle’s vigilant stance, but he quickly recovers and smiles wide showing all his perfect pearly whites.

“ Maravilhoso ,” he says, his smile turning sheepish. “You must be Ms. O’Sullivan. Your other team members arrived earlier today. Please allow me to take care of your luggage and show you to your room.” He hands us both a few candy canes which we take gratefully.

Wow, this place really goes out for Christmas.

Before I can thank him, he steps forward and expertly grabs my backpack and uncle’s bag. “Follow me, please. The elevator is this way.”

Uncle Cianne remains at my side as we follow Antonnio to the elevator. “You will have a wonderful time. The resort has a certain magic to it,” he says, glancing over at me. “If you need anything at all, just let me know.”

Magic.

Huh.

Now thinking about it, it did feel quite magical the moment we stepped inside the resort.

I nod with a grateful smile, while Uncle says, “Thanks man. Appreciate it,” and tips him. I watch as my uncle hands him a wad of twenty-dollar bills. My father is a criminal. I know this and so are my uncles and aunt but they still are the most selfless people I know. Maybe it’s wrong and immoral but that’s life and life has taught me that the people with clean cut looks and “normal” family life and charming personalities at times are the most messed up. Politicians swear to do good by their people and they lie, cheat and steal. Hell, even the ones sworn to protect us, at times, can be corrupted and evil too.

It’s never that simple and we’re not just black and white.

In my case my criminals are good men.

“Thank you, sir but this is too much,” Antonnio gently declines the money but uncle pushes the money into his hands. “Nonsense,” my uncle insists, leaving no room for discussion.

Antonnio looks a bit embarrassed but takes the money hesitantly but nods gratefully.

“Okay, now take us to our room, kind man.” Uncle jokes and claps Antonnio’s shoulder just as the elevator doors open. The bellhop, Antonnio, gestures for us to step inside and then he holds the door open for us. Uncle Cianne steps inside the first and positions himself in the middle. He’s always done that. He positions himself between me and anyone that could potentially be a danger to me. No matter how kind and sweet they act. It’s just how it’s always been.

Antonnio presses our floor’s number on the panel when I get the feeling of being watched. I stand between Antonnio and my uncle when my gaze is drawn to a tall man standing outside the elevator near the lobby’s fountain. The stranger has striking black hair and from all the way here I can see his deep, dark eyes that seem to pierce through me. How is that even possible? Butterflies swarm my belly with each second the man pins me with his intense gaze.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

My heart starts to beat faster and for a split second, the lobby and the cheerful noise around us fades away and time feels like it stands still. And while everything else seems to be silent, my heart thunders inside my chest, and I’m utterly captivated by the tall man with the dark and magnetic intense presence.

I notice he’s dressed like male models and famous men do. Stylish and expensive. He is wearing black slacks, with matching loafers and a white shirt that has two buttons unbuttoned allowing me to see an ink chest with a silver chain and muscular tattooed arms.

He is… beautiful. Maybe beautiful is not enough to describe him. He seems almost otherworldly handsome.

His dark gaze remains locked on mine, and I can’t look away. I’m trying but something keeps me from looking away from him and with every second that passes I feel like he’s seeing through me, stirring a whirlwind of emotions that I can’t quite grasp. Emotions that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Since cold winter nights with an angry beautiful boy. Since…him.

Recognition hits me, but it can’t be him, can it?

I feel like I’m caught in a beautiful dream, the world around us blurring as the elevator doors begin to close. My breath catches, and I try to make sense of what’s happening and what I’m seeing. The man’s expression is unreadable, but there’s something about the way he looks at me that makes my heart race uncontrollably and the butterflies in my stomach cause havoc inside my stomach.

But then the elevator doors shut, and the man is gone. The spell he put me under shatters, and I’m left standing there, dazed and breathless and so confused.

I press my back against the wall of the elevator, and tap my chest repeatedly trying to steady my breathing and my racing heart. Only then does it dawn on me…

That the man with the black hair and black eyes reminded me of a sweet ghost from the past who grew up to be my favorite formula 1 driver.

But it can’t be him.

Uncle Cianne gives me a curious look, but I just manage a small, shaky smile. “Everything okay?” he asks, his voice sounding concerned.

I tap my chest three more times and wait for my heart to calm and when it doesn't, I take a deep breath. “Yeah, I just…I just thought I saw something,” I reply, my voice betraying my shock.

As the elevator ascends, I can’t help but glance back at the closed doors, the image of those familiar dark, intense eyes lingering in my mind. Could it be him?

When my heart settles, I am left wondering if it was real or just a figment of my naive imagination.

You’re just seeing what your heart wants, silly girl…

The little voice inside my head whispers.

Maybe…

“Here it is,” Antonnio opens the door to our room and ushers us in. The room is just as enchanting as the lobby, if not more so. It’s cozy and beautifully decorated. It makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a holiday dream just like the lobby did. Soft, glowing white lights are strung across the room and hanging from the curtains. Christmas decorations are everywhere—delicate ornaments hanging from the ceiling, festive and colorful garlands draped elegantly around the room, and there is even a little tree sparkling in the corner.

It’s cute and cozy.

It’s just perfect.

I take a moment to admire the cheerful scene and the way the Christmas decorations blend seamlessly with the room’s natural vibe. God, I love this hotel. I really do.

It’s the perfect combination of beach vibes with the jolly season. Two things I love. The beach and Christmas. How unique.

The owner must love Christmas or just be a genius businessman or businesswoman.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly type another message to my parents:

“Hi, again! Uncle and I just entered the room. It’s as beautiful as the lobby. I’ll send some photos later. Everything is going great so far!!!

I hit send and wait for their reply, feeling less and less anxious about leaving them as I do.

When I’m done texting them, I decide to explore more of the room and head for the balcony. The warm ocean breeze greets me as I step outside, and I’m immediately struck by the breathtaking view.

Again… wow.

The resort’s grounds stretch out below, a mix of vibrant colors from the flora and the holiday decor, and beyond that, the enchanting sea stretches to the horizon. I love the sea. I grew up at the beach and spent almost every waking moment either swimming in the ocean with my father or caring for my mother’s butterflies and tending to her pretty plants. I’m in awe of nature and I’ve always been. So as I stand here looking at the vast ocean ahead I breathe in the comforting scent of salt and sand and feel at home.

How is it that an hour here has already made me feel as if I’m not so far away from home. Maybe it is the fact that the hotel has a breathtaking garden that I can already see from over the balcony or maybe it is the fact that its decor consists of my favorite colors: green and blue. It’s odd how there is nothing I dislike about this place and so many things here I find comfort in.

Like this view, and the color of the sky right now.

The sun set is painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold. The blend of colors dances across the water making it look like shimmering gold. Moments like this one remind me just how majestic mother nature is.

With a pleased sigh, I lean against the balcony railing touching the small Christmas lights and take in the beauty of the scene. The waves gently lap against the shore, as I catch the distinct sound of holiday music and something about the rare moment feels more than right.

It feels…as if right here is where I am supposed to be.

And as I stand here looking out into the distance, I think of how despite the sadness I feel for leaving my family during the holidays, excitement bubbles in my belly as I think of the days ahead.

The magic of Pousada Céu Azul resort, S?o Paulo and the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings have already begun to weave their spell on me, and I can’t wait to see what else this enchanting place has in store during my stay.

After a few more minutes admiring the sea, I start to feel the weight of jet lag settling in. That is when I decide it’s time to unpack and settle in before a good night’s sleep.

Tomorrow the real fun begins and I’m both excited and nervous to see how my days here in paradise will look like.

I take one last look at the sunset, the sky now fading into a darker color which gives room for the night and with a gentle sigh, I whisper to the wind, “Goodnight, Mom and Dad. I love you.” I pause for a moment, my heart pulling at the thought of black eyes and a sad smile. I take a deep, somewhat sad breath, wishing he wasn’t just a beautiful memory of the past. “Sweet dreams, Madden,” I whisper softly, feeling my heart ache as I do every night since he left.

With a final glance at the fading sky, I close the balcony doors and just like that my first day here is over.