Page 50 of Awaiting

Bexley looked out over the many, many pools that made up the whole park. White Lagoon was the name of the place. It had these gorgeous white-and-black lava rocks punctuated with creamy-blue waters and steam billowing from the natural-forming pools like low-lying clouds. There were over fifty pools in total. Some of them flowed into others, and some sat there alone, as if waiting for people to climb inside and enjoy their effects. There were beautiful green shrubs, high grass, and small trees around some of the pools, giving their occupants a little bit of privacy, which, Bexley guessed, was part of the appeal for the royals she was with today.

“So, we have these three pools,” Palmer said, holding on to Elizabeth’s hand. “The middle one there can easily fit twenty people, and the other two can fit four or so pretty comfortably.”

“Just don’t go into the one with the red sign and fence around it,” Elizabeth added. “It’s been temperamental lately.”

“What do you mean?” Alex asked from Bexley’s right.

“Too hot,” Palmer replied. “Not all of these are meant to hold people. There are at least ten that get too hot for us, so make sure you steer clear.”

“Should we go to our cabins and change?” Alice asked.

“Sure. We can meet back out here in thirty minutes,” Palmer suggested. “After we have a dip, dinner should be ready.”

Bexley just nodded, not feeling like she had much to offer the conversation, but the view was remarkable. The three pools they’d reserved for the day were completely separated from the rest of White Lagoon by tall evergreen trees and natural rock walls that would give the six of them privacy to be in their suits and talk without anyone seeing or overhearing. Of course, the twenty or so members of the royal security teams of three countries would also keep people away. For their part, they’d arranged themselves around the group but stayed out of earshot and turned away from them.

“Can I show you to your cabin?” Alex asked.

“You know where it is?”

“It’s right next to mine. We’re all in a row. Easier for security that way,” Alex explained, smiling at her. “And I have something for you anyway.”

“You do?”

“The solution to your lack of bathing suit problem,” Alex reminded.

“If you’re about to suggest I skinny dip, I’ll be staying in my cabin for the remainder of the trip.”

“Skinny dip?” Alex said and cleared her throat right after. “No, I got you a few options.”

“They better cover the important parts, Alex,” Bexley joked.

???

“Hey, are you ready?” Alice asked as she entered Bexley’s cabin unannounced.

“Yes. But what if I wasn’t, Al?”

“Sorry. Should have knocked. But it’s not like I haven’t seen it all before,” she joked, sitting on Bexley’s bed.

“One time at the gym,” Bexley replied.

“You made me go,” Alice said.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?”

“Sure, but Nora’s waiting outside.”

“It won’t take long.” Bexley sat on the bed as well.

“Are these yours?” Alice asked, looking down at the four bathing suits Bexley hadn’t chosen that were lying on the bed.

“No, Alex bought them for me.”

“Alex bought you bathing suits?” Alice asked, lifting an eyebrow.

“Yes. And while they’re bikinis, they’re surprisingly tasteful,” Bexley said.

“That one is a one-piece,” Alice noted, pointing at a red one-piece suit.