Gail explained that she had met Charlene in the hallway when she first arrived. They were in the very next room. When she heard that Gail was alone that night she invited her to join them. We stepped out on our little circular fenced in balcony with one chair, our neighbors on both sides had the same just feet away. The hotel entrance was below with some cars parked at angles on both sides, vast kept grounds and the green mountain backdrop made the view spectacular. We held hands and simply enjoyed being there.
I started unpacking to get ready and made the mistake of sitting down. I almost fainted. I was exhausted. The drink, the night before, the jet lag, all heaped upon me.
Gail asked, “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I just feel lightheaded.”
“You’re overtired”, she said.
“Yes,” I replied, “I had a late night last night as well.”
“Would you like to pass for tonight? they’ll understand.”
I don’t want to but it would probably be wise to rest. Would you mind?”
She immediately responded, “Of course not, I’ll go down and tell them.”
Gail walked to me and kissed my forehead then started toward the door.
“Wait”, I said. “I’m exhausted so I’ll probably just pass out. Why should you sit around while I’m sleeping? Why don’t you go with them?”
Gail stood pondering for a few seconds then said, “I could do that I guess. I am hungry. That’s a good idea. I’m sure we won’t be late, Andy has a rented car and he seems to know his way around.”
Gail freshened her makeup, draped a shawl over her arm and with a brief kiss I watched her walk down the hallway to the elevator. I ripped my clothes off and let my exhausted frame sink into the thick soft cool bed.
I awoke for no apparent reason and felt disoriented. After a few moments I realized where I was and rose, went to the balcony doors, and walked onto the balcony. I thought the lights flickering across the mountainside and the soft grounds lighting made a very inviting view. Then I realized I was in my shorts. It was dark on the balcony and our room lights were out but I still felt uncomfortable. I went to the bathroom and put one of the dark blue cotton robes that was folded on the side table, and returned to the balcony.
I glanced at my watch on the bedside table. It was 12:15, Gail would be back soon.
I sat in the chair enjoying the cool air, daydreaming. A car pulled into the driveway and circled around to the right of the entrance and parked under the tall palm tree with underside lighting. I watched the lights of passing cars between trees and the smell of the sea was intoxicating. Minutes later I realized that no one had exited from the car that had driven in. It was a large Citroen and I was looking directly into the driver’s side. The tree lights shone through the front window and the driver was partially turned. From my angle I could clearly see to his right a woman’s skirt and her legs and her arm on his shoulder. I believed they were making out, and I smiled.
I watched lights go out a long distance away on the mountain. Then movement in the car caught my gaze and I could see the driver’s hands between her legs and the skirt being raised. This was getting interesting and I tried to concentrate my gaze. The couple were seriously making out. I could see his body bend as he was reaching his left hand between her legs. I noticed other movement but from where I was it was more a suggestion of movement. I was still to far away.