I am sitting around my hotel tired but restless. Having arrived just a few of days ago, I have been concentrating on work too much to get out and explore. It has been a long week, working 12 hours days since I arrived. Part of me wants to just soak in the hot tub, order room service and sleep. But another part of me wants to get out and explore. I decide to get up and at least take a walk and a bite to eat.
It is the weekend and the Carnival is coming up in a few weeks. I have read about the Carnival, and am looking forward to it. People are already getting festive, with steel bands playing in the street and people starting to party.
Leaving my room, I start walking through downtown, enjoying the nice evening air, the smell of market foods, the sounds of steel drums, and the sounds of lively people. I love watching people, seeing new places, and am relaxing and enjoying myself, my mind is at ease. Grabbing some food from a street vendor as I walk, feeling more awake and ready to do more.
As I walk, my fingers come across a piece of paper in my pocket. Ah yes, one of the gentlemen that I am working with mentioned a small social gathering at his place and really was hoping I would attend. I had no intention, as these are typically just a way to win favor with me. But on a whim I decide that I will swing by and see check things out. After all, it is not far and I can walk there.
Upon arriving at the house, I can see that it is a bit more than what I consider a small social gathering. The doors are wide open with people coming and going, so rather than knock, I just enter the house and look around for Marcus. I get a few stares, as I stand out a bit (there are not a lot of white men in this part of the Caribbean) and am sure no one recognizes me.
There are lots of attractive women around, and I see some giving me more than a quick glance. I have never had much difficulty meeting women, but the last few years it has just not been the same. My lifestyle has not really adapted well to a typical domestic life. I live in hotels, and at times if the project is long enough I rent a place. I love my job, and my life, but there are times that I wonder what if. Ah well, make the most of what you have I suppose.
Finally I find Marcus out by the pool sitting at a table with a few other people. He gets up as he sees me and greets me warmly, telling me to make myself at home. This is a refreshing attitude, perhaps he did just invite me to be polite rather than trying to influence me. He invites me to his table and introduces me and I join in on their conversation.
After a time a couple of women walk up to the table, the taller one wraps her arms around Marcus while the other stands behind her looking around. She appears to be a bit out of her element, but her friend pulls her forward and introduces her and I learn her name is Pearl. Pearl, what a fitting name, she is a rare beauty about her. She is shorter, not too short, I would guess about 5'5" and nicely rounded with soft curves in just the right places. I would guess that she is in her mid 20's, so quiet a bit younger than my distinguished age.
It does not take long before Marcus and the woman disappear into the house. I notice that Pearl immediately gets up and moves to an outdoor couch to the side of the party, away from the crowds. I watch her as I make my way around the party and meet a few people. I observe a number of men come to the couch and talk with her, obviously trying to get her attention, but none stay for long.
I note that her eyes do not meet with those of any of the men that come to talk with her, rather she looks down. I also note that she seems to be watching me as I walk around. I finally sit next to her; I sit closer than necessary so that our legs are touching. I can feel her start to move away, then stop. Good I think as I watch her eyes glancing at me with her hands folded in her lap. I just sit back on the couch and watch the party, sipping my drink for a time.
Finally turning to her and smiling I say hello. She looks at me, catches my eyes, and quickly looks down as she timidly says hi back to me. Perfect I think to myself with a smile. I start a bit of small talk, starting by casually asking her what time it is. She pulls out her cell phone and looks, telling me the time and quickly getting absorbed in it for a moment. Glancing down I can see she is texting someone.
I give her a hard time about the younger generation and the constant need to access their cell phones. We start to talk casually and I can feel her start to relax. I ask her about herself and force her to ask questions rather than "flirting" with her. I can tell that not flirting throws her off balance, with her looks, I am sure that guys are typically at her feet trying to woo her. I learn that she is single, living alone and working at a factory with the friend that brought her here.
