I had known Lee for years; we were born in the same hospital and grew up in the same area never more than a few streets away from each other. Ever since we had turned into young adults we had talked about going away on holiday together, but we had never quite managed it. There was always something stopping us and getting in the way, either it was our jobs or partners but there was always 'something' that stopped us for getting that holiday away together. That was until we both found ourselves settled in jobs and life in general, and then there was Lee's little bit of good fortune and luck! To this day I still have no idea how she managed it, but I am so glad that she did.
"So Terri, how do you fancy a trip away?" Lee said as she walked into my flat, two months back. Two months back I had no idea just where my life was going, let alone what Lee was harping on about.
"You always say that Lee! Every time I say I would love it, something comes up and we don't go." I reply as she hugs me and we head off into my kitchen to make coffee.
"Yeah I know, but this is different." Pulling out two things that look like tickets and waving them in front of my face, while speaking with a huge grin on her face.
"I've not had these tickets before!" Almost whipping them out of her hands I study them in silence.
"Lee, these are tickets for Barbados?" I say through the shock as I look over them more intently now. Looking up I see her nodding and smiling, then I spot the date of departure.
"Lee, these are for today! I can't just up and leave!" Smiling at me and laughing Lee replies that I can if I wanted to.
"Yeah you can! Just up and go babe. And besides, I have arranged it all." Smiling at her boldness, and forethought I agree and go get packing. Hours later we are sitting in the airplane waiting to take off, Lee is reading her book already and I am reading up on where we are headed.
"It says here that Barbados is the most Easterly Island in the Caribbean chains and that we will discover a majestic island, scattered with pristine sandy white beaches, turquoise waters, picturesque scenery and enchanting wildlife!" Looking over to Lee and seeing that she is reading her book I smile to myself and shake my head.
"You'll have nothing to do when we get there!" Laughing back at me, Lee smiles.
"Wanna bet on that?" Smiling and laughing together we fly off to what we both hope will be the best holiday we ever have.
We spend the following five days searching out all the sights and sounds of the Isle and then spend some much needed time relaxing on the local beach, as Lee spent time at the bar and in the water chatting up all the men she found herself surrounded by I spent my time sunbathing and reading my books.
"Terri, these nice guys would like to buy us dinner tonight." Lee started as I slowly pulled myself up and lazily opened my eyes to find her stood in between two dark strong looking men, who seem to be accompanied by two much older and paler looking men. I knew instantly what was on Lee's mind and as I smiled at my friend I could tell the two older men were eagerly eyeing me up, shaking my head I tried to think and act fast.
"I would love to Lee, but I have some other plans. But hey, you are more than welcome to go!" Hoping that she would get the hint I got up and started to get dressed, sensing this Lee mumbled some type of 'see you later' to the four guys and asked me what was wrong.
"Come on Terri. We are two sexy young single girls, out on holiday look for a good time!" There was almost sadness in her words, as if she had only wanted to come with me so we could go out on the pull.
"That's fine for you babe, but it isn't what I came here for! I just wanted a break from the crappy year I have had back home."
Trying to avoid the brewing argument I said I'd see Lee later and went off to check out the town, walking into the first shop I came across I wasn't really looking where I was going and as I bumped into the chest of some man carrying a few bottles of wine he dropped them all sending them crashing to the floor below.
"Oh God, I'm sorry." I say without really looking up and as I am about to walk away I hear his voice and instantly look up.
"Hey it's ok, don't worry about it." I am quickly taken by the deepness of his big brown eyes and of course instantly recognise him, blushing I go to speak but it comes out all wrong and while I try to mumble something coherent he is standing there tying not to laugh. Fumbling with my beach bag, I lose my grip and the bag goes everywhere. Standing there totally embarrassed all I can say is 'Oh God' and wish the ground would open up and swallow me up, throwing my now sprawling things into the bag and mumbling I take a deep breath and speak.
"Hello Mr. Eve, nice to meet you." Groaning at how dumb it must sound and rolling my eyes, I am met with nothing but laugher and an apology.
"I am sorry my dear, I just couldn't help it. Are you ok?" Smiling a genuine smile for the first time in ages, I nod and ask him if he is ok too.
"You must let me buy you a replacement for that wine? It is only fair, seeing as I am so clumsy." Without taking no for an answer I pay for the wine and am about to leave, blushing as I go when he comes rushing out after me.
"I feel like I must apologise and make it up to you for laughing, will you join me tonight at my apartment? I am throwing a little thank you party for some locals and the staff." He says as he writes down the address and hands it to me, before I have the chance to reply he tells me to bring my friends and then he's off again.
"If you are here with friend, please bring them along too. I'll see you there anytime after seven tonight, see you later." I was left standing there in shock, knowing the man I had been lusting after on the small screen had just invited me to a party. As I walked around the town for the next few hours, trying to take it all in I knew what I wanted but also realised I may not be able to get it. Back in the hotel, I was almost ready by the time Lee and her 'new friends' walked through the door. Explaining to them what was going on, Lee took to the bathroom and changed quicker than I had ever seen.
"You must know about his parties Terri?" Lee said as we all crammed into the taxi that took us to the address he had given me, shaking my head Lee shook hers too and told me about his reputation.
"Terri, it is said that if you go to one of his parties you will never forget it. Hope his wife isn't there!"
"Lee!" I couldn't believe the cheek of my friend, but in all honesty I couldn't believe she thought or said it first.
