Toni closed her eyes as she reclined into the soft backed chair. She let the rocking of the train lull her into a dreamy half sleep. She was tired, a little hung over, but feeling very good about the world.
As a Brit abroad in the States, she was supposed to party; and party hard. Toni had certainly done that last night! As she dozed, she recalled the events of the night before, the bars she had trawled round, the people she had met, the dancing she had done. One thing, or one person in particular stood out; Will.
She cast her mind back to checking in to the Hostel early in the morning two days ago. He had caught her eye as she made her way to the girls dorm. Lindsay only had 48 hours in Orlando for 48 hours, but she was going to make the most of it. As soon as she dumped her bag and got a shower; she headed off to Disney with Katrin, the Norwegian girl she had met on the train in. Katrin was good company, she spoke good English, loved to laugh and like Toni, was up for a good time. They knew they wouldn't ever see these people around them again, so had no hang ups about doing whatever took their fancy.
Disney was great. Toni had a blast pretending she was a kid again. They fitted so much into the day, once they got back to the hostel, they both just crashed out and slept soundly.
Toni woke up refreshed early the next morning and got Katrin up. They were off to Universal and Toni was keen for another day of messing around and acting like a big kid on the rides. As they were leaving Toni saw Will.
"Hi – I'm Toni" she said.
"G'day – Will" he replied with a thick Australian accent.
"Do you fancy coming to Universal with us today?' Toni asked, nodding over at Katrin
"I'd love to; but I've got a prior commitment today." He replied. "Maybe we could meet up tonight" he added. "I'm off to town with a couple of others. Its my mate Tommo's last night here before he goes back to Oz. It should be a good night."
"'Sounds great; how about we meet up around 7 here?"
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it!" He said flirtatiously.
So off Toni went with Katrin in tow, teasing her about flirting so brazenly. They had another wonderful day in the sun at Universal, doing all the rides, having a couple of drinks and feeling glad they were able to enjoy such a wonderful few days together, despite only meeting 3 days ago. Toni had almost forgotten about her 'date' until they got back to the Hostel.
As they walked in, they could hear the unmistakable sound of lads drinking and 'lording it up'. She saw Will who waved her over.
"We're going to be here having a few drinks for an hour, then we're off to the bar up the road. Why don't you meet us there?"
"OK – it sounds good". Toni went off for a shower, wondering what the night lay in store for them all. The shower woke her up again, made her skin feel alive, and she had a feeling that tonight was going to be 'interesting'.
She dressed in her most tight fitting singlet top, which showed off her taut tummy and perky breasts. The wardrobe of a traveller isn't particularly classy, but Toni knew she looked good as she slipped her hipster jeans on, tight around her ass, and showing off her pierced navel and beaming sun tattoo.
She stopped to admire herself in the mirror as she left the dorm. She hadn't been with a man for the last 3 weeks, something of a barren spell by the standards of most backpackers. It wasn't for a lack of offers, she was just a little picky about those she took to bed. The image looking back at her from the mirror was attractive, she knew that. Days on the road, or on the beach had given her skin a deep tan, and had bleached her shoulder length hair a natural looking blond. Her face was glowing, as befits a woman without a care in the world.
Her high cheek bones gave her an elfish look, that was furthered by her striking green eyes. Her white singlet showed off her tanned, toned shoulders, and the natural curve of her breasts. She needed no bra, preferring the feel of the material on her nipples. The golden brown skin of her smooth tummy was largely thanks to several weeks of activity and meagre food grabbed on the run. She had long legs, that tonight were highlighted by a pair of platform heels, the one luxury in her backpacker lifestyle. All in all, she knew she looked good, and that as on most nights out, she would probably have a couple of guys make moves on her, even when she was with Katrin, who was a strikingly beautiful brunette.
So they hooked up with the boys, two Aussies and a mixed group of 6 brits and Europeans who were polishing off their beers and made their way to the bar, chatting away. As with most travellers, there was no formality, just a relaxed group who were all out for a good time even though they hardly knew each other.
It turned out that Will was farewelling his best mate from back home. Tommo was heading back to Oz after travelling for 2 months. Will was staying on in the States for another few weeks, but hadn't made up his mind what he was doing yet. He was 25, a couple of years older than Toni, and his confident manner really appealed to her. He too was tanned, with typical Aussie beach bum good looks; a shock of blond hair, sun blessed skin and a tall statuesque physique.
Sure enough, after a few more beers, the boys started taking more and more interest in Katrin and Toni. The others seemed more besotted with Katrin, her unusual accent making her seem a little vulnerable and certainly more attractive to them. Toni spent more time with Will and Tommo. Will was cute, there was no doubt about that. Tommo was nice too, but Will seemed a little older, a little more worldly wise and so much more attractive. He entertained her with stories about Australia and things he had seen travelling.
They drank a couple of quick beers, had a quick go on the karaoke and a bit of a dance in the corner. The beer tasted good, and the group was getting revved up for a big night.
Toni saw in Will someone she could really get to like, and although she never counted her chickens before they hatched, she felt like he had real potential. She chatted closer to him, and pulled out all her flirting tricks, laughing at his jokes, catching his eye even when other people were talking, touching her hair, subtlety brushing her hands and legs against him. As the night wore on, her flirting became a little more obvious, as she knew she had him where she wanted him. She put her hand on his thigh as they sat; and when they moved bars, and the chilly night air caught her unawares, she made sure he saw her hard nipples, pushing out her top. In fact she put her arms round him and pulled him to her, saying she needed warming up.
Will knew what was going through her mind, and couldn't believe his luck, this gorgeous English girl was giving him all the signals, and he wasn't about to disappoint her.
As they moved to the third bar, Tommo was getting very drunk. The boys had been plying him with beer, shooters and those awful test tube drinks. It was really taking its toll. Tommo stumbled along, supported by the boys. He was making a play for Katrin, but was far too gone to get anywhere. She looked annoyed he was slobbering over her at every possible opportunity, as none of the other boys had a chance to get too close.
Toni and Will led them into a crowded bar; with Katrin just behind and Tommo being carried by the lads.
As Will was at the bar, getting his round of drinks in, he heard a commotion in the background, and turned to see Tommo throw himself at a Mexican looking guy. It looked like Tommo had knocked some drinks over as he stumbled around, and some of the locals hadn't taken too kindly to it. Ever one to defend his mates, Will dived in himself, as girls screamed and tables were knocked over. He pulled one of the rabble off Tommo's back, and tried to drag his mate out of there. However, as he pulled him up and back, a bottle came flying out of no-where and smashed into Tommo's head. Blood splashed everywhere as Tommo's cheeks were cut by the glass.
This had gotten too crazy, so Will pulled Tommo outside and layed him on the footpath as he mopped at the blood with his sleeve. Toni, who had managed to escape from the trouble, borrowed an onlookers cell phone and called 911 for an ambulance. However it seemed the bar staff had already beaten her to it, as an ambulance and a police wagon pulled in together. The ambulance crew mopped up Tommo's face and put him in the back. He was fine, a little shocked and suddenly sobered up, but he was going to need stitches. Unfortunately the police were keen to have him too. They had had enough of foreigners causing trouble (as they saw it) and after speaking to a few of the locals, followed the boys to the hospital, where after Tommo got his face stitched, they took them back to the cells for a caution and a night to cool off.
Back at the bar, Toni, Katrin and the boys had had enough, and made their way back to the hostel. Toni felt cheated; as she knew that she and Will had hit it off. But his stupid friend had ruined things, and another chance to get together with a great guy went begging. She curled up in bed, feeling more than a little drunk, and very frustrated at missed opportunities. She was leaving on the 10.30am train so settled down for a good night's sleep.
After saying her goodbyes to Katrina in the morning over a 'hearty' MacDonalds breakfast, Toni made her way to the station and found herself a window seat in the train's almost deserted carriage. It was a 10 hour ride to Miami, and Toni was almost looking forward to a chance to relax and doze as she watched the world go by.
As the train moved through the Florida countryside, she chuckled about the night before. Will had swept her off her feet with his confident and funny manner; and it was easy to laugh about Tommo's drunken antics now they all knew he was not seriously hurt (a message had been sent back to the Hostel). The few days she had spent with Katrina had been a real hoot too, but it was Will that occupied her thoughts. In the excitement of the night she hadn't gotten a chance to say goodbye or to get his email address; which was a real shame. Toni knew that he was worth pursuing if she got the chance.
The swaying of the train lulled her to sleep as the train made it sway down to Miami.