Break ups suck. Not much of a revelation, I know. But mine last year was particularly difficult. This is a story about how one couple helped me recover and see that bright days can eventually outnumber dark ones.
Theresa had decided our relationship had run its course after almost three years. She dropped this bomb when we were on vacation. And, ironically, on my birthday. Some gift.
It took a month or so to find my own place and move out. She was the type that needed total separation: no contact, no talking about it, no more reasons. Boom: that's it. Of course, that rejection hurt deeply and sent me into a spiral of sleeplessness, weight loss, and a deep funk that everyone around me could see.
My buddy said I really just needed to get away for a few weeks. It was fall and he said he knew someone who had a place on the eastern coast of Spain that would probably be empty this time of year. "Get out of here and go find your mojo," he insisted.
A few weeks later, I was unpacking my bags in a great one bedroom condo in Alicante with a sparkling view of the Mediterranean. The complex was largely empty even though the temperatures were above normal and the sun was bright and warm.
My first few days were spent reading, soaking up the sun, wandering around the town and running miles and miles on the hills above town. In the afternoons, I would often lounge by the pool, almost always alone.
My friend had said his complex was very "progressive" and made it a point to mention that one of the pools in particular was very private and nude sunbathing was quite natural, if you'll excuse the pun. I've never been one to sunbathe nude, but this seemed to be the place to start. I made sure I did a complete manscape, something my ex-girlfriend didn't think was important. I decided I needed a clean look for a new life.
On the afternoon of my fourth day, I stretched out my towel by the pool and, seeing no one, decided it was time to let loose a bit and slowly pulled off my shorts. I looked around nervously for a few minutes then just relaxed and closed my eyes. If someone came out, they would see the full Monty. I was through being shy.
I went for a swim and enjoyed the cool water on my freshly-shaven package. After several laps, I saw a flash of bright red and white on the deck. I stopped at the far end and looked around. A young couple had made their way to the pool and were settling in a few lounges away from my towel, sunscreen, and thoroughly-dry swimsuit.
I studied her slowly. She had a cute, angelic face framed with short, black hair and straight bangs. She wore a white shirt over a red bikini—the bright color that caught my eye. I could only see her bottoms but the suit appeared to be a tiny thong.
He was very tan and wore bright blue board shorts, a black muscle shirt, and carried an expensive-looking black camera bag.
As they settled in, he nodded his head to me and she gave me a little wave. That's when I realized the reality of my situation. I was completely nude. Rather than being intimidated and nervous, though. I felt confident and inspired. Maybe I still had a little mojo left after all.
I swam back across to their side. I didn't get out right away. Instead, I decided I needed to test the waters a bit.
"Hi, it's nice and warm today," I said, standing up in the pool but with my privates still below the water.
"Yes, it's lovely," the gal said in a clipped British accent. Good. Language would not be an obstacle.
"This place is beautiful. I can't believe it's so empty," her partner said, digging around in his bag.
"I'm Zach," I explined. "I've been here all week and it's been this quiet."
"I'm Ricky and this is my girlfriend Christina," the guy said, now holding a very expensive digital camera.
"Hi Zach," Christina said with a smile. She watched me watch her as she unbuttoned the white shirt to reveal a tiny red top. The suit was mesh and practically see through. I couldn't help but stare. She had beautifully-shaped breasts with dark nipples that were clearly visible.
