*Sunday*
Jack's Sunday was usually a day of lazy spent reading the paper and going out for a lunch at the pub, but today would not be such a day. He was almost attuned to the new time zone, but the sun rose early in Florida and even with the best blinds, a chink still shone into the room. This morning for the first time in a while, he did not have a case of morning wood, which he was in some ways quite grateful for. He heard the door to his room open, and opened his eyes to see Laura carrying a breakfast tray with coffee, orange juice and some toast.
At some point she'd put on a pair of shorts and a vest tee shirt, and smiled broadly as Jack acknowledged her. "I love breakfast in bed!" She merely smiled, put the tray down and made him scoot over so she could sit next to him.
"Just my little surprise. When are we expecting Natalie and Julia?" She munched on a slice of toast and sipped at her juice, while Jack checked his phone.
"They're scheduled to arrive at 1:30pm here, so I've organised a car to pick them up. I reckon they'll be here by 3 o'clock, with our BBQ guests about an hour or so later." She smiled again and enjoyed this moment just between the two of them.
"Jools messaged me yesterday, but you know that this might be a really important time together for her and Natalie. Promise me that you'll look after them. I know you will, but promise me please." The sincerity in Laura's voice and concern for her new friends struck a deep chord in Jack.
"I know. Julia came to see me on Wednesday and explained it all. I think Natalie needs to get out of her own head and just focus on what they share and have together, so some Florida sunshine and a chance to spend time together should be great for them. I organised the same limo that picked us up here to collect them, and there should be champagne in the car too." Laura leaned in and hugged him tightly whispering a heartfelt thank you in his ear.
"If things go well, I have a little surprise arranged for them...I'd like them to find their own way to however this works out." He paused briefly. "Have a look at the purple box in the wardrobe." Laura leapt off the bed intrigued, carefully opened the box, and gasped at the contents. "It's a total surprise and it has to be right, but if they want to, they can commit to each other on the beach in the Florida sunshine. I happen to think they're both madly in love with each other, and just need to open their eyes to it, and if they do, then you might be a bridesmaid!"
Laura turned to Jack, her eyes moistening with tears and hugging him once again. "I LOVE weddings, and that sounds so bloody romantic, you old softy you." Jack laughed and at that moment the door opened, a naked Debbie rubbing here eyes wandering into the room. Laura quickly whispered in his ear "For gods sake don't say anything to Debbie or it will be a secret for about 30 seconds after you tell her. But she'll love it too."
Debbie wandered over to the bed, picked up a coffee mug and supped on it. Jack kissed her in the cheek and said "good morning gorgeous."
She mumbled something in response, and Jack left the pair beside the breakfast tray while he hit the shower. Fortunately most of the stuff for the BBQ needed little preparation, and it looked as though the weather was going to cooperate and provide a bright dry day. Jack dressed and started to organise a bar on one of the counters of the open plan kitchen, as well as making a note to go and grab a few bags of ice to fill the large cooler that sat in the garage.
Whilst they had to have the patio doors closed due to the pool alarm (Florida law means patio doors must have an alarm to prevent unsupervised access to swimming pools for young kids), it meant that it was easy to step in and out. The garden to the rear of the villa was surrounded by a tall fence, and with the large bug screen surrounding the pool (which included an opaque privacy section that was over 6ft high, they could be sure of being able to enjoy themselves in seclusion.
Jack shouted up to ask if anyone wanted something from the store, but other than a call for doughnuts from Debbie, Jack found a fresh faced Laura standing beside him grabbing the car keys from his grasp. "I'll drive - always wanted to be behind the wheel of one of these big fuckers, and this one is gorgeous!" He smiled, but never having seen Laura behind the wheel, crossed his fingers and trusted that she knew what she was doing!
Laura spent 30 seconds adjusting the drivers seat, the mirrors and most importantly, the sound system. She started a playlist from her phone, and before they left the driveway, the car was booming to the sound of The Fresh Prince & Summertime. Jack just smiled and soaked up the moment, while Laura animatedly sung every word, getting Jack to join in for the chorus. All too soon they were in the parking lot, picking up a 'trolley' and heading inside for the all important ice and doughnuts.
Jack decided to bring back cold coffee drinks for the trio, and they had soon returned to the villa, with the bags of ice quickly deposited into the freezer. Debbie was outside working on her tan, and Jack realised she was completely nude as she stepped in to say hi and an enthusiastic thank you for the cold drink.
They still had plenty of time to prepare for the party, and as they were on the couch, sipping on their drinks, Jack spoke with what was on his mind.