Two Ticets to Paradissime

I had to find her.

That was the dominant thought in my mind. I strode so purposefully through my own malaise of purposelessness. What could I do? What could I say? It didn't matter. All that mattered was that I had to find her.

Everything was in shambles. In the periphery of my tunnel vision, I'd catch a glimpse of a murmur: "...poor girl..." or "...can you believe..." or "...how long..." Some sounded sympathetic, some judgmental, some mirthful. The worst were when I'd catch his name - the asshole's name. I'd curse it anew each time, but I had to press on; I had to find her. She was my best friend, and I had to find her. I had to make sure she was alright.

Occasionally, I'd hear, as if from a distance, someone calling my own name, but I couldn't slow down for a moment. I had to get to her.

Finally, I knocked softly at her door. There was no need to call her name, nor to announce mine. "I'm coming in, okay?" was all I said.

I cracked the door as little as I could and slipped inside. I locked the door behind myself - a precaution I noticed she had neglected, or perhaps omitted, knowing I'd come for her.

She looked up at me from across the room: the most beautiful woman I had ever known, even more so on this special day, even still in her tragedy. Mascara had drawn dire lines down her cheeks. The white dress she'd agonized over preserving was crumpled beneath her heaving body.

"Veronica," I said softly, the heartbreak heavy on my breath.

"Car- Carlos," she sobbed back. She buried her face back in her arms.

I moved quickly to her, knelt, and put an arm around her. "I'm here for you. Everything out that door, we can deal with tomorrow. Right now, in here, it's okay to just cry."

She cried in my arms for a few minutes before she finally marshalled her thoughts. "Deal with tomorrow!" she exclaimed. "Jack and I were supposed to be on our honeymoon tomorrow!"

"I know, I know. Fuck Jack. Look, I wanna be here for whatever you need. If that's venting, crying, screaming, talking, I'm here. Let me help... Where's your phone? I can at least cancel the flight and the hotel. We can deal with the rest tomorrow."

"No!" She sounded as angry as she did sad. "It's all non-refundable! I put down some really big deposits too. Ugh, what a waste!"

She continued sobbing and I continued floundering. I'd loved Veronica for decades and I couldn't bear to see her in this pain.

"What if... what if you went alone?" Alone. I hated that word as it came out of my mouth. "Take a nice relaxing beach vacation to yourself."

"I couldn't possibly. Are you kidding? Go alone on what's clearly a couples vacation? That would be traumatizing..." She looked up at me suddenly. "Come with me!" she invited desperately. "You already took the time off work, right? To visit your family around here after the wedding? Blow them off and come on vacation with me!"

My heart sank. I looked into her beautiful face, her strong jawline, her perfect lips, her vibrant green eyes. She looked like Emma Mackey, other than those eyes that always pulled me in. She was my best friend, but I had barely hidden a crush on her, forever. Going on a couples vacation with her while I was so deeply in the friend zone would destroy me. Nonetheless, I heard myself saying, "Ok."

"You will??" She threw herself at me. "You wanna go with me??"

"I do," I answered simply.

Veronica teared up in gratitude, and I followed in pride.

"Let's get out of here," she said, shifting gears quickly. "I need to leave all this behind ASAP."

"Here, take my jacket," I offered. "We'll sneak out the back. You can stay at my hotel tonight."

"You're a good friend, Carlos. Could you take my suitcase to the car? I'll change out of this dress, text my bridesmaids so they know why I disappeared, and ask them to clean up. I'll meet you at your car in 20."

I grabbed her bags and headed toward the screen door.

"Carlos!" I stopped to look over my shoulder at her. "I love you."

"I love you too," I replied, but it hurt because I knew we weren't saying the same thing.

I hurried across the parking lot, loaded up her things, and then waited. 25 minutes later, Veronica scurried over to my car, wrapped tightly in the borrowed coat of my tuxedo. We rode in relative silence, but for the occasional soft whimper. She didn't have to ask - when we passed a McDonald's, I pulled in and bought two large fries and a milkshake to share (mostly for dipping the fries, of course). In no time at all, I had successfully absconded with her back to my meager hotel room.

As we finished our midnight snack, I tried (but failed) to avoid staring at her white bridal lingerie peeking out from under my open coat. As exhaustion overtook us, I dutifully looked away so she could remove the coat and slip under the covers of the one king bed in the room. At her insistence, I then crawled into the other side of that bed and laid down, our backs towards each other. She cried until she fell asleep, and I joined her in unconsciousness a few minutes later.

***

I stirred as sunlight poured through the curtains we'd forgotten to close last night.

Looking to my left, I found the beautiful, angelic, sleeping face of my best friend. Her square jaw led to full lips, which led to sharp cheekbones and defined eyebrows. She looked like brunette Barbie. Her green eyes slowly blinked open, then her pupils followed her eyelids up until they settled on me. Her eyebrows furrowed momentarily, then softened as yesterday came back into focus. Waking up next to lingerie-clad Veronica felt like my dream, but I couldn't enjoy it because I knew the reality was her nightmare.

"Good morning," I greeted her softly, but trying to keep the pity out of my voice.

"Good morning," she gave me a broken smile.

"Are you still sure about this?" I asked.

"I am," she replied, her green eyes shining directly into mine. "Are you?"

"If you want me there, I'm happy to join you - excited to join you."

"Thank you," her smile widened. "You've always been there for me. Thank you," she repeated.

Our flight was a few hours away, so it was time to get started. I got up and strolled casually over to the window. I feigned interest in the view, so Veronica could have privacy to cross the room in her lingerie. When I heard the bathroom door close, I surveyed the room. How I would've loved to be here with Veronica under different circumstances - if this could have been OUR honeymoon. I heard the shower running and wished I could be standing under the water with her, my hands sliding over her body while she washed her hair...

A mournful melody emanated from the bathroom. I couldn't quite hear the words, but it was low and solemn. I shook myself out of my daydream. Veronica didn't see me that way, so I should try to keep my thoughts about her equally as friendly. Especially now, when she was so sad, my heart broke for her.

I tidied up my suitcase, pulling out only the clothes I would need for the flight. I was planning to be in upstate New York all week, so I hadn't really packed for a tropical vacation. I supposed that whatever I was missing, I could probably buy on the island.

The bathroom door opened, and I looked up reflexively. Veronica was standing before me, wrapped in a hotel towel that was slightly smaller than she probably used at home. It covered everything it needed to, but I struggled to look away from her deep cleavage.

"Your turn," Veronica said.

I looked up sharply at her face. She had a teasing smile that told me she'd caught me staring, but that she didn't really mind. We'd spent so much time together over the years that slips like this happened. This wasn't the first time I'd seen her in a towel, or her underwear, or something like that. I still always felt sheepish though.

"I... I always appreciate getting to hear you sing," I tried to push through the uncomfortable feeling. "You could put on a one-woman show(er)." I grinned at my own pun.

V smiled back. "Thanks C. I bet you'd love to watch that one woman shower..."

I stammered and walked past V, taking my shorts with me to shower myself. Closing the door behind myself, I stopped in my tracks. Veronica had left her bridal lingerie on the bathroom floor. I caved for a moment and fingered the lacy fabric - it was still warm from being in such close contact with Veronica's perfect body. The sound of a blow-dryer turning on in the other room brought me back to the present. I dropped the lingerie and hurried into the shower. Washing myself quickly and perfunctorily, I then put on my shorts and entered the bedroom again.

Veronica was just about ready to leave. She wore minimal makeup, an oversized sweatshirt, and yoga pants - a comfy outfit for our flight. I put on a shirt and some sneakers, loaded our items into the rental car, and drove us to the small, local airport.

The plane was surprisingly small for what I assumed would be an international flight. Veronica led the way across the tarmac, bypassing the airport altogether. We arrived in front of a puddle jumper that only seated 8 people.

"I booked a more or less private plane for me and... me and... well, me and you," Veronica explained. "Even in a plane this small, the island is only four hours away."

Veronica conferred with the pilot briefly - I don't know how much she disclosed, but soon he let me board with Jack's ticket. There were only three other people on the plane, and I guess the other seats would go empty, as we pushed away from the gate pretty much immediately.

Veronica looked over at me excitedly and squeezed my hand. "Here we go," she squealed.

I squeezed her hand back, nervous but excited about what this trip might hold for us.

Something about public transit always rocks me right to sleep, and this small, private plane was no exception. My best friend, of course, knew this about me, so she had made sure her book was in her carry on. I passed out before we even reached cruising altitude.

***

I woke up suddenly when Veronica fell into my lap.

"Sorry," she whispered to me.

It took me a moment to remember where I was and to reorient.

"I didn't want to wake you, but I kinda needed the restroom," she explained. "I guess the turbulence is stronger in these little planes because it knocked me on my ass as I was passing over you."

As my brain woke up more and more, I realized she was indeed in my lap. I also realized that in my sleep, I had developed some morning wood, and that it was now pressing against Veronica's ass.

"No problem," I quickly assured her. I hoped she couldn't feel my hardness, but the continued turbulence had her bouncing lightly in my lap. Given the soft clothing we'd each chosen for the flight, my half hard erection was enjoying the sensations tremendously.

"Umm, I guess I can wait," she said, sliding back to her own seat. "Halfway there!" she exclaimed.

I felt sheepish again, but less so, as this one wasn't my fault at all. Still, the excitement prevented me from falling back asleep. I spent the last two hours of the flight reading Veronica's book over her shoulder. She was a faster reader than I was, but she graciously waited at the bottom of each page for me.

As we neared our destination, V directed my attention out the window. She pointed out an archipelago, and more specifically, the northernmost island. It was actually heart-shaped, and set off a bit from the other islands, except for one small satellite island that was just off the coast.

When the pilot announced our descent, Veronica began preparing for our arrival. She put her book away and prompted me to gather any of my things (I hadn't actually spread any of my things around). Anticipating the climate we'd be stepping into, Veronica pulled her sweatshirt over her head, in the process lifting her arms high and pushing her chest out. Under, she was wearing a tight, midriff-baring tank top. The sweatshirt dragged the tank top up her body until it met the swell of her breasts, but it was too tight to drop back down on its own. For a moment that seemed to stretch on, I could see all of Veronica's tight stomach, from just under her 34C tits, all the way to the waistline of her yoga pants. Finally, she pulled the tank top down a couple inches. In the cold of the airplane, her nipples poked through obscenely.

Veronica cleared her throat and looked pointedly at my lap. My half-chub had returned. I opened my mouth to make an excuse or apologize, but Veronica spoke first. "Don't worry about it. I have a feeling I'm gonna be seeing a lot more of that on this vacation," she smirked.

I was at a loss. Veronica had always liked to tease me - my crush on her wasn't exactly subtle. But what did she mean by that? Did she mean she'd be seeing my pants tented a lot more? Or did she mean she'd be literally seeing my penis this trip? And either way, why was she so sure?

I got an inkling as soon as we disembarked.

Walking down the steps to the tarmac, we saw several locals, arranged deliberately, waiting to greet us. The welcoming committee was dressed in fabric skirts and leis made of what I would learn were real flowers. As we got closer, my eyes widened to realize they were wearing ONLY the leis - their nipples were obscured only by the swinging chain of flowers. Veronica glanced over at me to watch my reaction to this bevy of beauties.

We stopped as a beautiful young woman approached. She was dressed the same as the others, except she also wore a crown of flowers. She was petite - couldn't have been more than 5'5", 115 pounds. She had the smallest boobs I'd seen on the island yet at 34A, but they suited her well, like a lithe model. She had a strong jawline that came down to a point quickly. She looked a bit like Lupita Nyong'o.

"Bienvenue," she began. Her voice had an imperial quality to it, but also something that made me want to trust her completely. "I am Princess Adeline. My family has owned and operated this island for centuries. We manage all ports, so we can ensure a sparse population of guests at any one time. This should allow you to have privacy when you want it, but the opportunity to mingle with other guests when you want to. Please note that this island is independent of the United States and any other nation you may be familiar with. You will find our laws and customs somewhat different and in many ways more lax than you're used to. Nonetheless, we do not tolerate violence: physical, sexual, or mental. Everyone on this island, guest or employee, is over 18 years old. My family also owns the next island over, so any employees with families live there and commute. I hope that you all find this island as special as we do - there's something in the water, as they say. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. We want this to be the trip of a lifetime. My family and I are at your service. Welcome to Paradissime!"

We clapped, as did the other passengers. Those other three seemed like they'd been here before, as they hurried off then.

Princess Adeline approached me and Veronica. "I understand you're here on your honeymoon." Her voice and her gaze together were entrancing.

I started to answer, but Veronica interjected, "Yep! Just last night. I'm the new Mrs. Serrano!"

"Congratulations!" The princess seemed genuinely enthusiastic. "We of course have you in our nicest suite. We have all your booked amenities prepared, as well as a few surprises. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call me, any time day or night. Now, my niece will lead you to your room." With a gesture, one of the lei girls stepped forward and indicated we should follow her.

"Don't worry about your bags," the girl informed us. "Someone will deliver them to your room. In fact, they're probably already there."

As we walked, I leaned over and murmured to Veronica. "Mrs. Serrano?"

"That's your name, isn't it?" She giggled. "Look, I don't wanna miss out on any amenities or surprises that were planned for me/us as a newlywed. Play along!"

I nodded, but I was a little hurt because I wished marrying me wasn't a joke.

Veronica raised her voice a little to address our guide. "So, Princess Adeline is your aunt?"

"Yes," the girl answered.

Given the introduction the princess gave, I knew she was at least 18, but our guide couldn't have been any older. I found myself watching her firm ass sway as she walked, but her bare back was also beautiful.

"Almost everyone who works on the island is family," she explained. "There are just a few merchants. You may only see the women, as we serve in the more client-facing roles. The men are all back of house: kitchens, maintenance, and the like. Here we are..." She stopped in front of a room with no number. "This will be your suite."

She unlocked the door with a traditional metal key, which she then handed to me. Opening the door, she led us into a palatial room. "Your suite features 20ft ceilings and bamboo floors. To your right, you'll find a bathroom with a bidet, a glass-walled shower, and a tub large enough for three people. There is a king-sized bed. The sheets are handmade locally from a proprietary fabric blend that offers the softness and temperature control of silk, but the stain-resistance of microfiber. On the far wall, there's a large desk and a couple chairs. The sound system on the edge of the desk has surprisingly good speakers. To your left, you'll see a private, covered balcony with an outdoor hot tub. While we entered your suite from a ground floor, this suite backs up to a cliff side, so your private balcony overlooks some of our beautiful rainforest. Finally, I'll point out that this dwelling is its own, freestanding structure. That means you don't share an interior wall with any other guests. Please feel free to make as much noise as you want. In every way, make yourself at home."

I looked around, marveling at the luxury of this suite. I had never stayed in a room this nice. I looked at Veronica, and she seemed less surprised (she did book this suite after all), but no less impressed.

"Now, can I get you anything?" our guide asked. "More towels? A fruit platter? Fellatio and/or cunnilingus?"

I choked at the suggestion and looked back at Veronica quickly. She was smiling at me, bemused.

"A fruit platter would be lovely, thank you," she answered.

"Yes ma'am, I'll have one sent to the room right away. And if there's anything else, please let me know - my name is Angélique." She stepped in front of Veronica. If possible, my eyes widened even further, as Angélique removed her lei, revealing her pert tits to us. She placed the lei over Veronica's head. "Bienvenue a Paradissime!" With that, our cute, now completely topless guide, let herself out.

"I can explain everything," V started.

"You don't have to," I answered.

"I don't?" V continued.

"Don't worry, there's nothing illegal about any of this," I continued.

"Are you sure?" asked V.

"Of course, this is your honeymoon," I said.

"I see," V said.

"It's a free country, don't you know that?" I asked.

"I didn't know it was *that* free..." V finished. Then she burst out laughing. "Oh, wow. I haven't been able to watch Clue in years."

"I never understood what Jack had against Tim Curry," I commented.

"Honestly, that should've been a red flag," she agreed.

"Ok, but seriously, V... what the fuck?" I asked.

Veronica cackled. "The brochure said this island was a bit more... sexually liberal than we're used to. I thought it would be a fun place to spend my honeymoon. Now... I think it'll be a fun place to spend with you."

I was stunned. I had no idea my best friend was so adventurous. I was seeing her in a whole new light.

"Uh, yeah, cool, yeah, that sounds cool. Uh, cool. So, I guess..." I looked around the room again. "I guess you can take the bed, and I can sleep on the couch over there. I wonder if it pulls ou-"