AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ami and Liesel are still hot after their day on the beach.
*****
Ren had gotten back from his dive trip at little after noon, and he headed for the room for a quick shower and to rinse his gear. Ami had texted him earlier and said she was hanging out on the beach with a new friend, so he thought he'd head down to the hotel bar, have a beer and do a little reading. He had picked up the latest Jack Reacher novel for the trip, and as usual, he was engrossed in the character's latest adventures.
He parked on a bar stool that gave him a view of the TV in case someone decided to turn off European football in favor of the American variety. The Cowboys were playing today, and he wanted to see the score. He wasn't a Cowboys fan; quite the opposite. In fact, he rooted for anyone playing against the Cowboys. It drove some of his fellow Texans crazy.
He had just opened his book when a tall, muscular blond man walked in to the bar and sat on a stool beside him. He ordered something in Dutch or German, Ren wasn't sure which, and the bartender set to work making a bloody Mary, extra spicy.
"That's a good way to start the day," Ren said, striking up a friendly conversation.
"Yes, it is," he replied. "It has the four basic food groups: Vodka, lime juice, pepper and vegetables."
Ren laughed, and introduced himself.
"Hi, I'm Ren McCormick," he said, extending his hand.
"Max Hoojen," the man replied with a firm handshake. "Nice to meet you."
"First time in Curacao?" Max asked.
"Yes, it is," Ren replied. "We got in last night, but we're already having a great time. How about you?"
"No, we come here quite regularly. I'm in the banking business, and we do a lot of transactions with the financial institutions on the island. I assume you're American?"
"It shows, huh?" Ren smiled.
"Just the accent. We don't get many Texans around here, or in Amsterdam where I'm from."
"You've got a good ear," Ren said. "Most people in the United States don't realize I'm from Texas. I grew up in the big city, so I only use the drawl when it suits my purposes."
The two men shared a couple more drinks talking about things guys usually talk about when Max's phone dinged indicating a text message.
"Ah, it's from my wife. She's been on the beach all morning making friends, but she apparently needs me now for some reason. It was nice to meet you. Maybe we will see you around over the next week."
"Nice to meet you too, Max. I enjoyed talking with you. We'll definitely be around. Maybe we can get together with the wives for dinner one night this week," Ren said.
"Great idea! Check with your wife on a good night. We're in Room 160 if you want to get in touch with us."
"Perfect. We're in in 377. Have a great rest of your day."
Ren took off toward the beach to find Ami, but before he even reached the pool, he got a text that she was back in the room, so he changed course for their room to find out the plan for the rest of the day.
***
Max swiped his card key across the lock and entered the suite. "Liesel, I'm back. What did you need babe?"