Catherine was relaxing on the beach resort and her eyes were still glued to her phone.
For good reason too: she was an actress and her agent had just sent her a last minute movie role. Apparently the original lead actress was forced to drop out because of an unexpected scheduling conflict and they needed someone on two weeks notice to save the film.
It was right up Catherine's alley, with great characters, a talented writer behind it, and a highly-acclaimed director at the helm. Basically, this was her latest attempt of winning an Academy Award, a prestige which had been eluding her.
She emailed her agent and film director to let them know that she was on board with the project. A part of her considered cutting the vacation short so that she could get to work immediately, but she couldn't do that to her son. This trip was supposed to be his gift for graduating college.
As she laid on a lounge chair on the beach, underneath a large umbrella for shade, she kept on reviewing the script on her phone to figure out her acting portrait. Her son Bradley finished a brief swim and laid on the beach blanket, sharing the same umbrella.
"You're still on your phone?" he asked, getting comfortable there.
"Technically, I'm working here. I just emailed my agent and told him that I'm accepting the part."
Bradley rolled over on the sand, totally relaxed. "Hmmm... that's nice, mom. Are you finally making an action movie?"
"Quite the opposite," she said, feeling a hint of excitement that she finally got to discuss the part with someone. "It's about a female character, played by me once I sign the contract, who has to fight for survival in the harsh terrain while also struggling to reunite with her true love. It's sort of an epic love story told on a small scale in the harshness of nature, if that makes sense at all."
She downplayed some of the more explicit natures of the script. Not that it mattered to him at all.
"Bradley?" She noticed her son had dozed off.
She poked his rib with the tip of her foot. He awoke instantly and pretended to be listening to every word.
"Sounds awesome mom," he said, clearing his throat. "Survival stories are always cool. Like
The Revenant
, right?"
Catherine playfully sighed. "Kind of, but with more love in it. A lot more love."
"So you're working? You can't have fun on the trip anymore? I mean, come on, this place is paradise. It's gorgeous here. Take a look around. Everyone is having a great time enjoying the weather and scenery."
Her son had a point. She looked around and noticed the happy faces on the stunning beach. There weren't many people around, since they were staying at a private resort.
"Maybe a little fun wouldn't hurt," she admitted.
"Let's put your phone back in the hotel room. Then we can explore this place before lunch."
Her eyebrow rose. "Anything in mind?"
"Yep. There are these really interesting hot springs nearby, where warm water naturally forms in small beds of rock. They're basically hot tubs made by nature. I've always wanted to lay in one of those."
It certainly sounded appealing. Her mind filled with pleasure at the thought of dipping her feet in warm water.
"Sounds like a plan. I can always review the script later."
***
After putting her phone back in their room, she changed into something more appropriate for the adventure. She wore an appropriately-fitted bikini with a beach skirt around her waist. For good measure, she remained makeup free, so no one would recognize her. She tied her hair in a ponytail, put on sandals and was ready to go.
They walked up a hiking path for several minutes, enjoying all the benefits of nature. All the while, Catherine's mind was still focused on that movie script she had been reading.
"You look like you're in a meditative state," Bradley pointed out.
She turned to him. "Something like that. This area reminds me of where I'll be filming in a few weeks, so I'm trying to get a feel for it. I'm supposed to be natural in this sort of environment."
"Method acting again?"
"You bet."
"Are you still going for that Academy Award?" he asked.
"Do you think I'm ever going to stop?"
He shrugged. "You know all those awards are b.s. right? I mean, you should know since you work in the industry; but seriously, most of the winners aren't the best in my opinion. It's like a popularity contest for pretentious people."
"That's a fair point. But it's always nice to be acknowledged by your peers, especially on a glamorous stage with millions of people watching around the world."
"Well, your career is paying for this trip, so I can't complain."
She nudged his shoulder. "I expect you to take me on vacations when you can afford it."
As they walked on the hiking path, they came across a river where a small group of middle-aged nudists were relaxing in the water. This was an exclusive place and the group took full advantage of the seclusion, being totally casual about it. They were so nonchalant, they didn't even bother looking at Catherine. She appreciated that, since the last thing she wanted was to be asked for autographs.
Her eyes were glued to the outdoor nudity. Maybe this trip could have some career benefits after all? She wondered. She needed to prep for the role by making herself feel as hardened as possible in the outdoors.
"Does that make you uncomfortable?" she asked, when she noticed Bradley glancing at the group.
"The boobs and cocks? Not really."
"So, it doesn't arouse you at all seeing them so exposed?"
He was taken aback. "No, jeez, what kind of question is that? Inappropriate, mom."
"I'm just curious. Do their breasts arouse you at least?"
He glanced at the women again. "They're nice, but I'm more interested in girls my age. Why?"
Was that true? Catherine wasn't so sure. She usually knew when he was telling the truth or not. Nonetheless, she accepted it.
"Nothing. Good to know."
As they walked, Catherine kept her eyes along the river. When they had passed the group of nudist, she purposefully walked a bit slower, so she'd be behind her son.
Catherine reached back and undid her bikini top, letting it fall to the ground. She untied her beach skirt and let it fall, too. Bradley was still walking ahead, completely oblivious to what was happening.
Catherine stepped out of her sandals, so that her bare feet were walking on the dirt. Finally, her bikini bottom came off and she tossed them away.
When she dove into the river, her splash made Bradley turn around and look. His eyes sharpened in his mother's direction and he saw her clothes on the ground- all of them!
"Are you..." his voice trailed off.
