Page 28 of Here You Are

After we got out, Justin roared with laughter. “Look in the tub!”

We all leaned over to peek and saw there was about two inches of water left in the bottom, the rest having been sloshed out from having too many human beings in there.

“I hate to bring this up, but I noticed we were in there for a very long time, and no one got out to pee. So I’m guessing at least half of that remaining water is tequila urine.” Cora stated.

We all looked at each other and burst into laughter, tears running down our faces.

Justin said, “Cassie, come shower off and change into the robe in the bathroom. I can’t stand to be around you until you get the urine stench off your skin.”

He grabbed my hand and dragged me to the bathroom. He got butt naked and hopped in the shower with me. He reached for the strings of my swimsuit and pulled at them.

“I'm not getting busy in this shower with you when my sister is out in the other room.”

“Same. We’re just showering off, and I am adding some images to the spank bank to help me get through the rest of the winter.”

True to his word, we just showered off. I, too, was able to add some mental images to be used at a later time. When we got out, he wrapped me up in the fluffy hotel robe. We went out to the bedroom to trade places with Cora and Jeffrey, who looked like they were about ready to pass out. Justin leaned against the headboard and pulled me to his side, snuggling me under his arm.

The next thing I knew, I was being blinded by the sun coming in off the patio, and it felt like my head was in a vice grip. I heard Cora moaning.

“Of course, the sun would come out today, to torture us in our time of suffering.”

I blinked open one eye, as that was all my sensibilities could afford. “Where are the guys?”

“Don’t you remember, they had a really early flight? It looks like all of their stuff is gone.”

“Oh, they could have woken us up to say bye.”

“Not necessary for me, as I'll never see that man again. Nice body, decent lay. I have no interest beyond that.”

I felt a little sad. He had been so sweet to me; it seemed weird that there was no conclusion. I knew he lived nearby, but I didn’t even know his last name. Maybe that was what he wanted, but that’s just not how I typically operate.

My phone alarm went off to wake us up in time to leave. I patted around, feeling for my phone, and found it in the pocket of my robe.

I had a new text message from a local number. There was a message sent from me to this number that I definitely didn’t send.

Me: Oh, hey, Hottie From Mexico. So nice of you to send me your number. 😉

Hottie from Mexico: I hope you don’t mind, but I broke into your phone this morning and texted myself, so I would have your number. I felt weird just leaving after the time we spent together. If you want to get together when you get home, you have my number. And I have yours in case you don’t want to make the first move. I had fun with you and hope I see you soon. - Justin Thompson

I smile despite the hangover of doom looming over my body. I don’t know if I want to pursue anything. I did have fun with him, and he’s local. It’s nice to know he cared enough not to disappear.

Me: I don’t mind.?? Have a safe trip home. - Cassie Franklin

Chapter 11

January 2016

Who runs the world? Girls.

I'm on top of my game right now. I have been kicking ass at work and seriously considering breaking off to work independently. The only thing holding me back is wondering whether I’m grown up enough to be a business owner. To be determined.

I have also been saving a ton of money, and I'm wondering if I'm adult enough to buy a house. I believe this is where I want to be long-term. It seems like a good idea to put some of my hard-earned money toward a mortgage instead of rent. Life as I pictured it in the past did not include me being an independent woman running her own business and buying her own house, but why not?

Justin from Mexico contacted me a few weeks after we got home. I could feel myself slipping into relationship brain after our time together, and I had no desire to let myself back into a commitment. I am in my independent woman stage, and I want to stay there. I didn’t reach out, and I wasn’t surprised when he didn’t either…until a couple of weeks later.

Justin Thompson, AKA Hottie From Mexico: Hey, Cassie Franklin.

Me: Hi, Justin Thompson.