In A Pinch | Almost Paradise

She's getting away from her old life and into something new.

In A Pinch | Almost Paradise

She had been worried about the heat, but so far the constant ocean breeze kept the island temperatures at pleasantly balmy levels.   Soon-Hee could enjoy the sun from the cabana without exposing her creamy fair skin to harsh direct sunlight. Still, the thought of sitting all day at the beach under a shade made her burst into a fit of giggles.  It was such a Korean thought to her that all she felt she was missing was a massive blanket to wrap her entire body in. She imagined her mother scolding her for not being more careful with her complexion. Would Sonny’s mother be proud that Soon-Hee inherited her porcelain complexion and svelte-yet-shapely figure?  She pressed a fingertip to her lower lip as she considered it. If things continued down the current path, she would inherit her mother’s surprisingly healthy bust too . . .

“I’m going to the bar to get myself a drink.  Shall I bring you something back?”

“Excuse me?”  An unfamiliar voice broke through Soon-Hee’s cloud of pensive thought.  She tilted her head to find the most gorgeous pair of sea green eyes looking down at her.  They were attached to a charmingly bright smile and a stylishly disheveled mop of dark locks.  

“I was going back up to the bar to get myself another whiskey neat.  I was hoping you would let me get you something as well.” The friendly stranger’s smile was hard not to mirror.  Soon-Hee’s fingers lightly caressed the neckline of her top.

“Rather bold of you.” Soon-Hee’s the lips curled into a impish smirk.  “What if don’t drink?”

“Then I’ve at least started a conversation with you - which was my real reason for coming over here in the first place.  I’m Wayne, by the way.” Soon-Hee giggled at his boldness. Male attention was something Soon-Hee was getting familiar with, but it was only recently it had gone beyond lingering gazes.  She found it flattering; being seen not only as passable but also desirable. Desirable enough to be pursued. . . wooed. . . just like any other pretty girl.

“Soon-Hee.”  Wayne took her hand into his, giving it a light shake.  “Nice to meet you.”

“Well, Soon-Hee, how about that drink?”  he pressed. “Maybe two?” Wayne’s eyes sparkled with hope, that beaming smile of his still confident.  There was a part of Soon-Hee that wanted to fuel his hope. It was such an unknown. Dating. PROPERLY Dating . . . finding out what it’s like when someone’s doing all they can to win her favor.  And yet there was something else she wasn’t sure she wanted, but couldn’t help but wonder. . .

“There you are,” Kevin slid a drink into Soon-Hee’s hand.  “I was looking for you, babe. Mother made you a drink and suggested I take you to see the botanical gardens.  You said you’ve been dying to see it.” Kevin barely gave Wayne a glance, his smile was directly aimed at Soon-Hee.  Their fingers touched as the glass transferred between them and her stomach fluttered as it tightened.

“Thaaank you, Bae-bee”  Soon-Hee’s sugar-honey drawl playfully dragged her words out as her eyes danced, lingering on Kevin.  The rim of the glass touched her lips to take a sip, but she unflinchingly held Kevin’s gaze. She wasn’t sure if it was his eyes or the drink that warmed her.  For just a moment - just one moment, she hoped it was his eyes. Eventually, Wayne’s presence floated back into her peripheral and she turned towards him. Her eyes still lingered on Kevin, their fingers playfully intertwining together.  “Wayne, This is Kevin Weatherton -”

“Weatherton Resorts?”  Wayne’s jaw went slack as he made the connection.  “The name on the place we are staying at right now?”  Kevin’s victorious smile made Soon-Hee roll her eyes, particularly when he twirled her towards himself so he could put his arm around her shoulder.  She slid under the crook of his arm, and leaned against him. Something about all of it felt comfortable . . . right.

“Well, my parents own everything,” The false modesty evoked another eye roll from Soon-Hee.   “I’m just the lucky guy with the right last name. . . and the right girl.” Her eyes twinkled at Kevin’s slick compliment before she glanced back to Wayne.  Soon-Hee’s heart went out to the young man - he seemed sweet. While the intrigue of the unknown could stir excitement, her duty was to Kevin. Plus, it simply would not do to be seen flirting with another man while in the orbit of her pretend boyfriend’s family.

“Right,” Wayne began, his smile a little less luminescent now.  “Well, I see you were waiting for someone, Soon-Hee.” She bit her lip, her eyes apologizing to Wayne.  “Kevin, hats off to you for bringing the most beautiful woman possible to this beautiful place. Now if you’ll excuse me.”  

The young man made as graceful an exit as the situation allowed and Soon-Hee looked up to her friend.

“Laying it on a little thick, weren’t you?” She gave him a playful nudge to the ribs as she continued to sip her drink.  

“I learned a little about acting from you,” Kevin told her.  Was it even acting anymore? Were they still in character? With no one else looking, it was a play for an audience of two.  Her fingers were still tangled with his, arm still around her shoulder. The stage was the new normal for them both. “Besides,how would I look if I couldn’t slide in and stake my claim?”

“How gallant,”  she says dryly before taking another sip.  “At least you brought me a delicious drink.”

“Mom makes a mean cocktail.  And when you own the place, you get to play bartender.”  They strolled towards another section of the resort, where Kevin’s parents lounged near a mini-bar.  Mirim waved them down as they came into view.

“Good, Kevin found you.”  She said. “I really wanted to have a few drinks before we had dinner.  Roland is thinking of taking us out on the yacht later on this evening.”

“If you are going to be making drinks like this one, count me in.”  Soon-Hee giggled as Mirim led her away from Kevin. The older woman leaned in as they walked away.

“I’m so glad you came, dear,” Mirim whispered. “It’s so wonderful to have another woman on these family trips.  And Kevin has never looked happier than when he’s around you.”

“He’s a great guy,” Soon-Hee confessed, sneaking a quick peek over her shoulder at her pretend boyfriend.  “Being around him makes me want to be a better woman.”

“I think you make him a better man.  But I could be biased.” she winks at Soon-Hee and they both giggle.  

“Don’t the best girls have that effect on their men, Mirim?”

“We certainly do, dear.  We certainly do.”