—

“Nothing beats the sun, sand between your toes, and a Cosmo.” I say as I walk side by side with Rachel on the resorts beach.

“They have a dance at the resorts club tonight, Alice, Tasha and the rest are going. Are we?”

“Tonight? So soon?”

“Are you too old?” She asks while chuckling.

“Ha, very funny.” Sarcasm escapes my mouth. “You aren’t feeling tired?”

“I told you already have much I love these kinds of trips.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot that I won’t be heading back to LA with you.” I laugh.

“And now you are being funny “Ha-Ha”.”

“I’ll see how I’m feeling later.” I stop and stare back at the resort in the distance. “Let’s head back, I wanna see how much Cole is enjoying the sand and the water.”

“Of course.” Rachel says as we turn and walk back.

“If you don’t decide to tag along tonight, you won’t be upset if I still go, would you?”

“Of course not, you can stay out as long as you want. Just as long as you come back to me.”

“I always like to make sure.” She smiles at me.

We approach closer back towards everyone.

“I’m gonna go get freshened up, ok?” Rachel says.

“Yeah?”

“Then I’ll be all ready for tonight.” She smiles.

“Alright.” I smile back.

I make my way towards the kids.

“Mama B this is the best!” Cole says in the middle of building his sand castle.

“That is going to be one big sand castle, my man!”

I notice Tina sitting by herself with a beer in her hand.

I make my way towards her. “Enjoying the sun?”

“I hear nothing but the water and the kids giggling. I finally don’t hear “Mom?” “Mommy?” “Mom, can I have this?” This is the best relaxing hour of my life right now.” She laughs.

“It is nice, isn’t it.” I smile. “Where my your woman be?”

“She is getting more drinks with Shane.”

“Are you heading to that dance thing later tonight?”

“Danielle really wants to go, but I feel so exhausted and it is only the first night. We haven’t even been off the plane for more than 10 hours.” She chuckles.

“I told Rachel the same thing.” I say as I begin to sit.