Ifelt miserable inside that these people were so kind and understanding that I knew so little about simple things. I just hoped that they would not become tired of having to explain everything to me, like a child.
Who wants a wife that is so simple-minded? I will spend time researching things I don’t know, although I have no way to search. I will have to ask Cota about getting a cellphone or maybe use a computer. I hope he won’t mind.
Bowls of mixed fruits were delivered before I could ask any questions. It was best. It might be a question to ask when we are alone. Shortly after, the salads were brought out and they conversed about many different subjects. I enjoyed just watching and listening and even joining in when I could.
“I might need a nap before activities.” Sawyer tipped his chair back. “Yep, right over there in the shade on my favorite beach chair.”
“I might just join you, big brother.” Cota also leaned back. “Will you girls be joining?”
“No way! We have girl stuff to do, plus we didn’t eat half as much as you two just did.” Jade smiled in my direction. “What do you say we go for a walk in the waves?”
“I would love that. I have never been allowed to nap,” I shrugged. “Do we go dressed like this?”
“Sure, we can, or we can go put our swimsuits on in case we want to sit in the water.” Jade stood, pushing her chair in. “Do you want to put sunscreen on?”
“Sunscreen?” I asked. “Is that to be safe in the sun?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t want you to get sunburned on your first day here.”
“Whatever you think. I have not spent much time in the sun.” I frowned. “I was always dancing.”
“I watched some video of you dancing. You’re amazing.” Jade waved for me to follow her. “Later, boys.”
“Thank you. I have trained my whole life, so I had better be.” I followed behind her. “Do you dance?”
“I like to dance. I’m not trained in any dance, though. Mostly, I just move to the music.” Jade gestured for me to walk beside her. “I don’t want to upset you, but I’ve noticed that you walk behind everyone instead of beside. Is there a reason?”
“I went to live in what some might call a commune when I was very young. We were never allowed to make eye contact, ask questions, play, and always walked behind the leaders and coaches.” I caught up to her. “It is habit, but I will work on fixing it. Have I offended you?”
“Not at all. I want you to know you’re my equal. All of our equals.” Jade stopped walking to turn to me. “You’re now my sister-in-law.”
“I have never had a sister or a sister-in-law.”
“Well, I’m not married to Sawyer yet, but you’re going to be my Maid of Honor and help me plan the wedding.” Jade took my hand, pulling me along with her. “Let’s see what you have to wear.”
“Murphy picked out some swimsuits. I am embarrassed to say I have never worn one.” I picked at the hem of my shirt. “She picked a few kinds. Tell me if they are correct when we see them.”
We walked into what she called my suite. The closet was as big as a bedroom. I saw then that my clothes had all been unpacked. The suitcases were nowhere to be found, not that it mattered. I had nothing of my own in them.
“Where do we find them?”
“Probably in the drawers by the coverups. Let’s take a look.” She started pulling swimsuits out. “Wow, these are pretty. I may have to have Murphy pick out stuff for me, too.”
“She is very kind to have helped me. I don’t have much of a style besides sweats and leotards.” I looked down at my pretty outfit. “Murphy picked this as well.”
“She’s very good at this. Which one do you want to wear?” She laid them on a bench in the closet.
“The two-piece ones are pretty, but I am not ready for that just yet. What do you think of the green one, like a leotard?”
“You’ll look great in all of them with that petite figure. Don’t worry about the two-piece. You’ll one day decide to wear it, or never will.”
“What do you wear?” I asked, still looking at the swimsuits.
“I dive a lot so, like you, I’m used to bodysuits. But after being on this island getting a tan and having weird white areas, I decided to wear a two-piece.”
I closed my eyes, tossed the suits around on the bench, then lifted one up. Thankfully, the one in my hand was a one-piece suit in a pretty blue.
“You get dressed. Grab one of those cover-ups hanging there and flip flops on the shoe wall.” Jade walked to the door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”