Dispatches From Paradise. Shelly Gitlow

cell phone rings. He looks at it and walks away from me. It must be Janice.

      “I’m taking care of it. Not a problem.”

      He hangs up and makes a call.

      “Can you send a taxi to 1609 Tigertail? Thanks.”

      That’s that. So much for flesh and blood. He’s so pussy-whipped. At least I can try to make him feel guilty.

      “Boy, Dad. I’m your only kid, and this is how you treat me? Thanks for nothing.”

      “Wish I could help you out, but here’s a couple of bucks. Buy yourself a new outfit.”

      I take the money because why not? That’s his usual deal. He thinks he’s buying me off. Maybe that’s not fair. Maybe it’s all he really has to give me. That makes me sad. The taxi pulls up, and I get in. Dad looks relieved.

      “Okay, Dad. So I’ll see you some time.”

      “Yeah. Let’s have dinner soon, okay?”

      “Sure.”

      We both know it won’t happen unless I bug him. I might not have the energy for it. I’ll be busy with my career. We wave good-bye to each other, as the taxi pulls away.

      I pull up to Mom’s in the cab and out of nowhere this cute guy about my age shows up to help me with my stuff.

      “Hi, I’m Cole, the new neighbor.”

      Sweet. He’s not wearing a shirt and has a ripped bod. We take my bags into the living room. He eyes the pool.

      “Hey, can I take a swim?”

      “Great idea.”

      He pulls off his shorts and has on these low-cut briefs, very hot.

      “I’ll get into a suit. Go on.”

      I watch him dive in and start swimming laps. He’s really good. I put on my Brazilian thong and join him.

      “You’re a great swimmer.”

      “That’s why we moved here from Cincinnati. I got a free ride at UM. I’m training for the Olympics in diving.”

      “Wow. That’s cool. You’ll like Miami.”

      There’s the grin. It happens this fast sometimes. I can’t help it.

      “I already do. A lot. We met your mom this morning. My dad thinks she’s nice.”

      “That’s awesome. Maybe you guys should come over for dinner?”

      Mom and I are going to need some buffers.

      “Sure. I’m down with that. And I know Dad will be too. But he’s a vegan and makes me eat healthy too.”

      “Cool with me. I’m going to be modeling, so I should eat right.”

      He gives me the once-over. Man, he’s adorable. Maybe I’m not a lesbian.

      “You look perfect.”

      “Thanks, but the camera adds weight. And the competition’s like fierce.”

      “I know what you mean. It’s the same in sports. I better help my dad finish unpacking. So I’ll catch you later.”

      “Yeah. Come over around 7:30.”

      We get out of the pool. I can see everything through his wet undies. Not bad. I relax in a lounge chair. It is so good to be home. I can finally breathe. Cole goes inside to put on his shorts. Just as he’s pulling them up, Mom walks in. Figures. She looks good, like happier or something. She’s wearing shorts and Tevas, very tree-huggerish. I see her face tighten, but then she smiles at him. Maybe this won’t be so bad.