She laughed. “Why? Are you looking for a new recipe?”
“Ha. Very funny. I always like to try regional cuisine. It’syouI should be worried about. Next thing I know, you will be serving octopus tacos.”
“It is a possibility. Okay, let’s go.”
They spent the day strolling through the town. Julieta purchased necklaces for her mom and Rosa, and a ceramic shark for Tiburón. After sampling a bunch of tequilas, they found a cozy seafood restaurant where they dined on ceviche. That night, they listened to music on the beach.
The next morning, they woke early to snorkel.
Ramón had booked a private tour. The boat waves made Julieta a little seasick, but she grinned through it. The tour guide finally parked the boat near a cove.
“They call this place Lover’s Beach.”
Ramón applied suntan lotion to her body. Ramón was drunk on her curves. She had the most perfect ass he’d ever seen and incredible breasts.
Once their gear was fitted, Ramón and Julieta descended into the water.
Gliding through the ocean, Ramón swam among the tropical fish. Their bright, beautiful colors painted the ocean. Though he spent a lot of time above the water surfing, he loved exploring its beauty beneath. He was dive certified. Maybe Julieta would like to learn how to dive with him? He held her hand as they continued to snorkel.
When they got back on the boat, Julieta was giddy with delight.
“That was so awesome! Seeing all those fish in their natural habitat, all the shades of the ocean—I feel so inspired.”
They suntanned on the deck. This was the life.
The next day, Ramón had a goal: to teach Julieta how to surf.
The Cabo waves were better than the San Diego ones. And the water was so warm that even in winter, Ramón didn’t feel the need to wear a wet suit.
He rented the boards while Julieta sat on the beach, reading a book.
He ran up beside her. “Come in.”
She crinkled her face. “No. I don’t surf. I like reading.”
“Come on, try. It’s fun. I’ll teach you.”
“I liked snorkeling yesterday, but water is not my thing. I mean, fish are in the water, and I love to cook and eat them, but surfing, not so much.”
“How would you know if you never tried?”
Julieta tossed down her book. “Okay. If I drown, though, promise to take care of my family.”
“Deal.”
Ramón taught her a few techniques on the board while it was on the sand. Then he guided her into the ocean.
Julieta stumbled at first but became braver by the minute. She paddled slowly with him right beside her on his own board.
Julieta crouched on the deck and slowly stood up.
“That’s it, babe. Get up! You can do it.”
She stayed upright for a full minute before she fell back down.
“You did great.”
“That was so much fun! Can I try again?”
