Carina rolls her eyes impatiently. “Me and my girls. We’re going to the Kai Lounge.”
I realize Carina and Collette don't really ask questions. They present things like choices, but somehow they've already decided the answer for you. With Collette handing me an opportunity most publications would have to fight for, refusing Carina’s invitation almost feels ungrateful.
Yes, you have to go.
And then there’s Lo’s relentless voice ringing in my ears.You’re on vacation. Have fun!
Fun with Carina and her Satin Mafia?
I didn’t see how well that would go with their petty jabs and cold stares. I also had nothing in common with these women. We were all around the same age, but they seemed ten years younger than me at times. Well, all of them except Danielle. But I suppose I don’t need to have anything in common with them to get this story done. I would be hanging out and getting to know her for the sake of the story.
“Are you seriously going to tell me no?” she asks, looking at me with her face twisted in disbelief.
“No. I’d love to come out with you guys.”
“Good,” her eyes slide over me from head to toe. “Well, first we have to get you changed. Dress code is lavender.”
I look down at what I’m wearing. “I don’t have-”
“I figured,” she quips. “But my stylist is here. He’ll have something for you, I’m sure.”
“Oh. Well, thanks. That’s sweet.”
“Yeah,” she murmurs.
Carina is already looping her arm through mine as we exit the bathroom.
“I’m guessing you’re like a size five, but with those hips, a seven, right?”
22
mission: maui
MARLEY
A white stretchHummer drops us off at the Kai Lounge. Apparently, the girls came here last night and had “oodles of fun”, Lety’s words, not mine. The ladies have traded their dinner outfits for something sexier and flirtier, while still sticking to the theme. Carina in white and her bridal party in lavender.
The drive over is short, but that doesn’t stop the Satin Mafia from turning up. The music booms out of the limo’s speakers, and Camila shows off the most amazing twerk skills and knee strength I’ve ever seen.
Danielle passes a diamond-encrusted flask to everyone before we get out of the vehicle. Inside is a concoction she says she made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s surprisingly delicious.
I’m taking mental notes of everything around me. Maui is a whole vibe, but Maui after dark is on another level.
A carved wooden sign above the entrance reads Kai Lounge, the gold lettering written in a flowing script that curls like waves.
The driver lets us out of the Hummer, and of course, all eyes are on us. When the crowd realizes Carina Sterling is in our midst, hysteria takes over. Fans nearly risk it all to get autographs and selfies with one of America’s most global superstars. Thank goodness for security who tackle the swarm and keep them all in line.
The level of screaming outside still does nothing to conceal the bass of the music coming from inside the lounge, thumping loudly through the walls and out onto the street. I swear I can feel the vibration under my high heels.
Cellphones and cameras flash, snapping picture after picture of Carina as we walk ahead of the long line. The bouncer doesn’t ask questions or check our IDs. He simply pulls back the velvet rope and lets us through. We step into the entryway, and a sharply dressed woman appears in front of us. She’s around 5’5, wearing a crisp white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to her elbows. Her midi skirt is tight but professional, as if she came here to work, not play.
“Miss Sterling,” she says warmly, offering Carina a small bow of her head. “Welcome back to Kai Lounge.”
Carina smiles brightly. “Guys, this is Kai. She owns the place.”
“Yes, it’s a pleasure to have you all here tonight. You, ladies, look amazing!” Kai admires us in our lavender fits and then shakes each of our hands enthusiastically. “We’ve prepared your section upstairs. Follow me.”
Carina’s four bodyguards surround us as we follow behind Kai. But that does little to nothing to conceal her. If anything, the guards bring on more attention.
