Page 50 of The Forbidden Fling

Riley clapped her hands. “Right, let’s head down, and we can take a dip.”

A light mist coated Faye’s skin as they descended the path, the rushing water soothing to her ears. Even Quin was quiet beside her, while others posed for photographs by the railing.

The waterfall spilt over the mossy rocks in a wide silver curtain, mist rising and tangling through the dense ferns at the bottom. The group peeled off to leave their bags on the dry land, and people started undressing. The sun peeked through a hole in the canopy, casting a stream of golden light onto the water.

Riley wasted no time removing her vest and shorts, revealing a blue swimsuit. Ella needed a bit more convincing, but then the two ran hand in hand—Ella shrieking all the way—and jumped in together with a big splash.

The others were more tentative, dipping in toes first or taking time to take photos of the waterfall crashing into the pool.

Faye and Quin waited on the pebbly beach, Quin’s backpack still hiked up high on their shoulders.

“You not going in?” Faye asked.

“I don’t think so.” They bit their lip, watching Riley and Ella floating on their backs. “Ever since…well. Ever since my top surgery, I just get nervous undressing in front of people. Not that I ever enjoyed it before, but…”

“I understand.” A group of green parakeets swooped low over the water, wings flapping. “Ever since my surgery, I feel the same.”

Quin turned to her. “Your surgery?”

“Yeah.” Nerves pinched her stomach. She wanted to tell Quin more, but the words stuck in the back of her throat. What if they ditched her like her other friends had?

You told Diana. You can tell Quin, too. Come on.

“I have an ostomy bag. I’m still getting used to it, and even telling people is hard, never mind them seeing it.” She blew out a breath, trying to hide her shaky voice.

“I had no idea.”

“Really?” She didn’t know if they were just trying to make her feel better.

“Not a clue. But you shouldn’t let that stop you.”

“I could say the same for you.”

They were quiet for a moment, just the rush of the waterfall crashing and people shrieking as they entered the lagoon.

“Yeah,” Quin said. “It’s just so easy to say ‘Don’t care what people think.’ Doing it is different, isn’t it? I hate people staring at my scars and seeing the looks on their faces.”

Faye nodded, relief settling. “But those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

“Is that a Senhor Arenoso quote?”

She shook her head, a smile curving her mouth. “Dr Seuss.”

“Sweet.” Quin took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’re full of secrets today.”

“That’s it now. I’m pretty boring.”

“I don’t think so.” They grinned. “You’re a pretty cool encyclopaedia.”

She laughed, then, feeling a surge of bravery, inclined her head towards the water. “How about we start by dipping our toes?”

“I think I can handle that.”

With linked hands, they kicked off their sandals and crept towards the water, the hard stones digging into the soles of their feet. Quin squeezed her hand harder as they stepped into the shallows, and Faye screamed.

“Jesus! It’s freezing.”

Quin giggled, tugging Faye deeper into the pool. The water prickled goosebumps up her legs, and she shivered.