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“What?” Doris turned to me, wide-eyed. “People are going to try to put drugs in my bag?”
Sylvie shook her head. “People are usually trying to smuggle drugsintothe country, not out.”
“I’ll take some drugs in my bag.” Alice grinned.
Sylvie looked at her, then paused and shrugged. “Well, we did have some fun in that Mexican jungle. Maybe someone slipping us a little something isn’t the worst thing in the world.”
“That’s what I’m saying.” Alice click-clacked on a pair of our fancy orthopedic heels as she strode beside us. “If someone slips something in my bag, to hell if they are getting it back. Finders keepers.”
“That was a one-time thing,” Doris said, her voice just above a whisper. “It was fun, but drugs are bad.”
“You liked it the most,” I countered, looking over as Doris’s body shrunk at my accusation. “You can admit it.”
“I ...” Her face bloomed in colorful shades of reds and pinks. “I did, but I’m not doing that again. It was bad.”
“It was fun.” Sylvie grinned. “But yeah. No drugs on this trip, ladies. The rule is not to get thrown in prison abroad. Getting busted with drugs is a surefire way to end up onLocked Up Abroad,and I have a daughter and grandchild who need me. So, no drugs. Keep an eye on your suitcases.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I answered, knowing how serious she was about us not getting into trouble this time. And I didn’t blame her. If my daughter were having a baby, I would move mountains to be there for her at the birth. But Martha had chosen a career over having a family, and now she was in her forties with no plans to marry or have children. Part of me was thrilled she didn’t tie herself down, free to do whatever and go wherever with no one to answer to. The other part of me felt sad that she may never experience the joys of a relationship with someone she loved like I did. Twice. Once with Percy and now again with Roxie. Though the relationships were vastly different, I treasured them both with all my heart. And she’d never know the love you could have for a child ... the earthshattering feeling you get when they set that little baby in your arms. At least it had been that way for me. But I loved watching her live her best life on her own terms ... just like I was doing now.
“Okay. We can’t go any further without knowing what airline we are on.” Sylvie slowed to a stop in front of the lines crawling out of every airport terminal check-in. “It’s time, Marge. Spill.”
“Yes. Please put us out of misery. Where in the hell are we going?” Alice planted a hand on her hip.
“Please don’t be a volcano. Please don’t be a volcano,” Doris whispered, pressing her hands together.
They stood staring at me, expectant, fearful eyes waiting. I couldn’t deny the guilty pleasure it gave me to see their pained expressions. The anticipation that I’d gone and done something horrible. Though I’d spent the past few months relishing in drawing out the suspense and making them fear the worst, in fact, I’d picked a perfectly wonderous place to kick off our adventure.
“We’re going to ...” I paused. They leaned forward, inching closer and closer as they awaited me spitting out our destination. “Australia, mates!”
Sylvie’s face lit up. “Australia? Really? I’ve always wanted to see Australia!”
“Oh, how marvelous! I lovedCrocodile Dundee! And they have kangaroos!” Doris clapped her hands, a little squeal slipping out as she bounced up and down.
“She didn’t say it isn’t a volcano in Australia.” Alice paused. “Wait. Are there volcanos in Australia?”
“It’s not a volcano,” I answered. “It’s a beautiful place right off the coast. They have everything to give us a full Australian experience. Beaches, tropics, wildlife preserves ... all of it. And after our four-day stay, we finish it by skydiving in what is considered one of the most beautiful jumps in the world! And the best part is that it’s winter here, which means it’s summer there! Warm, tropical weather, here we come! Eh? Not bad, ladies? Right? Not bad!”
Sylvie tipped her head. “Not bad at all, Marge! I mean, I could still live without jumping out of an airplane at the end, but a trip to Australia? I’m in!”
I looked at Doris.
“That sounds wonderful, Marge! Although I, too, could live without jumping out of a plane.” She cringed, crinkling her nose.
“I’ll believe it’s a nice place when I see it.” Alice pursed her lips and stared at me with those distrustful eyes. “Until I confirm we aren’t living in some hovel in the outback surviving off snakes and crocodiles, I’ll hold my opinion.”
“It’s a nice place. I promise.”
“Running water?” Alice asked. “Electricity? Decent food?”
I rocked back on my heels and nodded. “Yep, yep, and yep. Don’t worry, gals. I’ve got you covered.”
Alice tipped her head. “Okay. As long as we aren’t roughing it in the outback, then I’m in.” Finally, her concern turned into a smile. “Have you seen the men in Australia? I went toThunder from Down Underseveral times, and yum. Australian men are something spectacular. I mean, that alone should make this trip worthwhile.”
“Alice!” Sylvie laughed and smacked her on the arm. “You’re married now!”
Alice shrugged. “Oh, I know. And I love my Alejandro, but that doesn’t mean a girl can’t look at the local scenery every now and again, does it?”
Her playful, sinister grin stretched across her face, and we all burst into laughter as we shook our heads.
