Chapter 493: 'Beach' 'Babe'

After giving out the extra food to the children, who were exactly where she expected them to be, Mina went to join the others at the shore. She wore a white plunge back one piece that said the word 'beach' on it with a mesh wrap coverup. Mills had insisted she wear it, and when she got to the shoreline, she saw that it was because the woman wore a matching black swimsuit that said the word 'babe.'

Mina laughed at the woman, realizing that Mills was like any other girl, she just grew up a little different. If Mina had been born in Sani, she likely would have been married with more children than she could afford like other women. She felt happy for Mills, who despite having little education defied the odds that were against her. Mina found herself genuinely wanting to meet the brother who gave Mills the strength to push harder, thinking that maybe he could be her opportunity.

When President Lee saw Mina approaching, he stood up dusting sand off his hands before walking toward her, something that made Mina stop in her tracks, nervous that bad news was coming. He looked charming in the thin white shirt that he wore, and she was grateful that his shorts were not floral or tropical print like everyone else's, but just a plain light blue that although muted, made him stand out. Still he worried her.

"Is there anything in particular that you want to do?" he asked, and Mina denied wanting to do anything with more force that she intended. She did not want to fall into any more traps, and her mind was telling her there were many waiting. "Are you sure?" he pressed, making Mina take time to consider before answering again.

"I want to enjoy the beach for now, maybe eat more street foods, then go buy a few trinkets for my friends." Ian nodded and Mina started to walk with the man by her side.

As soon as Mills laid eyes on her, she rushed Mina, and shouted for Drax to get their picture. Mina was caught off guard, but everything with Mills was spontaneous, and she liked that about the woman. After Drax snapped the photo, he asked Mina to take a few of him and Mills, which she did, playing photographer as she directed the couple how to stand and where.

Drax was at first annoyed with Mina's constant directing, but when she showed him all the photos, he slapped her back with heavy hands, obviously pleased that he had let her take them. Mina glared at the man, who pinched her cheeks as if she were a cute white rabbit instead of an angry grown woman. Mills laughed, not at all jealous or intimidated by the interaction.

Mina wondered if that was what absolute trust was like. She, herself, was not an insecure woman. She knew she was good looking; she knew her body was desirable, and she believed that whoever had the pleasure of marrying her in the future would be a lucky man. Mina also believed that a relationship built on a solid foundation could not be rocked or shaken by an outside force; she had proof of it.

When Sadie and Troy were in the beginning stages of their relationship, they never let the words of others bother them. Other teens from their small province used to question Sadie all the time, asking how she could allow her boyfriend to treat her sister so well and not be afraid. It was the first time she heard Sadie admit to fear, but that was not what stuck with Mina. What stuck was her sister's response; 'I am afraid, because my sister is amazing, but so am I, and if Troy can be tempted by her then he could be tempted by anyone. It would be better to know now than to find out later.'

Mina remembered the swirl of pride she felt toward Sadie on that day, and she also remembered the frown on her sister's face when she offered to take a step back to give the couple time to themselves. Sadie did not immediately agree, but over time, as her relationship became more intimate, there were times when she only brought Mina along because Ren was going to be there, and Mina was good at holding Ren's attention.

"What's wrong?" President Lee asked, seeing that Mina had zoned out.

"No, nothing. I was just admiring the view," she lied.

"Do you want a picture?" Mina nodded seeing no harm a photo could do, and she stood facing the ocean while President Lee snapped a picture from behind her. She looked at him over her shoulder, wanting to ask if he had taken the image. He handed her his device and Mina looked perplexed.

"Why your phone?"

"My camera is better. Now hurry and take one of me." Mina scoffed but held the phone up and snapped a picture of President Lee striking the same pose she had. He kicked at the sand, sending some flying in the wind and when she looked at the photo, she had to admit he was right. His camera was better, and it captured the image without blur. "How do they look?"

"Good," Mina replied while handing back the device. Can you send me the one you took of me?" Mina's phone vibrated and two texts came through, making her smile. "This place is so beautiful." Ian could only stare at Mina, because while she was talking about the beach, he was thinking the same thing about her.

Mina sat staring at the water when she saw a few men come walking toward them holding massage tables. She and Mills shot knowing glances at one another, doing their best to reserve their laughter. The men set up the tables, and Mills pushed Drax forward, telling him that she had made the arrangements. Mina was not as touchy, but she gestured for President Lee to get on one of the tables as well.

Wary, the men stepped forward and were instructed to remove their shirts. Drax was the first to settle onto the table, while President Lee studied Mina for a while before unbuttoning his shirt while looking in her direction. Mina's face turned red, and she turned away, covering her eyes. He had not meant to make her embarrassed, but he realized that what he was doing could be misinterpreted as him trying to be seductive. Ian shrugged, pleased with Mina's reaction before he too laid down.

Mina secretly pulled out her phone, and so did Mills. Both women hit record at nearly the same time. They watched the masseuses start their work, using special creams on the backs of the men before using warm sand to gently buff away any dead skin.

Mina could visibly see both men relax, and she smiled wickedly when the masseuses removed the shirts and simultaneously climbed on top of both men. It was not an immediate cause for alarm, until the masseuses leaned forward, pressing their groins to the buttocks of the men, whose heads shot up at nearly the same time.

President Lee was more composed, but he got up quickly, throwing the man off his body. Drax on the other hand, literally flipped himself and the table he was on over before scrambling away with a look of horror on his face. Mina could not hold back, and she began to laugh loudly, with Mills right behind. The two masseuses took their leave, having already been warned, they expected such treatment, but the women had tipped them well and promised no harm would come to them.

Mina could not stop laughing at Drax, whose eyes were so wide open that she could not breathe anytime she looked at his face.

"You sent the dancers, didn't you?" President Lee asked in a whisper, and Mina's smile faded when she saw that there was no amusement on the man's face. She stood up slowly, gently brushed the sand off her legs, and ran.