Chapter 7

He laughed at me.

I laughed at him.

We were hitting it off just fine, enjoying each other’s company.

* * * *

We drank heavily, although we probably shouldn’t have. We seemed to have a bit of chemistry together. The conversation was smooth and there wasn’t a single pause that floated in the space that separated us. We flirted with each other, playing a dating game of sorts, careful not to give into some heavy petting or kissing.

And eventually dinner and dessert had ended and he asked, “Do you want to get your suit and take a swim together?”

“Sure. I think I’d like that.”

“I’ll meet you by the pool.”

“I won’t be long.” I stood and something cold and scaly glided along my right ankle. It was smooth and ridged at the same time, somewhat soft, but not really. I looked down and saw a red, white, and yellow snake slither around my ankle. A gasp escaped me and every pimple on my body rose with fear.