Lost

Juntos (Together)

                                                                                      Chapter 11

The taxi pulled up under the crème colored awning that featured chiseled crown molding. The resort looked like it was styled after large estates from Ancient Rome. Palm trees surrounded the exterior hiding away the courtyard and lodgings. The lobby had marble pillars, gorgeous tiling that competed with what was displayed outside. Exquisite to say the least.

Meg and Ana stood in awe as they entered the building. Madison walked up to the front desk. Diego looked around and talked with the bellboys.

When Madison rejoined the group, Ana asked," Is he some kind of Prince?"

"Almost, not quite." Madison said nonchalantly.

Meg and Ana exchanged glances.

"There he is," Madison said as she pointed towards a well-dressed man approaching them. His shoulder length black hair and two day trimmed scruff was to die for. He wore a European-styled tailored suit with loafers that had an effortless beach vibe. However, at the same time he exuded class and refinement. His eyes were dark brown and his smile broad.

"Madison!" the man exclaimed as he came nearer. When he was within reaching distance, he grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Always a pleasure." He smiled again focusing all his attention on her.

Madison withdrew her hand, "You wish," she mumbled. "Everyone, this is Lorenzo Shea. He's the heir to Shea Resorts."

"You can call me Ren," he said with a nod to the other girls.

"Nice to meet you Ren," Ana said shaking his hand.

"How do you know Madison?" Meg asked.

"College." Madison said shortly.

"It's the classic story of boy meets girl," Ren joked. "Anyway, let me take you to your room." He smiled and ushered them towards the elevators.

Ana elbowed Madison in the ribs and mouthed, "He's so hot!"

Madison's only response was rolling her eyes and following the group into one of the many courtyards.

A sizable pool surrounded by Roman gods glistened underneath the sun. One man swiftly swam laps, while a blonde women rested in one of the white linen cabanas. Servers mingled about asking if the visitors would like anything to eat or drink. Meg made a mental note of the area and decided that her first free afternoon would be spent napping in a cabana being warmed by the sun.

Past the main courtyard were other smaller villas that could be rented out separately. Ren led the girls to one that sat near the end of the property behind the other buildings.

"I've reserved this villa for you all. I hope you find it comfortable, but if you need anything else let me know."

"It seems a little far away from everything," Madison said as she motioned back towards the main house.

Ren shrugged off her complaint and smiled gently, "I figured you girls needed your privacy."

"Well, thank you, Ren," Ana said.

"Madison, I will see you at 8?" He asked.

"Yeah, sure," Madison said before quickly grabbing her suitcase and entering their private lodgings.

"Perfect! See you ladies later." Ren walked away, greeting a few guests as he made his way back to his office inside the main Villa.

"What was that all about?" Meg asked.

"What?" Madison said looking at the quizzical looks her friends were giving her.

"Hot date at 8?" Ana asked

"He wants to catch up. It's part of the stipulations to giving us lodging," Madison sighed rolling her eyes. "So needy."

"What are the other stipulations?" Meg asked.

"He wants to show us around the city."

"Wait a minute, you're upset because a long lost friend from college is giving us free lodging on the condition that he can ask you how life has been and act as a free tour guide?" Ana asked, confused at what could be the problem.

"Yeah, I guess," Madison said.

"So what' s the problem?" Meg asked.

"He just...likes me too much," Madison mumbled.

"What!?" Meg exclaimed before laughing at the absurdity of it all. Meg and Ana joined in.

"I can't. I am going to take a bath," Meg said before leaving the room.

"Yeah, I need to check my emails," Ana said following suite.

Madison plopped onto one of the couches in the living room. Even though the sun shone brightly through the landscape windows, Madison's eyes started to droop. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

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The rooms offered gorgeous views of the resort landscaping and the city in the distance. The buzz of cars created a constant murmur that was more comforting than annoying. Meg propped her suitcase against the wall closest to the front door of her room. She stood at the window a few minutes before finally accepting the comfort the bed offered.

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Ana was in the room next to Meg's. She withdrew her laptop from her backpack and immediately went to her email. At the very top of personal emails was a subject line in all bold that read, "CALL ME!" It was from Brenda. Ana sighed picking up the phone and dialing her editor's number.

"Hello, Brenda?"

"Ah Ana! I see you got my email. We need to talk about your next book."

"I have something in mind."

"Yeah? That's a surprise."

"I am currently in Colombia looking for a missing friend. Why don't I make this my next memoir?"

"Assuming you find her." There were a few second of silence, "When can I get the first chapter?"

"The end of this week?"

"Good."

A click signified the end of the conversation. Ana hung up and once again started a document with the words "Chapter 1" at the top.

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Thanks for reading Lost!!! Sorry it has been so long since my last update. I've been at the library all day writing, so I have a few weeks worth of uploads and will hopefully be on track to updating regularly. We shall see!

I hope you all had wonderful holidays with your family and friends!

If you like lost, be sure to let me know your thoughts via comments and don't for get to vote for it! 

-- JS_Nox