Moving Forward - 49. Chapter 49 (12.1)

Despite his excitement at going to a nude beach, Marshall was concerned that there might be too many people to actually take their clothes off comfortably. But once they arrived at Salomon Bay Beach, Marshall realized they’d gotten lucky—the beach was almost deserted. Just one other couple, and they were already packing up to leave. Most tourists were probably discouraged by the mile long hike to reach the beach, along the Lind Point Trail, which began at the Visitor’s Center. Marshall hadn’t been exactly enamored of it himself, but it was worth it to have this measure of privacy in such a beautiful setting.

Lee had tendered an invitation to Denver and Dustin that morning, and both men had accepted, once Lee assured Denver that everything was cool, and they were willing to let bygones be bygones. Assuming Dustin stayed on his best behavior, of course. Denver said that wouldn’t be a problem, and he’d make sure his cousin toed the line.

Roger and Kenny had come along with them as well. Kenny had laughingly commented that maybe it was time for them to come out of the cabin and mingle a little bit. Marshall wasn’t fooled one bit. He suspected their motives were similar to his and Lee’s—lovemaking in a different venue.

This beach was even more beautiful than the last one they’d gone to, on St. Thomas. The sand was like white sugar, warm beneath their toes. They set up their stuff and shucked off their shoes. The water was a clear aqua gently rippling against the beach, which was dotted with graceful palm trees.

For now, they would hang together and relax—drink a little, talk a little, soaking up the breeze while sitting in the shade before each couple dispersed for more intimate activities. They’d brought a good-sized cooler which they’d stocked with bottles of cold beer . They took turns carrying it on the long hike to the beach. They’d debated bringing chairs and had decided towels would do just fine, and they’d be a lot lighter.

Now they were all sitting together beneath a large palm tree, enjoying the cold brew and the warm sun.

“So, where you from?” Kenny asked. “I know Roger’s from Texas and I’m from New Orleans.” Except it came out N’awlins when he said it.

The other men exchanged glances. “We’re all from Texas,” Lee answered. “Marshall and I are more toward the southern part, and Denver and Dustin are a bit north of us. But we’re all good old Texas boys, aren’t we, fellas?”

“You know we are,” Denver said. “And proud of it.”

“Well hell, let’s drink to Texas,” Kenny suggested, lifting his bottle. “That state sure produces some mighty fine men!”

“To Texas!” each of the others repeated, and everyone took a drink.

“And to New Orleans, which is obviously no slouch in that department either!” Roger toasted. Agreeing, they all clinked their bottles and drank to Kenny’s home town.

“You ever been to Texas, Kenny?” Marshall couldn’t help the looks that were being exchanged between him and Roger. He had a feeling these two were going to take this shipboard romance ashore when the cruise was through, maybe develop it into something more.

“No, but I’m going to,” Kenny replied, confirming Marshall’s thoughts. “New Orleans is only a few hours away from Amarillo, by plane.”

Lee said, “If y’all ever get down to our neck of the woods, look us up. We’ll take you to our favorite club, Partners, over in Tucker Falls. We’ve had some damn good times there.”

“Yeah, you should join us,” Denver agreed. “We’ll have a blast.”

“And you guys can come to New Orleans some time, and I’ll show you some Louisiana hospitality.”

Marshall thought going to Louisiana might be a lot of fun. Maybe not during Mardi Gras, though. He wasn’t overly fond of big crowds. San Antonio was crowded enough for him; he suspected New Orleans would be worse.

They sat together in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, drinking their beer and soaking up sun. Dustin was the first to rise. He pulled his shirt over his head, stripping down to his swim suit.

“I think I’m going to take a swim, anyone else game?”

The other men looked at one another.

“Sounds good to me,” Roger said, a sentiment echoed by the rest, and soon all six men were cooling off in the beautiful water.