the pool deck is not crowded

"Looks like we're practically the only ones in the mood for a pool day!" said Abbie. The pool was enormous, with crystal-clear water that shimmered in the sunlight. The deck around it was made of smooth stone tiles, and there were palm trees and other tropical plants scattered throughout the area. The chairs were made of sturdy wood and had plush cushions, and the umbrellas provided just the right amount of shade.

For whatever reason, there just weren't many people around today. Just about every chair was empty, and there were maybe two or three people swimming.

"How will we ever find chairs?" Jake said sarcastically. Then he pointed to a pair with an umbrella over them. "What about those?"

"Yes, those look great!" Abbie skipped ahead to lay claim to the chairs, not that there was any challenge. Jake followed behind more slowly. He stopped at the towel station to grab four fresh towels, and then caught up to Abbie at the chairs.

"Abbie, do you need anything?" asked Jake. "I was going to go to the bar and get a couple drinks."

"Sounds great -- surprise me!"

Jake smiled and headed to the bar.

Abbie lay back on her deck chair, enjoying the sun. This is an amazing escape from real life, she thought. Maybe just a weekend, but it feels like a new life!

She was feeling very relaxed, and let her eyes drift closed as the warmth of the sun and the air enveloped her. The smell of the pool, the morning, the chlorine -- it all made her feel very happy.

Her mind blocked out the sounds of the crowd around the pool. She thought of the ride to the hotel last night. She thought of Jake. She thought of her house and how far away it all seemed.

The heat of the sun began to feel more intense on her skin. Abbie was very pale, and knew she needed good sun protection or she'd regret it before too long. She shook off the blissful serenity of her daydream, and sat up. She reached down into her bag, and pulled out a bottle of sunscreen.

The green bikini left quite a bit of skin exposed, so she got started. She began with her arms, and as she applied the lotion, became aware of her skin, her freckles, the very faint and fair hair on her forearms. She looked at her own hands, and appreciated the delicacy of her fingers and nails.

She moved to her stomach next. Her skin was smooth and she was in good shape. She wondered if she needed to exercise more, to strengthen her abs. She looked around. Of the many women at the pool, some were bigger, smaller, heavier, more muscular, more tan. It was too easy to get caught up in superficial expectations of what a girl should look like, and Abbie tried her best not to succumb to those pressures. She worked in public relations, so she knew (more than most) what a hideous industry it was, using the media to teach false lessons about self-worth. She breathed in, closed her eyes, and told herself, you're gorgeous ... including your soft, porcelain-like stomach that has probably not seen sunshine in over a year. She giggled at herself. It wasn't a criticism, it was just honesty.

She pulled her knees up and put sunscreen on her legs. She started at her hips, working her fingers underneath the strings of the bikini bottom, and then onto her right thigh. She massaged her leg muscles, which felt good to do. She worked down to her knee, took some more lotion, and attended to her lower leg. She admired the shape of her legs. Thin, curved, long muscles, especially considering she wasn't particularly tall. Her hands drifted down toward her feet, and she took care to apply lotion all around her toes. She smiled looking at her recent pedicure. All in all, I look pretty good, she thought.