Island Girls: Downtime

Downtime on the island was just like being on vacation. The girls still had to look their best, Ari and some of his select friends were still there, but Nikita was fairly certain they could wear burlap bags for all Ari noticed or cared.

They’d shrank in numbers somewhat, starting out at 19 and now were down to 15, which Jasmine said happened every year, girls not fulfilling their contracts, usually due to the fraternization rule which a few more of them had broken, but were smart enough not to get caught. There was no fanfare or announcement, names were erased from Helga’s whiteboard.

No one came to replace them, but Jasmine also warned her that would happen. During the day, unless there was an event, Ari liked to be surrounded by at least six girls. It was apparently his lucky number, but Nike also suspected it was for photo aesthetics. Ari liked to place himself exactly in the center of photos, so having an even number of girls was essential One girl drove him around in a golf cart, there were two girls to hand out towels if he went swimming or jet skiing, girls to get drinks or snacks, and most jobs were on a rotating basis. He did have a dedicated chauffeur and personal handler who kept his schedules and such, but they didn’t really associate with the rest of the “island girls,” and they didn’t count towards his six quota.

Nikita volunteered for every trip she could go on, Belize, Dubai, Morocco, but even the trips were very sheltered. They flew out, stood around while Ari conducted business meetings or went to a club, then right back to the island. There was little to no chance of sight seeing, and truth be told, she was starting to feel a little sheltered. They had no internet, they weren’t allowed to bring phones, and even when they stayed in hotel rooms, they were all too exhausted from flying and keeping themselves ‘arm-candy, eye candy’ ready to watch TV.

Surfing was less fun without Bishop to make fun of her when she wiped out. Lying on the beach was less fun without Nikka to ogle hot guys and giggle with. Swimming was less fun if Nike didn’t warn her about rip currents. To keep from going stir crazy, she’d go on long hikes just for a change of scenery. No one specifically said not to leave the resort area, as far as she could remember, and asking - well, that meant people had the chance to say no. She’d practically bathe in sunscreen, Helga might faint if she saw a sock tanline, pull on some sneakers and bug spray, hydrate and head out. Rinse. Repeat. Another day in paradise.

At least she could catch up with Nikka by text.