13. Jamie

13

JAMIE

B eing there, with Jess, fucking her under the cloak of the Costa Rican night, was the single most delicious part of her day. Watching Jess laugh. Swimming nude in the moonlit ocean with her. Feeling Jess come and come and come again for Jamie's fingers, for her tongue was the most beautiful pleasure she could imagine. Everything else—the grueling workouts, the forced smiles, the manufactured drama—paled in comparison to these stolen moments.

But she was a bit afraid. What if someone saw them? What if a hidden camera caught a glimpse of their forbidden connection?

The producers thrived on their supposed animosity. She winced, remembering the stern warnings about disqualification if any form of intimacy was discovered. The show needed their rivalry, not a budding romance.

"Enemy fitness trainers" they'd called it, a storyline designed to keep the viewers hooked. And hooked they were. The ratings were through the roof, fueled by the constant sniping and thinly veiled hostility between Jess and Jamie.

Yet, here she was, a secret blooming in her chest, a forbidden truth whispered under the cloak of night. Every stolen glance across the training field, every barb that held a hidden meaning—it was all a game, a thrilling dance on the edge of a knife.

They'd take the risk. They had to. Jamie couldn't imagine a world where stolen kisses under the moonlight were all she had.

"Just a few more weeks," Jamie whispered to the moon.

The show would end eventually, and she yearned for the day they could finally step out of the shadows, their love story a melody played in the light of day.

Until then, they would continue their secret dance, savoring each stolen moment, a testament to a love that defied the rules of the game.

"Alright, Sunshine. What's the plan for the night?" Jess asked.

"Actually, Miguel is supposed to pick us up any minute now. Remember he invited us for dinner with his family on the other side of the river."

Jess' smile faltered slightly. Dinner with Miguel? The ever-enthusiastic host who seemed oblivious to the simmering sexual tension between the coaches. It had completely slipped her mind.

"Oh, right. Miguel's family dinner. Sounds… fun."

"Yeah. Can't wait to meet his family, you know."

Leaning in close to Jamie's ear, she lowered her voice to a seductive whisper. "Or we could scrap the family dinner with the random island guy and instead, spend the night… tasting each other?"

Jamie yelped, swatting at Jess' arm with a playful groan. "Oh, stop it! You get more than enough sex. Miguel will be here any minute."

"Fine. Family dinner it is," Jess groaned.

A sudden shout called from across the shore. "Hola, chicas!"

Jess and Jamie spotted Miguel, standing at the helm of a small wooden boat bobbing gently near the shore.

Moonlight glinted off the silver medallion hanging from a thick, braided leather cord around his neck.

Dressed in the traditional garb of a Costa Rican fisherman, Miguel wore a loose-fitting guayabera shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A wide-brimmed straw hat sat perched on his head at a jaunty angle. A worn leather band held a collection of colorful feathers tucked beneath the hatband—a souvenir from a past fishing expedition, perhaps.

"Miguel!" Jamie called back with a smile. Jess, too, couldn't help but relax at the sight of their friendly host.

They hurried towards the water's edge, and with a little help, they clambered aboard.

Settling back at the helm, he expertly steered the boat away from the shore.

"Sorry I'm a bit late. But well done, Jamie," he said, his gaze lingering on Jess. "Bringing your friend along, the stoic one. Though, I must admit, seeing you two together after all the fireworks on the show, it's a bit of a surprise!"

"Oh, right," she said quickly, "We just became friends recently, you know, getting to know each other outside the competition." A silent plea hung in her voice—please, keep it a secret.

"Well, that's certainly a twist the producers wouldn't be expecting! But hey," he continued, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "secrets are safe with me. Just consider this an off-camera bonus round, friendship edition!"

Jamie let out a relieved breath.

"Hola, Jess. Welcome aboard! Don't let Jamie fool you, I know you're the real brains of the operation behind all that brawn."

Jess, caught slightly off guard by his direct address, could only offer a surprised laugh. "Nice to meet you properly, Miguel. And for the record, Jamie can hold her own just fine."

A playful glance darted towards Jamie, who winked in response.

Miguel chuckled again. "Plenty of time for you both to prove yourselves later, but for now, let's enjoy this beautiful night and some good food. Isabella's outdone herself tonight. She's been in the kitchen all day, preparing a feast fit for kings! Enough food to feed a small army, she says."

"Sounds wonderful, Miguel. We can't wait to try it all," Jamie says.

Miguel nodded, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Just a heads up. Maybe don't mention the surprise to Isabella yet. She loves planning these big reveals."

Jess and Jamie burst into laughter, exchanging a knowing glance.

"Our lips are sealed, Miguel. We wouldn't dream of spoiling your wife's grand finale," Jess assured him.

With a final chuckle, Miguel pushed off from the shore, the gentle rocking of the boat towards the other end.

The rhythmic lap of water against the boat lulled them into a comfortable silence, the only sound the gentle creak of the wood and the distant chirping of nocturnal insects.

As they neared the opposite shore, the outline of a small village materialized against the moonlit landscape. Lanterns flickered warmly from a cluster of brightly painted wooden houses nestled amongst the palm trees.

Smoke curled lazily from thatched roofs, carrying with it the tantalizing aromas of wood fire and spices.

The shore bustled with a quiet activity. A few small, brightly colored fishing boats bobbed gently at the water's edge, and nets, neatly mended and smelling of salt and brine, lay draped over the sides, waiting for their next encounter with the sea.

Silhouettes of villagers moved about, their laughter and the rhythmic strum of a guitar drifting across the water. A group of children, barefoot and dressed in simple cotton clothes, chased each other around.

Older men sat on weathered benches, mending fishing nets and exchanging tales in hushed voices.

As Miguel steered the boat closer, a few heads turned their way, offering friendly smiles and waves. Finally, the boat stopped by a rickety wooden pier.

"Here we are, amigas!" he announced, his voice booming across the water.

A figure emerged from the shadows at the water's edge. Even from a distance, Jamie couldn't help but smile—it was Isabella.

As the woman drew closer, she wasn't tall, barely reaching Jamie's shoulder, and the moonlight illuminated a face sprinkled with a constellation of freckles. A cascade of reddish-brown hair tumbled past her shoulders, a few stray strands escaping to dance on the gentle breeze.

Her flowery dress flowed loosely around her heavily pregnant form and her bare feet were slightly swollen, a telltale sign of the journey her body was making.

Holding her hand, a tiny figure toddled towards them, giggling. The little boy, barely two years old, was a miniature version of Miguel, with the same dark eyes and unruly mop of hair. Diapers, the only article of clothing adorning him, hugged his waist.

As the boat nudged against the pier, Miguel hopped out first, a wide smile plastered on his face.

"Mi Amor!" Isabella called, hands outstretched.

Miguel swept her into a hug, his weathered hand cradling her rounded belly with a tenderness that spoke volumes of their love.

"Oh, you big goof! You nearly squashed the baby with that greeting!"

Miguel, feigning innocence, held her at arm's length. "The little one is strong, mi amor. Just like its mama." He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he planted kisses on her.

Isabella blushed, swatting him playfully on the arm again, but the force behind it was nonexistent. "Alright, you charmer, but don't forget we have guests!"

Finally, with a chuckle, Miguel pulled away, remembering his guests. "Ah, where are my manners? Jamie, Jess, this is Isabella, my wife."

"Jamie and Jess, so lovely to have you here," Isabella said, turning her gaze towards Jess and Jamie.

Before they could respond, Isabella swept them both into warm hugs. "Welcome, welcome!"

As she released Jamie, Jamie couldn't help but blurt out, "You look radiant, Isabella!"

The compliment brought a blush to Isabella's cheeks. "Gracias, Jamie. Pregnancy agrees with some, it seems." She chuckled softly.

"Well, it definitely brings out a certain glow," Jamie continued, her gaze lingering on Isabella's face for a beat longer than necessary. Subtly, she nudged Jess with her elbow, a silent invitation to join the conversation.

Jess, not the sociable type, flashed a smile at Isabella. "Miguel mentioned you prepared quite the feast. We're both starved after a long day of… training."

"Ay, Miguel. I told you to keep that quiet! Now our guests will be expecting a royal banquet on a Wednesday night!"

Miguel chuckled, his hand reaching for hers. "Sorry, mi amor. They tricked it out of me."

Jess, caught between amusement and the slight pang of guilt for breaking the surprise, interjected with a disarming grin. "I should apologize. I guess I'm not one to keep secrets."

Isabella's exasperation melted into a warm smile. "Too bad for you then because yes, I have prepared enough delicacies to feed an army."

Suddenly, the little boy, who had been engrossed in building a sandcastle cried out as the tide threatened his creation. "Papi!"

Miguel scooped him up effortlessly, his face lighting up with paternal love.

"Hola, mi peque?o Rico," Miguel planted a kiss on the boy's forehead. "Come, let's introduce you to our guests. This is Jamie and Jess, Rico. They'll be joining us for dinner tonight."

Rico, momentarily distracted from his sandcastle project, peeked at them with wide, curious eyes. He reached out a tiny hand, and Jess, unable to resist, gently bumped fists with him. A shy smile broke out on Rico's face, and he burrowed his head back into his father's chest.

"This little rascal keeps me on my toes, that's for sure." Isabella smiles, shuffling Rico's hair.

"He's adorable."

"Just like his father," Miguel says.

Isabella beamed. "We both know he takes after me."

Miguel tried to speak but she cut him off.

"Not a word."

They all laughed.

"Come on, let's head in."

With that, Isabella and Miguel leading the way, ushered them towards a nearby house constructed entirely of bamboo. The structure glowed invitingly with warm yellow light spilling from within.

Inside, the house hummed with warmth and the comforting sounds of a family preparing for a feast.

Miguel, ever the doting husband, hovered beside Isabella, his gaze lingering on her rounded belly with an adoration that made Jess and Jamie exchange amused glances.

A soft murmur of affection passed between them, a private language of love spoken only by them.

"There you go, mi amor," Miguel placed a gentle hand on Isabella's back as she set the table. "Careful now, wouldn't want our little one tumbling out just yet!"

Isabella swatted playfully at his arm with a dishcloth. "Mi amor, you worry too much. The little one is as comfortable as a baby sloth in a hammock."

"But what if the hammock breaks, mi cielo? What then?"

Isabella burst out laughing and Miguel leaned in for a kiss. The kiss, however, turned into a full-blown smooch, complete with playful nibbles on Isabella's earlobe and a lingering embrace that made Jess and Jamie exchange amused glances.

Jess and Jamie watched the playful exchange, a warmth spreading through them as they witnessed the genuine love radiating from the couple.

"Alright, alright, you big drama king, just help me get these plantains on the table before they get cold."

Miguel grinned sheepishly. "Yes, mi amor," he replied, whisking the platter away with a flourish.

As he turned towards the table, he caught Jess and Jamie's amused smiles and winked conspiratorially.

Soon the table was adorned with a vibrant tablecloth overflowed with platters of golden patacones—thickly sliced green plantains, twice-fried to a crispy perfection, sat alongside a vibrant chimichurri sauce, colorful vegetables, glistening bowls of fresh fruit, and plates piled high with what promised to be some seriously delicious-looking grilled meats.

The first bite of the patacones sent a wave of satisfaction through Jamie. Crispy on the outside, yielding and fluffy within, they were the perfect canvas for the tangy chimichurri. Across the table, Jess mirrored her expression, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"Isabella, this is incredible! The flavors are just… perfect."

Jess, never one for flowery language, simply nodded in agreement, a satisfied smile spreading across her face as she savored another mouthful of the savory pork.

Isabella beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners with delight. "Gracias, mija. Cooking is my love, and to see you both enjoying it brings me so much joy."

The conversation flowed easily as they devoured the feast, and the couple entertained them with their bickering.

Isabella's dark eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, yes, the competition. I hear things are getting quite heated between the two of you."

A tense silence threatened to descend, the narrative of their rivalry hanging in the balance. But before either Jess or Jamie could respond, Miguel cut in.

"Don't worry, Isabella. They're just fierce competitors. But underneath it all, I think they're secretly becoming friends."

"Forgive me for intruding but are you two a couple?" Isabella asked curiously.

A blush bloomed across Jamie's cheeks, spreading like wildfire. Jess, ever the more composed of the two, managed to ask, "How did you know?"

"There's a certain way couples move. A subtle language in the way you look at each other, the way you brush hands… it's something a woman can't help but notice."

"You're a perceptive one, Isabella," Jamie said with a weak smile.

Isabella's smile widened. "My sister, you see, she's like you both. So, I have a bit of experience recognizing love between two beautiful women."

Jamie and Jess exchanged a stunned glance. Relief at Isabella's acceptance was quickly replaced by a spark of curiosity.

"Your sister?" Jamie finally managed.

Isabella's eyes softened. "Sí," she said, nodding. "She lives in the capital city with her partner, a wonderful woman named Sofia. They've been together for many years now, and their love is as bright as the sun."

A wave of warmth washed over Jamie. Here, in a remote Costa Rican village, they'd found not only acceptance, but a kindred spirit. Jess, too, felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Isabella's words were a balm, a confirmation that their love, though hidden from the world, wasn't wrong.

"She's the one who taught me that love comes in all shapes and sizes, and it looks like you two have found something pretty special," Isabella added.

"See? Nothing ever gets past my wife. She's got eyes like a hawk, that one."

"Good thing I do, mi amor. Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble you'd get yourself into!"

Everyone laughed, including little Rico who was playing with his food from his highchair.

In the warmth of the shared laughter, Jamie found her hand instinctively reaching for Jess' under the table.

Jess squeezed Jamie's hand back, a silent message of gratitude and unspoken affection passing between them.