#triles

“I don’t know how you can stand the heat, babe.” Tristan fanned himself with his book that he couldn’t even be bothered to read. Setting his drink and book down he grabbed the sunscreen and applied it gingerly to his pale skin. He tried convincing Zoe to take their last vacation together somewhere in Europe but she was set on Florida. Said she had a friend at the resort that could get them a good deal on a room. He could understand her wanting to save money. She was going to another country and the cost for that alone was extreme. He, fortunately, had his brother to stay with once he got to the city.

“It’s not that bad.” Zoe confessed. “The sand is awful, though.” She quickly retracted her hand after touching the sand in front of her.

Tristan laughed. “Florida was your idea, remember?”

“I know, I know.” Zoe rolled over on her back and checked her tan. “Hm. I think this might be good enough. We’ll be here all month, don’t wanna get sun cancer.”

“Wow. Morbid enough, Zo? My cousin's step-sister's uncle died of that.” The two looked at one another and laughed. Tristan had a way of saying things that didn’t make sense but always made them laugh. “Let’s head back to the hotel. I need another drink and some sushi.”

“Definitely.” The two gathered their belongings and walked the sandy path back to the bathroom.

Tristan waited outside while Zoe showered and changed. She somehow still got sand in unmentionable places even though there was a blanket protecting her. Tristan elected to sit on the bench outside and browse through Instagram. An unwanted picture of his ex popped up. He could have sworn he blocked him. Tristan sighed. They weren’t the best couple, but Austen made him happy. For the most part. If Tristan was completely honest he was glad they broke up. Tristan was starting to get bored and wanted something new. Austen didn’t take that reasoning very well.

“Nice day out.” The deep voice startled Tristan from his moping. He looked up to see one of the most attractive men he has ever laid eyes on. The man with his tousled brown hair along with his gorgeous smile was enough to make Tristan swoon. He looked Tristan in the eyes. “Don’t you think?”

“Uh, y-yeah.” Tristan stammered out. He sat up straight realizing that he had been hunched over. “If you call a scorching sun a nice day.”

The man laughed. “It usually rains in Florida during the summer, believe it or not. Last year there were two hurricanes back to back. I’m glad for the stable weather.”

Tristan had no idea what to say to that so he just nodded. At twenty-five he still had no idea how to talk to other men. It used to be so easy for him back in high school then college hit and work consumed him so he lost his touch. Austen was in a theater group when they met so it wasn’t hard to talk to him.

“Miles!” Tristan whipped his head up at Zoe calling out the unfamiliar name. He watched as she ran to the stranger and wrapped him in a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you again.”

The man - that Tristan now knew was Miles - hugged her tightly back. “Good to see you too. Glad to see you made it here.”

“I was going to find you, but the beach was calling my name.” Zoe mused. “Oh!” She turned to Tristan, grabbing his hand and pulling him up. “Tristan, this is my friend Miles. Miles, this is Tristan.”

The two men shook hands. Tristan lightly gasped at the touch. He could tell Miles heard it when he saw the other man’s lip twitch in a smile. They released hands, but Tristan could still feel the ghost of Miles’ on his. This was going to be a long summer.