Five years later.
On her forty-fifth birthday, Celia Barlow left work early and headed home in her brand-new black Lexus LC 500. She had agonized over buying the damn thing until Garrett handed her a bonus big enough to shut up that annoying, practical voice in her head. Stunned, grateful, and completely blown away, she marched straight to the dealership and paid cash. The experience took her back to buying the Z—the thrill of a new car, the rush of independence, the smug little glow of having done something entirely for herself. Not to mention that the purchase of the Z led to being stood up by that car salesman and, consequently, meeting Garrett Tyler.
Talk about a game changer!
And this Lexus made the perfect birthday present to give to herself. She cruised toward Lakeway, the affluent West Austin neighborhood she now called home. Her place sat on the banks of the Colorado River, a Spanish style rancher with three bedrooms, three baths, and a massive backyard with a pool and spa. She adored it.
Of course, the thing she adored most was that she shared it with Parker. Parker had stayed with her through the aftermath of the kidnapping, the recovery, the trial, and the sentencing: Rod had gotten twenty-five years.
As hard as she tried to fight it, her bond with Parker grew through that experience. Her fear of entanglement, commitment, and being maneuvered into someone else's life slowly wore down, one ordinary day at a time. It was no wonder that, by the time the ordeal was behind her, they were in love. He moved in a year later, and she bought the house soon after that. The deed was in her name, and, technically, Parker was a roommate who paid his share of their life together. They had no plans to marry or turn themselves into people they weren't, but as the years rolled on, they both knew that conversation was waiting somewhere down the road.
Parker's son, Kevin, was now eleven and spent every other weekend with them as well as Thursday nights. It had been an adjustment for Celia, but she had grown to love the boy. He played shortstop on his Little League team and running back in Pop Warner. It was a lot of fun to watch him, and she even got to coach him up a bit. He was getting the hang of reading the pitch from the ball's rotation. Not a lot of kids his age could do that.
She had established a very cordial relationship with Parker's ex, Sylvia. Accepting that their lives were intertwined through shared custody brought about a mutual understanding; consequently, they all got along well. Sharing birthday parties and school activities, along with the many sporting events, became not only tolerable but also pleasant. Sylvia had remarried a year earlier, and Parker and the new husband were actually kind of friends.
This weekend Kevin would be with his mother, so she and Parker had made plans to go to San Antonio with Flynn and her husband, Travis Landon. Flynn had met Travis at a swing club there two years earlier and they were married last spring. It was a surprise to the rest of the group because no one even knew Flynn visited the clubs.
Parker had been working on Celia to give the clubs a try, and they had decided that her birthday weekend would be the most opportune time. Her anxiety level was running high because of this decision as she vacillated between excitement and terror. Parker had introduced her to a few casual encounters over the past year. Nothing as drastic as an affair, but some interaction with other couples. She had even had a make-out session with a woman that turned her on beyond her wildest expectations.
Celia pulled into her driveway. She hit the garage fob, the door opened, and the black Lexus glided into the space on the right. Parker used the spot on the left, and it sat empty. He was on call until six, and then they would make the ninety-minute drive to San Antonio.
With her birthday excursion ahead, she had time to indulge in her favorite after-work pastime: floating naked in the pool, living the dream. Celia had succeeded in leaving behind a doomed life, a deadbeat husband, and a dead-end job in the most spectacular fashion.
She jumped out of the car and headed inside.
Walking into the kitchen, she pulled open the fridge and grabbed a strawberry hard seltzer. Popping the top, she took a deep swig. The cold, refreshing drink ran down her throat and dripped over her rib cage. Nothing matched that first refreshing taste to perk up her late afternoon. She kicked off her shoes, undid her blouse and bra, dropped her pants and underwear onto a chair, and slipped on the flip-flops that lived next to the French doors. Stepping naked onto the back patio, she stretched her arms in front of her, welcoming herself, like the queen, into her own little kingdom.
An aluminum awning stretched the length of the patio, offering shade from the brutal Texas sun. Misting devices ran along the length of the awning on both the poolside and the house side, an idea she had remembered from Carter Lange's house in Houston.
The first piece of business she had attended to after they closed on the house had been installing a ten-foot cedar fence. The fence had to be set three feet into the ground to prevent rattlers from entering the property, for which she was very grateful.
Landscaping wrapped the perimeter, thick with giant arborvitae that had grown tall and dense over the past three years, along with native plants and bushes that kept the whole yard tucked away from the world. A twenty-foot gate at the back could slide open when they entertained and wanted the Colorado River as a backdrop. With no neighbors within several hundred feet, they enjoyed the most unique Austin luxury of all: a truly private naked backyard.
Celia set the seltzer can on one of the glass-top tables, kicked off the flipflops, and stepped into the pool. As she floated, relishing the contentment and serenity of her perfect backyard, she heard the electric hum of the gate motor. Startled, she turned to the back gate and saw it sliding open. Panic coursed through her.
Oh, fuck! Are the lawn guys here?
As it opened, she saw not a line of sweaty landscapers but all of her Hippie Hollow friends with balloons, drinks, and smiles, all wearing robes and coverups. Leading the pack was Parker.
They entered the yard singing "Happy Birthday," dropped their robes, and jumped naked into the pool.
Skylar and her new girlfriend, Truce—a name that still made Celia smirk— swam over first and wrapped her in big, slippery hugs. Flynn and Travis waded over and did the same.
Kayla, Cord, Bucky, and Mia were all there, splashing around. The group had grown by a few over the past few years, but the core was solid—lifelong friends.
"Oh my God, you guys! You scared the crap out of me. I'm floating naked, and the gate opens? Geez!! I was ready for a crew of burly landscapers!" Celia laughed. Chuckling, Parker hit the remote, closing the gate.
Cord stepped to her and pulled her close. "Happy birthday, sweetie. I wish you nothing but endless happiness."
Bucky was next, and Celia knew what to expect. Sure enough, he pressed his belly against hers while his monster dick flopped against her thigh. She laughed. "I swear you do that on purpose."
Bucky didn't blush; he merely said, "Everyone would, if they could." He kissed her, and she hugged his neck.
The final guest appeared from inside the house. Reagan Barrone dropped her robe and stood naked and proud at the edge of the pool. It had taken about two seconds to convince her to join them at Hippie Hollow, and she had been an essential part of the gang ever since.
She held a glass of champagne in the requisite plastic pool cup and called for attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, today is our dear Celia's forty-fifth birthday. I know no one braver or more deserving of another glorious trip around the sun. Celia, we cherish you, your friendship, and the joy you bring into our lives every single day." She lifted her glass higher. "To frequent orgasms, stiff dicks, and a guilt-free life."
The group cheered. Formalities over, everyone lounged and mingled in and around the pool. They did this almost every weekend; if it wasn't Hippie Hollow, it was Sunday Funday at Celia and Parker's.
Parker walked out of the house carrying a large bouquet of roses. "Hey, babe, these just came for you."
From the pool, Celia's face lit up. "Oh my God, they're beautiful!" She waded to the edge. "Read the card."
Parker opened the tiny envelope attached to the clear plastic fork and read, "Celia, Happy Birthday! Have a great trip, and I'll be waiting for you when you get back. All my love, Max!"
Celia cooed, "That is so sweet. But trip? We're only going to San Antonio." Parker acted as though he hadn't heard her, and Skylar jumped in. "Where is Max?"
"El Paso with Ralphie Ray," Celia said, beaming. "The adoption came through. They're picking up their baby."
The group melted into a chorus of ohs and ahs. Max didn't participate in their naked romps, but she was part of the tribe anyway—dinners, parties, lastminute favors, the whole messy friendship package.
Reagan smiled. "I am so happy for her. I am also so happy you brought her on board. That gal is a dynamo! I don't know what we'd do without her."
Max had been Celia's first hire at SDS Enterprises, stepping in as production manager and quickly becoming indispensable.
Parker had the grill going in no time. He and Cord cooked up some steaks, lobsters, and clams—Celia's favorite. After dinner, Parker made an announcement. "Okay, I need everyone to get dressed. We have a special guest coming, and this is not his style." He wiggled his hip, making his penis flop left and right. "It'll only be for a minute."
To Celia's surprise, no one objected. Usually, a request like that on Sunday Funday would be booed and ignored.
Is something going on?
She looked for Parker and saw him darting out of the room.
Something is definitely going on.
Celia tossed on a light robe that buttoned up the front. Once everyone had dressed, Celia noticed that they hadn't casually thrown on a pair of old shorts; they were dressed to go out in public. Parker spoke again.
"Okay, everyone, take a seat. We have a small presentation." He waited for everyone to settle.
Celia shook her head, smiling. "I don't know what you're doing, Parker Graves, but this better not be embarrassing." Kayla hooted.
Skylar and Truce began chanting, "Parker, Parker, Parker." Cord clapped loudly, laughing with anticipation.
Flynn and Travis had coy smiles on their faces.
Celia turned to Reagan to see if she could glean what the hell was going on.
Reagan coyly raised her eyebrows, pursed her lips, and shrugged as though she were totally innocent of whatever was about to happen.
Parker turned on the 85-inch flat-screen and navigated to the browser. As he did, he continued, "Celia, we love you. I love you. You always tell me that we changed your life. Well, the truth is, you've changed ours just as much. We all remember Celia's first time up at Hippie Hollow, right?" Cord and Flynn applauded.
"She did pretty well, actually," Bucky yelled out. Flynn looked to Reagan and smiled. "There were a few moments I thought she might pass out, but generally speaking, yeah, she crushed it."
Celia's hand went to her mouth as she chuckled. "Oh my God, remember the naked titty hugs?"
A huge laugh went up.
"I really thought that was some sort of official initiation. It wasn't until a year later that I learned you guys just did it to me."
Reagan had a quizzical look on her face. "Naked titty hugs?" The original gang let out a hearty laugh. Celia explained, "Okay, so it's my first time; I'd never been naked with other people, certainly not guys. I'd never been naked in public; it was a lot to take in. But I managed, and it wasn't too long before I got kinda comfortable. I mean, no one had laughed or goosed me. So, we set up the picnic area, and then Parker here"—she threw a playful, revenge-filled look at Parker—"makes an announcement: there's an initiation for all the new people, which, by the way, was only me. Everyone lines up, and you get a naked titty hug from each of them."
Flynn fell onto Cord's shoulder, laughing. "You should have seen her face. I thought she was going to be like one of those cartoon characters, you know, where they jump up, and their legs start spinning like a windmill, and they exit stage right. Oh, oh, oh, oh." Flynn wiggled her fingers like they were tiny legs running away.
Celia continued, "So there I was, naked, kinda sweaty actually, and suddenly all these people are pressing up against me." She pointed to Flynn. "Flynn is so short; she hugged me and got a face full of boob." They were all laughing, reliving the moment.
Flynn said, "Hey, I take it where I can get it."
Celia shook her head as the memory came back. "Full on motorboating. I'd never had a woman do that to me before. Then Bucky," she said, glancing at him and his huge grin, "grabbed me with that big ol' belly of his and pressed it right into me. And as I'm sure you've noticed, he's pretty well hung." The crowd hooted and hollered. "So, there I was, his belly rubbing against mine and his dick flopping against my thigh. Oh my God, I was stunned."
Kayla moved over and sat next to Celia. "I remember my hug. It was kinda sweet." She smiled at Celia and reached over and kissed her cheek.
Celia smiled back. "Yes, it was. Thank you for being so gentle." They shared a smile.
Parker called for attention again. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special guest whom I would like to introduce. Coming to us from far, far away, I present to you our friend, Celia's boss, and the man of the hour, Mr. Garrett Tyler."
Parker hit the remote, and Garrett appeared via Zoom. He stood in front of everyone, arms stretched wide, and laughed. "Is everybody happy?"
The group clapped and then, in unison, responded, "You bet your ass we are!"
Celia stood and ran to the screen. "Oh my God, are you zooming from Paris?"
Garrett laughed and held his arms out as though he were hugging her. "Wouldn't miss this for anything. Please, everyone, settle down. I have a presentation."
Celia returned to her seat, excited.
Garrett said, "I've been talking with Parker here, and apparently, there is a destination in Jamaica that he has been trying to get you to. And you know me: I'm all about sexy adventures. So, in honor of your birthday, we have arranged a ten-day stay at this wonderful"—he looked at Parker—"what did you call it—a clothing-optional resort? You'll leave here tonight on our company jet and enjoy a much-needed, well-deserved vacation at the beautiful Bacchanal Beach. Happy birthday, Celia. We all love you."
As he made the announcement, a video played that looked just like the ones seen on TV game shows when someone wins a trip: shots of the resort, the water slide, and naked people lounging at the swim-up bar.
Celia's hand came up to her mouth. She was aghast, and not necessarily in a good way. Yes, she and Parker had talked about this trip, but she had never committed to going. While it was a clothing-optional resort, it was also a swing resort. She had never been sure that experience was in her wheelhouse—part of the reason she had committed to going to the club was to get her feet wet, as it were. Stunned, she stood and looked to Garrett.
"Oh my God, that is too generous. Really, I'm not sure I can accept this. You've already been so kind," she said, shooting a look at Parker. "And maybe we should have discussed this?"
Garrett shook his head. "No, this is happening. You're going. You're going to have a great time, and it's not all altruistic. I expect that you'll run into a few people at that place who are looking for fantasy suites. I anticipate you'll come back with a couple of orders."
Celia laughed. "Oh, it's a business trip. Okay." She threw another glare at Parker.
This guy has some 'splainin' to do.
Garrett laughed. "I have to run. I have a meeting in ten. You have a great time, and I'll see you when you return." With that, he blew her a kiss and ended the call.
The crowd stared at Celia with anticipation. Finally, Skylar said, "So, what do you think? You up for something like this?" Celia looked at Parker and shook her head.
"I'm not so sure this is the kind of thing you spring on someone. I mean, it's a big step, and we should have talked about it?"
Parker crossed to her and put his arms around her waist.
"Sweetheart, we've been talking about it for three years. It's time to jump in. It's really not that different from the lake or our backyard on Sundays. It's going to be fine, and if it isn't, we can leave."
"It's way different from our backyard. We don't have sex with other people in our backyard," Celia blurted out.
There it was. Celia's biggest fear had just been spoken.
Inside, Celia had wrestled with her fears. Her hesitation was not just about the moment—it was about everything that might follow, every consequence and every change. She knew what really frightened her: it wasn't the situations she might be put into, but the ones she might seek out. And as she stood there, caught between the safety of the familiar and the thrill of the new, her uncertainty became a quiet act of bravery.
"A big part of me wants to say yes. I've made it a habit to force myself into uncomfortable territory just because I could never do that before. But that hasn't always worked out. Look, I don't think I'm worried about what you might do; I'm worried about what I might do. What if there's a line I cross, and there's no coming back?"
Celia looked at Parker, then realized they were having this heart-to-heart in front of all her friends, and there was nothing awkward or inappropriate about it. That realization brought a smile to her face—a deep, genuine smile that radiated from within. A sudden wave of appreciation flowed over her.
She looked around the room and glowed. These weren't just casual acquaintances or weekend companions. They were a chosen family, a tribe forged through laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of shared experiences that strip away pretense. Each person in the group had seen Celia at her best and her worst and loved her all the more for it. Their friendships were a tapestry of inside jokes, late-night confessions, and unwavering support.
Skylar, with her infectious energy and open heart, had been the first to welcome Celia into the fold, making her feel seen and valued from the very beginning. Flynn's quiet strength and gentle wisdom offered a steady anchor, while Kayla's irreverent humor could break any tension with a single quip. Bucky's bear hugs and booming laugh were legendary, and even Cord, with his dry wit, had a knack for knowing when someone needed a word of encouragement or a silent shoulder.
What made these friendships extraordinary was their radical acceptance. In this group, no one was judged for their past, their choices, or their quirks. Vulnerability wasn't just tolerated—it was celebrated. When Celia stumbled, her friends were there to catch her, dust her off, and remind her of her worth. When she soared, they cheered the loudest, genuinely thrilled by her happiness.
Their loyalty ran deep. They showed up for each other—not just for the parties and the fun, but for the hard conversations, the heartbreaks, and the moments of doubt. They knew each other's stories, scars, and dreams. They had created a safe space where everyone could be unapologetically themselves.
A surge of gratitude ran through Celia, bringing tears of joy. These were the people who had helped her rebuild her life, who had stood by her through her recovery and the aftermath. Their friendship was a sanctuary—a place where she could laugh, cry, and grow, knowing she was never alone.
In that moment, surrounded by her tribe, Celia understood that true friendship isn't just about shared interests or proximity. It's about showing up, holding space, and loving each other fiercely—no matter what. And as she smiled at Parker, she knew that whatever the future held, she would always have this circle of friends to lean on, to celebrate with, and to call home.
On cue, Flynn stepped in and put her arm around Celia. "It's going to be fine. You'll have a great time. Parker will take good care of you."
Celia's heart fluttered, and she threw an anxious glance at Parker. He smiled back and then looked to Cord, as if to signal him.
Cord said, "And if he doesn't, I will." Celia was puzzled. "What does that mean?"
Travis stepped up. "It means... we're going with you. It's a Hippie Hollow road trip to Jamaica!"
There was a brief moment of anticipation for her reaction, and then a raucous cheer broke out. The gang hooted as Truce pushed a large luggage cart out of the back room. Everyone's luggage had been loaded onto the cart, and they were ready to go.
Celia couldn't speak. Her jaw hung open, and her eyes were wet with tears. One by one, everyone hugged her and expressed their excitement at making the trip. Most had been there before; several hadn't, but they were all equally excited.
Parker crossed to Celia and pulled her into his arms. "Sweetheart, I got you covered. You'll be surrounded by friends, you'll not have a care in the world, and we will be with you the entire time." He kissed her, letting his love for her overflow.
Kayla jumped over and threw her arms around Celia again, her head landing between Celia's boobs. "You are going to love this place. You may end up kissing a lot of people on the way to the bar, but it's all good fun. I'm so excited."
The outpouring of love and affection had overwhelmed Celia. She held out her hands and gestured for everyone to come in tight for a group hug. As they all crowded around, she said, "Okay, you win. Let's do this. I'm not sure what I'm getting into, but I think I'm ready. And I know that I have all of you, and you each have my back. I love you all. Just remember, if I'm ever in trouble, kangaroo is my safe word."