Chapter 3: Rising Action
Matt woke up the next morning after a non-restful slumber. He immediately checked his phone and saw no updates from Laura.
He was actually relieved. Maybe they had a good night's sleep after all. He dismissed the previous night as them blowing off some steam after having a few drinks and enjoying themselves. Nothing more. Though, the pictures they sent to him he would store away and let his imagination run wild during some dry periods when he needed a self-release.
Matt headed downstairs and started getting ready for the day. Sports, lawn-work and whatever kid activities he will have to chauffeur to.
About 11AM he decided to text Laura and see how she was doing.
"Morning, how are the two of you doing?" Matt typed out.
He sent the text message, trying to keep his tone casual and nonchalant. He didn't want to come off as needy or overbearing, even though he was feeling a little bit of both.
He waited for a few minutes, but there was no response. He tried to tell himself not to worry, maybe they were out doing something fun and exciting, and couldn't text back right away. But the longer he waited, the more he started to fret.
He decided to busy himself with some chores around the house. He started by doing the laundry, sorting through the mountain of clothes that had piled up during the week.
As he tossed the dirty socks and t-shirts into the washing machine, he tried to distract himself from the worry that was gnawing at the back of his mind. He told himself that Laura and Violet were just having fun, letting loose and enjoying their weekend together. But the images from the night before still lingered in his mind, refusing to be pushed aside.
After starting the laundry, Matt turned his attention to the yard. He grabbed the lawnmower from the garage and spent the next hour mowing the grass, the sound of the engine drowning out his anxious thoughts.
He tried to focus on the task at hand, but his mind kept wandering back to Laura and Violet. He wondered what they were doing, if they were having fun, if they were safe. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind. He needed to stop worrying about them and enjoy his weekend.
After he finished mowing, he headed inside to grab a quick lunch before picking up the kids from their various activities. As he walked through the kitchen, he noticed a missed text from Laura.
He quickly tapped on his phone to open the message, his heart pounding in his chest. The text read:
"Hey Matt, sorry we missed your call earlier. Got a late start this morning. Have some spa/detox sessions and then hitting the exclusive area of the resort in the afternoon."
Matt's heart skipped a beat as he read the words "exclusive area." What did that mean? Was it some kind of private, adults-only section of the resort? He tried to shake off the anxious feeling that was settling in the pit of his stomach and typed out a response:
"Exclusive area? What is that? Sounds intriguing."
Matt replied, trying to keep his tone light and casual. He didn't want to pry, but he was definitely curious about what this "exclusive area" entailed.
About an hour later, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was a picture message from Laura. It was of her and Violet standing in front of a sign that read "Sybaris Springs - Exclusive Adults Only Area." They were both grinning and giving a thumbs up, clearly excited about whatever was in store for them.
Matt stared at the picture, his heart pounding in his chest. What the hell was going on here? He decided to play it cool, or at least try to. He responded with a simple, "Wow, that sounds... interesting. Have fun!" followed by a smiley face emoji. He wasn't sure if he was trying to hide his unease from her or from himself.
He decided to look it up on the internet and see for himself.
After a quick search, he found the website for the resort and scrolled down to the section labeled "Exclusive Adults Only Area". His eyes widened as he read the description:
"Sybaris Springs - Exclusive Adults Only Area: For those seeking a more...liberating experience, our Exclusive Adults Only Area offers a clothing-optional environment where you can let go of your inhibitions and embrace your wild side. With private hot tubs, secluded coves, and a variety of adult-oriented activities, this is the perfect place to explore your fantasies and make new connections.
Matt's heart was pounding in his chest as he read the description. This was not at all what he had expected. He quickly backed out of the website and tossed his phone onto the couch next to him.
He tried to tell himself that it was just a harmless adults-only area, that Laura and Violet were just going to have some fun and let loose. He thought about the way they had said they would have to share a bed.
He wondered if they had done more than just share a bed. He imagined them kissing, touching each other, exploring each other's bodies. He felt a surge of jealousy and desire course through his veins. He needed to stop imagining the worst. He needed to trust his wife. But the images kept coming, like a never-ending stream he couldn't turn off.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that there was more to this trip than Laura and Violet were letting on. He knew he should trust his wife, but his imagination was running wild with possibilities.
He took a deep breath and decided to call Laura again. After a few rings, she finally answered.
"Hey, Matt." Her voice was breathless, and there was a hint of something else underlying it. Excitement? Nerves? He couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Hey, how's the trip going?"
Laura hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's... fantastic. We're having so much fun. This place is incredible."
Matt could hear the excitement in her voice, but there was something else there too. Something that made his stomach churn with unease. "That's great, babe. I'm glad you're having a good time. So, what have you been up to today?"
There was another pause before Laura replied. "We spent the morning at the spa, and now we are headed over to the exclusive area. It's...something else. I'll see if I can send some pictures once we get over there"
Laura's voice had a lilt to it that Matt couldn't quite place. He was trying to tell himself to trust her, but the more he heard in her voice, the more his imagination was running wild with all sorts of thoughts.
"Ok, sounds great. Have fun and we can chat later?" Matt tried to keep his voice neutral, but there was an edge to it that he couldn't quite hide.
Laura paused for a moment before responding, "Yeah, we will definitely chat later. Love you, Matt."
"Love you too, Laura. Bye." Matt replied, his heart heavy with a mix of unease and desire. He ended the call and set his phone down on the table. He tried to put it out of his mind as he tended to the rest of his afternoon but couldn't.
He found himself constantly checking his phone for updates, his heart skipping a beat every time it buzzed wondering if it was new message from Laura or Violet. About 2 hours later, he did get a text.
"OMG, these drinks are out of control!" it was from Laura on the chain with her and Violet and Matt.
"So is the party here! This is like Spring Break in Cancun...but for adults, LOL!" responded Violet.
Matt's heart thumped as he read it.
"You two are killing me!" he texted back in mock laughter.
"Just remember, no t-shirt contests or wet t-shirt events. I can't take back what I've seen already...LOL!"
A few moments later he got back a response from Violet.
"Well, people would have to be wearing clothes first in order for it to be a wet T-shirt contest!" with a wink emoji.
Matt tried to laugh it off, but his mind was racing. The thought of Laura and Violet, both drunk and half-naked, in the middle of a wild party made his stomach churn but his loins swell. He took a deep breath and tried to push the thoughts away. They were just having fun, letting loose. It was nothing more than that.
A few moments later, he got another text and his mouth dropped.
It was a picture of Laura and Violet sitting next to each other with their arms around each other's backs sitting at the edge of a resort pool, both laughing and holding up glasses of what looked like some fruity, tropical cocktail. And both were completely naked.
Initially Matt was in shock. And then he focused his gaze on Violet whom he always wondered what she looked like naked, and now he can see.
She was even more stunning than he had ever imagined, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, her curves accentuated by the way she was sitting. He had to admit, she was a knockout.
Matt felt a mix of feelings surge through him as he stared at the picture. He was shocked, yes, but also aroused. He felt a pang of jealousy knowing that Laura was there with Violet, but also a surge of desire at the sight of the two women together. He tried to push the thoughts away, tried to tell himself that it was just a picture, that nothing had happened, but the image was burned into his mind. God they looked so sexy.
Then it hit him, this was not a selfie. Someone took this picture for them.
Matt's chest tightened as he realized the implication. Who was there with them? Who was taking these pictures? Was it someone from the resort staff? Or...was it someone they had met at the party?
He looked at the picture again, his eyes scanning the background for any clues. But it appeared they were not alone by any stretch. It seemed like a party, maybe someone random? But if they were naked, that mans others were naked as well. Men gawking at them and with the alcohol and lack of clothes...he did not like this one bit.
"Holy Shit! I cannot believe you sent this to me!" Matt send the first email. "WOW!" he sent as well.
It was 2 or 3 agonizing minutes before he got a response back.
Violet replied: "Relax dude! It's just a picture! We've had a few drinks, we're having fun. Nothing more to it. Besides, you know the saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" Except we're not in Vegas, we're here! 💨🔥"
"Who took that picture?" Matt asked.
He tried to keep his tone casual, but his heart was pounding. He was trying to hide the jealousy and worry that was gnawing at him.
Violet replied: "Oh, just some friendly fellow resort guests. They offered to take a pic for us since we couldn't take one of ourselves. No big deal, Matt. Besides, everyone here is just having fun."
"I have to ask, are you the only ones naked? Matt asked.
"God no!" Violet replied. "Basically everyone here is naked. It is a wild scene."
"Where is Laura?" he asked.
A minute or so passed before a response.
"Oh, she is just talking to someone. "
Violet texted back.
Matt's mind was racing. He tried to calm himself down. This was just a harmless picture, right? They were just having fun. But the thought of Laura talking to someone else while Violet sat naked next to her...it didn't sit right with him.
"Who is she talking to?" Matt asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Violet replied after a moment, "Just some guys we met last night."
Matt's heart raced as he read the words. He tried to keep his cool, but the thought of some stranger hitting on Laura while she was naked and drunk was driving him crazy.
"Oh, really? Um, is he naked too?" Matt typed back, trying to keep his tone casual, but his fingers were trembling.
A few moments passed before Violet responded. "Yeah, basically everyone here is silly."
Matt's heart dropped. The thought of another man hitting on Laura while she was in such a vulnerable state was eating him alive.
Matt felt a wave of nausea as he read the message. He couldn't shake the image of Laura, naked and vulnerable, with some stranger flaunting his package in her face. He knew he should trust her, but the more he thought about it, the more his imagination ran wild.
He wanted to put his phone down and ignore his racing thoughts. But he couldn't. He texted Violet back.
"What are they doing?" he typed.
Violet replied a few moments later. "Talking and laughing over on other side of pool. WHy? Are you jealous?"
A few moments later, Violet texted a picture. Laura was laying on a float with a drink in her hand. She had sunglasses on and a floppy hat but otherwise was completely naked. Her breasts glistened in the sunlight and looked full and ripe. She had her legs crossed and a big smile on her face. A foot or two away was a younger man, sitting at the edge of the pool talking to her. He looked Latin and in his 20's. In great shape and also naked. His large cock was laying lazily over his thigh.
The picture sent a surge of emotions to Matt. A younger, good looking naked man with a cock bigger than his talking to his naked wife??
was all Matt could think as he stared at the picture, his heart pounding in his chest and his stomach churning with a mix of jealousy, desire, and betrayal. He felt a wave of nausea wash over him as he zoomed in on the man's face, trying to memorize every feature. Who the hell was this guy? And what was he saying to Laura?
Matt quickly typed out a response, trying to keep his tone casual, but his hands were shaking. "Who is that with Laura?"
Violet responded almost immediately. "Oh, that's Lucas. He's a fellow guest here at the resort. He's from Argentina. We met him and Tyler last night. They are grad students at State right down the road. Really nice."
"Yeah, and he is also naked talking to Laura!!" he replied impulsively.
His hands were trembling as he typed out the response, trying to maintain his composure despite the storm of emotions raging inside him.
Matt tried calling Laura but it went right to voicemail.
He didn't leave a message, he knew he would just say something he'd regret. He paced around his living room, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't know what to do, or think, or feel. He was a mess.
About 20 minutes later, Violet texted back. "Oh, sorry just saw this." Violet's text came through, breaking the silence in the dimly lit living room where Matt was pacing. "Laura went to get a drink. Don't worry, she's fine."
Matt stopped in his tracks, his heart still pounding in his chest, and read the message again. He tried to take a deep breath, to calm himself down, but the image of Laura talking to that young man, that young, naked man, was burned into his mind.
"She's fine," he repeated under his breath, trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. He texted back "I tried calling her but it went straight to voicemail."
Violet responded, "Oh, her phone died." Matt felt a slight sense of relief that she was not ignoring him. He took a big gulp and then texted, "Can I speak to her quickly?"
He waited, holding his breath, for Violet's response.
A few minutes passed before her response. "Not sure where she is now. I got preoccupied and lost track of her. I am sure she is fine." Violet's message flashed across Matt's screen, but the words rang hollow in his mind. He couldn't shake the image of Laura, laughing and flirting with that young guy, her naked body on display for everyone to see.
"I'll have her give you a call when we get back to the room later." she texted back. Matt let out a sigh of frustration, trying to hide the worry that was gnawing at him. He didn't want to seem too clingy or overbearing, but the thought of Laura out there, alone, naked and possibly drunk, was driving him crazy.
"Ok, just make sure she calls me when you get back to the room." Matt replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He didn't want to pry, but he needed to know she was safe.
Violet texted back, "Will do. Don't worry, we're just having fun."
Matt read the words, but they did little to ease his mind. He also thought Violet was messing with him a bit too. Like she enjoyed sending that picture to Matt.
Trying to make him jealous, trying to make him squirm. Well, it was working. Payback for his affair and cheating on Laura. But, would Laura really do this???
Matt's heart raced as he considered the possibility. He knew that Laura was still hurt by his past infidelity, but would she really go this far to get back at him? Or was this just innocent fun, as Violet kept insisting? He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that was settling in the pit of his stomach.
A few agonizing hours passed before his phone rang, it was Laura.
He quickly answered, trying to sound casual, but his hands were shaking. "Hey, Laura."
"Hey, Matt. Sorry I missed your calls earlier. Forgot to charge my phone."
Laura's voice was light and airy, but Matt could hear the subtle undertones of intoxication. "Violet said you were trying to call?"
"Yeah, just wanted to check in," Matt replied, trying to keep his voice steady but unable to hide the edge of concern. "How's everything going?"
"Oh, it's been amazing. Nothing like what I expected." A pause hung heavy on the line, and Matt could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to ask more, but he didn't want to come off as accusing or overbearing.
"So, what have you been up to?" Matt asked, trying to keep his tone casual, though it came out slightly strained.
Laura let out a light laugh, "Oh, just the usual resort stuff. Spa, pool, drinks. You know how it goes."
Matt could hear the clinking of glasses and the distant sound of music and laughter in the background. "Sounds fun. Any new friends?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.
There was a pause.
"Why did you ask that?" Laura responded, a hint of suspicion creeping into her voice.
Matt's heart skipped a beat. He knew he had to tread carefully. "Just curious, babe. You know how I like to hear about your adventures."
Laura was silent for a moment before she went on, "We met some nice people. A group of grad students from State. They're here for the weekend."
Matt's grip on the phone tightened. "Oh, yeah? What are they like?" he pressed.
"Yeah, they're nice. Fun." Laura's voice was light, but there was an underlying tension that Matt could hear. He tried to keep his voice casual, but his heart was pounding.
"What's their story?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
There was a pause before Laura replied, "Just grad students, enjoying their break. You know, the usual. Why the third degree, Matt?"
Matt took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm just curious. I want to know who you're spending time with."
Laura sighed, and Matt could hear the exhaustion in her voice.
"Matt, please." Laura did not elaborate.
Matt could sense the tension in her voice, and it only served to heighten his own unease. "I'm just looking out for you, Laura. You know how much I love you, and I ...I mean...I know what type of spa you are at. Violet told me." he admitted.
Matt felt his chest tighten as he listened to Laura's voice on the other end of the line. He could feel the distance between them, both physical and emotional, growing by the second. "And what type of spa is that?" Laura asked, her voice taking on a sharper edge.
Matt hesitated, the weight of his words hanging in the air between them. "The...uh...nude one," he finally admitted.
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Matt could almost hear the gears turning in Laura's mind.
"And...?" she fired back. "After what happened last year, you think you have any right to tell me what I can do?" Laura's voice was low, but Matt could hear the anger simmering beneath the surface.
Matt's heart was racing, and he felt his palms begin to sweat. He knew he needed to tread carefully, but he also knew he couldn't just back down. "Babe, I'm just looking out for you. I don't want you to do something you'll regret."
Laura scoffed. "Regret? You mean like sleeping with someone else? You are not one to talk here. And that's what you're worried about...well... nothing's going to happen here that I'll regret."
Matt's heart sank as he listened to Laura's words, hearing the finality in her voice.
"What does that mean?" Matt responded nervously.
Laura sighed heavily on the other end of the line. "It means that I'm an adult, Matt. I can make my own decisions. I'm not going to do anything I don't want to do. And I certainly don't need you preaching to me about regrets."
Matt felt a pang of guilt, but he also felt a surge of anger. "Laura, I'm just trying to look out for you. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Hurt?" Laura's voice was laced with bitterness. "You mean like you hurt me last year?
You were the one who cheated, Matt. You were the one who broke our trust. So don't act like you're the one looking out for me now." Laura's voice was steady, but there was an underlying current of pain and anger that Matt could feel through the phone.
Matt's heart was pounding in his chest as he listened to Laura's words. He knew she was right, that he had no right to lecture her about anything after what he had done. But he also knew that he couldn't just sit back and do nothing, not when he suspected that something was going on that he didn't know about.
"Laura, I'm sorry, okay? I know I fucked up. I know I hurt you. But I'm trying to make it up to you. I just... I just want you to be safe. And I don't think it's safe for you to be around all these people you don't know, especially when you're drinking and...and not wearing any clothes."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Matt could hear the sound of laughter and music in the background. "Matt, you're not my dad," Laura finally said, her voice softening slightly. "I can take care of myself. And I'm with Violet. "
"Ok, I do not want to fight. I need to get ready for us to go out to dinner. Tell the kids I miss them and will see them tomorrow afternoon." Laura said exhaustedly.
Matt could hear the mixture of alcohol and frustration in her voice.
"I know, babe. I'm sorry. I worry about you, that's all."
Laura sighed, "I know you do, but I'm a big girl. I can handle myself. I gotta go."
Laura's voice was laced with a mix of weariness and irritation. Matt could tell that she was done with this conversation. He felt a pang of guilt for pushing her buttons, but the concern for her safety nagged at him. He couldn't just let it go.
"Laura, wait," Matt said, his voice tinged with desperation. He knew he needed to tread carefully, but he couldn't just let her hang up without saying something more. "Just... just promise me you'll stay safe, okay? And that you'll call me if anything happens. I mean it, Laura." Matt's voice was barely above a whisper, a plea more than a command.
Laura sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion and irritation. "Matt, I'll be careful, okay? I'll...keep you in the loop if anything happens. But I really gotta go now. Bye."
And with that Laura hung up.
"Keep me in the loop?" wondered Matt. Matt was left holding his phone, staring at the screen as the call ended. He felt a mix of confusion and concern. At least she had assured him that she would be careful, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He knew he would be in for another restless night.