Welcome to the latest chapter of Love Lessons at Pleasure Point. If you enjoy it, please let me know in the comments and don't forget to rate it too. I strongly encourage you to read the preceding chapters to get the full effect. Merci, Petitmort
"I just can't tell you how happy I am," Jessica sighed, staring at the ceiling of the gazebo.
She was laying on her back on the massage table, as naked as the day she was born. Paul was standing next to her, lightly grazing his fingertips over her soft skin, the way she liked it after one of his "special" massages.
"You don't know how meaningful it is. Just knowing your child's happy. I'm so grateful to you."
The weekend before, Paul had driven up to Berkeley to take her daughter, Jasmine, to the Spring Fling, a big social event at one of the frats.
Jessica spoke to her on the phone earlier that morning and she sounded happier than she'd been in months.
"To hear my daughter back on her feet. Confident. Content. It's... everything."
"I'm glad I could help," Paul said, softly. "But she gets the credit. She picked herself up. I was just supporting her."
"But you helped her find that inner strength she's always had. I tried to do that, but I couldn't. You succeeded. How on earth did you do it?"
Paul thought about all the things he'd done to help her. There was a lot he couldn't tell Jessica.
"I guess I just got her to appreciate, and really
believe
, that she's an extraordinary young woman. Smart. Creative. Beautiful. And that men are going to find those qualities incredibly attractive. She just has to believe in herself."
"Well, you certainly have a gift," she said, touching his leg. "And I want to show you my appreciation. I have a gift certificate I want to give you. I bought it at a charity auction last summer. I want you to have it."
"What is it?"
"It's a two-night stay at the Ventana. I'm not going to be able to use it. I thought you might enjoy it."
"The Ventana. That's the ritzy place in Big Sur, right?"
"Yes, it's quite lovely. They've got a spa, hot baths, yoga, massage. The certificate is for two people, but you can also go by yourself if you prefer. Whatever you want, it's yours to enjoy."
"Wow. Thank you, Jessica. Do you... want to come with me?"
"I'd love to but I can't. I got it a while ago and I forgot there're some restrictions on it. It can't be used during peak season or on weekends. So, you'll have to use it by May 15th. I can't get away before then."
Paul was thinking about how he could swing it given his class schedule.
"Well, I'll still be in school but... maybe I could go on a Tuesday and stay 'til Thursday."
"So, you think you can use it?"
"Definitely, I'm sure I can make it work. Thanks, Jessica. I appreciate it."
That afternoon, Paul called Meredith to invite her to join him on a two-day, expense-paid trip to Ventana Big Sur.
"I wish I could, but there's no way," she said, flatly.
"How come?"
"I've got school until June 5th. If it was during summer vacation, I'd go in a heartbeat. But I can't leave the kids in the last few weeks of school. There's too much going on."
Next, he asked Maddie.
"Oh Paul, that's so generous of you," Maddie said. "Unfortunately, Ally will be in the middle of her chemo and I promised I'd be her driver."
Paul thought about asking Bri or Emily but decided not to. It'd feel too much like work.
He'd pretty much resigned himself to going by himself. It wouldn't be as much fun as going with a friend, but he couldn't think of anyone to go with.
And then it occurred to him. What about Jasmine?
He and Jasmine had enjoyed an unbelievable night at a fancy hotel in Berkeley. They ordered room service, champagne, and even took a bath together.
The room reminded Jasmine of a honeymoon suite so she asked him to pretend they were newlyweds.
And then they had incredibly hot sex in the king-size bed.
When it was all over, he got the definite impression she'd like to do it again.
She even sent him a text a few days later with a photo of a five-star hotel overlooking the ocean in Mendocino.
hows this for a faux honeymoon spot?
He made a joke out of it but it was clear she was still thinking about him. Truth be told, he'd been thinking about her too.
He was a bit hesitant because they'd agreed it would only be a one-time thing. And then there was the fact that she was Jessica's 18-year-old daughter.
She sure would be fun to hang with, he thought.
He decided to call the Ventana to see if there was even a room available for Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
"Yes, we can accommodate your request on those dates," the woman responded.
"Great. If you could hold that reservation, I just need to double-check our schedule. I'll call you right back."
He hung up and texted Jasmine.
can you get away Tues-Thur next week to go here?
He included a link to the Ventana website.
Jasmine was sitting in her room when she got the text. She followed the link, and scrolled through a few screens.
All she needed to see were the photos and headlines.
Gorgeous views of the Pacific from an infinity pool, lush redwood forests, and luxurious rooms bathed in sunlight.
An adults-only luxury resort and spa in Big Sur
Sensual delights in the bosom of nature
Replenish your spirit and embrace new adventures in one of the most beautiful places on the planet
She sent her reply within seconds.
its PERFECT - I am so in
He called the Ventana back.
"OK, I can confirm those dates."
"Very good, sir. And for how many people?"
"Two. Actually, it's for me and my... wife. We just got married. This is part of our honeymoon."
"Congratulations. I can check to see if our honeymoon cabin is available those nights."
"That'd be awesome."
Paul winced. He hated to lie but it'd be so cool to be able to tell Jasmine he'd gotten a real honeymoon suite.
"Our honeymoon suite is available on those dates. I've got you booked in The Cottage House for two nights, Tuesday and Wednesday next week."
"And we'll be able to use the gift certificate for that?"
"Yes, of course."
He made a face and pumped his fist.
"Very good. Um, thank you."
The next few days were filled with preparations for the two-day trip. He'd receive several texts from Jasmine who'd been researching the resort online.
did you see all the activities they have there? Yoga, massage, condor-watching... also the japanese hot baths are supposed to be AMAZING! don't forget your kimono
Paul felt like he definitely made the right right call in inviting Jasmine. She'd make it a lot more fun.
He decided not to say anything to Jessica about inviting Jasmine just yet. Jasmine had preferred not to tell her mom about their night together in Berkeley. He figured she might want to keep this private too.
On Tuesday, Jasmine took the vanpool from Berkeley to UC Santa Cruz. Because she didn't have a car, this was her usual way of getting to her Mom's house.
When she hopped out of the van, she saw Paul waiting for her, leaning against his convertible wearing sunglasses.
"Going my way, Mister?" she asked, with a wry smile.