Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

“Some, but not all. That one we just passed has a great little beach bar that only opens
after sunset. They make the best margaritas,” Marco said with a big grin.
The Riva sped past a few other small islands before coming to one of the larger ones.
“Did you bring any swimming trunks?” Marco asked.
Charlie shook his head. “I had no idea where I would be going.”
“There’s a pair in that cabinet under your seat that should fit you. You’re going to need
them.”
As they rounded the other side of the island, Charlie hastily threw on the pair of blueand-white-striped
Parke & Ronen swimming trunks that happened to fit him perfectly.
Marco anchored the boat by a rocky cove and handed Charlie a mask and snorkel. “The
tide is a bit high right now, so we’re going to be underwater just for a little while. You’re
okay with a bit of ocean swimming?”
Charlie nodded. “Where are we going? Or let me guess, I’ll find out soon enough.”
Marco flashed his pearly whites again. “This is the only way you’re gonna meet the
boss.” He stripped off his clothes to reveal a red Speedo underneath and dove into the
water. Charlie dove in after him, and as they floated together by the side of the speedboat,
Marco said, “These rocks are really treacherous whenever the waves crash onto them.
Once you dive underwater, you’ll see a cave opening under the rocks. We’re going to swim
through the opening, and you’ll only need to hold your breath for fifteen, twenty seconds
max.”
“We’re going now?”
“Wait for my signal. We’ll go after this next big wave has passed. Otherwise we get
smashed against the rocks. Understand?”
Charlie nodded, putting on his mask and snorkel.
“Okay, now!” Marco dove under the water and Charlie followed. They swam along the
side of the jagged cliffs and suddenly the rocks opened up to reveal a large cave entrance.
Marco swam freestyle without a mask, guiding Charlie along as they swam through the
underwater passage.
Within a few moments, they emerged to the surface again. Charlie caught his breath
and when he ripped his mask off, what he saw almost took his breath away again. He was
in the middle of a calm lagoon completely encircled by towering limestone cliffs. The only
entrance to this secret place was through the underwater cavern. The shallow, crystalclear
turquoise waters teemed with colorful fish, coral rock, and sea anemones, and along
one side of the lagoon was the perfect hidden beach of sparkling white sand shaded by
overhanging branches of palm trees.
Charlie was awestruck by the unbelievable beauty surrounding him, and he floated in
silence for a few moments, looking around like a newborn child who had just entered a
completely different world. Marco caught his eye and said with a nod, “Over there. My
boss.”
Charlie turned toward the hidden beach and there, emerging from behind a cluster of
palm trees, stood Astrid.