Pool Party, The Night Before....

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

True to Dianna's word, the pool was a few rooms away from the room the crew had checked into. The pool was spacious and inviting, and also included a nice sized jacuzzi for a neighbor. Rick and Essie had a net set up, and they were enjoying a spirited competition of water volleyball. Mitch and Cerissa relaxed on opposite sides of the jacuzzi and enjoyed a chat, while Tamma went back and forth between the pairs, feeding off of the crew's bliss.

"Smile!" Tamma beamed, first taking a picture of Rick and Essie playing their game, then getting a shot of Mitch and Cerissa in their state of pure relaxation. "I hope you guys don't mind, I want to remember this moment, regardless of how tomorrow goes."

"Don't worry Tamma, this won't be the last time we share a nice get together." Mitch said warmly (no pun intended, with his current hot tub destination and all). "We can come back tomorrow night when everything is resolved. Another soak in here will definitely hit the spot post battle."

"Yeah Tamma, we definitely want to hang out with you some more!" Essie beamed, Rick nodding and smiling as well.

"We will make memories now, and we will make more after we take care of Cyclo." Cerissa added kindly, also keeping the party all smiles by including one of her own. "The memories we make here will be a nice addition to the old memories that Essie and I will eventually recover."

"Thank you all, I can't wait!" Tamma squealed excitedly.

"Don't forget to include your childhood best friend in the memory building adventures, Tamma."

Dianna entered the pool area, her business attire replaced with a swimsuit. She carried a stack of pizzas from Paula's Pizza Parlor, along with a box of donuts from The Aplonica Coffee Bean & Brew. She grinned at the group as she set the food down on a table near the lounge chairs.

"Dianna! Yes, it wouldn't be a party without you too girl!" Tamma cried out excitedly. "It doesn't hurt that you brought the greatest pizza and donuts ever!"

"Paula and Raul dropped them off just now." Dianna said thankfully. "Raul apologized for forgetting to bring you the donuts you had ordered the last time you were at the cafe. We can enjoy all of this food, and I'll get us some drinks from the bar as well."

"You are an excellent host Dianna." Mitch said appreciatively. "So you and Tamma go way back?"

"Yup, while Tamma is a descendent of the town's founder, this hotel has been in my family for generations, me being the current owner and manager. We haven't been able to bring in as many guests lately, with Cyclo's reign of terror and all. But once you guys defeat him, I swear I will bring this place back to its former glory."

"We'll do our part to get you there Dianna, we promise." Mitch vowed. "Thanks to you, Tamma, and everyone's generosity and kindness, we will create some good memories together with this refreshing place, this amazing pizza, and these highly anticipated donuts. Tomorrow we will help you take back Aplonica, and the best will be yet to come for not only you two, but everyone that calls this town home. Thank you again for taking care of us. Tomorrow night, it will be our turn to take care of you."

To be continued....