TWENTY TWO - LEXXIE

Lexie I had to squint as I stepped onto the back patio of the Mediterranean stone home. The early morning sun beamed brightly from behind the white clouds, casting a hazy yellow glow that would soon transform into brilliant blue. Instead of lounging in the hammock at the terrace's far end, I decided to stroll around the freshwater pool, where a gentle mist rose from the warm water, and down the stone steps to the beach. According to Samantha, my closest friend, the beach wasn't spectacular. "It's not like Zlatni Rat or Nugal or Sunj. There are no sandy beaches or waterfalls here. The water's great, but adjust your expectations." I still couldn't believe it. Owning a piece of paradise in Croatia with a golden pebble beach and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea was a dream. Yet, Samantha was concerned that our friends wouldn't enjoy it. While I can't speak for the others, I was far from disappointed. I didn't need nudist beaches or cliff diving at Punta Verudela. I was content spending