**Chapter 2: "Paradise Found"**

The warm turquoise waters and powdery white sand of the Caribbean island resort beckoned to Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia like a siren's song. As they stepped off the plane, the girls were immediately enveloped in a warm tropical breeze that carried the sweet scent of exotic flowers and the sound of gentle waves crashing against the shore. The air was alive with the vibrant colors of palm trees, hibiscus, and bougainvillea, a stark contrast to the dull, humid Miami air they had left behind. As they made their way to their luxurious villa, the girls couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and rejuvenation wash over them. The resort's lush gardens, complete with sparkling fountains and meandering pathways, seemed to stretch on forever, inviting them to explore and unwind. The sound of soft music and laughter carried on the breeze, mingling with the cries of seagulls wheeling overhead. Dorothy, ever the cynic, raised an eyebrow as they approached the villa. "This place is certainly... luxurious," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Rose, however, was already skipping ahead, her eyes shining with excitement. "Oh, look! A private pool and a hot tub! And is that a beach just a short walk away?" Blanche stretched her long, curvaceous body, arching her back and extending her arms over her head. "I'm going to need a few days to get used to this kind of pampering," she said, a sly smile spreading across her face. Sophia, meanwhile, was eyeing the villa's amenities with a discerning gaze. "I hope they have a good doctor on staff. I don't want to have to deal with any medical emergencies while we're here." As they settled into their villa, the girls spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails and getting reacquainted with the island's laid-back rhythm. The warm sun on their skin and the cool breeze in their hair seemed to melt away their worries, replacing them with a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Just as they were starting to unwind, a deep, familiar voice interrupted their tranquility. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. If it isn't the Golden Girls, arriving in style." Dorothy's eyes snapped up to meet the gaze of Lucas Hollingsworth, her old flame and a charming entrepreneur. He was standing by the pool, a glass of champagne in hand and a smile that could charm the birds from the trees. Lucas had always been a bit of a mystery to Dorothy, with his chiseled features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. She had a complicated history with him, one that was filled with passion and heartbreak. As they exchanged a warm, if slightly awkward, hug, Dorothy couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction that she thought had long been extinguished. "Lucas! Fancy running into you here," she said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in her stomach. Lucas chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I could say the same about you, Dorothy. I didn't know you were looking for a tropical getaway." As they chatted, the girls learned that Lucas was at the resort on a business retreat, promoting his latest venture: a line of eco-friendly resort wear. He was charming and charismatic, with a quick wit and a silver tongue that seemed to effortlessly charm the girls. Rose, ever the social butterfly, was immediately drawn to Lucas's warm and engaging personality. "We should get together for dinner sometime," she suggested, smiling up at him. Blanche, never one to miss an opportunity, was already batting her eyelashes at Lucas. "I'd love to hear more about your... venture," she said, her voice husky with interest. Sophia, meanwhile, was watching Lucas with a skeptical eye. "What brings you to this neck of the woods, Hollingsworth?" she asked, her tone gruff but not unfriendly. As the sun began to set, Lucas invited the girls to join him for a series of resort-sponsored events, including a sunset cruise and a beachside barbecue. Dorothy, still getting used to Lucas's presence, hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Little did she know, this chance encounter would set off a chain of events that would change her life – and the lives of her friends – forever. The warm glow of the setting sun seemed to seal their fate, casting a golden light over the island and the adventures that lay ahead.