"We Are One Ole Ola" • Pitbull (by Johannah Simon)

Armando and I hang out casually. Poolside. He’s Mr. 305 and I’m Ms. 312. We call the private cabana Casa 617. A tribute to the enduring power of our platonic friendship. Endless drinks at our disposal but we stick to Arnold Palmers. We both like to keep a clear mind. He worries about the possibility of a bad decision resulting in a regrettable photo or poor press. I worry about my IBS. We both got problems. Pitbull is quick to smile. He appreciates a good pun and a quality sandwich. He is Cuban and my Aunt married a Cuban man. We have so many things in common. Sometimes Pitbull tells a joke and delivers the punchline in Spanish. He winks at me when he does that, a reminder that I’m not keeping pace with my Duolingo. I promise that I’ll get on it. He offers to hook me up with a private tutor, but the pressure of that is too much. I think its ok for us to have boundaries. I mean, I don’t hound him to learn about excel macros or how to crochet. We can each have our own things. It gives us things to talk about when we meet in Miami for sun and a little friend-time. My family doesn’t really understand this relationship. I know my husband is jealous each time I fly down to Miami for a visit. I get it. Mr. Worldwide is a handsome, powerful, and successful man. I’m a run of the mill, middle-aged suburban soccer mom. We shouldn’t fit, but we’ve got synergy. As my bestie would say, We are One (Ole Ola).

Johannah Simon (she/her) is a corporate strategist, adjunct professor, and professional dreamer. A Midwestern GenX multi-genre writer, her tiny pieces have appeared in Troublemaker Firestarter, Anti-Heroin Chic, BULL, Dodo Eraser, Underbelly Press and Electric Pink. Hit her up on X @JohannahWrites, @johannah.bsky.social, IG @johannahcanwrite and see her work at www.thewritingtype.com.