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I also never reached out a hand to pull him back from the ledge.
Chapter fifteen
Remy
The water sparkles turquoise under a setting sun and the fresh air still lingers with the decadent scents of Elaine’s dinner. Music plays softly in the background, but I’m not listening to what song it is. I don't care. I don't know if it’s being home after traveling to the States, or knowing that Rhea is safe, or watching Claire marvel at the ocean in my backyard, but I haven't felt this relaxed in ages.
Claire, too, looks more relaxed than I've seen her yet. Sitting with her legs tucked under her and a gentle breeze teasing her hair loose from the clip on the back of her head, she looks like she would be content to spend the whole week on my patio, eating, drinking, and relaxing. Unfortunately for her, Rhea makes it abundantly clear that relaxation is the one thing that isn't on the agenda.
"I made you a copy of the itinerary. Would you like it, so you know how to prepare for the week ahead?"
Claire pulls a face, earning her a sour look from Rhea. "Wouldn't it be nice to just enjoy the moments as they come?"
"Wow." Rhea laughs. "I can't believe that just came from your mouth, Claire Monroe. Miss color coded chore chart is now telling me to sit back and wait for life to happen?"
I don't try all that hard to hide my smirk, dipping my head a little in an attempt to look like I’m not judging her. Chore charts? I stifle a laugh, but neither of them notice.
"In the real world, at school, I think it's important that we stick to a plan.” Claire crosses her arms, trying to hold on to a shred of her argument. “But we're on vacation. Can't we just... see where we end up?"
Rhea wrinkles her nose in displeasure. "Fine. We'll compromise. Take a look at the itinerary and choose two days that you want to 'coast'." She brandishes a sheet of paper, which Claire takes with a roll of her eyes. They flit quickly over it, and then she laughs.
"Clearly, I've rubbed off on you, Rhea. This itinerary looks like it's... color coded."
It’s Rhea's turn to roll her eyes. "Yes, as a matter of fact. It is. Coded by importance, with the pink being the most important, naturally, and the teal being the lower priority events."
Claire skims the itinerary. "Shopping, a day at sea, picnic on the beach, day drinking, hiking, shopping again, kayaking... Rhea!" She gasps, sounding so aghast that I’m sure Rhea must have included something that was entirely outside of Claire’s comfort zone. It didn’t take me long to figure out their dynamic... Rhea drags her best friend along to everything with such enthusiasm that Claire never objects. "You put the funeral in teal!"
I laugh out loud and don’t bother trying to hide it this time. Rhea shrugs. "I mean, it barely won out over sacrificing a virgin to a volcano, so just be grateful it's even on there."
Claire shakes her head, but a small smile on her pink lips betrays her.
"I thought it was funny." I concede. "And you made the right choice. There's no shortage of volcanos here, but good luck finding a virgin."
"Because you've slept with everyone around here?" Rhea quips, clearly pleased with her own wit.
My silence speaks enough that Claire takes it upon herself to quickly change the subject. "Okay, well the funeral isn't exactly negotiable, so that stays. Let's cut out day drinking since we'll likely do that on the boat and at the beach. I'm not sure we need two whole days for shopping, and are you trying to kill me by taking me hiking and kayaking? You know I'm not the most..."
"Adventurous? Coordinated?" Rhea laughs. "I'm not going to let you fall off the side of a mountain, Claire. You're my best friend. Besides, I said you could pick two days."
Claire sighs heavily, but her lips twitch in amusement all the same. "Fine."
"Perfect." Rhea bounces up out of her chair, grinning like mad. "Did you even look at the whole thing? You fell right into my trap. Now let's go get ready for tonight."
"I—tonight?"
"Yes, tonight. It's right there on your itinerary in purple."
Claire looks down at the paper in her hands. She's showered and done her hair and looks considerably more awake than she'd been after her Ambien haze, but I’m willing to bet she isn't entirely sure what day it even is anymore.
"Dancing?" Claire looks at Rhea, incredulous. "I don't have the energy for that."
"Not the ballroom kind." Rhea winks, slapping her palms on the table. "Which means you're going to need something sexy. And as far as not having enough energy, you can always drink Vodka Redbull."
"Rhea." My voice is firm, not bothering to hide my disapproval. "You can't be serious."
"Of course, I'm serious, Remington. We are in paradise and I'm going to take full advantage."
"I thought we'd stay in tonight.” I try. “You know, catch up since we haven't seen each other in years." It sounds hollow even as I say it, but I have to at least attempt something to keep her from going out.
