“I’m not.” The corners of her lips twitch. “I’m ill.”
“You’re ridiculous, Nat. It’s merely a walk.”
“A long walk, a climb, and a host of other things. I don’t want to destroy my ankles.”
“And the heels you rock to work every day won’t?”
She bites her lip.
“Look, it’s going to be fun, okay?” She doesn’t react. “I have a gift for you afterward.”
She sits up and eyes me. “I hope you’re not just saying so.”
“Cross my heart.” I do the mark. “You will get a present if you come on the hike.”
“Can I complain about how stressful it is, though?”
“Nah.”
She makes puppy eyes. “Please.”
“Just for five minutes, that’s all.”
Nat grins. “That’s all I need.”
Dark brown hair catches my attention some gazebos away. My heart jerks. Could it be him?
The person starts to turn and I brace myself, holding my breath.
It’s not him.
Disappointment sinks my shoulders.
I should have known. Chance fills a suit more than that and the cut of his jawline can be seen from miles away.
“What are you looking at?”
“Nothing.” I drop my gaze.
The hike through the woods is exciting. We don’t get to see another rainbow at the end of a waterfall. But get the view of mountains, running rivers and wildlife. Nat complains, but only a little. By the time it comes to an end, we’re exhausted.
“I’m going to sleep for the next five years,” Nat groans on our way up in the elevator.
“Just twenty-five. We have a massage appointment in thirty minutes.”
“My surprise!” Nat squeals and squeezes me in a sweaty embrace.
After we clean up, we head to the spa. It smells of incense and I already feel relaxed, even before I lay on the massage table.
We watch the sun fall behind the ocean as we’re lulled to drowsiness by the soothing massages.
The next morning, it’s over. Our time on Magic Island has come to an end. I spend so long putting my clothes back in my suitcase Nat finishes and comes over to my room.
She takes one look at my face and a frown draws her lips down. “Maddie, are you sad we’re leaving?” She draws me into a hug and squeezes. “Don’t worry. We can do this again... Well, after we’ve saved for the next ten years, okay?”
I chuckle and pull away. Though I’m reluctant, I accept that good things come to an end.
I give the hotel a lingering glance as we ride down for the last time. It’s bittersweet as we stop by the receptionist to hand our keycards over. I wish we didn't have to.
