Jessica nodded and yawned loudly. Clearly fake.
They stood and said goodnight before hurrying off toward the lobby.
Brent looked over at Candace, who was watching their retreating forms before glancing back at Brent. He half expected her to make an excuse and leave quickly, but to his surprise, she didn’t. She only picked up her drink and slid over to the spot where Jessica had been sitting—even further from Brent.
“They’re acting weird,” she said.
“Definitely up to something,” he said.
She glanced at him before taking another sip of her drink. “So, are you going to get out or do I have to?”
“Why do either of us have to get out?”
She rolled her eyes. “Clearly we aren’t going to sit here and enjoy each other’s company, so one of us should leave.”
“And why can’t we enjoy each other’s company?”
“Because there’s no company to enjoy.”
He slapped a hand to his chest. “Ouch.”
She only shrugged before turning her attention to the sky. “There are so many stars out here.”
He looked up at the black sky speckled with white stars.
“It’s beautiful,” they said at the same time.
Their eyes met briefly before she shifted her gaze back up to the sky.
“Are you happy or upset that you’re stranded here?” she asked.
The question caught him by surprise. Not because she was asking something that might cause her to get to know him a little, but because she was asking at all. Normally, they sat in tense silence.
“A bit of both. I’ve got some work stuff that I really need to get back for, but at the same time, it’s nice to get a break. How about you?”
“Same.”
He thought that’s all he’d get out of her, but she continued.
“My work has really been hanging on me lately to get things done. I’m truly worn out. I feel like I haven’t had a break from exhaustion since…” she trailed off. “Anyway, I just really needed a break, and it’s nice to get one.”
She glanced at him, and before he could respond, she continued, “Even if I have to spend it with you.”
The hint of a smile that played on her lips kept him from getting offended.
God, she’s cute.
“Yeah. I’m a horrible one. So boring.”
“You are. So boring.” She cracked a smile and then shifted her gaze down.
And as if a switch had been flipped, and she suddenly remembered something, the smile wiped off her face and she turned cold again.
“I’m going to go. Don’t fall when you get out,” she said before abruptly standing up, wrapping a towel around herself, and walking away.
He mentally high-fived himself and took another swig of his beer. Despite it all, progress was progress.
