“So, about that…” Doug says. “We were thinking you guys could…skip it.”
“Huh?”
Now it’s Molly’s turn. They have this dance down. “Doug and I were hoping we could have some romantic time alone.” Her arm snakes around Doug’s waist, and she pulls him tight. “We’ve been working nonstop.”
I have to say, they’re doing a splendid job. Doug drops the bait, and then Molly swoops in to lay on the guilt-tripping real thick. I’m not that much of a fool. I know what they’re doing, but I go along with it because it doesn’t harm anyone, and they think they’ve tricked me and spend the rest of the night snickering about it.
They love each other, and I’m happy for them.
“You have not lifted a finger since we left Los Angeles,” Sofía counters, peering at her beneath her sunglasses. “At least attempt a better excuse.”
Molly gawks. “Works on him every time.”
I shake my head. “No it doesn’t. I’m nicer than she is and can realize when I’m a third wheel.”
“I want to spend some time with my special lady.”
Doug kisses her deeply, and Sofía rolls her eyes, giving me a playful look. “Oh, fine. Go and have fun. But don’t be late to the bus. We’re leaving for Townsville tomorrow.”
“Got it, boss.” Doug salutes her, and then they’re gone, giggling to themselves as they disappear into the hotel.
It’s Sofía and me, alone, and my pulse skyrockets.
“Do they not like me?” she asks.
“Oh, no. They like you, but they like each other more. Sometimes I third wheel with them, but it’s always awkward, like the babysitter canceled, so they’re forced to include me. It’s kinda nice to have you around.”
“Did you have any plans?”
“No? Unless there’s something else on the shared calendar.”
A peculiar expression shines in her irises, and she shuffles on her feet. “I was thinking, maybe, that we could do a shenanigan.”
My heart stammers. “You want to do a shenanigan with me?”
“Yes?”
She doesn’t sound confident, but I’m not questioning it.
“Meet me in the lobby in an hour.”
This is going to be the tamest shenanigan of my life, but we’re going to have so much fun.
***
Sofía looks like she’s going to shit a brick, frantically scanning the hotel lobby. Does she think we’re about to rob a bank or something? Every movement is twitchy, and her eyes dart around the room like she’s surveying all entrances and exits. She picks up her phone, puts it down. Picks it back up. Down again.
Oh, she’s going to blow a fuse.
I reach her table, coming from her left side, slightly out of sight. “Hiya.”
A loud yelp escapes her as she leaps from her seat, the color draining from her face. I’m greeted with a sharp look, and the blood rushes to my groin.
Goddamn, she is pretty.
“How are you so quiet?”
“Why are you on edge?” I counter.
