Page 5 of Tequila Lime and Sunshine

“Oh, um, I was just going to watch Schitt’s Creek.”

He starts pressing buttons on his screen. “Sweet. Let’s watch it together.”

Wait, what? “We really don’t have to.” I’d much rather he let me enjoy my time alone. I usually travel alone, and I’ve come to really love my solitude. I don’t need someone trying to break inside my bubble. Especially not Hawke.

“I know we don’t have to, but it’ll be fun. Like old times.” I’m not sure what old times he’s talking about. When would he watch something with Holden and me and have a good time? Or maybe when he would start to watch something and then throw popcorn at us, calling us losers before stomping off to do something else. As if we weren’t good enough to be in his presence.

He finds the episode I was about to watch on his screen and hits play on both screens at the same time as the plane takes off.

Thankfully, there’s no popcorn throwing as we watch the show. He’ll occasionally nudge my elbow when something funny happens, but that’s all. When the flight attendant stops at our aisle with snacks and to take our drink order, he looks at me and asks, “Sprite?”

I’m taken aback that he remembers my favorite soda. It’s been years since I’ve had a Sprite around him, but when we were younger, he always brought me one when he got a drink from the fridge.

I almost say yes but decide it’s better if I don’t let him think he still knows me. I know his games. I’ve seen them played out on many unassuming women. I won’t be one of them.

“Water,” I tell the flight attendant. “Please.” I glance in Hawke’s direction and find him staring at me. I raise an eyebrow at him in challenge. “Something wrong?”

He smirks and says, “Nope. Nothing at all.” Then, he orders himself a Sprite.

I take a sip of my plain, unflavored water, jealous that he gets to drink my favorite drink and I don’t because I want to show him he doesn’t get to know little things about me anymore.

Turning back to the show, I eat my airplane cookies and finish my boring water. Hawke nudges my elbow again, but I barely manage a half smile, irritation running through me. This is going to be a long trip.

* * *

Once we land, I stay as close to my parents as possible to put distance between Hawke and me. I don’t know where this friendly version of him is coming from, but I don’t trust it. He’s barely talked to me in the last seven years, so I’m not sure why he’s trying to now. I’m certainly not here to try to rekindle our friendship. That ship has sailed.

I’m here because my parents asked me to be and because I love the Wilsons like they’re my second parents. I want to support them any way I can.

Our parents booked a van to drive us to the all-inclusive resort we’ll stay at for the next two weeks. I’d much rather stay at a hidden gem off the beaten path, but I didn’t have a say in this trip. The Wilsons wanted this, so I’ll sit down, shut up, and enjoy the time with my family.

I sit next to my mom in the middle of the van while Hawke and his parents sit in the back. Holden and his girlfriend have a later flight today, so they’ll find their own way to the resort. Probably a good thing. It would’ve been cramped if they were here too. Cramped and really awkward.

To say I’m not looking forward to seeing Holden with a girlfriend is an understatement. I’m not still in love with him. When we ended things, it was a mutual decision. There are no hard feelings; we occasionally talk through DMs or text. But I imagine seeing your first love with someone else is always difficult. I don’t think it’ll ever get easier, but I’ll be alright. I want him to be happy, and I’m sure he wishes the same for me.

The resort is just as I expected—large, flashy, and full of American tourists enjoying the free booze. There’s a giant fountain where the transportation services drop off, and the concierge takes our bags. We head up escalators to check-in, where we’re greeted by a man in a white coat with a tray of champagne. I take one and down the bubbly liquid a little faster than I should. But I had a long flight, and I imagine this trip will feel even longer.

When I finish my drink, I set the empty glass back on the tray and find my mom and Mrs. Wilson staring at me nervously.

My brow furrows. I’ve seen them drink a glass of wine faster than I did, so I know they aren’t judging me for that.

“What?” I ask when they continue to stare and not say anything.

My mom takes a deep breath. “Honey. . .”

“Oh god, what’s going on?” My jaw clenches as I look between them.

“Well, you know how you were supposed to bring a date?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, thanks for rubbing it in that I just got dumped.”

She shakes her head. “That’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m just saying that since you have a room to yourself now. . .” I’m not sure where she’s going with this. “And Hawke wasn’t planning on coming on this trip. . .”

No.

No.

Absolutely not.