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Her messages make me smile, even if telling her is going to be a whole debacle, and she’s going to want intimate details. I check the time and realize it’s been over an hour since she sent them.
As I finish towel drying my hair, I think back to the last time we got rid of our hangovers by drinking more. We were freshmen in college and went to our first frat party. The next morning, we woke up and drank shitty Bloody Marys until we couldn’t taste the cheap vodka anymore. As I sit here with a pounding headache, it actually doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
River
I’m alive. I think. Where are you?
Her text bubble instantly pops up.
Natalie
Finally! I’m having brunch at the hotel restaurant. Best eggs beni I’ve ever had. Come meet me!
River
Order me the same. I’ll be down in a sex.
River
I mean *sec.
Natalie
I know what you’ve got on the brain. ;)
Rolling my eyes at her last text, I lock my phone and grab my keycard before heading to the elevator. I’m halfway hoping I don’t run into Alex, not after I all but pushed him out the door this morning. The guilt of how I acted is starting to build, but I have a good reason.
Once I step off the elevator and walk into the restaurant that overlooks the beach, I see Natalie. Her fiery red hair gleams in the sun, and as soon as she makes eye contact with me, she smirks.
“I think you’re actually glowing—and not because of the sun,” she says before taking a bite of her eggs.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I tell her just as the waitress arrives with my plate of food.
She rolls her eyes at me. “You’re no fun. When did you become such a prude?”
“Apparently, I’m not fun. I’m beginning to think there’s something wrong with me.”
“By the smug-ass look on your face, it seems like it. Did someone piss in your Cheerios this morning? Was it something he did? Was he an asshole toward you?” Her face is full of concern. “Do I need to kick his tight Texan ass to Kentucky?”
Her protective words make me grin, but I shake my head. “No, no. Nothing like that. The opposite actually. He was an absolute gentleman this morning, and I’m sure if he would’ve gone home with anyone other than myself last night, it would’ve continued on this morning. But instead, I asked him to leave.”
Natalie’s mouth falls open. “What?” she shrieks loudly, not realizing how loud she’s being when I shush her. “Why? Don’t you know how vacation flings work? Did I forget to teach you that?”
I glare at her, not responding to that comment. I turn to my plate and take a few bites of my Eggs Benedict and the hollandaise sauce basically melts in my mouth. “Oh my God, Nat. You were right. This is to die for.”
“Nope. No, I’m not going to let you change the subject on me like that. Not this time. I’m not falling for it,” she states matter-of-factly.
Groaning, I knew I wouldn’t be able to distract her for long. “Apparently not. Why don’t you enlighten me?” My tone is laced with sarcasm that isn’t lost on her.
“You’re supposed to lock yourself in your room with Mr. Southern ‘n Dirty, and you don’t leave until your vagina falls off or your plane flies out. And sometimes the sex is so mind-blowing it’s worth missing a flight. Trust me.” She wiggles her eyebrows, making me smile. Being around Natalie helps me relax a bit, and I’m so grateful she’s my best friend who knows what to say to help me out of my funk.
“I’ll keep that in mind the next time I see my vag lying on the floor.” I can barely get the words out before I burst into laughter.
“Seriously, though, Riv. Let loose for once. Let your hair down and give yourself permission to enjoy yourself. You’ve been taking care of people for almost your entire life. It’s time for you to finally take care of River and just have fun. When we get back to the tundra, then you can go back to being guarded and uptight in your fancy scrubs.” She flashes a teasing smile, but her tone softens at my reluctant facial expression before continuing. “Just promise me you’ll try to have a good time the rest of the week.” Natalie gives me a small smile, and I can’t deny her when she’s being this sincere.
“Okay, fine. I promise to try. Just for you,” I tell her between bites of toast, hoping I can push away my reservations because I know she’s right. I’ve put people first for as long as I can remember without really thinking about what I wanted.
“Good. Just remember, though, what happens in Key West stays in Key West.” She winks.
