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The only difference is this mess is of my own making.
I pull out my phone for the first time today and ignore the slew of voicemails and text messages, hopping on the app to snatch the Uber.
“And now it’s gone. Shit,” Hailey says.
“Sorry.”
Hailey whirls around to face me. “That was you?”
“You hesitated. You’ve carted me everywhere today. Paying for an Uber is the least I can do.”
She stares at me momentarily, then exhales, rubbing her forehead. “Thanks. I didn’t want to deal with my brother’s idiot friends.”
As we walk around to the front of the restaurant to wait for our ride, I think carefully about how to make my next suggestion.
Reaching out to touch Hailey’s hand, I point out a tree root disturbing the dark stone pathway.
“Thanks,” she says, slipping her arm through mine. Hailey sighs heavily, revealing how exhausted she is. “Honestly, after spending the day with a gentleman, I’m not keen on nursing a hangover in the same house as my belching brother.”
This opening pleases me more than it should.
I motion for her to sit first on the wooden porch swing in front of the bar as we wait for the car.
“You don’t need to nurse a hangover around your brother at all. I have a suite of rooms. You are welcome to stay with me tonight,” I tell her.
She stiffens next to me.
“I can’t stay with you in your hotel room.” Her tone indicates the offer pleases her despite turning me down.
“I don’t think you understand. I have a suite with three bedrooms.”
She turns and blinks at me, glassy-eyed. “Why do you have three bedrooms?”
“I had anticipated entertaining multiple women in my bed at once, and I don’t like to cuddle. And, as a gentleman, I would not kick them out after our interlude.”
Hailey’s face turns white, and her whiskey-brown eyes flash. “Wait. You’re pulling my leg.”
“I am indeed.”
She’s irritated with me, yet smiling and softly snort-laughing, which is the most heartwarming sound to ever hit my ears.
“You having a threesome. That’s cute.”
I try not to let that hurt my ego. I remember what she said about that. I give her a look of mocked offense. “And why wouldn’t I? I am a sought-after prince, after all.”
She shakes her head. “Don’t push me. Your offer is too kind, but I can’t stay with you. How would that look to everyone else?”
“Not even the concierge knows who I am. I doubt anyone will notice. No one here is interested in our tiny country’s royal family.”
Hailey pauses, considering my offer.
I show her my palms in mock surrender. “You wouldn’t have to see my ugly face. You’ll have a room to yourself.”
She deserves a night at a nice hotel. I saw the way she blanched at the price of the Uber. I should not have been spying over her shoulder, but I do not feel bad about it. Hailey has helped me through my first full day in America, and I’m grateful for her.
“You won’t accept payment for being my tour guide today. Please accept a night at the Thistle Rock on me. You can order all the room service. You can order porn. You can drink everything from the minibar. I don’t care. Thank you for showing me around and caring for a reckless driver.”
The slow smile that spreads across her face bewitches me as fireflies blink around us in the creeping darkness.
