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“Forgive me, you are on the same reservation. That’s all.”
I take a deep breath. I wonder who is responsible for this. Is this one of my sister’s sick version of a joke? Hunter trying to play matchmaker? Or is this a genuine fuckup that just couldn’t be helped? I look in the direction Gillian, Axel, and Stella left. They’re a mere memory at this point, the archway toward the dock taunting me. Best not to bother them.
I can stomach this, even if it’s weird. Even if it shouldn’t be happening. This isn’t my wedding. I’m not going to make a problem of something that’s not. Because Drew and I staying in a room together…that’s not a problem. Right?
“Yes, of course, that’s fine,” I say, waving my hands in front of my face.
“Oh, good,” he says with a heavy sigh. “I was nervous that your visit was already dissatisfactory.”
I smile. “No, not a chance. Thank you for your attentiveness, though.”
The man hands me a keycard and explains my bags have already been taken to the room. Then, he hands me a laminated itinerary. “This is the itinerary for the wedding week. I hope you have a pleasant stay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
I thank him and start to walk away. But I’d be remiss not to ask. “Just in case, you don’t have any other bungalows available do you?”
The man pouts out his lower lip. “I’m afraid not.”
Of course not.I shrug. “Had to ask.” Then I walk (no,run) through the archway and down the dock to bungalow twenty-eight. The thing sure looks big enough for two people. We can probably make this work.
I scan the card, open the door, and feel my stomach drop when I see the big bed in the middle of the room, draped with a mosquito net across from a set of glass doors that open onto a personal-sized pool and then the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean.
The view and amenities don’t matter, though, because I’m concerned with one and only thing.
There is one bed. And unless I’m an asshole and make Drew sleep on the couch that is clearly not long enough to fit him, we’re going to have to share it.
This is going to be a long couple of weeks.
6
DREW
My plane grouptears into the resort with sweat on our brows. The boat that was supposed to take us from the airport island to the resort was late, and on top of that, didn’t have air conditioning inside. I need a shower immediately. However, according to Kira, we’re already late for the first festivities and Gillian is freaking out. Must attend the bride first and foremost, especially as a date to someone in the wedding party.
Admittedly, when Dana first asked me to attend the wedding, I couldn’t help but think it was something of a romantic thing. I mean, who takes a friend as a plus one to a wedding? Dana Solace, that’s who.
Of course, she’s my best friend. I’d never say no.
We’re shuffled quickly down to the beach, our bags shoveled away from us and to our rooms. God, I’d love to just collapse on my bed and take a breath. Enjoy a moment away fromWillowbecause she’s been talking my ear off nearly the whole twenty hours we were in the air because she has a hard time sleeping on planes.
However, once we walk onto the beach to the lagoon side restaurant, I breathe a sigh of relief. For one, the view is spectacular. I’ve never seen water so blue or skies so wide.
More importantly, though, I see Dana sitting near the head of the main table with her sisters, their partners, and the wedding party.
I didn’t realize how badly I needed to see her after this odyssey to get here.
As if sensing me, she sees me almost immediately. There’s a panicked look on her face. Something’s wrong. Although, I’m not sure what.
Thankfully, Willow doesn’t make a fool of me by grabbing onto my arm, rather she floats gracefully to the table and kisses Gillian on the cheek eagerly and then Stella. Stella is less than pleased.
As I approach the table, Dana stands and comes toward me.
Why is my heart throbbing? She’s coming so quickly I nearly expect her to run up to me and kiss me, which would bemorethan welcome. It’d be–
“We have a problem,” she says through gritted teeth, grabbing my hand and yanking me back to the boardwalk.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down!” I cry out.
But Dana is a woman on a mission and doesn’t stop until we are well out of earshot of any human soul, shaded by some palm trees.
