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“Let’s just… uh…” Isa says something before I can even open my mouth to double down and commit to the words that I’ve already said out loud. “Oh, look, we’re docking,” she adds, getting up from her seat.
I let out a sigh, knowing I shouldn’t force the conversation if she isn’t ready yet. I can wait. “Alright, let’s go then,” I acknowledge, getting up as well, trying to bring back the enthusiasm into the conversation. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not used to these social cues yet, but I’m learning my best. I guess the long years of business talk and movie studio jargon is pretty useless when it comes to matters like these. But it’s okay, I didn’t know how to be a film studio CEO back in the day, and look at me now.
We take another tricycle ride, and this time, I’m assuming it’s to the hotel. I have no idea what Isa booked for us, but looking back at it now, she's the pro. I haven’t booked a room for myself in ages.
So imagine my surprise when we’re stopping at a small facade of a building that only has a small glass double-door. The place is quaint, that’s for sure, and I can see the beach behind the building as the sun fully sets over the horizon. What I wouldn’t give to see the water up close, but I guess that will have to wait until tomorrow.
“This is it,” Isa finally confirms, pulling her luggage up to the two steps going toward the door. She opens it and a whoosh of cool air hits my face; I have no choice but to follow.
“It’s an interesting choice,” I can’t help but comment as we walk toward the front desk, which is really just two steps from the door.
The receptionist welcomes us with a warm smile.
“Pleasant day to both of you. May I please have the name under your reservation?”
Isa leans against the desk before answering, “Under Leo Camden, please.” The receptionist simply nods and goes to check their reservations.
A part of me is a bit weirded out from feeling a little tingle from Isa saying my name. She’s said my name a million times before, but right now, there’s inexplicable butterflies in my stomach. I clear my throat, trying to shake off the feeling.
“So, is this one of your immersive tests for me or something? Trying to make me live how you would and all that?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
“I told you. Not everyone has money for five-star hotels and private transports, and I think the insight is good for you,” Isa explains, still a smug look on her face. I just can’t help but smile and shake my head at her.
The receptionist comes back with an all too cheerful smile.
“It looks like there was a mix-up with your reservation. Instead of two standard rooms, you were booked in one of our premium rooms. I really do apologize. Would that room be okay for you two?”
“That would be splendid. Thank you so much for your hospitality,” I answer, and now I’m the one with the smug look while Isa looks at me dumbfounded. The receptionist nods, adjusting our booking on their computer.
We follow the receptionist’s directions to the elevator.
“Why did you say it was okay?” Isa asks, her voice hushed.
“What? Why wouldn’t it be okay? It sounds like an upgrade. Wouldn’t you take a free upgrade if it was just you? I’m just trying to live the way you do.”
“Oh, haha. Using my own tactics against me, huh?” Isa teases, shoving me lightly against the shoulder. “You know they only offered the best room just ‘cause you’re a foreigner, right?”
I simply shrug. “Hey, I’m a guest in this country. I’m not gonna be rude and reject hospitality.”
Isa shoves me lightly again, making me chuckle a bit. “I keep forgetting how cunning you can be sometimes,” she comments lightheartedly. “Just know I won’t be sharing pillows with you.”
A smirk slowly spreads across my lips, feeling mischievous all of a sudden. “That’s okay, I have a feeling the bedding isn't going to be on the bed for long.”
This time, she shoves me a little harder as a deep blush spreads on her face.
Chapter 17
Isa
ThebreathIletgo when we walk into the hotel room and see two queen beds and not a single king-sized one is the deepest one I’ve ever let go in my history. I wasn’t really ready for Leo to get the upper hand in my own home country.
The room is what anyone could expect from a budget room on Boracay Island, to be completely honest. It’s not that it’s bad. In fact, it’s above average to what they’re offering in Manila.
The linens are decent, if a little starchy. Lighting is a bit harsh, but fine. But the star of the room is the balcony that overlooks the water.
It’s a shame that it’s already dark, but I can still hear the faint sound of the waves crashing onto the shore as I stick my head outside.
Looking around, the neon lights cast a glow into the darkness, the nightlife of the island coming alive with a pulsating beat.
