Chapter 18
18
STELLA
I didn’t know why it was taking me so long to do this bloody playlist. It was much easier before, but today I felt blocked.
After I’d showered and dressed, I’d texted Mum to let her know I was okay, then sifted through different songs, but I didn’t know which ones accurately conveyed my feelings towards Max because I was confused.
On the one hand I was still angry about the past, but on the other I was grateful for the sweet things he’d done. And annoyingly, despite how afraid I was, I’d enjoyed spending time with Max today.
Every song I thought about sounded too mushy. I didn’t want him to think I was pining for him, but I didn’t want him to think I hated him either.
The songs he’d chosen for me so far had been apologetic. ‘Sorry’ by Justin Bieber, ‘Heartbreaker’ by will.i.am ft. Cheryl Cole, ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ by Cher, ‘Hello’ by Adele and ‘Purple Rain’ by Prince and the Revolution.
It was actually a good selection. He’d managed to strike the balance between sincerity and entertainment. It’d be great if I could do the same.
I’d hoped to have a clearer idea once I’d taken a nap, but what was only supposed to be a short rest ended up with me sleeping for hours and now I’d missed dinner. Again.
Right on cue, my stomach rumbled loudly. I looked at my watch. It was too late to go to the restaurant now. I’d need to call reception and see if I could get room service.
Just as I was about to reach for the phone, there was a knock at the door.
‘Coming!’ I called out, wondering who it could be, then guessing it was Jasmine. I’d pissed Max off earlier so I knew it wouldn’t be him.
When he’d invited me to the pool, I didn’t know what to say. Part of me wanted to go, but I knew it wasn’t a good idea. The last thing I wanted was to start liking him. That was why I hesitated. But he clearly took it to mean I wasn’t interested and walked off. I supposed I couldn’t blame him. Tomorrow was definitely going to be awkward.
As I opened the door, my jaw dropped.
It was Max.
‘I thought you might be hungry,’ he said.
Max was standing there with a trolley which had a silver cloche covering the plate and a bottle of wine in an ice bucket.
‘Oh, I… wow,’ I stuttered. ‘Thanks.’
‘You want me to wheel it in?’ He gestured to the trolley.
‘I can do it.’ He’d already done enough.
‘Okay. See you tomorrow.’ He turned on his heels to leave.
‘Wait!’ I called out. ‘Where are you… are you not joining me? I mean, do you want to come in?’
Inviting Max into my bedroom at almost eleven o’clock at night wasn’t the best idea, but he’d brought me food. It was the least I could do.
‘Nah, I’m good. I’ve already eaten. Hope you like it.’
Before I had a chance to respond, Max was halfway down the pathway.
I wheeled the trolley in and closed the door. Whatever it was smelt amazing. When I lifted off the cloche, I gasped.
It was barbecue chicken and chips. My favourite.
A wave of happiness filled my heart. I couldn’t believe he’d remembered.
As I sat down and slid the first forkful of food into my mouth, a flurry of ideas filled my head.
Now I knew exactly what songs to choose for Max.
And this time, it wasn’t hatred I wanted to convey.
This time, I genuinely hoped he liked my selection.