Chapter 35 - Gwen - Bumping into You
Chapter 35
Gwen
“Gwen?” Greg says again, his voice even more stern than before. “Will you please explain what the hell is going on?”
I turn to face him, but Holly grabs my arm, pulling me away from Niall and toward her. “Oh, would you look at that, we’re going to be late for the spa if we don’t go now.”
“Yep,” Margot says, taking my other arm in hers. “Come on, ladies, we have to leave. See you all later!” Margot waves to the guys as we turn away and head toward the elevators.
I glance back just in time to see Greg glaring at Niall and Trent smiling and patting Greg on the back.
I hope Niall will be okay back there.
After the three of us get on an elevator, Holly says, “I know I just saved your butt, but I also want to know what is going on.”
“I was going to tell you both,” I say. “I really was, but I didn’t want to take away from the wedding.”
“So?” says Margot, gesturing for me to continue.
“Niall and I decided to give it a go.”
Margot squeals. “I knew it!”
“I’m happy for you,” says Holly, giving me a wide smile. “You deserve it.”
“Thank you,” I say. “I just hope I haven’t ruined Greg’s bachelor party.”
“No way,” says Holly. “He’s going to be a grumpy overprotective brother for like five minutes, then he will see how amazing you two are for each other, and things will go back to normal. Plus, there is no way your joy could take away from our wedding. We love you and only want good things for you. Your happiness makes us happy.”
“Thanks, Holly,” I say as tears brim in my eyes. “You two are the best.”
Margot waves her hand at me. “Yeah, I know we are. I’m so happy for you too. I’ve been rooting for you two to get together since this cruise started.”
“You have?” I ask.
“Of course!” she says. “Anyone could see your chemistry a mile away. The real question, though, is what’s the plan for after the cruise.”
“After the cruise?” I ask.
“Yeah,” says Holly, “how are you guys going to make the long-distance thing work?” The elevator comes to a stop, and we all shuffle out.
“I haven’t . . .” I say, “we haven’t talked about it.”
Niall is such a good man. He’s so good to me. I can’t help but smile just thinking about him. McHottie isn’t just a flirt with an accent and a nice body. He’s the whole package. And I get him all to myself.
Well, at least for this cruise anyway. I have no idea what is going to happen after, and that scares me.
We greet the other women outside the spa. I take a deep breath and release the tension of not knowing what will happen between me and Niall when the cruise is over. For now, it’s my best friend’s bachelorette party, and I’ll focus on pampering her.
“You ready for this, Holly?” Margot asks.
“More than ready!” Holly says.
I open the door to the spa and say, “Welcome to your bachelorette party spa day!”
As we step into the tranquil spa, we are greeted with the soothing ambiance. Soft, calming music floats through the speakers, and a gentle floral fragrance hangs in the air.
Our day of pampering begins with rejuvenating massages, pulling us into a state of bliss. The skilled hands of the masseuses work their magic, melting away my wedding-planning and long-distance-dating stress. By the end of the massage, there isn’t an ounce of tension left in my body.
Following our massages, we move on to manicures and pedicures. Here we are treated like royalty, the manicurists offering us champagne in beautiful crystal flutes. All of us are seated side by side in plush massage chairs as we sink our feet into the warm, bubbling water with flower petals.
A ding has me glancing at my phone. Gillian, who is seated next to me on one side, glances over and teasingly asks, “Is that who I think it is?”
I unlock my phone and open up the cruise app. It’s Niall. “Yes,” I say. I can’t help the wide smile that spreads across my face.
Niall
How’s your spa day going?
Gwen
Great, and your bachelor party? Is Greg upset about earlier?
Niall
Good, just finished our second round of basketball with some other guys who were on the course. Heading off to the sports bar for some billiards and beer in a bit. And honestly, he hasn’t said anything to me yet. I just wanted to check in on you.
Gwen
That’s sweet. I’m doing fine here Holly and Margot were happy to hear we are together. And now that we’re at the spa, I’ve been calming down and relaxing.
Niall
Didn’t I do a pretty good job of that myself last night?
I blush at the memories.
Gwen
You’re so bad. I’m going now, they’re about to start on my nails.
Niall
Until later Mo Ghra.
The manicurists and pedicurists meticulously shape, buff, and paint our nails to perfection. Laughter and lively chatter fill the air as Mom and Mrs. Palmer go on and on about how they knew one day Holly and Greg would be together.
“Well, I wish you would have told me,” says Holly. “It could have saved me years of trouble.”
Mrs. Palmer laughs too. “Yes, but honey, if I did, would you have listened?”
Margot and I both chuckle at that. “No,” we answer in unison.
“Hey!” says Holly with a laugh.
“Well,” says Vivian, “you never did listen to me about him liking you.”
“I guess that’s true,” says Holly.
“It all worked out in the end though,” says Mom with a nod.
Between treatments, we lounge in plush robes in the most comfortable chairs imaginable. Our view is breathtaking as the spa overlooks the bow; we see panoramic views of endless ocean in front of us. The natural beauty is a perfect backdrop to our spa day.
“I could just fall asleep here,” says Gillian.
“Same,” I agree.
Lunch is catered to us, and we dine on a buffet of delicious gourmet food. This is perfect.