Chapter 9
“So?” Lily asks coyly, as she slides her wet hands under the powerful blast of the air dryer in the ladies’ room.
“So… what?” I ask.
“You and Daniel seem to be hitting it off.”
“There is no me and Daniel. There’s Daniel. And me. And if I’m lucky, we’ll never see each other again.”
“I think he has a little crush.”
“Yeah, on his reflection,” I scoff.
“He seems quite smitten,” she teases over the noisy hum.
“Smitten? I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure his sole purpose is to annoy me.”
“He was flirting with you,” Lily insists.
“He was not.”
“Yes, he was.”
“Are we talking about Paul Newman?” Coco chimes in.
“Who?” I ask.
“The guy with the drop-dead gorgeous blue eyes,” she clarifies. “You know, Paul ‘holy shit, those are blue eyes’ Newman.”
“Yes. His name is Daniel,” Lily answers with a nod. “Wasn’t he flirting with Tess?”
“Hun, you were his Joanne Woodward.”
I shake my head. “If his idea of flirting involves me picking my shrimp dinner from my lap after it catapults off my head… I’ll pass.”
Lily covers her mouth with her hand and giggles. “That was funny.”
“It was not funny,” I insist.
It was.
I pressed my lips together to suppress a grin the entire time.
“If that’s what you claim,” Lily tilts her head to the side, her brow raising inquisitively.
“What’s with the head tilt?”
“Oh, nothing.” Her lips twist into a sneaky grin.
“Do you know that guy who was talking to the hostess?” I glide my fingers through my hair, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.
“What guy?” Lily asks.
“That tatted guy who was staring at you.”
“He wasn’t staring at me,” Lily dismisses with a quick wave of her hand.
“Well, he sure as hell wasn’t staring at Miguel. So, do you know him?” I ask, eager to get the details.
“Not really. I mean, a little. He’s a tour guide, I think,” Lily answers casually.
Coco suddenly interrupts our conversation, fixated solely on her reflection, meticulously reapplying her red matte lipstick. “Are you talking about the guy at the podium? Thor?”
“Yeah. Dirty blond, tats up his arm,” I answer. “Come to think of it, he does kinda give me that Hemsworth hottie vibe.”
Lily shakes her head, downplaying his importance. “He was trying to sell me tours, that’s all.”
“Hun, the only thing he wants to sell you is a ride on his magical hammer.” Coco grabs a tissue from her handbag and blots her lipstick.
Lily’s face turns red with embarrassment. “No, no. We’re barely acquaintances.”
“His face lit up when he saw you,” I tell her.
“That’s ridiculous,” Lily scoffs, using her hand to fan her flushed face. “We only spoke for a little while.”
“Trust me. I’ve seen that look before. That hammer wants to do some banging. Thor is into you,” Coco says confidently.
“I, errr,” Lily stumbles on her words, her gaze shifting downward. “No.”
“Your boyfriend seems nice.” I steer the conversation to Coco so Lily doesn’t die by bursting into flames of embarrassment.
“Gabriel?” Coco’s expression sours as her eyebrows knit together. “That jerk is not my boyfriend.”
Sugar Daddy?
“Oh, I assumed…” my voice trails off, as I try to play it off casually.
“We work together. Kinda. You know, it’s a thing,” Coco dismisses, like I’m supposed to understand what ‘the thing’ is.
“He’s handsome,” Lily adds, as she unbraids her hair.
“He’s a grump,” Coco complains, her voice expressing annoyance.
“He wasn’t grumpy at the table.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Coco dismisses with a frustrated exhale. “He’s an ass with a capital hole.”
“Well, I thought he was nice,” Lily says, her fingers deftly parting her hair into three sections before re-braiding it. “Ugh, this humid weather and my hair don’t play well together.”
Coco exhales an exasperated huff. “Hun, you need better hair products for that frizz.”
“You think?”
“I created an amazing hair serum. Hold on,” Coco says, her voice now overflowing with excitement. She rummages through her Fendi handbag then carefully retrieves a small screw-top glass vial, the yellowish liquid inside catching the light. “Here it is. I carry this in case of a hair emergency. It’s argan oil mixed with lavender and lemon essential oils, and a few other this-and-that ingredients. It’s my secret recipe for frizz-free living.”
“You?” Lily exclaims. “Your hair is perfect.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Coco says proudly. She admires her reflection in the mirror, flicks her red hair over her shoulder, accompanied by a satisfied smile. “Take it. It’s yours.”
“To keep?” Lily’s eyes widen in astonishment, her voice filled with disbelief.
“Of course,” Coco assures her.
Talking about hair care with the girl who almost scalped me on the plane is my cue to leave. The irony is too much for me.
“Well… it was nice talking to you, ladies. I’m going back to my room for the night,” I politely inform them. “Enjoy what’s left of your vacations.”
“I wish I could head back to my room. Gabriel is dragging me to the nightly show,” Coco complains with a roll of her eyes. “Let’s see if the old man can stay up past ten o’clock. Ta-ta, ladies.” She gives us a double finger wiggle wave and exits the bathroom, leaving the lingering scent of her perfume in her wake.
Lily turns her attention to me. “Is Daniel going to the show?”
“I have no idea. And I don’t care. For all I know, he’s long gone, buying drinks for some random hookup who has no clue how annoying he is,” I reply dismissively.
“I’m going. There’s a Michael Jackson impersonator tonight. I’d love some company. Would you like to join me?” Lily asks, her voice hopeful.
“Thanks, but I’m beat. Too much sun today.” I lift the hem of my dress to reveal my sunburn.
“Ouch. Does it hurt?” Lily asks.
“It looks worse than it feels,” I assure her. “Apparently, the phantom towel fairy saved the day.”
“Looks like he caught it in a nick of time.”
“I guess.” I shrug. “Well, have fun tonight… and enjoy the rest of your stay.”
“Thanks. Maybe I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah. Maybe,” I answer, knowing I’m probably going to duck every time I see her.
Nothing against Lily, but I’m not interested in meeting or being with people. My focus is on piecing me back together. This stay is solely about proving to myself that I can fix what was broken back home.
We exit the bathroom together. Lily spots Tattoo Guy waiting in the hallway and blushes. They exchange a few words. She bites down on her bottom lip, nods, then walks away with him. With a quick glance back at me, she grins like she hit the million-dollar jackpot, then discreetly points towards a wall with her chin.
I follow the direction of her chin and immediately feel a rush of excitement. Daniel is leaning against the wall, his hands in his pockets, an arresting good look that should be illegal. He’s irresistible under the soft outdoor lighting. I take in the sight of him in those perfectly fitted linen pants and untucked blue shirt. My stomach flips and my breath catches in my throat.
It’s probably acid reflux.
I ate a ton of carbs tonight.
He takes his hands out of his pockets, pushes himself off the wall, and walks towards me. Butterflies flutter in my stomach and a warm flush sneaks across my face as he approaches.
“Are you going to the show?” he asks.
“Not tonight.” I play it cool, pretending that I don’t notice the electricity crackling between us.
“Would you like some company walking back to our building?”
“I’m perfectly capable of getting there myself,” I say, not wanting to give the wrong impression. The last thing I need is for this guy to think I have the slightest hint of interest in him. My lonely libido may think differently, but thankfully, my heart and brain are smarter than to get involved in a one-night stand.
“I’m sure you can, but we’re heading in the same direction.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m sure you’ll find suitable company at the show.”
The company of a brainless girl who will gush and giggle at your “Can I buy you a drink?” (even though they’re free) line.
“Are you always this difficult?” he asks.
“I’m not difficult.”
“Stubborn?”
“I’m not stubborn either.”
“Yeah, you are.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I know a little.”
“Then you should know that I don’t like you,” I say, placing my hands on my hips.
“I find that hard to believe. I’m very likable.”
“And you’re full of yourself.”
He chuckles. “Maybe.”
“Oh, definitely.” I dismissively wave him off. “Now, go. Let me enjoy my vacation in peace.”
He holds up his hands in surrender. “Suit yourself. Have a nice walk back.”
“I will.” I turn on my heel and do an about-face, and continue my solitary journey down the walkway.
Alone.
The gentle melody of soothing music floats through the air, coming from hidden speakers, providing a comforting backdrop to my thoughts. A sense of accomplishment washes over me. I’m so damn proud of myself for confronting my fears head-on.
I can go out on my own and nothing terrible will happen. No one is staring at me, the jilted bride. There are no sad eyes directed at me. No one knows my story, and they probably wouldn’t care, anyway. Even though my previous coupledom has been uncoupled, I’m still me. It didn’t define me. Tess and Matt are simply that.
Tess.
And Matt.
The asshole. The cheating, lowlife, garbage human.
I hate that son of a bitch. He ruined everything.
Everything.
Us.
Me.
I hope he’s condemned to a life of permanent micro shrinkage.
Yeah, I’m still holding onto a lot of anger.
I’m working on that.
“It’s a nice night,” a voice calls out, causing me to jump and my heart to skip a beat.
“What the hell?” Startled, I quickly glance over my shoulder, my heart pounding in my throat.
Daniel is a few steps behind me and gives me a quick salute.
“You scared the shit out of me,” I blurt out, my voice filled with a mix of surprise and annoyance.
“My bad.”
Don’t even get me started on ‘my bad.’
“Are you following me?” I ask.
“No.”
“Yes, you are. You’re literally five feet behind me. I told you I’m not interested in walking with you.”
“I’m not walking with you,” his tone is cool and matter-of-fact. “We’re walking in the same direction.”
“Because you’re following me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” he says. “We’re staying in the same building. There’s only one way there.”
I mean, yeah. That’s true.
“Well… stay in your lane.”
“If you brought one of your infamous invisible crank-up dividing walls, I hope it’s on wheels so you can drag it along with you, because I’m not stopping.” His sarcastic tone grates on my last nerve.
Frustrated, I spin on my heel, my anger boiling over, raise my right hand, and give him the finger.
“I was right,” he calls out, his voice trailing behind me.
I stop again, my hand finding its place on my hip. I pivot to face him, my eyes narrowing. “Right about what?”
“You’re angry and aggressive.”
“Your opinion of me is none of my business,” I say indignantly.
“Tess, you’re nuts.” He smirks with a trace of amusement on his face.
“I’m nuts? Have you met yourself? Squirrels collect people like you in the winter.”
He laughs, shaking his head in amusement, as I turn around again, my pace quickening, determined to leave him behind.
“For a cranky person, you were a pretty good sport about getting rained on by shrimp,” he calls out.
“I only allowed it to drain your wallet in tips,” I shout back, never turning around.
He laughs again. “I’m sure the chef appreciated your sacrifice.”
“I do what I can for the working man… and woman.”
“Such a giver.”
“That’s me,” I tell him. “Unless I don’t like you.”
“Wait… Are you saying now you like me?”
“Absolutely not. I’m saying I like Miguel. He was fun.”
“I’m fun.”
“Oh, you’re a lot of things.”
“Care to elaborate?” he asks.
“Sure. You’re a lounge chair stealer.”
“I can’t steal what isn’t owned.”
“You’re an air polluter.”
“I can’t smoke in my room. Where do you suggest I smoke my cigars?”
“How about you don’t smoke them at all?”
“I have so few vices.”
“Find a better one.”
“Anything else?” he asks, amused.
“You make fun of my reading material.”
“Again. I’m good with all genres. I’m pro-reading.”
“You’re kinda a jerk.”
“Only kinda?”
“Yes.” I give a quick nod, still facing forward.
“Well, I don’t believe in half-assing anything. I’ll work on that. Give you one-hundred percent.”
“Please don’t.”
“Just for you, neighbor,” he jokes.
“You talk too much.”
“I’m friendly.”
“I’m not your friend,” I say bluntly.
“No,” he answers quietly. “You’re not.”
Regret shoots straight through me. That was a shitty thing to say. Even if it’s true.
“Hey, Daniel, I didn’t mean…” I try to say, but he interrupts me.
“It’s okay, Tess.”
Except for the soft music playing from the faux boulders, the only sound that breaks our uncomfortable silence is the occasional footsteps of a few hotel guests crossing our path. The absence of conversation, while something I asked for, doesn’t sit right with me. I know I should apologize for coming off like a bitch, but my barrier is still high, made of invisible bricks, and apparently on wheels. No one gets in.
We continue to stroll in silence. My guilty conscience grows guiltier with each step just as pandemonium ensues.
“Oh my God. Oh my God.” I flail my hands frantically near my face, fending off an unidentified flying object hurtling in front of me at warp speed. Panicked, I turn and collide straight into Daniel’s chest.
I instinctively nestle myself closer to him, seeking the comfort of his strong, muscular arms.
“I got you. You’re okay,” he reassures me.
“What was that?” I ask, directing my gaze upward towards him.
“Bats.”
“Seriously?”
It’s been ages since I’ve been in a man’s arms and it’s… nice. I inhale a whiff of his aftershave, triggering a conflicting wave of desire and alarm.
No, no, no, no, no.
I’ve already had this talk with myself.
And Houston.
We both know it’s a problem.
His gaze shifts downward, his eyes fixating on my lips, and a warmth radiates within me, stirring conflicting emotions that are hard to ignore.
“Sorry,” I stammer. “I didn’t mean to… umm, attack you.” I step back, leaving the safety of his embrace as my heart rate gradually slows down.
“No need to apologize. And don’t worry about the bats. They won’t bother you… unless they’re thirsty for blood,” he says cryptically.
“That’s not funny,” I scold. “They won’t come back, will they?”
“They have as much interest in you as you have in them.”
“So, zero?”
“Zero,” he assures me. “But they’re keeping the mosquito population down. So, it’s good they’re here.”
As I scan the dark wooded area, my eyes widen at the rustling sounds. Each subsequent noise now freaks me the fuck out. Tension builds in every cell of my body. The thought of making it back to my room without crapping my pants in fear becomes increasingly daunting.
“What was that?” I ask in dread.
“Could be anything,” he says bluntly. “Birds, bats, coatis, iguanas.”
“Coatis?”
“They’re like Mexican raccoons. Furry and adorable. But whatever you do… never feed them.”
“Why?”
“Have you ever seen Gremlins?” he asks. “They’re cute until they’re not.”
I roll my eyes and give him a light smack on his chest. “Shut up, liar.”
He laughs. “Okay, they won’t gremlin out on you, but they will swarm you for food. They love human food and don’t respect your personal space to get to it. Come to think of it, neither do the iguanas. That invisible wall you drag along won’t stop them.” He tilts his head left and right. “Then again, maybe it was snakes you heard.”
“Please.” I hold up a hand. “Don’t say anymore.” I untangle myself from his arms. “Thanks for umm… letting me… umm…”
“You’re welcome.”
We take a few more steps and pause in front of our building.
“Well. Here we are… home sweet home,” he says.
I head toward the entrance when I notice Daniel lagging behind.
“Aren’t you going back to your room?” I ask.
“Nah. I think I’m going to take an extended stroll,” he answers casually.
“Oh.” A twinge of disappointment stabs my insides. “Okay. Thanks for saving me.”
“Anytime. Goodnight, Tess.”
“Goodnight.” I step through the entrance to our building, stealing a quick glance behind me and watch Daniel walk away.