Chapter 12
ROMEO
As I stormed towards Edward’s room, anger bubbled in my chest.
Call me cynical, but something told me that Edward was not sick. Or if he was, it was because he had drunk too much last night.
When he arrived at the restaurant for dinner, I had asked if he was going to call Samantha to invite her to join him, but he said he preferred to eat alone.
It took all of my strength to stay calm. Why had he signed up to come to the hotel if he was not even going to make an effort with his match?
That was why I asked him what he thought of Samantha – just as I had done with Samantha earlier that morning. But when he replied, I wished that I had not.
‘Nice enough girl,’ he’d said. ‘I’d asked for someone who lived in London, was in their early thirties, who was pretty and wanted to settle down and yeah, she fits that criteria.
She’s not as pretty as my ex, especially with her silly pink hair.
But I also asked for someone who liked to keep fit and Samantha doesn’t. ’
‘But Samantha enjoys swimming, no?’ I added, annoyance rippling under my skin. I remembered that was listed as her favourite hobby on the profile the hotel provided.
‘She says she does, but look at her. I thought she would’ve at least made an effort to lose some weight before coming here.’
That was the point that I wanted to knock Edward out. I was disgusted by what he had said. Then I reminded myself that I was on thin ice with the management. I told myself repeatedly that it would be best to keep my mouth shut, but I could not.
‘Many men would appreciate a curvaceous woman.’ Although I had no romantic interest in Samantha, it did not mean I could not see that she had a beautiful body.
‘Don’t get me wrong, mate,’ he’d said. ‘I appreciate curves, but in the right places, y’know what I’m saying?
’ Edward had laughed. I did not. ‘I’m a sucker for a great pair of knockers.
My ex had huge tits and I fucking loved them.
She set the standard. I came here looking for someone at least as good as her, if not better.
The women in all the articles and ads I saw for this hotel were super hot. ’
Of course he was entitled to his opinion, but he was wrong. But if I told him that I thought he was an ignorant sexist pig who did not deserve to be at this hotel or for any woman, including Samantha, to even spit on him, I would lose my job.
‘Love is about more than just physical appearance,’ I had said diplomatically, thinking I deserved an award for my restraint. ‘It is still very early. Tomorrow we have a great excursion where you will be able to connect on a deeper level.’
Even saying those words had made me feel sick. Although Samantha appeared to be a strong and confident woman, I felt like I was leading her straight to heartbreak.
‘Yeah, I dunno, mate. I’ve…’ At that point, his phone had rung. ‘Oooh, hello! Speak of the devil.’ He’d grinned, glancing at his phone.
‘Is it Samantha?’
‘No, mate.’ He’d jumped up from the table. ‘It’s my ex.’
That was when Edward had left the restaurant and I had messaged Victoria.
I had already expressed my concerns to her about the photos, but now I was even more concerned about his behaviour.
Victoria repeated that it was still very early in the process and suggested we met to discuss it this morning, but earlier she had messaged to say she would not be at work until lunchtime.
She told me to monitor how Edward interacted with Samantha during today’s trip, promised we would meet once I returned then could decide what action to take.
When Edward did not come for breakfast, I feared the worst. That was why I insisted that I go to his room. The last thing I wanted was for Samantha to realise he was not sick, but just did not appreciate her.
I knocked on his door. There was no reply, so I knocked again.
‘Edward, this is Romeo. I have come to see if everything is okay.’
After hearing footsteps, the door finally opened.
‘All right, mate,’ he said. Edward did not look ill. Perhaps tired or hungover, but not too unwell to come on the trip.
‘I am here to see if you will be joining us on the excursion today.’ I looked past him and spotted an empty bottle of what looked like brandy.
‘Nah.’
‘Samantha is looking forward to going,’ I said. Edward shrugged and I clenched my fist behind my back.
‘I’ve got other stuff to deal with and my head’s pounding.’
‘I am sorry to hear that,’ I said as politely as I could. Drinking a whole bottle of alcohol the night before an excursion was selfish. He must have known that Samantha would be upset.
Most likely he just did not care.
‘Is there anything I can get for you to make you feel better?’
‘Nah, room service is bringing paracetamol. Anyway, I’ve got shit to sort out, so if you don’t mind…’
As Edward closed the door in my face, I clenched my fist.
Stronzo .
The guy was an arsehole.
Now I had to tell Samantha that Edward really was not coming on the trip and that she’d have to go on a romantic excursion alone.
Merda.