Chapter 13
SAMMIE
It’d been ten minutes since Romeo had left. Although I didn’t know Edward well, I still hated the idea of him being laid up in bed, feeling like crap. I wished I could do something to help. I pulled out my phone and messaged Stella.
Me
Edward’s got a stomach bug so he’s not coming on the trip.
He’s told me to go anyway, but I feel crap for leaving him on his own.
Luckily, Stella came online straightaway.
Stella
Oh no! Poor thing.
There’s probably not much you can do if he’s got a stomach bug. The hotel staff will get him whatever he needs so he’s right. Go and have fun by yourself.
When I read Stella’s words, the reality suddenly hit me.
I’d been so focused on worrying about Edward that I’d completely forgotten to think about what him not coming meant for me .
I was about to go on a romantic couples excursion: alone .
Shit.
Everyone was here to bond with their match, so I couldn’t exactly start hanging out with them. Three’s a crowd and all that.
Me
Not sure how much fun I’ll be able to have on my own…
Stella
You’ll be fine!
Me
We’ll see… Meant to ask earlier, how many photos did you get to choose from every day for your memory book?
Stella
Usually six or seven. Sometimes more. Depended on how many we took and what activity we did that day.
Me
I only got two.
Stella
That’s not a lot to choose from! Ask your Love Alchemist guy for more.
‘Samantha,’ a deep Italian voice called out.
My head snapped up and I saw Romeo on the coach steps.
‘How’s Edward?’ I asked.
‘Could I speak with you a moment?’
Me
Stell, I’ve gotta go. Will message later.
I jumped out of my seat then followed Romeo outside.
‘What’s up? Is Edward okay?’ I said, concern dripping from my voice. Romeo’s stone-faced expression and the fact that he’d called me off the coach worried me.
‘I have just seen Edward. He has a bad headache, so he cannot make it today.’
‘Headache?’ I frowned. ‘He said he had a stomach bug.’
Romeo’s eyes widened for a second.
‘Perhaps… he must have both… Hopefully he will feel better soon. In the meantime, you are of course still encouraged to attend today’s trip.’
‘Yeah…’ My voice trailed off. ‘About that. I don’t want to start third-wheeling, so I’m just gonna stay here.’
‘That would not be fair,’ he protested. Considering I probably wasn’t Romeo’s favourite guest, I would’ve thought he’d be relieved.
‘There is no reason for you to miss it because your match is… unable to come. If you are worried about being alone, I suppose I can…’ He paused. ‘I will stay with you.’
I could tell from the pained expression written all over his face that he’d rather have a root canal without anaesthetic than spend time babysitting me.
‘Thanks, but I’m no one’s charity case, so it’s fine. I’ll stay here.’
‘No,’ he growled. ‘You want to come on the trip. My job is to make sure every guest is looked after and that includes you.’
‘Hmmm.’ I narrowed my eyes and studied him. ‘Ah, I get it. If I don’t come, you’ll get in trouble with your boss.’ That and because he wanted me to give him and the hotel a glowing review. ‘So, I’m basically doing you a favour, right?’
‘Absolutely.’ He flashed a small smile.
‘Personally, I’d rather eat my toenails than walk around with you, but I’ve heard a rumour about where we’re going and it sounds cute. Plus, if I get you in trouble with your boss, that’d be bad karma, which I definitely don’t need.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Because you’re basically begging me, I’ll go,’ I said, resisting the urge to laugh.
Despite my first impression of him, we’d had a few funny interactions since yesterday, so I reckoned he could take a bit of banter.
‘ Grazie , Samantha.’ He put his hands together like he was praying.
‘I am so grateful that you are such a selfless angel that you would suffer through visiting one of the most beautiful places in Italy, just for me.’ He smirked.
‘Now, if you do not have any other charitable acts to perform, please could you get back on the coach, so we can leave? We are already running late.’
‘Yes, sir!’ I did a mock salute and he rolled his eyes. I wished I could say he had evil peepers, but of course they were pretty, just like the rest of him.
Ugh.
I wasn’t supposed to notice that he was hot. But yet I had…
My mind should be filled with thoughts of Edward. Especially given how ill he was.
As I returned to my seat, I questioned my decision. If I couldn’t talk to Romeo for a few minutes without thinking about how fit he was, how the hell could I cope with talking to him on a romantic excursion for hours ?
Fuck.