Gwen and Ryker walk hand-in-hand ahead of Ellie, Haley, and I, glowing with their gross newlywed joy. Holland, Mason, and Patrick walk in front of the group, leading the way and laughing about something, probably something stupid.
I don’t even know where we’re going. Holland mentioned something he wanted to see and he’s been using the GPS on his phone to lead the way, but I don’t think he knows where he’s going honestly.
It’s chilly out, the slight breeze making me shiver. I guess I should’ve worn a bigger sweatshirt, but I didn’t want to overheat.
“You know, for someone who supposedly speaks fluent Italian, your directions suck,” I call up to Holland who looks at his phone cluelessly.
“He definitely knows no Italian,” Ellie says, rolling her eyes.
“Clearly,” Haley says.
“It’s called scenic detouring. Sorry if your sense of adventure expired with your last overpriced espresso.”
“It was so worth it, though,” I say, smiling as I remember the taste. God, Italy knows coffee.
“Seriously,
Holly. Are we there yet?” Mason asks in a whiny voice.
“In due time, my friend. In due time.”
He has absolutely no idea where he is.
“Ah, there!” he shouts, pointing at a huge building with magnificent statues and a fountain attached.
“The Trevi Fountain.”
“Finally! I feel like we’ve been walking for days,” Mason says dramatically as he leans over the railing.
“Oh my god, it’s beautiful!” Gwen exclaims, walking up to the water and taking in the beauty of it. Turning back to Ryker, she gives him a huge smile. “Do you have a coin?”
“Why would you waste a perfectly good coin by throwing it into a fountain?” Mason asks.
Haley rolls her eyes, and I stifle a laugh. I mean, he’s got a point.
“Because, when you throw a coin into the fountain, it ensures that you’ll visit Rome again one day,” Gwen explains. “The coins get collected and are donated to charity.”
“That’s dumb. Anyway, when are we eating?” Mason asks, slapping a hand down on Holland’s shoulders. Holland shrugs him off.
“We just had Gelato,” Haley remarks.
“Your point? A man can’t be hungry?”
Ignoring their little bicker session, I walk up to the edge of the fountain and watch as tourists throw coins and take pictures. It’s stunning, and the more I stare at it,the more amazing it gets. The fact that this was fountain was built so long ago astounds me.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Holland asks. I hadn’t even realized he was next to me; I was so distracted by the architecture.
“It is,” I agree without taking my eyes off the fountain.
I can feel his eyes on me as he stares, making my cheeks heat. His arm brushes against my shoulder, and that little amount of contact sends a bolt of electricity through my veins.Stepping away, I watch Ryker take a picture of Gwen in front of the fountain. She’s glowing, and I couldn’t be happier for my friend. She’s living her best life.
“You look perfect. Better than the fountain,” Ryker tells her. Gwen blushes, smiling at her husband.
“There’s no way anything could be more perfect than this,” she replies, placing a chaste kiss on his lips.
“You literally look like a princess, Gwen,” Ellie tells her, beaming at the couple.
“Gag. Can you two go be happy somewhere else? I’m trying to enjoy the sights,” Haley comments, rolling her eyes. We all chuckle at her attitude. She’s worse than me when it comes to relationships and love. I didn’t think it was possible, but apparently it is.
