‘I was wondering if you wanted to get a chai or maybe some food?’ Jacob continued, his timid tone eliciting a strong feeling of guilt. Olivia knew she was acting unfairly, but what did he expect? A celebration after ghosting her for weeks? Not likely.
‘I’m actually going for breakfast with Cece.’
‘Oh God,’ Cece cried, slapping her hand to her forehead melodramatically. ‘I totally forgot to tell you. I can’t get food today; I have a clash.’
‘What?’ Olivia snapped.
‘Yeah, I’ve got a new client … a private client.’
‘Really? Who?’
‘It’s a friend … you wouldn’t know them.’
The lie was so blatant that it was almost painful to listen to, and whilst Olivia knew Cece had the best intentions for her, the betrayal still hurt. What the hell was she supposed to do now?
‘So, it looks like you’re free, then?’ Jacob piped up, forcing Olivia to turn at last and face him fully. The sight of him was even better than she’d imagined.
‘Yes.’ She stiffened. ‘It looks like I am.’
‘Awesome! You lead the way; I don’t know anywhere around here.’
‘Fine.’ She shot Cece a final look of disappointment, which was returned with an infuriatingly exaggerated smile and a wink, before making her way out of the studio.
Was this real? Was this truly happening? The thoughts pounded her brain with every step she took. How could he be so casual? Appear out of thin air with no warning, no heads-up, nothing, and pretend this wasn’t a big deal?
The moment they stepped outside, she found she couldn’t hold back.
‘Jacob.’
‘Yes, Olivia?’
‘Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? You’ve been off with me for weeks and then you just decide to show up?’
He opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it again. Butterflies stirred in her stomach.
Say it.
Say you came for me.
He reached into his pockets and pulled out the two wooden dice.
‘I’m here because of these.’ He shook them at her. ‘You know that.’
‘Right.’ Olivia felt the butterflies die instantly. ‘Of course.’
‘But’ – he took a step closer – ‘I didn’t tell you because I wanted to surprise you! I thought it might be a nice leaving present for your final days.’
Some of the butterflies sprang alive from the ashes, but Olivia still felt confused. Something felt off about the whole situation, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why.
‘How did you know where I was?’
‘You told me you were doing yoga on Agonda Beach every morning; it wasn’t hard to track you down.’
‘I see.’ So he had read her emails: he just didn’t think it necessary to respond.
‘I knew if I was coming to Goa, I had to make sure to do it in style. And hopefully …’ He shuffled a little self-consciously, the slightest tinge of pink colouring his cheeks. ‘Hopefully it was a good surprise?’
It wasn’t often that Jacob appeared so unsure of himself, and the sight made Olivia’s steely resolve soften a touch.
