The trek down to the beach is filled with small talk, mostly between the two men. I stroll along behind them, replaying my ridiculous behavior earlier. If Harrison doesn’t suspect something, I’d be shocked. But what’s to suspect? Nothing happened. Although with the way I’m acting, he very well might think something did.
When we reach the dock, Harrison helps me aboard the Rogue Fun, and I secretly wish it were Theo. As soon as we’re off, Harrison points to a cooler on the floor. “I brought breakfast for you, in case you’re starving.”
I flip the lid and take out two plastic containers of yogurt with berries and granola. “Brilliant, thank you.” I hand one to Theo and keep one for myself. I dig around and find two spoons. Holding one out to him, I ask, “How’d you sleep?”
“Very well, thanks.” He takes the spoon without touching his fingertips to mine.
Damn. He slept really well and no gentle finger brushing? That seals it. He doesn’t like me. Even though I am going to make him a better man. “I was worried you might not have been able to sleep on the couch.”
“It was surprisingly comfortable,” he says, lifting the lid off the yogurt.
“Good.” I give him a smile that quite likely looks like I’m the top sales rep for Amway.Do you use soap?“I’m glad. Sleep is important.”
Narrowing his eyes, Theo says, “Are you all right, Nora? You seem a little keyed up this morning.”
“Fine. Totally fine.” I pronounce each syllable of totally as if it’s its own word. “If I am keyed up, it’s only because I have so many great ideas—all work-related, of course.”
Shut up. Just. Shut. Up.
Harrison glances over his shoulder. “That’s what I like to hear.” Glancing at Theo, he adds, “Nora is a consummate professional. We’re lucky to have her.”
“I believe it,” Theo says vaguely, and the look on his face indicates he could not be less interested.
My stomach suddenly feels like a lead balloon. Whatever I thought we were both feeling last night was clearly a one-way thing.Stupid, Nora. So stupid to let your hopes soar like that. Of course he doesn’t have feelings for you.Turning my attention to the yogurt, I dip my spoon in and take tiny bites, careful not to look up again for a long time.
Harrison strikes up a conversation with Theo about football, which continues for the rest of the ride. I do my best not to look upset, bored, or as though I’m feeling like the world’s most awkward woman, which I most definitely am.
By the time the resort is in sight, I’ve disabused myself of any notion that Theo Rojas will ever be anything other than a VIP guest at the hotel. He’s going to stay only until the filming is over, then he’ll disappear forever, and I’ll never see him again. Eventually I’ll forget all about him and our night at Eden. It might take a few years to completely wipe him from my mind, but by God, I will do it.
Unless I don’t.
* * *
Text from Hadley:Um, what the hell is going on? You’re stranded overnight with Mr. Rude?
Hadley:Are you back yet? Text me the second you see this. I must know what’s happening.
Me:Just got back, thank God.
Hadley:And…??
Me:And… I’ve never been this confused in my life.
Hadley:Lunch?
Me:I’m going to be run off my feet catching up today.
Hadley:It’s Thursday. I have the evening off. Want to come shopping for baby stuff after work?
Me:I’m in. :)
* * *
Babyland is located in the seaside market district of San Felipe, along the main boardwalk. It’s an enormous store that used to be a boat repair shop, but you’d never know it by looking at it now. It has cream-coloured walls, hardwood floors, and soft lighting. The cribs are at the front of the store, with a beautiful, round one directly in the centre of the display, with a price tag of $3300. Behind it is the bedding, mostly made of bamboo but all organic, then comes chemical-free wooden learning toys and BPA-free soothers and teething rings, and so on.
I find Hadley and Heath in the Bath Time for Baby section, gazing intently at a bathtub for newborns. My initial reaction is to feel a little miffed that Heath is here, since what I really need is some good old-fashioned girl talk. But then I remember Heath is fully capable of girl talk. In fact he’s pretty damn good at it, having been raised by his wild, larger-than-life single mum, Minerva. When Hadley was going through a horrible breakup with he-who-shall-not-be-named, Heath showed up at her place one night and got right in on the man-bashing.
“That looks comfy. Does it come in my size?” I ask them.
