I can’t help but roll my eyes at my friend’s antics.
“Tonight would be dumb anyways. You don’t arrive in aforeign country alone in the middle of the night. You should know this with all the true crime you’ve watched.”
“Oooo, good point. That’s not smart. What about tomorrow morning?”
“Give me some time today to think about it and I’ll let you know tonight, okay?”
“Fineeee,” Taylor draws out the sound, which is both annoying and makes me laugh. I miss her.
“You would be more persuasive if you came with me.”
“HA! Good try. You’re not my only client who has this issue. I have to do damage control here. Plus, if I come, there will be no self-reflection, which is what you really need more than this vacation.”
“You could help me with my self-reflection.”
“You and I both know nothing productive would come from this trip if we went together. I’m sending you the link to the resort. Just in case that helps change your mind.”
“What’s it called?”
“The Mayan Escape. It’s on one of the barrier islands, or Cayes, south of Belize City overlooking the Barrier Reef.”
Opening it, I’m struck by the massive expanse of crystal blue water. The white sandy beaches. “Wow, this is breathtaking.”
“Should I book?” she asks excitedly like she’s already won.
“I haven’t decided yet, Tay. Give me a minute. You threw a wrench in my face before I could even finish my coffee.”
“Sorry, sometimes I forget I’m three hours ahead.”
As if she just remembered what time it was, Taylor rushes out, “Oh shit, gotta run, babe. Let me know what you decide and I’ll handle everything!”
“You don’t hav?—”
“If I don’t, you won't go. So yes, I do and I will!”
“Sometimes, I wish you didn’t know me quite as well as you think you do.”
Cackling, Taylor responds, “No, you don’t. You know youlove me. Seriously, I’ll give you a few hours but I need to know before tonight if you’re going or not.”
“Fine, I will think about it.”
“That’s all I ask. Love you Ween!” I hate that stupid nickname. My middle name is Gwen and when I was younger, someone called me Weeny. It stuck for some reason. Once Taylor found out, she latched on. She only uses it now to annoy me.
“Hate you, Tay,” I say, ending the call.
Well, shit. What am I going to do now?
Several hours later and I’m bored out of my mind. This condo has never felt like home. Maybe it would if I actually decorated the space with things that felt more like me, but a highly recommended interior designer decorated the space before I moved in. If I wasn’t always working and home for longer than a few weeks at a time, it would bother me more that my house feels more like a museum than a cozy place to relax. The clean lines, white walls, and gallery art don’t bring comfort but instead, reflect the perfect façade I have maintained for years. It’s sterile and is putting me even more on edge.
My phone pings from the table beside me. I know it’s Tay before I even pick it up. She gave me longer than I anticipated before she started hounding me.
TAYLOR
Well?
IVORY
I don’t know, Tay.
