“Welcome to Azure Bay. I’m sure you’re all tired after the long journey.” We look like shit. “So, we will get you settled into the home, and then we’ll leave you alone,” he says, ushering usto a fleet of golf carts. “The easiest way to get around the island is via these.” He points to the carts.
“Last one’s a rotten egg,” I call out as I race the guys to the golf carts. We jump in and zoom off through the estate. It’s probably not the smartest of moves considering the amount of alcohol we have consumed, but I’m not seeing double, so that’s a win. We shoot off along the tracks as we hurl abuse at each other, giggling away as each of us tries to ram the others off the road. We pass through the palm trees lining the walkways, the gorgeous beach is on our left, and as far as the eye can see, there is a white sandy beach and turquoise water—sheer paradise. Up ahead is a gorgeous house made of glass and wood. It’s breathtaking as we hurtle toward it.
“I win,” Axel yells as he pulls up moments before me.
“No fair. It’s my birthday.” I pout.
“Sorry, dude, I didn’t want to be a rotten egg.” Axel grins.
“Lucky you’re pretty.”
Finn and then Oscar turn up, followed by the rest of the crew.
The manager doesn’t look happy with us,oops.“The accommodation is made up of three large buildings, all connected by breezeways. We’re currently standing in the main building. From here, you’ll find your dining and living areas. There’s a bar, games room, library, cellar, movie theater, also a sauna and spa area. The pool you can see here runs all the way around the three buildings. From most bedrooms, you can step out right into the pool. Of course, all views from your rooms look out to the ocean. Our chef and butler will be on standby, and when the rest of your guests arrive, we have a couple of extra staff to help with anything you want.” The manager hands Camryn a folder and says his goodbyes.
“Okay, I have everyone’s keys. Luggage is being taken to your rooms as we speak.” Camryn starts handing out the keys. “I hope you don’t mind, but I put you married couples on one side ofthe house and the single guys on the other.” Good thinking, not that we think the marrieds are boring, but we know they are not going to want to be near us party people. We agree to meet up for dinner later and say our goodbyes before heading to our rooms.
“Camryn, this place is gorgeous. The pictures don’t do it justice,” I say as she walks me to my room.
“Right, it’s so much more perfect than I realized. Hope you’re having fun so far, that plane trip was wild.” She chuckles.
“Great way to kick off my dirty thirties.”
“It’s only going to get better.” She giggles.
One by one, we have lost each of our friends to their rooms. “Of course, because you are the birthday boy, you get the best room on the island,” she says, opening the door, and I gasp. There is nothing but floor-to-ceiling glass for as far as I can see, then azure water that stretches from the room to the sky. “You have your own private pool with a hot tub,” Cam explains. There is a massive deck that hangs out over the white sand with a table, chairs, and sun lounges. Then nestled into the palms is an outdoor bathroom with a tub and shower. Of course, in the middle of the room is a king-size bed, and behind it is the indoor bathroom and walk-in closet.
“This is spectacular.” I stare out at one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.
“I’m glad you like it. I’ve organized for a masseuse to come. I think you might need it after that plane ride. You’ll then have an hour to nap before you need to get ready for dinner.”
“You’ve thought of everything, thank you.” I give her a huge hug of appreciation.
“It’s my job. I want this weekend to be everything you hoped for.” She smiles.
I just had the most relaxing massage, and I think she was able to massage the champagne out of me as I feel brand new. I’m getting ready for dinner when there’s a knock at my door.
“Coming,” I call out. I rush to the door, and my heart stops when I open it and see Chance there. He told me he wasn’t going to come this weekend, but I should have known he would lie to me. Chance has a big bouquet of flowers in his hand.
“Happy Birthday, D,” he says sheepishly.
“Thanks,” I answer, but I don’t make a move to take the flowers. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
“I know, but we have a work thing in New York and the guys insisted I come.”
“And they don’t know about us?” I ask him. He nods slowly. Of course, I was kept secret from his bandmates.
“I promise, D, I don’t want to make this awkward. I wish you the best time, I will stay out of your way as much as I can. I’ll fake food poisoning and stay in my room all weekend.”
I roll my eyes at his dramatics. “Whatever, I’ll be too drunk to care.”
“Derrick, please, I’m sorry.”
“I know you are,” I say, crossing my arms. “Just because I accept it doesn’t erase everything you did to me. You need help, Chance, to figure yourself out.”
“I know,” he says, biting his lip. “When I get back, I’m going to talk to a therapist. I know it won’t make up for how much I hurt you, but I want to be better.”
“You don’t need to be better, you just need to be you, whatever that is.”
