My head felt like there were thousands of elephants stomping inside it and my mouth was drier than the Sahara Desert.
I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this terrible.
For a second I questioned why but then flashbacks of last night popped into my head.
Almost kissing Gabriel on the boat.
Juliette telling me to have a great time with my sexy Frenchman.
Ordering wine.
Drinking way too many rum and Cokes at the bar.
Looking at photos with Gabriel.
Calling him hot.Cringe.
Squeezing his bicep.Double cringe.
Then him taking me to my room…
Shit.
I couldn’t remember whether he put me to bed or if I did it myself.
We didn’t do anything, did we?
I quickly lifted up the blanket to check I wasn’t naked.
Thankfully, I was still wearing the outfit I had on yesterday.
That was something at least. God knows what else I’d said or done though. Maybe it was a good thing that I didn’t remember the full extent of how badly I’d embarrassed myself. Especially seeing as I still had to face him at this morning’s briefing.
Fuck. I was probably late for that. I really should get up and go there right now, but I wasn’t even sure if I’d be able to make it to my bedroom door, never mind up to the rooftop.
Just as I was about to check what time it was, bile rose in my throat. I jumped off the bed, raced to the bathroom and managed to get my head over the toilet bowl just before I threw up.
Ugh.
After washing my mouth out, I dragged myself back to bed. The room was spinning, the earthquake in my head hadn’t subsided and my stomach was still churning. I needed something to settle it. I attempted to reach for the phone, but felt too weak.
‘Laila?’ a voice called out from the door before knocking. ‘It’s Sammie. Are you okay?’
‘No,’ I attempted to call out. ‘I need… help me.’
‘We’re coming in!’ Sammie said. Seconds later I heard the door open and saw her rush towards the bed. ‘Oh, God, what’s up?’
‘I think I overdid it last night. And now I feel sick,’ I groaned.
‘Sorry, honey. We’ve all been there. I’m glad Gabriel asked me to check on you. He was worried when…’ Sammie’s phone started ringing. ‘Shit. Sorry, I have to take this. Hello? Yeah, I know. I just had to… okay. I’m coming now. Laila, I’m so sorry, but I have to go. Gabriel’s at the door. He wants to make sure you’re okay. Can I let him in?’
Ordinarily I would sayno way, José. I wouldn’t want Gabriel oranyoneto see me like this, but I was desperate. And considering how much I’d embarrassed myself last night, he’d already seen me at my worst.
‘Okay. Thanks for checking on me.’
‘No worries. I wish I could stick around. Gabriel,’ Sammie called out. ‘Please take care of her.’
‘I will.’ I heard his deep voice echo around the room before he stepped inside and Sammie left, closing the door behind her. ‘How are you feeling?’ Gabriel said as he stood at the foot of the bed. ‘Can I get you something? Perhaps some water?’
