As soon as Leo, Ruby, and myself have checked in, we agree to meet by the pool immediately, rushing up to our rooms to get our swimsuits on. I love my room—there’s something about hotel rooms, they’re so much more exciting than normal bedrooms. Once I’ve managed to get the key card to work and get in there, I throw my bag on the bed and go straight to the window to check out the view. My room overlooks the pool, but I can also see the sea beyond. I take a deep, calming breath.
I have very mixed feelings about this weekend. I’m excited to be in this beautiful place with my best friends, and I can’t wait to see Cali get married.
But Matthew is here.
It will be the first time we’ve seen each other since I kicked him in the balls. When I think about seeing him, I feel sick. I’ve played it out in my head so many times. I’ve imagined what he’ll say, what I’ll say, what I’ll be wearing, how it will go. Ruby has told me that I have to pretend he’s not there, that’s the best way to enjoy myself, and I’m sure she’s right. But how will I be able to do that?
I move away from the window and unzip my bag. Cali informed me that Matthew isn’t flying in until later, so at least I have a day of relaxing without having to worry about him. I grab my towel, slide on my flip-flops, and prop a pair of sunglasses on my head. I won’t think about the M-word.
“We saved you a spot!” Ruby calls out across the pool, as I come through the doors from the lobby and see her and Leo lounging on their towels already.
“This is glorious,” I declare, plonking myself down on the sun lounger next to her and beginning the slog of applying sun cream.
“What do you think?” Ruby asks, gesturing to the wide-brimmed sun hat on her head. “Very Audrey Hepburn, right? I feel like a 1950s Hollywood actress who’s just signed a major studio deal.”
“It’s amazing,” I agree, noticing Leo’s shorts that have turtles all over them. “Like your swimwear, Leo.”
“Turtles are awesome,” Leo comments without opening his eyes.
I finally finish applying my sun cream and then lie back on my towel, enjoying bathing in those warm rays. I close my eyes and exhale, feeling suddenly so relaxed. This is exactly what I needed.
“I’ve booked us a table for lunch, by the way, Freya,” Leo says. “One of the tables outside. Dominic said the food here was really good, and the cocktails too.”
“Perfect, thank you.”
“Is it just me or is everyone who works here an Abercrombie model?” Ruby observes, making me laugh. “I’m being serious.”
Leo clears his throat pointedly. “You know between that and the ‘hello boys’ comment in the WhatsApp group yesterday, I’m beginning to think you may have a wandering eye, Rubes.”
“You have nothing to worry about, babe,” she assures him. “And don’t even pretend that you weren’t drooling all over that hottie at reception earlier.”
“I think you’ll find she was the one flirting with me,” he claims. “It’s my irresistible charm. It reels them all in.”
Ruby snorts. “Yes, she went weak at the knees when you asked her if there was an ironing board in the room. Sexy talk.”
“I can make anything sexy.”
“Go on then.”
“Go on, what?”
“Say ‘ironing board’ in a sexy way,” Ruby challenges.
“All right,” Leo accepts. He pauses and then puts on a strange growl. “Ironing board.”
Ruby and I both burst out laughing.
“That wasn’t sexy!” Ruby declares.
“Freya, what do you think?” he asks.
“I reckon the receptionist was putty in your hands.”
“Speaking of holiday flirtations,” Ruby continues, “how are you feeling about your task this wedding?”
“Not very confident.”
“Securing a good-night kiss.”
