Page 63 of The Plus One Pact

She takes a long sip. "So, you flirted, propped up by your father's good looks. And obviously Ivy is a striking woman with a lovely figure."

My blush deepens. I guess flattery runs in the family.

"Romeo's type too," Amara says. "Tall. And unconventional."

Romeo raises a brow. "What in the world does that mean?"

"You like girls with unusual jobs. Like that Russian girl. What did she do… work for a sex toy company or something?" she asks.

"Sasha?" he asks. "We're just friends."

She waves her hand of course not. "She's pretty. And smart too. But he was foolish. Didn't want to settle down."

He shakes his head can you believe this?

"Marriage can be hard. You know that, Ivy. You know how painful it is to divorce, even when it is time. But when you find someone that fits…" She looks to the wall, were a painting of her and her husband is hanging. He really does look like Romeo. A little taller, a little darker, a little more serious.

"No one thought we made sense as a couple, but we knew it was love. And that's what mattered. That we both wanted to be in love. To stay dedicated to each other. If you marry a good man, and you both stay dedicated to making it work, you will have a happy marriage." She finishes her drink and stands. "Now, Romeo, grab your bags and let me show Ivy to her room. I'm sorry. Part of the pre-wedding festivities. Daniel can't see the bride right before the wedding, so that means separate rooms for everyone."

Surprise spreads over Romeo's face. This is news to him. "I have to suffer because Daniel suffers?"

She says something to him in Italian.

He replies in kind.

I don't catch much of it. Finally, she waves her hand. "If things go well tomorrow, I'll talk to him. Okay, Romeo?"

Romeo nods, okay.

Upset because his brother is dictating our sleeping arrangements?

Or because he really wants to be in that room with me?

After all, if we don't have all night to learn, he can't really pay me back for my share of the, uh, experience.

But it might be fun, sneaking to his room, trying to stay quiet. It might explain why we're acting secretive too.

All in all, it's a good thing for us.

I think.

Probably.

I take my last sip. Amara motions for me to leave my drink on the table, then says, "follow me, Ivy."

She takes me back through the living room, up the angular stairs, past the overlook, all the way to a room at the end of the hall.

"I reserved the best space for you," she says as she opens the door. "It's not the biggest, but it has a view of the ocean."

She's right. The view is beautiful. The dark sky bleeds into the deep blue ocean. From here, on the hill, the city of Laguna Beach looks quiet. The rows of houses are peaceful. Serene.

I suppose they are in the day, too. This is a calm place. In a certain sort of way.

"I am looking forward to getting to know you," she says. "To see if you're a good fit for my son."

"Of course."

"I have to admit, your divorce… it gives me pause." She holds her hand over her heart. "Can you tell me what happened?"