Two Days Later
Easton
The kisses at the clinic had been too much. The way she tasted and felt beneath my hands was overwhelming. I had no doubt that it had more to do with me not being intimate with someone and less to do with the silly idea that fate had put her in front of me. I hated to pull back from her, but after helping her with Casey, I realized that I was going to dive in deep, and in my fear, I pushed back. She'd taken it well.
"Too fucking well," I grumbled as I lay on the large king-sized bed in one of the nicer single rooms. I'd moved around the hotel for the last two days in a fog, praying that I would run into Vivian, and yet not seeing any sign of her.
By Thursday, I was going stir crazy. Stopping by the front desk, I gave the college-aged girl my best smile and tapped the marble-top desk between us.
"Hi there. I have a new friend that's staying with you guys, and I haven't seen her for a few days. Her friend had a pretty nasty run in with a jellyfish a while back and I helped them out. I don't need a room number, but just wanted to make sure they were still here." I slipped my hands in my suit-pants pockets. "Her name is Vivian."
The girl lifted her eyebrow at me as if contemplating just what type of creeper I was.
"Please? I think I'm falling in love with her. Please." I glanced down at my hands and back up. It was a partial lie, but I was comfortable with it.
"Last name?" She turned her attention to her computer screen as I internally sighed.
"Last name...shit. I don't know it." I ran my fingers through my hair. "Can you just search for a Vivian and Casey in your system? They're staying together."
"I guess, but I could get into trouble for this." She glanced back up at me as if expecting me to back off. It wasn't happening.
"I don't need room numbers or last names. I just need to know if they're still here." I brushed my fingers by my lips and prayed the girl would just comply with my request.
"Alright." She typed for a few minutes, her fingers flying across the keys. "I have them here until Saturday morning. Everything seems fine on the reservations. I could call their room and hand you the phone if you like."
"No, it's good. Thank you so much for your help." I tapped the desk top once more and turned, walking toward the bar where I was sure to find Kevin. He'd been scarce lately, which was a little unlike him. I was grateful for the reprieve from him, but having spent two days alone with my bad decisions, I was in search of a conversation with just about anyone.
"Hey, Kev." I took a seat at the bar beside him. "How's the job going?"
"It's good. I've done a few write-ups so far, but I'm really looking forward to the one I get to do tonight." He pulled out a pamphlet and handed it to me. "Black Beach has a new club opening. The food is one of the main things they're touting. I'm going to make sure they’re not involved in false advertising." He gave me a creepy smile and wagged his eyebrows. "Plus, I already told them who I was. They're excited to invite me in and give me anything I want."
"Sounds about right." I glanced down at the pamphlet, thinking back on my conversation with Vivian two days before. "Can I borrow this for a second?"
"You bet. Keep it. I have another one in the room." He reached for my arm as I got up. "You going over there tonight?"
"Yeah, I'm thinking about taking a girl I met. She's been talking about this all week." I folded it up and tucked it in my back pocket.
"She got a friend?" He asked in a hopeful voice.
"Nope." I turned and walked out of the bar as I pulled my phone from my back pocket. I decided that texting Vivian might be a little more prudent in case she'd decided that she didn't want to see me again. Not having texted or called each other over the last two days, I wasn't sure who was at fault for the lack of communication, but something told me that it was most likely me.
I hadn't stopped thinking about her for more than a
few minutes. I couldn't count on two hands the number of times I'd lost my train of thought in the middle of an interview. Too many for my own comfort. The resort was immaculate and would have a great review from me like it always did, but that didn't mean that I didn't need to focus and do my job to the best of my ability.
This damn girl was driving me mad, though.
Me: Hey. Hope you're doing good. Sorry about the last few days. It's been a bit crazy. You still up for the trip to Black's Beach tonight? I'd love to take you and Casey.
It took her more than ten minutes to answer, but finally I got a response as I was headed back upstairs.
Vivian: We're going to catch a cab, but I'm sure we'll see you there. Glad your week has been productive. Case is doing great. Thanks again for your help.
I growled as I moved off the elevator. She was diverting. I could tell. Her feelings were hurt by my actions, and she had every right to be. I needed to know what the hell happened with her and the last guy she was with. Even if we were deemed to be nothing more than friends, I wanted to be a good friend.
Me: I'd really like it if you'd share that cab with me, or let me drive you guys. I won't get in your way if you need a bit of freedom. I'm just a concerned friend. That place is known for getting wild. Please don't deny me the chance to see you home safely from the party.
Vivian: Case said if you're buying the drinks, she's in.