Play Along

Far, far away from my father, where he will never find me again.

I climb out of the bath and put on my robe and wrap a towel around my head. I pick up the room service menu and scroll through. I glance outside as the sun is beginning to set. I really should go out tonight to celebrate my new life, but I honestly can’t be bothered. I will stay in and then tomorrow make the effort spend the day sightseeing.

Knock, knock, knock.

Shit, who’s that?

My heart rate picks up and I sneak over and peer through the peephole.

It’s Stace. What?

I open the door in a rush.

“Hello.” He smiles nervously.

I frown at his demeanour.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking.” He seems so nervous that it brings a broad smile to my face. “I saw you downstairs having dinner with your parents.”

My heart freefalls from my chest.

He remembered.

“I spoke to your father.”

I smile.

“The doctor.”

I put my hand over my mouth in shock. He remembered everything.

“It took a lot of convincing, but he said you could go on a date with me tonight.”

I stare at him through blurry eyes.

He swallows nervously.

“What’s your name?” I whisper.

“Stace.” He smiles softly. “What’s your name?” he asks.

“Roshina.”

A frown crosses his face at my real name.

“What do you do, Stace?” I ask.

“I’m a Marine.”

A broad smile crosses my face.

“What do you do?” he asks.

“I’m an intensive care nurse.”

He holds his hand out and we shake hands as the electricity jolts through me from his touch.

“Can I pick you up at seven?” he asks hopefully.