He shakes his head helplessly. “I assume someone I know saw me on Lauren’s account and wanted to make sure I was aware.”
Lauren does have a lot of followers, but this explanation seems off. If I saw that a friend was potentially being catfished, I’d just tell them. I wouldn’t create a whole false identity to freak them out even further.
Whatever. Maybe it’s a British thing.
My phone chimes with a new text message.
Lauren:I figured out the perfect apology present.
Lauren:You can’t be mad and you can’t say no.
Lauren:You are the proud new owner of a suite at Atlantis for the next two nights
Lauren:Check in at the Cove entrance with conf # 3761240.
Lauren:It’s already paid for and it’s my fault you’re trapped there so don’t argue and just go.
Lauren:Love you.
“Oh my God,” I say out loud.
“What is it?” Felix asks.
I laugh in disbelief. The last thing I want is for Lauren to be spending more money on me. But the gesture is so perfect that I can’t be annoyed at her.
“Hope?” Felix prods.
“Lauren booked me a room at Atlantis.”
“That hotel you were talking about?”
“She knows I used to be obsessed with it.”
A strange look passes over his face—like he’s sad to hear this.
“Well, that’s good, right?” he asks tentatively. “I can keep this room since we’re already checked in, and you can have your own space.”
“Yep,” I say. “I should pack up.”
“Need help?” he asks.
“I have like six things.”
“Right.” He sits down on the bed and turns his attention to his phone.
I move about the room assembling the small pile of possessions I’ve accrued and stuffing them into plastic shopping bags.
I take my time with it.
I feel a little bit anxious.
I did not feel comfortable getting around without internet access yesterday. As satisfying as it was to leave Felix at the restaurant, I spent most of the evening paranoid about getting home.
I like the security blanket of having Felix, or at least his phone, around for emergencies.
And after what he said… maybe I don’t want to end on this note. This tentative blankness.
Maybe I should work out my feelings before I say goodbye to him forever.
