“Well, you did mention that you didn’t know what you were waiting for,” I remind him.
“I know, I know. But I got a little defensive about being ambushed like that. I thought we were having a romantic night in the hot tub and that sexy things were going to happen.”
“Please tell me you did not have sex in the hot tub,” I say firmly. “Because you were out there for a really long time.”
He grins and I’m about to lay into him about being selfish, but it turns out I don’t have to.
“Nah, we didn’t. We went up to our room and did it and then came back outside.” He shrugs. “It seemed like a waste to have the whole outside to ourselves and not use it more.”
“Man, I missed all of that,” Zayne comments. “Vanessa and I were oblivious to all of this.”
“So? Did you set a date?” I ask.
“We narrowed it down to three and Loren’s supposed to talk to her parents today. I’ll find out tonight when we go to dinner. That is, if we’re allowed to go to dinner with the girls. For all we know, we’re all going to be banished for a few days.”
I want to be mad about the possibility because I don’t want to miss out on so much time with Olivia, but…Roxie’s a friend and she was a friend first, so we all need to do what’s best for her.
“I’m sure it’s going to be fine,” I say just as our food comes out.
“I hope you’re right,” Zayne says. “I seriously hope you’re right.”
So do I.
11
OLIVIA
“You guys, you don’t need to be walking on eggshells around me. I’m fine. Last night was just…it was a onetime thing, I swear.”
Roxie’s been feeling guilty all day, but we’re not caving.
To be honest, this is the vacation I had been looking for—just the four of us—and it’s been incredibly relaxing.
On the other hand, I’ve been thinking about Sebastian ever since he left this morning.
And I’ve been feeling guilty about that.
“Rox, you had every right to be upset last night,” Vanessa tells her.
We’re all sitting by the pool, and it’s another beautiful, sunny day out. Some would say it was the perfect summer day, and they’d be right. Adele’s “Rolling in Deep” is currently playing in the background. We’ve got an incredible nostalgic playlist going. Plus…good friends, snacks, sunshine…what more could we need?
“You’re all allowed to be happy,” Roxie says, interrupting my thoughts. “The whole you and Zayne thing was a surprise, but we all hang out together all the time, so it didn’t seem like a big deal. And Mike and Loren have been together forever. That’s not new information. I love you guys, and I’m happy for you. Just…every once in a while, I’m sad for me. It has nothing to do with you.”
“Okay, but…you were also upset about Liv and Ash,” Loren reminds her, and I want to reach over and smack her. Why? Why did she feel the need to bring that part up?
“I was, but I also know that sleeping in a room with three dogs isn’t for everyone, and I feel really guilty that I essentially forced Oliva out of the room. I mean…we were all so excited for her to be here and I was really looking forward to rooming with her, but we totally ambushed her with the guys. And the room with me and the dogs. I think we can all agree that this isn’t exactly going the way we hoped it would.”
I want to outwardly agree, but now isn’t my moment. This is about Roxie.
“I guess it’s not,” Vanessa reluctantly agrees. “It seemed like a good idea. I know Zayne and I were really looking forward to it.”
“So were me and Mike,” Loren adds.
I feel the weight of all their stares, and I guess I’m going to have to speak.
“You all know my feelings. I was looking forward to this being just the four of us. It’s nothing against the guys; I just selfishly wanted it to be like old times and have it just be a girls’ trip.”
“I have a confession to make,” Roxie immediately says. When we’re all looking at her, she sighs dramatically. “I never wanted the guys to come. Like…ever. But I thought if they did, it would mean that Olivia and I would hang out. I figured I’d have at least one person there for me all the time. Ash was a last-minute addition, and I didn’t expect him to really change the dynamic at all. Then Liv mentioned meeting him on the plane ride here and…”
