Page 17 of Royal Compromise

She grins. “Great! I appreciate it. Oh, and Cade will be going with you. He knows the area, and I thought it would be helpful.”

The revelation sends a jolt through me, and I glance over at Cade, who wears a similar expression of shock. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I manage to maintain my composure. “Sure, Rose. We can check out the hotel together.”

The weekend approaches swiftly, and Cade and I find ourselves embarking on an unexpected journey to assess the wedding venue. The drive is a mix of awkward silences and stolen glances, the unresolved tension lingering between us like a ghost from the past.

After an interesting car ride which included us making a stop to get some food, we finally reach our destination. As we arrive at the beach hotel, the coastal breeze carries a sense of serenity that contrasts sharply with the turmoil within. The reception area is adorned with elegant decor, and the distant sound of waves provides a soothing backdrop.

As we approach the front desk to check in, Rose’s meticulous planning becomes apparent. The receptionist hands us a keycard, and I glance at it, noting the room number. My eyes widen as I realize there’s only one bed listed for the entire weekend.

“Cade, there seems to be some mistake. Rose booked a room for us, and it looks like there’s only one bed.”

Cade’s eyebrows furrow, and we exchange a puzzled look. I take out my phone and dial Rose’s number, anticipation building as it rings.

“Hey, Aria! How’s it going?” Rose’s cheerful voice echoes through the line.

“Rose, we just checked in, and there’s only one room with one bed. What’s going on?” I inquire, trying to mask the confusion in my voice.

There’s a moment of silence, and then Rose speaks, her tone carrying a mischievous undertone. “Oh, didn’t I mention it? I thought it would be a good opportunity for you and Cade to have some time away. You know, check out the hotel together. Plus, it saves on the cost, right?”

My jaw drops as I process her words. “Rose, you booked a room with only one bed for both of us without telling me?”

She chuckles, the sound ringing through the phone. “It’s not a big deal, Aria. You and Cade are grown-ups. And besides, you’re there to check out the hotel, not each other, right?”

I glance at Cade, who wears an expression of incredulity. “Rose, this is highly unexpected. We need separate rooms.”

She sighs, relenting slightly. “Fine, I’ll call them to see if there’s another room available. But honestly, Aria, I thought this could be a chance for you two to talk. You have a lot to sort out.”

The call ends, leaving me flustered and caught in the whirlwind of Rose’s unexpected scheming. Cade and I exchange uneasy glances, realizing that our weekend escape has taken an unforeseen turn.

As we wait for Rose to sort out the room situation, the awkwardness between us intensifies. The hotel lobby, once a serene backdrop, becomes a stage for the unfolding drama of our complicated relationship.

Cade breaks the silence, his voice cautious. “Well, this is...unexpected.”

I nod, the realization sinking in. “Rose must have made a mistake with the room bookings. There’s only one bed, and we’re here for the entire weekend.”

A hint of discomfort colors Cade’s expression, but he offers a small, apologetic smile. “I didn’t see this coming. I guess we’ll have to make do.”

“No, no. She said she’ll do something about it. So, let’s just be patient, okay?”

“Hey look, I’m sure we can figure something out.”

Just as he finishes his sentence Rose calls back.

“I’m sorry, Aria, they are fully booked. There’s nothing I can do. But make sure you enjoy yourself, okay. Bye, love you,” she says without waiting for a reply from me.

Chapter eight

CADE

As we drove to the hotel, I couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Sure, I was here on official best man duty, but being alone in a strange city always gave me the jitters. So, when I found out that Aria would be coming with me, even though I was shocked, I was relieved.

Aria and I sit in awkward silence in the car as I drive to the hotel. When Joe said I should help him check out the hotel, I presumed I would be going alone. But instead, here I am, driving to the hotel with Aria, whom I have been trying to give space. Why do I feel like Joe purposely set this up after I told him about my feelings for Aria? I can’t even describe how nervous I feel. I want to talk to her, but I don’t know if she’ll respond.

My palms keep getting sweaty as I’m driving. I start rethinking accepting the task to check out this hotel with Aria. She’s looking out the window, probably not wanting to talk to me, or maybe she’s as nervous as I am. I glance at her from the side of my eyes.

She looks so beautiful. When I saw her earlier today, I couldn’t tell her because of how strained our relationship with each other is, and because of the effort she’s putting in right now just to ignore me.

She’s probably wondering how she’s going to get through checking out this hotel with me and probably cursing her best friend for setting her up—well, so am I.

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