Page 90 of Just Between Us

The streets are teeming with opulent cars, and the crystalline blue water a few steps away is lined with yachts that rival the traffic in the streets. I can barely keep my eyes a normal size as I look around in disbelief.

A few minutes ago, Zara texted asking why I was in the South of France according to my location. I haven’t responded but my sisters are not going to believe this—I can barely believe it as we step into the sleek hotel lobby that smells of sandalwood and something citrusy.

A tall man with thinning hair dressed in an expensive suit appears in front of us and bows his chin slightly. “Welcome to The Hyatt, Sirs. It’s truly a pleasure to have you as our guests. My name is Julian, and I will be taking care of you during your stay.” He has a thick French accent and that stereotypical look of constant disdain. “If you follow me, I will take you up to your suite.”

He begins to walk towards a set of elevators, and he swipes a keycard over the scanner. “These are your keycards. Only you have access to this elevator which will lead you directly to the Presidential Suite.”

Julian hands us each a chrome card with HH engraved into the metal-like material. I notice Levi holding my hand again and I give him a grateful look. It’s like he always knows when I’m overwhelmed.

These last few weeks have been a dream. I spend most of my time with them or at work and a part of me feels a little guilty for neglecting my friends, but Jenna is more than happy for me, and I know Marie is constantly dying to blurt out that Levi and I are together when we’re in the office and he joins us for lunch.

It’s nice to have him there again, and I know I’m being very obvious when I sneak glances at him across the table and he smiles. Eventually, people will figure it out, maybe they have already, but for now, I’m happy with just Marie and Jenna knowing.

The elevator doors slide open to reveal a large entryway with an arched ceiling that leads into a spacious living room. The floors are made of white marble and French-style windows overlook a balcony and the cerulean sea littered with yachts that look miniscule from up here.

“Everything has been prepared to your liking Mr. Armas.” I fight the gasp that forms inside me as Julian leads us through the suite.

“Thank you, Julian,” Cole says.

“Your bags will be up soon. Once again, if you need anything, whatever that may be please do not hesitate to call me.” He bows his chin again and says his goodbyes before leaving via the elevator.

Once he’s gone, Cole turns to Levi and I. “So, good surprise?”

I nod quickly. “Good is an understatement. This is amazing.”

Levi lets go of my hand and kisses Cole once. “I wouldn’t say thank you yet. I have a feeling this is just the beginning.”

I look out the French doors that lead to the balcony, at the bright blue sky and then around the lounge area that leads to two wooden sliding doors that I assume lead to the bedroom. I think I’d be pretty content with staying holed up in here for the rest of the weekend, but Levi is right, I know that won’t be happening.

Several pairs of eyes land on us as we walk through the dimly lit restaurant and out onto a terrace. The smell of brine and food lingers in the air mixed with laughs and clinks of glasses. It’s eight in the evening, and the sun is sinking into the horizon, colouring the sky in bursts of bright orange and pink. It’s probably the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen.

Cole’s hand rests on the small of my back as I follow behind Levi, a few eyes trailing us as we find our table overlooking the azure water.

“Everyone’s staring,” I say, as Cole pulls my chair out for me, and the waiter does the same for Levi.

I look around and my eyes land on a woman with bright red lipstick a few tables away from us. She’s sitting across a man with uneven tufts of white hair on his balding head. She meets my eyes, leans forward a little and smiles.

“They should see us naked,” Levi says.

The waiter’s eyebrows shoot up behind him, and he lets out a strangled cough. I cover my mouth, fighting my laugh. He clears his throat and quickly straightens himself.“Would you like to see the wine list?” he asks.

It’s the kind of restaurant that doesn’t bother with showing the price of anything. If you are here, you can afford to be here. I called my sisters earlier and gave as vague details as possible about who I was here with. That only led to a barrage of questions I could barely answer before the next one came.

“Are you with your mystery fuckbuddy?” Zoe.

“Why won’t you tell us who it is?” Zara.

“Is he ugly?” Zoe.

“Oh my God, he’s ugly and old, isn’t he?” Zoe.

“If he’s taken you to Monaco then it’s cool if he’s ugly and old. You gotta do what you gotta do. We won’t judge.” Zara.

I know I should probably tell them at some point, but we haven’t discussed telling people although I don’t think it’s a secret either. Neither of them seems to mind that Jenna and Marie know about us. Maybe when I get back to London, I’ll fill my sisters in and tell them all about it but for now, I let myself enjoy this.

Dinner is beautiful. I drink way too much wine and eat enough food to have me full for the next couple of days.When the sky has turned a deep midnight blue, and the water sparkles with lights from the boats, our waiter suddenly appears with a mini cake on a silver tray. Two sparklers are set alight, sparks flying everywhere.

“Joyeaux anniversaire, Monsieur,” the waiter says with a bright smile as he sets the cake out in front of me.

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