Page 16 of Endgame

‘Ariella, you look more and more like Grace every time I see you.’

‘Lovely to see you, MrRamon. Please come in.’

He takes off his fedora before stepping into the house – he is so elegantly old-school. ‘She says you’ve been running a company all by yourself in Singapore. You’ve grown into such a confident young woman. Grace is very proud.’

His words make me feel warm inside.

‘We’re leaving for the airport soon, so you’ve just caught us.’

‘Yes, I’m taking you. My car is outside.’ He points to the front door with his hat so sweetly, I hope Gigi isn’t playing with his feelings.

‘Can I get you a drink, MrRamon?’

‘No, thank you. Is this your bag?’

‘Yes, it’s a little heavy—’ I start reaching for the handle.

‘I’ve got it. It can’t be any heavier than Grace’s bag when we got back from Vegas.’

I stand there in shock for the entire time it takes for MrRamon to load the first suitcase into his shiny black vintage Chevrolet. I decide to say nothing about MrRamon’s little revelation as we put the rest of the bags in the car, and commit to my silence for the quiet ride to the airport, even when I catch him throwing affectionate glances Gigi’s way. My resolve to say nothing is broken when he has helped us to check in and he gives Gigi a light, tender kiss on her temple to say goodbye.Embarrassed, she shoos him away and walks quickly through the first flight checkpoint. It’s not until we’ve taken off and are settled in, champagne in hand, next to each other, that I tell her what I know.

‘Gigi, you didn’t mention that MrRamon came to Vegas too?’ I ask, cheekily, wiggling my bum in my seat in anticipation.

I see her suppress a smile successfully. It’s very cute.

‘Ariella Hope…’ she starts.

‘Yes, Gigi?’ I ask, leaning towards her, ready for her admission.

‘Keep your little nose out of grown folks’ business.’ She winks at me, before reclining and shutting her eyes. She’s happy. That’s all I need to know.

‘Yes, ma’am,’ I reply, grateful for every second that I get to spend with her.

FOUR

CALEB

‘You’ve improved,’ Honey says as she casually steps past where I am lying on the floor by the pool, completely spent.

‘You still destroyed him though!’ Lara claps happily, before shimmying after Honey to help with her hot-water bottle.

I use all the strength I have left to get myself up, have a quick rinse under the shower, pull on some swim shorts and dive into my pool. The water feels nice. I close my eyes to enjoy the peace as I float, before my day starts. Lara, unsurprisingly, interrupts it.

‘Oi! Nutter magnet!’ she whispers hastily. I open one eye to see her on one knee by the pool, looking back and forth from my living room to me. ‘Invite Honey to London when she comes back from the loo.’

‘Invite her yourself,’ I respond, lazily, shutting my open eye. I try to return to the few seconds of serenity I have left. Lara puts a stop to it by repeatedly splashing my face with pool water. I keep ignoring her. Frustrated, she grunts.

‘You can ask me for one favour and I’ll do it. No questions asked,’ she offers quickly.

‘Four,’ I negotiate casually. I actually don’t need anything but I’m enjoying Lara’s discomfort.

‘Two. That’s all you’re getting.’

I pretend to think about it as I feel her getting more agitated.

‘Come on, Caleb.’

‘Two favours, no questions asked and two thirty-minute-silence requests.’ I can tell she’s annoyed. ‘Promise, Lara.’

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