Page 21 of Breakaway

“You’re the best friend in the world,” Angie murmurs. “How are you? Any fun plans for the weekend?”

Fun plans? We’re definitely going to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden, and probably to the casino, since Roman claimed he’s never gambled and it’s something he needs to experience at least once in his life. But other than that, who knows? When alcohol is involved, it’s hard to make any solid plans…and I’m definitely going to drink tonight.

“Not really. I’ll probably stay in”—I notice movement to my right, and a sleepy Roman sits up in his bed—“and watch something with Travis.”

His eyes zip to me the second my ex’s name leaves my mouth; he gives me a quirked eyebrow. I press my finger to my lips, asking him to stay silent. Roman shrugs and looks away, picking up his phone from the nightstand.

“A quiet weekend sounds good, especially after all the stress you’ve been under.”

“Yeah, um, Angie, I kinda need to use the bathroom. Talk to you tomorrow?”

“Of course! Love you, Nev.”

“Love you too. Don’t forget to send me pictures from France.”

“Will do,” Angie says. Then she hangs up.

I put my phone on the small table beside me and peer at Roman. He’s watching me with an unreadable expression on his face. Again.

“Angie doesn’t know you broke up with your boyfriend?” he asks, and I shake my head. “You don’t want to worry her while she’s away with Drake?” I nod in confirmation. “Ponyatno?1.”

Knitting my brows together, I purse my lips. “What does that mean?”

“Ponyatno? ‘I see,’” he explains, getting out of bed. “We better start moving if we want to have breakfast.”

“What do you mean by ‘I see’?”

Roman stops by the bathroom door and throws me a glance over his shoulder. “You’re a good friend, Nevaeh.” With that, he steps inside and closes the door behind him.

I sit still, fiddling with my fingers. Taking a deep breath, I quickly count to ten, stand up and saunter to the closet.

The attentionto detail is astonishing. Every composition is like a work of art, carefully crafted and arranged to display manicured landscapes and floral sculptures, creating a breathtaking view. The air is filled with the sweet aromas of flowers and foliage, making me forget where I am.

I could stay here for hours and not get bored. The beauty of nature is so simple and so powerful at the same time, my head is spinning.

“You’re doing it again.” A mocking voice in my ear sends shivers down my spine. Looking up, I find Roman staring at me with a taunting smirk. “Your jaw is on the floor.”

Flipping him off, I shake my head. “It’s not my fault you can’t appreciate beauty.”

He laughs heartily, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I never said it’s not beautiful. I just don’t get why we’ve stayed here for so long.”

I take another picture on my phone and check to see how stunning the pastel pink roses look. There’s nothing more beautiful than these flowers, even if Drake’s sister, Layla, who is a florist, says that peonies are superior. I toss my phone in my purse and shoot my gaze to Roman.

“Why did you agree to come? You’ve looked bored since the moment we walked inside.”

“Bored?” He cocks an eyebrow at me, moving to his left to let an old couple walk past him. “This is my usual facial expression.”

Rolling my eyes, I head to the last composition. It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. Dark blues, vibrant reds, and bright yellows make up the scenery. Orchids, daisies, hibiscuses, and of course roses reflect the imaginative world to a tee, making my smile grow bigger. Here and there I notice teacups, pocket watches, and top hats between the flowers, leaving no doubt that I’m right about the theme of this installation.

“Is it…Alice in Wonderland?” Roman stops by my side.

“Looks like it,” I reply, pulling out my phone to take more pictures. Once I’m done, I slip it back in my purse and turn my head to look at my companion. “So why did you agree to come?”

Roman stares at me with the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. With a shrug, he shifts a little, and his hand brushes mine. “You wanted to see it.”

I blink several times, my mouth twisting as I bite the inside of my cheek. “So we’re here just because I wanted to come?”

He nods. “I know we discussed it last night, so I was planning on it. But when I heard you lying to Angie and telling her you were spending today with your ex, I decided it would be nice to act like a boyfriend who would do anything for his girl—including coming here and pretending that I care. To make your lies more believable.”

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