Page 48 of Eternally London

“All of this is a lot. I guess I don’t know how to process this much grief and despair,” I admit.

“You’ll get better at it. It takes time, especially for people like you,” he scoffs playfully.

“What does that mean?” I ask, my guard back up.

“You haven’t experienced much adversity in your life. It’s obvious. You’re a bit of a princess.”

“I am not.” I glare toward him. “I’ve been through a lot.”

“Have you?” he asks condescendingly.

“You’re not very nice to judge me like this.”

“I’m not saying it as a put-down. I’m simply stating that everything you’ve seen here is a huge shock to your system. It’s hard for you to know what to do with the information you’ve been given. You have a soft heart.”

“Maybe I do. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Oliver chuckles. “I never said there was.”

We walk up the stairs to the third floor of the hotel.

“So, you think I’m a…what were your words? A hot Aussie man?” Oliver says with a grin as he opens the door to the hallway.

I roll my eyes. “It’s more the accent, I think. Don’t let it go to your head.”

“I get that a lot.”

“I bet you do.” I let out a dry chuckle. “So, friends?” I hold out my hand as we stop in front of my room door.

Oliver shakes it. “Friends.”

“I’m sorry I accused you of wanting to sleep with me. That was pretty presumptuous of me.” I grin.

“Oh, I’d definitely sleep with you if you were the cheating type.” Oliver raises an eyebrow.

“Well, I’m not.” I hit his chest. “And you’re slime.”

I open my door.

But, before I close it, Oliver says, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks again for your help.”

“Anytime, friend.”

“Night, friend.”

“Night.”

I close the door.

“We’re going on a safari?” I shriek, shaking Oliver’s shoulders from the backseat.

“Yes, we are. We’re going to spend a night and two days in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge we’re staying at tonight has showers, a pool, and a nice restaurant. You won’t have to eat one of your protein bars for dinner.” He chuckles.

“Oh my goodness. I’m dying. I’m seriously dying. Thank you, Ollie!”

“You’re welcome, princess.”

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