Page 50 of One Week in Paradise
Bea grabs a handful of grapes and pops them into hermouth. ‘You just look happy, that’s all,’ she says through a mouthful of grapes. ‘No need to get defensive.’
Meera nods. ‘Happy isgood. Don’t forget that.’
It sounds ridiculous, but in a strange way, I think I need to hear it. It’s been so long since I was genuinely happy. I need to force myself to savour the feeling.
Who knows how long it’s going to last.
I’m acutely aware of the fact that Cash and I haven’t properly discussed the developments that have occurred in our relationship over the last twenty-four hours. There’s a horrible voice niggling at the back of my mind, telling me that as soon as we land back in London, everything is going to go right back to normal.
The thought makes me feel sick.
In just a few days, Cash has managed to worm himself into the gaps in my life. And I want him to stay there.
A white mug filled with a dark red liquid slides across the table.
I look up. Cash, Marcus and Sara have returned from the gym. Cash slides into the seat next to me and nods at the mug.
‘Some tea,’ he says, accurately deciphering the curious expression that flits across my face. ‘Berry, right?’
Warmth floods through me, and it’s not just because of the sip of tea. ‘Perfect.’
I lean towards him, feeling oddly emboldened, and planta quick kiss on his cheek. It’s the first time I’ve initiated anything remotely romantic in front of the others, but it feels right.
Nobody comments on it. I remember our first night at the resort, how I’d been so enraptured by how natural and effortless the other couples were with each other. Is that how we look now?
But we’re not a real couple.
The thought displeases me more than it should.
‘Where’re Lacey and Danny?’ Sara asks, helping herself to Meera’s stack of pancakes.
Lacey’s name makes me freeze momentarily. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Cash throw me a look of concern. I give his thigh a squeeze under the table.I’m all right.
‘Not sure,’ says Meera with a shrug. ‘I did message her but got no response.’
‘Maybe they’ve gone on an early morning excursion?’ says Bea. ‘We’re doing one tomorrow. We’re up at the crack of dawn for a sunrise boat ride.’
Marcus groans. ‘Can we cancel? It’s way too early.’
‘It wasyouridea,’ Bea says, deadpan.
‘Nah. It was definitelyyouridea.’
We all laugh as Bea and Marcus fall into an easy back and forth, arguing good-naturedly about whose idea it was. I like them together. They’re a good couple. It’s easy to see where they both support and lift the other up. You can tellthey’ve been together long enough that there are no insecurities there anymore. They slot together like puzzle pieces.
Meera and Sara give off a similar energy, effortlessly bouncing off each other as the conversation pivots, and they share their plans for the day.
‘We’re going horseback riding,’ says Sara through a mouthful of pancake.
Meera slides her a glass of orange juice. ‘Sara used to ride as a child.’
‘But it’s been years since I’ve tried it,’ Sara finishes. She slides the glass back, and Meera takes a sip. ‘So we’ll see if I’ve still got it.’
‘What about you two?’ Meera asks. ‘Any plans?’
‘We’re heading off the resort,’ Cash says, grinning widely. ‘We’re going to check out the local town and spend the day down there.’
‘That’ll be nice,’ says Meera. ‘You should check with Penelope and see if she’s got any recommendations.’
