Page 23 of A Flighty Fake Boyfriend
“Mr. Dunbar took care of everything. He left a note, I believe. It says: Enjoy anything that strikes your fancy, and you are absolutely not”—she squinted at her computer screen—“to wallow. You’re a prince among men. Indulge like one.”
“Oh my God. Is this my fifteen minutes?” Epic patted his hair. “I’m not even dressed cute!”
“Oh, hush.” I took the keys along with a gift bag I assumed contained water and snacks. “Thank you so much, Gale.”
“My pleasure.” She gave us a map of the grounds and marked it with arrows. "Arsenio will see you to your suite. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Winslow.” She nodded to me and turned to Epic. “You too, Mr.—”
“Epic. Just Epic. Thank you so much.” He whirled around, head turned up to study the dizzying array of multicolored tiles on the ceiling. I steadied him when he nearly fell.
“Justwow.”
Arsenio gave a little bow and asked us to follow. My heels clicked over what seemed like acres of pristine marble flooring, then down a thickly carpeted hallway.
“When Luis and I were thinking of making things permanent, this place was on our shortlist of wedding venues.”
“Wait. Is the wedding going to be here?”
“Yes.”
“Doesn’t that mean you could bump into your ex and his fiancé any time?”
“I doubt it. This is a huge property.”
“But they’re staying here?”
“Yes, the wedding party will probably stay in suites like ours. I’m pretty certain Luis booked one of the bungalows.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
“No.”Yes, liar.“Luis was a long time ago, okay? It didn’t work out. I’m happy for him, and I am getting a much-needed vacation. Win-win.”
“But you’re not going with amovie star.”His face fell. “They upgraded your suite, but I’m kind of bargain basement compared to Lawrence Dunbar.”
“I don’t think so. You’re fun. We get along.”
“But my tux is vintage and everything.” He splayed his hands over his mouth. “Oh God. I’ve ruined your revenge.”
“I’m not here to get revenge. I wanted to bring someone who makes me laugh. I’m glad I met you. I think we’ll have a blast, don’t you?”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
He took a deep breath. “I’m going to be the best, most complimentary, starry-eyed fake boyfriend ever. I promise. I’ll have everyone eating out of my hand.”
“No doubt.”
Arsenio led us past an arch covered in flaming red bougainvillea. “Oh, I already have so much to tell my roommate, Bea. She would love this place.”
“You can text her from the room.”
Arsenio unlocked a door with a plaque that read Santa Cruz and ushered us inside. The suite had a breath-stealing fireplace with a white mantle and a painted yellow plaster chimney. A high red writing desk and a red and gold couch delineated the living room, and there was a dining table with four chairs.
Epic seemed more interested in the large picnic hamper with its gift bow and fancy tag.
“What do you suppose this is?”
I shrugged. “Open it and find out.”
