Page 28 of The Suite Life
My parents share a knowing look and you can just see the love that they have for one another flowing back and forth between them.
‘Forty years together,’ Dad says, raising his glass, a playful smirk spreading across his face. ‘I would’ve gotten less for murder.’
Mum playfully swats him.
‘And yet I’m the one who has often felt like my life would be more peaceful if I committed it,’ she jokes right back at him.
‘Aww, we’ll be made up, if we’re together as long as you guys are,’ Lucy says as she squeezes Rick’s hand on top of the table.
‘Yes,’ Sunshine says as she turns to Nathan. ‘I hope we’ll be celebrating milestones like that someday too.’
‘Okay, you guys being all loved-up is making me miss my boyfriend so much,’ Nina chimes in. ‘I can’t wait for him to join us in a few days.’
All of a sudden it feels like everyone’s eyes are on me, the only person who hasn’t said anything – AKA the only single person at the table.
‘I have a suite,’ I blurt – in lieu of a significant other.
‘What?’ Mum says.
‘A luxury suite,’ I clarify. ‘Over two floors, with a kitchen and its own private pool area.’
‘How have you got a suite?’ Nathan asks, almost accusingly.
Ha. I wish I knew.
‘It’s your new fella, isn’t it?’ Lucy practically sings. ‘Your mystery wedding date. Wow, he must be minted if he can afford a suite here!’
I just smile and tap my nose.
‘Can we see it?’ Dad asks eagerly. ‘Can we use the pool?’
‘Dad, there are so many pools here,’ Lucy reminds him with a click of her tongue.
‘Yeah, but Gigi’s sounds better,’ Dad insists.
‘I have a gold card too,’ I add, actually loving being the centre of attention for once.
‘What?’ Sunshine asks, almost enraged.
‘It gets you into the exclusive areas of the hotel,’ I explain, enjoying the satisfaction of being one step ahead.
‘I know what it is,’ Sunshine claps back. ‘I asked for one, but they said that I didn’t qualify.’
What? That’s even better! Smugness washes over me. It’s a sweet victory, even with Sunshine sitting here with my ex-boyfriend. I have a gold card, and she doesn’t – from the look on her face, I reckon she would probably trade Nathan with me for it.
The waiter returns with a bottle of champagne, showing it to me.
‘Ms Marsden, compliments of the Grand Palm Resort,’ he says.
Oh my God, what is happening? I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry or both.
‘Aww, thank you,’ I say casually, keen to keep my cool new image. ‘Can I share it with my family and friends?’
‘Two more bottles are on the way,’ the waiter replies.
‘Oh, wow,’ Mum says. ‘Whoever this new fella of yours is, he must be something special.’
‘I honestly cannot wait to meet him,’ Lucy says giddily.
