Page 57 of The Suite Life
The spa employee returns with two mai tais, and they look like liquid sunshine in a glass – bright, tropical, and I can smell them from here. Pineapple wedges adorn the rim, and a sprig of mint is delicately placed on the surface. There’s even a flash of blue through the drink, giving it this sort of tie-dye effect. It’s a work of art, it really is.
‘Here you go, enjoy!’ the employee beams, presenting them with a flourish.
She has a look in her eye, like she knows she’s in tune with exactly what we want.
I heap her with praise because it must be a thankless task, running around after rich people all day. I mean, it can’t be fun running around after anyone, but the super-rich seem to have this level of entitlement that would drive me mad.
Alone again, Donnie and I clink our glasses together in a silent toast before taking a sip. Damn, it tastes even better than it looks.
I lie back on my lounger again, making myself comfortable as I wonder when might be a nice time for a dip in the Jacuzzi.
‘Did they say the different Jacuzzis are different temperatures?’ I ask Donnie.
‘Yeah,’ he replies. ‘Did you know the different levels of the swimming pools are all different temperatures? They get warmer, as you go down.’
‘I didn’t know that,’ I reply. ‘I haven’t tried the pool – have you?’
‘Yeah, it’s amazing,’ he replies. ‘There are multiple water slides, and a lazy river, you can leisurely float down to a bar, in the pool, it’s amazing.’
‘Okay, that I have to try,’ I say. ‘Maybe not the water slides, but a lazy river to a bar sounds like a dream.’
‘We could go later, if you fancy it?’ he suggests. ‘I’ll even get you those nachos you’ve been dreaming of, if you fancy dinner later?’
I smile, the mention of nachos triggering a craving again, and that does sound like an absolute dream of a day. But then my smile drops, as I remember that I already have plans – my dinner date with Jeff.
‘Oh, actually,’ I start, trying to find the right words. I notice Donnie raise an eyebrow. ‘I think I have a date later.’
Probably best I just blurt it out, right?
Donnie looks genuinely surprised.
‘Oh? A date?’ he repeats back to me. ‘That was quick.’
‘Yeah, I met him last night. His name is Jeff,’ I share, watching for Donnie’s reaction.
Donnie smirks, a playful glint in his eyes.
‘Well, it’s not every day you meet a young Jeff,’ he points out, lightly roasting him.
I’m taken aback, noticing a hint of something in Donnie’s tone.
‘Oi, there is nothing wrong with the name Jeff,’ I retort, laughing it off.
‘Not if you’re seventy, listen to the radio and hide from your wife in your shed,’ Donnie jokes.
‘It’s not like you hear the name Donnie every day, is it?’ I counter, a teasing smile playing on my lips.
Donnie laughs at me, shaking his head.
‘I do,’ he reminds me, and I can’t help but laugh too.
Duh. Because that’shisname.
This is what I love about hanging out with Donnie, it’s so easy, everything is so much fun, and the gaps between bursts of laughter only ever seem to get shorter.
‘So where is Jeff taking you?’ Donnie inquires, his tone a curious blend of casual and interested.
‘It’s a surprise, apparently,’ I reply. ‘Something outside the resort – I’m excited to see more of the island.’
