Page 72 of The Suite Life
It’s like she can’t quite believe that he doesn’t know her name, and it’s amazing.
‘We’re going to explore the yacht, and to take some more photos,’ Sunshine says. ‘Nathan, come.’
‘You’re welcome,’ I say quietly – and sarcastically – once they’re out of earshot.
‘There’s a bloody bar on this thing, can you believe it?’ Dad says. ‘Do you two want a drink?’
‘Another mai tai?’ I suggest to Donnie, who, with a nod, takes a seat next to my mum.
As soon as we settle in, the grilling begins. My mum and Lucy are on him like a pair of detectives – really excitable ones, who like boys.
‘So, Donnie, tell us about yourself,’ Mum says, leaning in.
Donnie, ever the charmer, replies with a grin.
‘Well, where do I start?’ he says.
‘How did you become a guitarist?’ Lucy asks. ‘Are you in a band?’
‘I’ve been playing since I was a kid,’ Donnie explains. ‘I was in bands when I was younger but, these days, I play classical guitar. It’s a different vibe, that’s for sure.’
‘And how did you meet Gigi?’ Mum asks – oh, I’ll bet she’s been itching to ask that one.
‘Oh, just here, at the resort,’ Donnie explains simply. ‘We just bumped into one another, hit it off, and here we are.’
‘Here we are,’ Lucy says. ‘I bet you never thought you would be invited to a wedding.’
‘Stranger things have happened,’ Donnie jokes. ‘But, no, I really didn’t. Thanks again for inviting me.’
Nina catches my eye and waves me over, a genuine smile on her face, which is low-key suspicious. I make my way over to her, feeling slightly guilty about potentially leaving Donnie alone with the inquisition, but I’m sure he can handle himself.
‘Thanks, Gigi,’ she says, sincerity evident in her tone which… I’m pretty sure seems genuine. ‘I really appreciate you invitingme along. I’ve been working from my room all week, because I couldn’t get the full week off work, and this is exactly what I needed to let off some steam.’
Alfie, Rick’s brother, joins in, giving me a grateful nod.
‘Same here,’ he says. ‘I’ve been running the show at work, making sure Rick didn’t have to lift a finger this week, and I’m knackered. This yacht escapade is just the ticket. Thanks, Gigi.’
I smile at them both.
‘You’re welcome,’ I tell them. ‘Enjoy yourselves.’
Back with Donnie, I find him in the midst of a laughter fit, courtesy of my dad’s infamous dad jokes. I don’t know which one it was, and I don’t want to know. It’s probably for the best I keep it that way.
‘One more, I’ll give you one more,’ Dad tells him, grinning like he’s lost his mind. ‘Why did the scarecrow win an award?’
Donnie, God bless his heart, plays along.
‘I don’t know, why did the scarecrow win an award?’ he replies.
‘Because he was outstanding in his field!’
Dad bursts into laughter, and Donnie joins in, genuinely amused – or doing an amazing job of pretending he is, at least.
‘You know, you ought to try some new material, dear,’ Mum, ever the voice of reason, points out.
Dad winks at Donnie.
‘I’d sooner try a new wife,’ he jokes. Then he turns to me. ‘So, Gigi, what’s the plan now that we have the world at our fingertips, or rather, a yacht menu at least? What are you having?’
