Page 65 of The Suite Life
The air is thick with an unspoken tension as Nathan turns his attention back to me.
‘What’s going on?’ he asks, furrowing his brow.
‘Nothing,’ I reply nonchalantly. ‘We’re just watching a movie – what’s up?’
The casual atmosphere only seems to further baffle Nathan. I can’t say I’m not enjoying the look on his face right now.
‘Can we talk, Gigi?’ he asks me, his eyes still darting back and forth between Donnie and me.
I glance at Donnie, who nods with an understanding smile.
‘I’ll keep it paused,’ he tells me.
‘Thanks,’ I say to Donnie before turning to Nathan. ‘Let’s step outside.’
The Hawaiian night air is warm and fragrant, perfect for a stroll – the company could be better, though. Nathan and I walk along the edge of the pool, the distant sounds of the waves just about audible in the silence.
It’s so nice out here at night – a totally different vibe to the daytime. Soft lights scattered around give everything this warm, cosy vibe. The pool itself is perfectly still and flat, like a giant mirror, reflecting the moon above.
Palm trees cast these cool shadows on the ground, and you can smell a hint of salt in the air, thanks to the sea nearby. The loungers and cabanas are empty, it’s just so peaceful out here. It’s so quiet that you’d think you’re in a different world, miles away from the resort.
All that’s missing is the right person to share it with – this would be a lovely romantic stroll, were I with someone I didn’t want to push in the pool, before holding his head under the water. It’s not that I’m a violent person, more just that Nathan probably deserves it.
‘What’s up?’ I ask, attempting to cut to the chase.
‘What’s going on with you?’ he asks. ‘You’re staying in this suite, which we both know you can’t afford. You’re bringing a mystery date to the wedding – that guy in your suite, he’s the guy I thought worked here, right? Is he the date?’
I raise an eyebrow, unbothered by Nathan’s directness.
‘Not that it’s any of your business, but that’s Donnie,’ I say. ‘He’s my friend, and I’ve said he can sleep here because his room is a nightmare.’
For a moment, Nathan looks almost angry.
‘He’s sleeping with you?’ he replies, his tone almost accusatory.
‘Under me,’ I correct him, but then I realise that doesn’t sound much better. ‘As in, downstairs, on the sofa.’
‘I think he likes you,’ Nathan points out, a hint of jealousy lacing his words. ‘He looked… suspiciously close. It seems like lots of the men here like you, actually. The waiters, the guy who wanted to buy you a drink… Did you get this much male attention when we were together?’
I can’t help but drop my jaw in disbelief. I was definitely lacking in male attention when I was with Nathan, mostly from him, though.
‘Come on, what are you doing here?’ I ask again.
Nathan hesitates, his jaw tightening as his eyes shift from side to side. I narrow my eyes at him, sensing there’s more to this surprise visit than he’s letting on. Is he jealous?
‘Just… checking on you,’ he says vaguely. ‘Lucy has been worried.’
The tension in the air is palpable.
‘Well, as you can see, I’m absolutely fine,’ I point out, my tone hinting at the absurdity of his sudden concern – where was this when he dumped me, huh? ‘I’m going back in there to finish watching the movie. Try not to peep on anyone else on your way back.’
With that, I turn on my heel and head back into the suite, leaving Nathan standing by the pool on his own.
I can’t help but smile to myself, as something occurs to me: I’m finally over him. If I’m being completely honest, I’m not all that sure that I was, or that I was ready to move on, and I think a tiny part of me still entertained the idea of me wanting him back. But seeing him here, all jealous and possessive, has given me the ick. I don’t miss him, I just miss having someone to spend time with, someone to love me – someone to watch movies with.But there are plenty of other people out there who want to watch movies with me.
Suddenly I’m excited about what the future holds, and I haven’t felt this way in a long time.
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