Page 81 of The Suite Life
What I’m actually being is awkward, in the most ridiculous way, because now that I’ve realised I like-like him, I feel so giggly and girly and silly, and I can’t help but flirt with him – but it’s been a minute.
I chuckle nervously, twirling a strand of hair around my finger.
‘I’m just having a nice time,’ I tell him, feeling the champagne all of a sudden.
‘Well, I’m glad to hear it,’ he says as he grins, taking a sip of his drink. ‘I’m having a nice time too. I really like hanging out with you.’
I blush, feeling the warmth creep up my cheeks even further.
‘Thanks,’ I say, trying to play it cool.
Donnie laughs – God, I love his laugh.
‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ he says, still smiling. ‘You seem lighter. Did you find out Michael B. Jordan has checked into the hotel, track him down, and get him to agree to be your plus-one to the wedding?’
‘Michael B. Jordan is here?’ I reply, whipping my head from side to side as I pretend to look for him.
‘Maybe,’ he replies. ‘Perhaps it’s safest for him, if I don’t confirm or deny.’
I playfully nudged him.
‘He’s safe, either way,’ I insist. ‘I’m not bothering with a plus-one now. I know, I wanted an impressive date to prove a point but now… I don’t know. I’m not bothered.’
Donnie gives me a knowing smile.
‘You know, you don’t need a date to prove anything,’ he tells me. ‘You’re impressive enough on your own, Gigi.’
His words catch me off guard, and I feel a flutter in my stomach.
‘Oof, someone is full of compliments tonight,’ I joke awkwardly, because I clearly don’t know how to take a compliment.
‘I’m pretty generous with compliments when they’re true,’ he replies, locking eyes with mine.
I grab my drink, like a security blanket, and take a big drink.
I notice Lucy and Rick weave through the crowd, laughing together as they fall into the seat next to us.
‘I am starving,’ Lucy announces. ‘Is anyone else hungry?’
‘I don’t think Nathan and Sunshine are,’ Rick jokes. ‘They’ve been eating each other all night.’
‘They need to get a room,’ Lucy jokes.
‘They have one – they need to go to it,’ Rick replies. ‘I don’t know what’s up with them today. Did you see that proper cringe she put on Instagram about him? Mortifying.’
‘Really?’ Lucy replies. ‘I haven’t been on.’
‘Let’s see it,’ Donnie suggests.
‘I’ll find it,’ I say, shaking my head with amusement as I take my phone from my clutch.
I search for Sunshine’s profile and find the saccharine post in question. I barely get to read a word of the caption before my face drops.
‘Let’s see,’ Lucy says quickly, noticing my reaction.
I turn the phone to face her.
‘What?’ Lucy blurts out, her eyes darting between the screen and me.
