Page 86 of Never With You
Yes, it does, because if we’re not fighting, I’d probably be falling, and that’s a million times worse than our little arguments.
I follow Nate inside, glancing around the dim room as the bellhop struggles with the patio doors. Sunlight cuts through as he slides the curtains back and pulls the glass open, revealing two lounge chairs and a small private pool. Beyond the pool, there’s a perfect view of the ocean and a few limestone rocks that jut out of the water. I’m impressed with the room, but I keep my face even because this is no holiday—I don’t care what Madonna says.
As Nate tips the bellhop, I continue my tour of the villa. There’s a small chaise lounge where I’ll be sleeping. It’s the literal manifestation of,You made your bed, now lie in it.My eyes drift longingly to the king-sized bed and fluffy pillows. I could’ve had it all if it weren’t for one stupid mistake.
I keep walking but immediately stop when I notice the bathroom. I’m standing at the foot of the bed and have an unobstructed view into the bathroom, the glass toilet room, and the glass shower. Nate joins me by my side, tilting his head as he examines the six-foot cutout between the bedroom and the bathroom where there should be a wall.
“That’s a problem for privacy.”
“You think?”
He turns to me with a smug expression. “Well, typically, this room is occupied by honeymooners and couples in love.”
I give him a tight smile. “Not this week.”
“I guess we’ll have to take turns using the bathroom. Only shower when the other person is out of the room.”
“What if I need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?”
“Go to the bathroom.” He shrugs.
“The walls are glass. You’ll see me.”
“No, I’ll be asleep, so I won’t see anything.”
I grab my suitcase and head for the walk-in closet. “I hate this arrangement.”
“You only have yourself to blame.”
Then I hate myself as well.
After unpacking my stuff, I pull out my phone. It’s been such a busy day that I haven’t had the chance to check my messages yet. There’s a reminder notification that my period starts tomorrow, which I swipe away, and then another notification from Mr. International that I promptly click.
@worth_traveling_to:
Do you have a good relationship with your parents? Assuming you have parents. Sorry if you don’t and I just made you feel bad.
Grateful for the distraction, I take a seat on the bench in the closet.
@girl_sees_the_world:
You’re fine. I have parents. I wouldn’t say I have a great relationship with them. But that’s mostly on me. I’m the one who pulled away.
I scroll through Instagram, hoping he answers soon. My eyes peek at Nate in the mirror. From my spot in the closet, I have an angle of him. He’s lying on the bed with his feet crossed, looking at his phone. When I look down again, there’s a notification that Mr. International messaged back.
@worth_traveling_to:
Do you regret pulling away from them?
@girl_sees_the_world:
I had to pull back for my own mental sanity. But I love them, and I know they love me. They’re good people, and they only want the best for me, so I can see myself, in the future, letting past hurts go and putting in a greater effort. What about you? Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
@worth_traveling_to:
Yes and no. My mom is amazing. I’d do anything for that woman, but the relationship is rough with my dad. Always has been. I don’t know if things will ever be good between us. There are just some things that can’t be repaired. Unless I take a page from your book and let past hurts go and then ignore everything else that comes out of his mouth after that.
I glance up at Nate again, feeling the familiarity between what he told me about his relationship with his dad and what Mr. International said. Family relationships are just complicated, no matter who you are.
