Page 41 of The Vacation Mix-Up
My face scrunches in horror—how unorganized. “You haven’t booked any tours?”
“No.”
“Are you crazy? They’re filling up fast. You’ll miss out. And I got them for us for free! What are you waiting for?”
He runs his hand over his beard, which he seems to do when in contemplation. It’s a cute habit, and it tickles my chest.
“What’s so funny?” he asks.
“Nothing. You coming?”
I walk ahead and enter the church, Riley catching up to me, his heavy footsteps echoing throughout the cathedral together with hushed voices as other people wander around. Careful not to bump into anyone or anything, I tip my head back, drawn to the arched ceiling and shimmering stained-glass mural.
“It’s so pretty,” I whisper. “Don’t you think?”
When he doesn’t answer, I turn around, finding him bent over a few yards away, caressing a church pew, his hand gliding along the wood, much like I’d do to a Birkin if I had the chance to touch one.
I shuffle closer and murmur, “What are youdoing?”
“Admiring the handiwork. These old cathedrals provide some of the best inspiration.”
Huh. I suppose they would.
Leaving him to fondle the furniture, I meander for a while, take a few photos before heading back outside to wait for him, the splendid sunshine equipoising the mild breeze.
“Fancy seeing you here, love.”
My body spasms at the sound of Ben’s voice, and I reluctantly swivel in his direction, faking a smile. “Hello, Ben. Are you here to atone for your sins?”
He stubs out a cigarette with his foot and winks. “After last night, I probably should.”
I shudder.
“Ain’t that right, pretty boy?” he adds, glancing over my shoulder.
“What’s that?” Riley asks as he stops beside me.
“I said, after last night, I should atone for my sins. I was a bad, bad boy. Too many blowjobs.”
Bile almost rises to my throat, and I have the overwhelming urge to gag.
“Dope night. Whitney and Brittany wereveryfriendly. Ménage à trois, if you know what I mean.” He lands a few playful punches on Riley’s arms and abdomen.
So that’s what Riley was doing last night… getting drunk with Ben and doing God knows what with Tittney and Spitney, or whatever their names are.
Charming!
Personally, I’m not a fan of a one-night stand; I simply don’t get the point. I mean, I get the point of having sex. I like sex, very much, just not with some creep I’ve shared a few drinks with and know nothing about. I’ve regretfully done it once before, and I promised myself I’d never do it again: the walk of shame the next morning, that violated feeling afterward. No, sir-ee—once was more than enough.
“So where are we offto next?” Ben asks.
We? As in him, Riley, and me? Hell no!
“Okaaay,” I drawl, giving them both a double wave as I back away. “I’m gonna leave you two to discuss whatever it is you’re discussing. Have fun.”
Turning on my heel, I scurry off to explore on my own.
chapter eight
