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“So, back to Mr. Dreamy.”
“I think abs are a given, right?”
“Definitely.”
“And I think he'd be darker-haired but not dark and hairy. Like, maybe a guy that was blonde growing up but then his hair got darker.”
“Cute,” I say. “What will he be like personality wise?”
“I'm a Virgo. So, I'm pretty organized and structured. My mom says I need someone who isn’t like that to balance me. Someone who’s creative and free spirited. I don’t really care, as long as he looks good in a suit. And maybe wants to get naughty on his desk,” she says with a grin.
I think about Aiden pushing me on his desk, kissing me with his tongue, and setting my panties aflame. “I like guys who look hot in a suit. Getting naughty on a desk sounds fun too.”
Aiden opens one eye. “Are you two talking about sex?”
Peyton giggles and covers her face with her hand.
“Speaking about talking, isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing? Cuz if you aren’t careful, you might just get voted off the island before we even get there.”
He gives me an adorable grin as he sits up and wraps his arms around me. “You better not be serious.”
“I think I’m just go
Aiden leans over and kisses my nose.
“Stop that. It won't work on me.”
He scrunches up his nose, then winces.
I touch it. “Did it hurt bad?”
He takes my hand and lays it over his heart. “Not as much as this did.”
Shit. What am I going to tell him on Sunday? I’ll have to come up with a good lie. One he can't counter.
“I never meant for you to get hurt, Aiden.”
“When you came to my room, I said everything wrong. I was hung over, my face hurt, and I was so fucking pissed. Pissed that Chelsea said those things to you. Pissed that you believed her. Pissed that Riley broke my nose. Pissed he almost got expelled. Logan told me you asked him about the trigger that led to Maggie cheating on him. I know I was the trigger. I shouldn’t have just said no. I should have talked to you about why I said no. It’s just that saying no was hard for me. That’s what I meant earlier when I said I give up. I’m not saying no anymore. But what I don’t understand is why you wouldn’t talk to me after. Why it felt like we were over. Why the chapel felt like goodbye.”
Because it was, I think, as I press my fingers into the corners of my eyes, trying to get rid of my tears, and sigh. “I think I may be leaving Eastbrooke soon,” I blubber. I can’t bring myself to tell him soon means in just four days.
“Why? I thought you liked it.”
“I love it.”
“So, why leave?”
“I miss my family, Aiden. Going home for the birthday party was hard.”
“Do you miss your family or miss your ex?”
“I miss everything.”
The captain comes over the speaker and tells us to get buckled up for our descent into St. Croix, effectively ending our conversation.
Make a wish.
5:30pm
We get picked up from the airport in the Moran's vintage Mercedes station wagon by a driver I have never met and who doesn't look like he belongs.
The driver opens the front passenger-side door and says in an authoritative tone, “Miss Monroe.”
While he and Aiden load up our luggage, and he herds Aiden and Peyton into the backseat, I text Garrett.
Me: Is The Crab’s new driver one of yours?
Garrett: How did you know?
Me: His posture is too stiff for the islands, he's not very friendly, and he has no tan.
Garrett: I sent two men. They’ve fully briefed the usual staff about your situation and about how your friends don't know the old you. They have also removed all photographic evidence of you with your family.
Me: How did you know my friends ended up coming?
Garrett: Cooper was insistent that there be men at the airport. They were scrambling when you went inside the office.
Me: Oh. I just bought more hours.
Garrett: Yes, I heard. Pla
Me: Maybe.
Garrett: Don't you dare take off on your own. You get your butt back to school when break is over.
Me: I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
Garrett: Tommy told me about your conversation. I agree with getting your mom and sisters to France, but why would you be ready to do a movie at Christmastime?
Me: Because I'm going to get my life back. Did he get Mom to agree?
Garrett: She agreed, but they still have to get out of her contracts. It’s going to cost them a lot of money, but Tommy doesn’t care. I’m flying to Nice on Friday to vet the security.
Me: OMG!! I'm so relieved.
Garrett: As am I. Your mom is a wreck.
Me: Make her feel safe, Garrett, and she'll get better.
Garrett: You can make us all feel better by not doing anything stupid. When you get back, I'll come to town and we can discuss this plan of yours with Cooper. Because I highly suspect Cooper knows nothing about it.
Me: I'm tired of lying.
Garrett: Don't do anything rash.
Me: Don't worry. Everything will be well thought out.
Garrett: That worries me more.
Me: I gotta go. I’ll call you after the break. I promise.
We enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful drive from the airport to The Crab, where we are greeted out front by the staff.
“Miss Keatyn,” the long-time cook, Inga, says as she gives me a mama bear hug, “it's been too long.”
I introduce Aiden and Peyton and then say, “I’ll show them to their rooms now.” As they follow me across the great room, I tell them, “After I show you to your rooms, go ahead and get unpacked, freshen up, and change. Then we’ll meet back here and I’ll give you the full tour.”
Peyton stops at an expanse of glass to admire the oceanfront view and the infinity pool below. “This is beautiful,” she says, jumping with excitement.
“Wait until you see your room,” I reply, leading them both down the south breezeway to her guest suite.
“Oh, my gosh,” she says, ru
I press a button on the wall to light up a screen and quickly explain how to control her music, lighting, room temperature, and curtains, as well as send requests for food, drinks, or any amenity she might need.
“Your closet and bathroom are here,” I say, opening the door to the bathroom that my mom describes as heaven on earth.
“This is amazing,” she says in awe, standing in the middle of the bathroom and taking in the mirrored glass tiles that glitter from every corner of the room. The sleek, pale gray travertine that reflects the colors of the ocean. The spa tub that fills like a rain shower from the ceiling and has views of the ocean. The walk-in shower with its mosaic design on one side and its glass walls opening to her private courtyard on the other.