3

I nodded in satisfaction at the sight of our hotel suite. With its wide range and neatness, it had an ultra-modern look. There was a small living room, a clean bathroom, a small fridge filled with refreshments and snacks, potted plants and flowers, and a bedroom. The downside was the red rose petals lying on the floor. I kicked at them with my shoe.

Without another word, Victor emerged from the bathroom and splayed on the bed. “Call me in two hours,” he mumbled.

“Get up. Go and bathe.”

“Bathing is for peasants,” he moaned. 

I kicked off my shoes and tapped him with my foot. “Vic, Get up!”

Victor groaned and grumbled. He hurried out of bed and made for the bathroom. Soon the sound of running water drowned the silence. Waiting for my turn in the bathroom, I propped my laptop open on the bedside table. As I read on a detailed finance report from Maya, a video call from Anna came in. 

“Okay. I got her,” she said as her image came on the screen. She leaned forward in her white chair. Anna's curly hair was drawn back by a white flower hair clip. Victoria's pale face popped on the screen.

“Brie!” Victoria cried with excitement. “So what happened? Did Hardin propose? Did you guys do some naughty after? All that is behind you spells a hotel room.”

I forced a laugh and tried to look happy. “It was quite eventful.”

“So, details,” Anna urged with an amused smile on her face. 

I sighed aloud and combed my bangs with my hand. “Well...”

“Brie, can I use your body cream? I forgot to bring mine.”

I glanced at Victor, who had just exited the bathroom. Rubbing his head furiously with a towel, he stood bare chested with a questioning look. Victor wasn't overly muscular, he wasn't lanky either. Is it bad I want to touch that toned chest?

“Oh, my God!”

I suddenly remembered my friends were viewing the scene.

“It is not what it looks like!” I said.

“I can't believe you are with my brother who is currently half naked,” Anna said, eye wide. “Are you two like secretly dating?”

“Are you?” Victoria asked, and gasped. She covered her mouth in horror.

“No. I mean, we were. But that was in college. We are not dating. This is just something that sort of happened,” I tried to explain. I looked to Victor for assistance, but he rummaged through my bags.

“You dated my brother?” Anna asked while Victoria frowned hard in thought and possibly, confusion.

It's not like I planned it. Why were they so shocked? It was bound to happen, anyway. “I liked him. He like me. Then we dated.”

“I mean,” Victor said, and gestured to his body, “who can resist all of this?”

Anna made gagging noises. “I don't see it. He's definitely not that attractive.”

“Speak for yourself,” Victor retorted, and disappeared into the other room. 

“I can't believe you two are dating,” Victoria breathed.

“We are not!”

“Just tell Hardin. Don't break the poor guy's heart this way.”

But I was the one who had my heart hit by a truck of doom and ground into dust. Why is no one caring about my feelings?

“There is a charity event in a few days,” Anna said, picking at her lashes, “Make sure to come. I'll text you the details.”

“Sure. Say Hi to my babies,” I said and waved.

“We will. Have fun, boo.”

The screen went blank after a long exchange of kisses and well wishes. I stared at the blank screen and eyed my reflection with tired eyes. I will have to talk to my friends again. How could they have misheard an important detail? I'll explain everything once I'm back home in Lilaria. First, I must relax and forget all that has made me sad this week.

A loud frustrated groan echoed through the suite. “I need a vacation, not a job.”

I chuckled at the comment. “What is wrong?”

“The Big Boss wants my team to present a new game proposal in two days,” he explained. Shoulders slumped, he came into the room with his Tablet in hand. Victor, a game designer, worked at an technology company that produces online games called Kings. 

“Don't worry. An idea will come to you.”

“It is not about that. I planned to rest for these four days, not work! I made sure to let them know.”

“It wasn't like you informed your team mates on time.”

“You did not tell me about the trip on time!”

“I did not plan to break up with Hardin either!” I screamed.

Victor placed his hands on my shoulders and gently squeezed, “I am sorry about that.”

“It's cool. Can I help?”

“No worries. I will do as much as I can before the day ends.”

And so Victor worked, leaving me to tour the streets of Varadero city by myself. I bought myself a cup of mojitos. The cold and sweet yet fizzy mint lime drink clung to my tongue as I sipped from the straw. The boy who prepared the drink warned me about its alcohol content but I did not mind. I found myself skipping along the road waving hi to the locals. They gave amused looks as I passed by. 

I opened the local map open and followed its directions to the beach. The hues of the beach softened at even tides. The aroma of roasted plantain mixed with the salty smell of the sea. The sand is softly golden with just the right comforting warmth. As the seabed swapped the salty brine for oceanic air, I saw the beach rise from lacy waves. Groups of people leaned towards each other or walked down the beach engaging in conversations. Birds cawed and flew overhead while horses trotted past with riders on their backs. 

I raised my phone and opened the camera app. As I clicked on the snap button, I captured the beautiful and peace environment. I sat on the soft sand and watched the sea breath and run towards me on the sea bank and ran back to the sea. 

I breathed in and out and the water flowed. I wish my life was as peaceful as this beach. I rested my head on my folded arms and watched.

I wished Hardin were here with me. I could just smell his light fruity cologne. On instincts, I touched my neck where the jewelry sat. My fingers met with only skin. Looking down at my chest, I saw and felt nothing.

Tears pooled in my eyes as I wondered, “Where is it?”