Page 236 of Daddy, Take Me Away
“Of course.”
“If anyone asks for my room number, can you keep it private?”
“It’s resort policy.”
“Even if it’s family making the request?”
His smile changes from high-end resort manager to friend. “Especially if it’s family.”
I laugh and he winks at me.
“I will make a note in your file as well though.” He taps away at his computer then looks up. “Would you like me to add that you don’t wish to be disturbed with phone calls either?”
I give him a bright smile. “Yes, I’d like that very much.”
“We’ll take messages. You can call the desk to retrieve them or pop by and request them. Does that suit?”
I nod. “Perfect. Thank you.” Tucking the binder under my arm, I wander to the bar and order a pinã colada. And finding a comfy chair in the corner of the lobby, I go through the excursions.
When my glass is empty, I notice Milo talking to someone and pointing at me. A few minutes later, a waiter arrives with another pinã colada.
“Mm, thank you.”
After looking through all the brochures, I start exploring, taking photos of the resort with my iPhone, but every time I go somewhere photo-worthy, Mark and Fiona are nearby. I see them at the beach, on the boardwalk by the lagoon, and sitting near the mermaid water fountain. It’s like they’re following me, except with their faces pressed against each other every two seconds, they’re clearly not capable.
I snap when my final photo is ruined as they accidentally enter the shot and kiss just as I take it. I growl and storm off, not caring that they heard.
Sitting on the bench where I met Amadeo this morning for our adventure, I look at the shot.
It’s a great picture. The sun is behind them, the resort name in white concrete letters is on the grass in the foreground, and the ocean is in the background, and all of it is framed by beautiful palm trees.
“Ugh, I can’t use this.” I stare down at the picture, the way they’re holding each other, there’s no denying they’re in love.
My followers are hungry for news on my romance and wedding. Mark agreed to keep our split a secret so I don’t have to deal with the onslaught of emails until I’m ready, but I actually still get tons anyway. Followers are asking about Mark and why he hasn’t been on any of my adventures lately. And when I click the hashtags associated with my name, I see that rumors have been flying.
Staring at the fantastic picture, I consider posting it. Since Fiona and I are twins no one would be able to tell the difference.
Except me. I would.
And despite Mark calling me a fake, I haven’t faked anything since the beginning, when this was all just a school project. And I hadn’t even called him on his fake engagement ring, which I only discovered was fake when I had to get it appraised for insurance.
The thought of coming clean about our relationship ending makes me angsty. And this fresh start suddenly feels harder than I expected.
Glancing at the posted ‘no trespassing’ sign I think of this morning and the ease of being with Amadeo. I bet a picture of the setting sun from up there would make an epic shot.
The sunset over the water from a cliff would be the perfect picture to announce the end—no, the beginning of my next adventures sans my dipshit ex. Freshly single, Zoë Wayz’ new adventures starts now. No more pouting over exes and betrayals.
Laughter makes me look over and sure enough, as if I’d summoned them, Mark and Fiona are there. Even though no one is supposed to be back here.
Setting the excursion binder, and my empty glass, down on the bench, I rise. I’m getting my damn picture. I’m getting my damn fresh start.
Passing the sign and the large palm fronds, I hit the base of the incline. Looking down at my heeled sandals I growl. Yanking them off, I drop them by the path.
The climb is harder than before. Maybe it’s the bugs that are out in swarms now that the sun is low, or that I’m barefoot in a sundress, or hell, maybe it’s the two pinã coladas. Whatever it is, I’m covered in itchy bites and my feet feel shredded by the time I reach the top.
Holy shit, though. It’s worth it. My followers are going to eat up this view. Amadeo won’t be able to keep up with reservations from this shot alone.
And despite this resort’s popularity, it’s a snooze-fest full of old money with no one doing anything more than pool lounging and sunning on the beach right now. It’s a damn shame too, because the natural wonders around here are an adventurer's dream, but when I post this...
