Page 10 of All at Once

Enrique: Oh shit. I forgot. My bad. At the restaurant by the main pool at 9:30

It was pretty careless on my part to have been so focused on myself that I failed to even consider his job being in the picture. Although it is the middle of the week, but now I wonder how the rest of his work hours will look like.

My suite is enough to make me forget about our entire conversation altogether, though.

Enrique wasn’t joking when he said the view from my room would be one of the best. And I thought the one from the lobby balcony was impressive. I also can’t recall ever smiling this much over pieces of furniture, the white walls only making the royal blue and lime décor stand out even more. Currently distracted by the large TV, my focus leaps toward the assorted snacks by the kitchen counter. I take some dried mango and apples with me to the luxurious bed and immediately relax onto it.Fuck. If this isn’t the most comfortable bed that I’ve been on.

My short-lived paradise is interrupted though, when I unpack my suitcase only to find no underwear in it. Rearranging it twomore times, I painfully accept that I forgot to pack something this important.

Given the circumstances, I text Enrique, making sure to omit the specifics:

Jasmine: I just realized I forgot to bring something with me. Do you mind if we go to the mall tomorrow morning?

Enrique: Yeah. Of course

Jasmine: Okay, perfect. Thanks

Until tomorrow my swimsuit bottoms will have to do.

Too exhausted to call Georgia, I also send her a text before I fall asleep:

Jasmine: The room is absolutely insane, and the resort is unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’ll call you tomorrow though since I’m about to pass out. Already miss you

Georgia: No worries. I can’t wait to hear about it. Miss you too

_________

My excitement the following morning makes up for the fact that I’m still pretty tired despite getting a good seven hours of sleep.

I’m currently looking over at the ocean that’s sparkling from the sun’s reflection, breathing in the fresh warm summer air, and wearing my favorite pastel mint skirt. There’s absolutelynothingthatcan change my mood right now.

I spoke too soon.

As soon as I get to the restaurant, I notice the person Enrique is sitting next to.

Shit. Why is he sitting next to the guy whose drinks I spilled yesterday at the lobby?

I seriously debate if I should just go back to my room before Enrique’s charming voice quickly brings everything into focus again, reminding me this is fate. He’s the main reason I’m here, and I’m not about to miss this opportunity for some frustrating encounter I had with a random guy at a resort.

Sucking it up, I cautiously make my way toward them through the aisles of greenery and vibrant flowers.

When the other guy also notices me, it’s almost as if our faces sink at the same time.

My attention is drawn back to Enrique though as he gets up to greet me, the flash of his dimples already affecting my heartbeat.

“Hey, it’s so good to see you again,” Enrique says.

“You too! Thank you again for having me,” I say as he leans in to kiss my cheeks, when I notice a name tag on his grey dress shirt.Wait, he works here?He’s dressed like he should be at an office, not by the pool. “Do you work here?” I voice my question out loud.

I hear the guy sitting behind Enrique scoff, but I ignore him. And try my best not to roll my eyes.

“Oh yeah. I’m one of the managers,” Enrique answers. “Didn’t I tell you?”

No. He didnot. I almost wince, noting how little I know about him.

He then turns his attention to the other guy and says, “Luca, this is Jasmine. Jasmine, this is mybest friendLuca.”

Best friend?Fuck. You’ve got to be joking.

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