Page 11 of All at Once

Luca looks directly into my eyes and says dryly, “We’ve met…”

“It’s so nice to see you again,” I fake.

Enrique looks surprised but also confused. “How did you meet?”

“She spilled drinks on both of us,” Luca respondstoosimply. It’s then that I also notice he doesn’t have an accent.

“Really convenient of you to leave out the part where it was all an accident,” I say, trying to keep it cool, though, difficult considering his best friend seems like a jackass.

Luca feigns a look of concern as he turns toward Enrique. “That’s odd, I remember her being a lot sweeter yesterday.”

Enrique thankfully decides to ignore our exchange and instead begins explaining to his friend, “Jasmine was my lit tutor during freshman year, and we bumped into each other in California during The Fourth of July.”

“And now she’s here. Howexciting,” Luca adds emotionlessly while looking back at me.

Don’t. Lose. Your. Cool.

Enrique’s brows furrow in what seems like concern before he explains to me, “Luca and his sister Sofia are here pretty much the whole summer. But Sofia’s work schedule is a lot more hectic this summer so she hasn’t been coming over as much as she usually does. Luca’s on holiday though so he’s here for the next few weeks. He’s also staying in a suite.”

“That’s fantastic.” I glare at Luca as I say it, and he wastes no time to return the same annoyed expression back at me.

Enrique’s phone starts buzzing before he can question our behavior, when I notice him sigh while reading his messages. “I have to go see what’s wrong with one of the pools. We also have a few team meetings afterward for this wedding that’s in two weeks.” A trace of guilt now fills his eyes as he looks at me. “I’m sorry. I know you just got here. I also waited for you to eat, but it looks likeI’ll be skipping breakfast for a second day in a row now,” he jokes almost nervously.

“No. It’s okay,” I quickly reassure with a smile, trying my best to conceal the second wave of disappointment that’s hit me in the past 24 hours. “I know you’re busy. We can talk later.”

He is working after all, and it’s pretty difficult to be too frustrated after seeing his dimples again. “Thank you for understanding,” Enrique offers. “I’ll text you as soon as I’m done so we can go have dinner or something.”

“Okay,” I say, then remember, “wait, what about the mall?”

Judging by how quickly his forehead just creased, it seems like he also forgot. “Oh right. I bet Luca wouldn’t mind taking you?” Enrique looks at Luca optimistically and asks, “Right Luca?”

“Maybe Luca has other plans,” Luca says, while glaring back at Enrique.

I can almost picture the silent conversation they’re having right now:

Enrique: C’mon please go with her. I’m busy

Luca: I would but I don’t like her

“Speaking of Luca having other plans,” Enrique finally deadpans, “weren’t you also gonna meet Sofia later today?” Then he turns toward me. “You could spend the day with them if you want.”

I smile at his charming hospitality in contrast to the bitter scowl that’s on his best friend’s face.

Enrique gets up and brushes my shoulder. “Be nice,” he subtly tells Luca before he walks away.

As soon as he leaves, Luca eagerly gets up and says, “Well. Have a great day.”

What just happened?

“But Enrique just said that you’d take me to the mall?” I ask, puzzled.

“We don’t need the whole day for that. We could go later in the afternoon when I get back,” he replies casually as he starts to walk away.

I catch up to him and add, “I thought that I could spend the day with you and your sister though?” I don’t even know why I suggest wanting to spend time with him. I guess the thought of not knowing anyone else here feels more daunting than this alternative. Plus it would be nice to meet another girl who I assume is around my age since Georgia isn’t here.

Luca also seems surprised at my question but still manages to add sarcasm to his response. “You really want to spend the day with me?”

I scoff. “No, not at all. I wouldn’t mind meeting your sister though.”

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