Page 14 of Ever After

I swipe through some of Aiden’s messages, and it’s the same oldI’m worried about youbullshit. He’s not worried about me. Clicking on my best friend Lia's name, I decide to text her.

Me: Lia! Guess what?

Lia: You’re pregnant!

Me: What? No. Why would you think that?

Lia: Why else were you going to Hawaii other than to jump Aiden’s bones?

Me: Haha. Oh god, Lia, you knew why we came, and plus…even if I did jump Aiden’s bones I wouldn't be pregnant this quick. We’ve been here a day.

Lia: Oh right! What's up then?

Me: Long story short: Aiden cheated on me on our vacation. I met another guy last night, and I decided to stay with him for the rest of the week. If Aiden contacts you, just ignore him please.

Lia: What the fuck! Lilah. What the hell happened? Are you okay? Why are you texting me instead of calling me about this?

Me: Yes, surprisingly I'm okay so far. The guy I met is named Jay and he’s been keeping my mind busy so I don’t dwell over all of this. I’m outside on the balcony and he’s waiting for me inside. I didn't want to keep him waiting, that's why I didn’t call you.

Lia: I’m going to kill Aiden. And you, too, for telling me this over a text message.

Me: Just ignore Aiden for now. I promise I’ll make it up to you.

Lia: Are you sure you trust this new guy?

Me: Yes. We have this instant connection that's hard to explain. But I feel really comfortable around him already. Like I've known him all my life.

Lia: Are you saying you have a sixth sense?

Me: Shut up. Just trust me on this.

Lia: Okay I will. I guess go have fun with your new lover boy. Muah!

Me: Muah!

“What doyou want to do while we’re in Hawaii?” Jay asks.

I lay my head back on the lounge chair and spread my legs out in front of me. The sun beating down on my skin feels good. We’re out by the hotel pool. I’ve had a few Piña coladas so far and feel a nice relaxing buzz. I don’t know what it is about relaxing on the poolside doing nothing but people watching makes vacations worth it. Aiden was never one to relax. Come to think of it, this is my first time doing this. Vacations have always been go, go, go. This feels different, and I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would.

“I don’t know. I had a lot of plans at one point, but now that went all out the window.”

“We can still do what you wanted to do. Don’t let what happened stop you.”

“Honestly, it’s nice sitting here and relaxing, knowing you have no plans and can do whatever you feel like at the moment.”

“I’m up for anything if you want to do something.”

“What have you been doing this past week?”

He lifts both his arms and says, “You’re pretty much looking at it.”

“You have done nothing all week?”

“I’ve explored a few places, but I guess I feel like you. Once I got here and started relaxing, it felt nice not having any plans.”

Our waiter steps in front of us and asks, “Do you guys want another drink?”

I raise my empty glass toward him. “Yes, please. I’ll have another.”

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