‘I wouldn’t read too much into that,’ Samantha said. ‘How about you? How are things with Chris?’
‘Chris doesn’t look at me like Roman looks at you. That tells you all you need to know.’
There was so much frustration laced in Jen’s words, it made Samantha wonder where the upbeat California girl had gone. ‘Have you known him long?’
‘Best friends since high school,’ Jen replied. ‘I can’t get him to see me any other way.’
‘I guess it’s hard to break out of those roles.’
‘This is the first time we’ve travelled, just us two. I mean without our usual crew. I was hoping this trip, this wedding, could shift things.’ Jen swiped on lipstick with a trembling hand and slipped the tube into her purse. ‘Sorry. I’m ranting. I don’t mean to kill the mood.’
‘It’s fine,’ Samantha said. ‘Is that why you wanted my bungalow?’
‘Naomi had us in separate rooms. I needed a sexy spot to seduce my best friend.’
‘Understood. Naomi says you’re sorted now.’
‘We are, thanks to the best man up and leaving. Am I the only one who thinks that’s weird?’
Jen exited the bathroom. Samantha followed, lost in thought. Come to think of it, it was weird. Why had he left? Why didn’t he come around anymore?
They were approaching the table. Chris was deep in conversation with Hugo and Roman. He looked up and Samantha could swear she’d caught a twinkle in his green eyes. She grabbed Jen by the arm and dragged her to a corner.
‘What is it?’ Jen grimaced. ‘Do I have lipstick on my teeth?’
‘No, you’re fine. Actually, you’re more than fine. You’re fire. But you might be wrong about Chris.’
‘You’re sweet, Sam, but I’m not wrong. I’ve given that man so many chances, dropped so many hints.’
‘Listen, we’re here for a finite amount of time. Dropping hints is not going to cut it. Be direct.’ Samantha winced and borrowed Roman’s line. ‘You don’t strike me as someone who has trouble asking for what she wants.’
Jen took a moment to absorb the advice. Then she straightened her shoulders and tossed a lock of flat-ironed hair. ‘You’re right. What have I gained by playing it safe? Nothing.’
‘And just so you know, he doesn’t look at you like an old friend. I see a spark there. He never leaves your side.’
‘That’s because you’re an intimidating bunch.’
‘Can’t be helped,’ Samantha said with a grin. ‘Now let’s head back before they think we’re lost.’
Samantha felt lighter when she returned to the table. Jen was a smart, confident, fun-loving woman and yet she was stuck in limbo with the guy she fancied. Meanwhile, Roman had made it clear to everyone how he felt about her. No guessing games required. There was something to that.
‘Hey,’ she whispered. ‘Just so you know, they’re going to drag us tomorrow for kissing at the Nylon Pool.’
‘Tomorrow?’ He grabbed the back of her chair and dragged her closer to him. ‘Kiss me now. Let’s get ahead of the story.’
‘I like how you think.’ She gathered a fistful of his soft cotton T-shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. The table erupted in cheers.
REVISED
Wedding Week Schedule
Wednesday 13 August:
6 a.m. Sunrise Yoga at Hibiscus Terrace (optional)
10 a.m. Buccoo Bay (mangroves and more snorkelling!)
10.45 a.m. Dolly’s Bridal Boutique Final Fitting