My Big Fat Fake Honeymoon - Lauren Landish Page 0,78
Emily has an end game. She always does.”
“Thanks, Violet. I will do that,” I reassure her.
“You’d better, or the threat of a curse remains.”
With that, she hangs up, leaving me with much to think about.
Chapter 15
Lorenzo
I considered something quiet and romantic for this evening, something for just the two of us, but after talking with Violet, keeping things more casual seems prudent so my actions don’t make promises I’m not yet prepared to uphold.
After scouring the resort’s options, this sunset cruise seems like the perfect activity.
A way for Abigail and me to have fun, play at being a couple, and touch and caress each other.
And maybe tease a little deeper, my heart begs. I want to see if there’s a chance this could be more.
Violet has made my heart and mind at odds with my past and my future. But I’m focusing on the present. Forcefully.
We only have this evening left. Tomorrow, we will be beyond busy with the rehearsal dinner, and Saturday, with the wedding. And then we fly out Sunday afternoon to go home.
And then what?
For the first time ever, the fact that I don’t know and have zero plans feels empty and meaningless, not exciting and full of possibility.
“Absolutely not.” Abigail sounds like there is no budging her, zero chance of changing her mind as she sits on the couch with her feet curled up underneath her.
I like a challenge.
“Mia rosa, you spent the entire afternoon in the cooler. Your fingers and toes are purple, and there is nothing more that you can do to prepare.”
I know I’m right because I confirmed with Janey. After their additional shoot in the Azure Ballroom, Abigail and Janey moved their flowers back into the cooler, which has thankfully held up. Hours later, Janey assures me that they are right on schedule for this weekend.
And so am I.
“And you have to eat, so why not do so somewhere beautiful? I promise to have you back home and in bed at a reasonable hour. I know we’ll need a good night’s sleep to hit the floor running tomorrow.” Such an American expression—they are always running somewhere.
Not that I’m one to talk.
“A very reasonable hour?” she clarifies. I nod, and I can see her weighing the options. “What do I wear to this thing?” she asks, and though she hasn’t said yes, I know I’ve won.
“Sundress and a bikini,” I say as I pull her off the couch and push her toward the bedroom. “Janey’s coming too.”
At that, Abi does a wiggly dance of happiness and gets moving a little faster. I even hear her let out a whoop of excitement that makes me smile. She’s so easy to please, so eager for any adventure.
I lead the ladies out of the resort, following signs directing us to the resort’s dock. The boat is already loading passengers. In fact, we seem to be some of the last people to board.
It’s not really a cruise ship, and I’ve actually been on yachts that are bigger, but those belonged to billionaires who hired me to cook. But it’s well-maintained and painted crisp white with blue hand lettering on the bow proclaiming it ‘B-Yacht-ch’. Based on that name alone, I think we’re going to have a great time.
“Come on,” Abigail tells me, pulling at my hand now with a big smile. Janey waves her fingers at us with a knowing look. “I know it’s geeky and old and stupid, but I have to.” I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I find myself running along with her, chasing that smile.
She leads me to the bow of the main deck, gets up on the railing, and throws her arms wide. She might not be yelling out, but there’s no doubt who she’s imitating as we pull away from the dock.
I can’t help but laugh at her infectious exuberance. People are watching, some with smiles and some with raised brows, but Abigail cares nothing about either group. She’s simply doing what she wants, as always, and everyone else be damned.
“I’m the Queen of the world!” she shouts into the wind. “I’m flying!”
I put my hands on her waist to steady her, loving the feeling of her curves beneath my palms. I lean forward to press my back to her front and rumble in her ear, “Don’t expect me to sing Celine Dion for you. But if you want me to sketch you naked later, I’m happy to pretend I can draw.”