Eternity (13 page)

We hug goodbye and swap room numbers, promising to go for dinner together in the next few days.

When I’m walking to my room it feels as though it’s a million miles away, the usual five minute jaunt drags by with each painful step. Once I reach my room I drop the bags off my arms and collapse on to the bed, I’m asleep even before my head hits the pillow.

I’m woken by a shrill noise, opening my eyes the room is pitch black, the noise happens a couple more times before I realise it’s the phone. Struggling up I pick it up still not quite awake, “hello?” I croak sleepily.

“Hey sweet, sorry did I wake you?” Carlos’s voice soothes me, I had completely forgotten he was calling me tonight.

“Oh hi, yeah I must have crashed when I got in, but don’t worry, hearing your voice is a lovely way to wake up”

“I called earlier but Mari said you had gone on the shopping trip and it never normally gets back until about now” he explains his late night interruption. Looking at the clock on the wall it’s only 11pm, it had felt like I had been sleeping for much longer.

I give him the run down of my day, letting him know that I have bought him a present, but not giving any clues as to what it is. To begin with he is full of refusal, I shouldn’t have, he was only joking when he said I owed him, but I soon halted his protests when I explained that he was going to love it and that it was kind of a present for me too.

By all accounts his day was dull, the usual family re-unions, meeting his sisters, soon to be, family in-laws and general polite conversation. He had snuck off to his room early in the hope of spending all afternoon on the phone to me, only to be saddened to find I was going to be out until late  (if I wasn’t already laying down I may just have swooned at that admission).

“The wedding is on Friday, so if it’s like this I might just try and come back straight after” he says, toying with my emotions as I find myself instantly praying that he will.

We chat on mindlessly for another half an hour, talking about nothing in particular, but both reluctant to end the call. Ultimately having to admit to running out of conversation, so forcing us to end the call, “Goodnight sweet, I’ll call again tomorrow” he whispers.

“Can’t wait, night you” I reply dreamily.

Rolling over I find that I’m now far too thrilled by his eagerness to speak to me, to get any sleep; instead I boil the kettle and pick out a chamomile bag from the box of assorted herbal teas and switch on the T.V, skipping through channels until I happen across a mushy Romantic Comedy starting in ten minutes, ideal entertainment for my fairy tale romantic life.

Noticing that I am still dressed I strip off and pull on some comfy pj’s, routing through the well stocked mini-bar I come up trumps with a small box of chocolates; snuggling down into bed, pulling the plush duvet up high and hugging my steaming mug of tea, I pop the first chocolate in my mouth just as the opening credits start.

I don’t remember how far I was through the movie before my eyes became heavy and I succumbed to sleep, I had put the half finished tea on the bedside table, but awoke with a chocolate melted to my cheek and the T.V still on.

I have a long shower and muse over my plan for today, I could call Blair, but I don’t want to come across as needy and as much as we had a blast yesterday, this is her 2
nd
honeymoon so I’m sure she won’t want me hanging around her constantly like a lost puppy.

I could check out some of the other activities they offer, I massively pigged out yesterday so I could do with doing something active, especially if Carlos does come back early; I would be mortified if I couldn’t get into the corset I bought by the time he returns.

Already dreading physically exerting myself, I mentally argue that it will be slightly cooler in the afternoon, so really I should relax poolside this morning, maybe go for a leisurely swim to ease myself into the idea of exercise, then see what I can join in on later. 

Mind made up I finish my shower, taking the time to cleanse and moisturise my face and body, leaving my skin supple and glittering and even make the effort to style my hair; I allow it to be its naturally wavy self, blow drying it, but using the brush only minimally. Once it’s dry I smooth in some shine spray to make it look glossy and somewhat more controlled, then leave it to do it’s own thing.

It’s amazing how much I don’t mind preening myself, when I’m not rushing to get up early and get to work on time.

Throwing on a one piece swimsuit today, the sides are cut out leaving only a strip down the middle, it’s navy blue with tiny red hearts dotted about, it’s new (as is almost everything I have with me) but judging my appearance in the full length mirror, I’m relatively happy with it.

Adding a white sarong with tiny pearls marking out swirly patterns in the material, and I’m ready to go.

I resist the urge to eat everything at the breakfast bar, telling myself an apple will sufficiently quench my hunger and peruse the activity poster in the bar quickly to distract from the temptation of a room full of food. There is a two hour bike ride from three this afternoon, it goes up into the hills surrounding the resort which sounds strenuous, but it claims to only require a medium fitness level, so I will give it a go. I sign up at the lobby, stopping to pass the time of day with Mari, who is becoming increasingly curious about my relationship with the apparently infamous Carlos. She tells me that he has never spent more than one night with a girl that she knows of, his family believing that he would never settle down, until I came along. I am shocked to hear that everyone seems to know so much about it, but I guess if you live and work at your parents hotel, not much is going to get passed them.

I flush pink, suddenly worried about just how much they do know about our times together!?

I try to sound casual about it to Mari, not wanting to give away any further details, but desperate to hear more about the insight she has into my mysterious Carlos.

It is a fruitless endeavour, her not willingly forthcoming with anything else and me not wanting to give anything away by questioning her; I give in for now and head to the pool.

I arrive just as a couple are leaving two of the prime location sun loungers; whipping a towel off the stand, I sprint to one before it is snatched up by someone else. Laying out on the lounger I eat my apple, I’m bored, as much as I enjoy sunbathing, it loses a certain something when you aren’t surrounded by friends; I’m all dressed up with no one to lounge with.

I start fiddling with the pearls on my sarong, it’s not really entertaining, but it gives my hands something to do. This is Karma punishing me for being lazy and not going on the bike ride this morning, damn Karma.

I get up frustrated, leaving my towel and flip flops to reserve my seat and head to the bar; I can’t get wasted, but a cheeky Strawberry Daiquiri never did anyone any harm.

It is presented by the barman, as what is essentially, a strawberry slushy with a dash of rum, I’ve had a few in my time, but I’m inclined to say that this is, by far, my favourite version.

Returning to my seat I am met with a few glares from families waiting at the side lines for a good spot to open up, shocked at my audacity to save me seat while going to the bar. Now, I know there is an unspoken rule of no savies, but surely that doesn’t count if you are just going to the bar?

Oh well, I’ve done it now, so screw ‘em! I’m going to sit here sipping my Daiquiri, pretending to enjoy every second, even though I’m bored brainless, just because you gave me the evil eye, for getting a drink.

I take a victory sip through the straw, sucking a little too hard and consequently suffering painful brain freeze, Karma is really riding me today; I try and hide my discomfort behind a smile so that Mr. and Mrs. Glare-a-lot don’t get any satisfaction.

When the pain subsides and I can finally un-scrunch my eyes, I look around, perhaps a little bit of people watching will pass the time. I spot a cute little old couple sat side by side, both with matching dark brown leathery skin, it looks gross, but I can’t help but grin at the idea of them growing old together until they finally morph into tan leather sofas.

Then a young couple having a lovers spat, hissing abuse at each other in hushed tones, clearly trying and failing, not to cause a scene; she has a mane of fiery red hair and appears to be the main antagonist, jabbing her finger at him, while he lies back feigning ignorance about whatever they are fighting over.

I avert my eyes before I’m caught staring, settling on a man in faded jeans and a black t-shirt walking towards the pool area. He is turning to look at every person he passes, as if he is searching for someone, clearly flustered, but that could just be down to his ridiculous clothing; who wears jeans and dark t-shirt in 35degree heat?

There is something familiar about his stance, but he is still some way away and the sun is so bright that I can’t see him clearly enough to work out who he reminds me of.

As he reaches the other side of the pool I can make out his hair and establish roughly how tall he is, I can see it now, he reminds me of Jake. Eugh! That’s all I need a Jake look-alike running around the place. Why does Karma hate me so much today?

Shaking my head to scramble the image, I lay back and close my eyes, conjuring up pictures of Carlos instead; there, that’s much better.

I’m overjoyed at the prospect of him coming back early and now I have my new sexy underwear, I’m feeling much more confident that I can compete with his skill in the bedroom department; well improve on my lack of effort from the last times at least. He has definitely had the control so far and I feel a little guilty that it has all been about me; not that I haven’t loved every second of it, but still, it’s time to give something back.

Just as I’m playing through kinky scenarios in my head, I hear it, “Kate?” the scenario freezes, but I’m too afraid to open my eyes, I know that voice, I know it well. It’s Jake.

I can feel the blood drain away from my face; it can’t be him, why would it be him? I try and argue with myself, but still my eyes won’t open, my mind knowing the truth.

“Kate” he says again, more assuredly this time, his clammy fingers touching my shoulder. Instinctively I flinch, pulling my shoulder away and open my eyes; there’s no denying it now, there he is. He looks absurd all red in the face, his hair stuck down across his forehead with sweat. I want to shout at him, tell him to get away from me, demand to know why he’s here and tell him he looks like an overdressed idiot in those clothes, my mouth is open, but nothing comes out except a strangled squeak.

I take a swig of my Daiquiri, clear my throat and try again “What the hell are you doing here!?” I hiss, matching the hushed tones used by the young couple I saw minutes before.

I’m seething, I don’t even care why he’s here, there is no possible reason good enough to explain him being here.

Jumping out of my seat I pick up my shoes and storm off away from him, “Kate!” he shouts unnecessarily loudly after me; turning on my heel I am inches away from him within two strides “Don’t you dare make a scene!” I warn him through clenched teeth, “Shut the hell up and let’s go somewhere less crowded” I turn and stalk away with him following me, hastily trying to keep up.

I head down to the beach, it crossed my mind to go back to my room for complete privacy, but the last thing I want is him knowing which room I’m in, so the far end of the beach will have to do.

We walk in silence for a good ten minutes. It’s sadly impossible to stomp effectively on soft sand, so I have to settle for a medium paced walk, his lack of talking tells me it’s still putting across my anger towards him.

I come to a standstill once we are well away from any would be eaves droppers and turn to look at him still glowering, but waiting for him to speak first.

“You look amazing” he starts, the comment turns my stomach as he looks me up and down.

“What do you want Jake?” I snap back. I thought if I had seen him again I would be flooded with feelings of love, but right now I feel nothing but contempt for this man.

“Kate, please” he says softly.

“Please nothing!” I shout back, “You left me. Yo
u
cheate
d
on me. You threw away our life together and now you turn up to ruin my holiday too!
?
What – do - you – want - Jak
e
?” I say the last part slowly, emphasising each word in the hope to get my yet unanswered question through his thick skull.

All the anger from the last two months erupts out of me, I would love to slap that sorry looking expression off his face; How dare he do this to me!

“I’m sorry ok?” he says pitifully, “I’m sorry for all of it, I was stupid to do that to you, I know that now, I truly am so sorry Kate, you have to believe me” he looks so pathetic but it just makes me hate him all the more.

“So what?” I fire back at him, “who cares if your sorry? It still doesn’t explain why you’re here. What, this couldn’t have waited till I got back?” I know I’m hurting him, throwing his apology back in his face, but he deserves everything he gets.

“You were always telling me I should be more romantic, so….” He trails off deflated, for a second I almost feel sorry for him.