Page 73 of Mark
“After we spoke, I kind of saw him flirting with two girls,” I explain.
“Babe, you aren’t together. What does it matter? You got something out of it. You did get something out of it, right? Or is he just a pretty face?”
“Oh, I definitely got something out of it. Multiple somethings.”
“I knew he would be good. Go jump back into bed with him. Maybe get some more something, somethings from him before your holiday is up,” she orders. “Call me with the deets later and not a minute before.”
“No, no, no,” I begin, but she’s already ended the call. “Fuck!”
I tiptoe to the door, pulling it open enough to peek out. He’s still sound asleep, a gruff snore slipping past his lips. I glance towhere my outfit for today is lying and quickly rush over to grab it, keeping my gaze on the man on my bed.
I need to shower, to wash the stench from the night before off my body. I reek of alcohol and sex, and neither are a good combination when you are surrounded by people on a boat.
It’s also a way to avoid him in case he wakes up. All I can do is hope he will leave if he hears the shower running. I don’t peg him as the type to stick around, but he may just surprise me. If he’s still sleeping when I’m done, I can just slip out without having to deal with the awkward morning after conversation.
I keep my fingers and toes crossed as I jump under the warm spray of water.
Please don’t be there when I get out.
*** *** ***
I take a page out of my nan’s book and arrive at the dining room wearing my sunglasses. After picking up two pieces of toast and a glass of orange juice, I down the two paracetamols and make my way over to the corner of the room. The sofa love seat is empty since everyone is mostly on deck getting in some much-needed sun. There is no way I’ll be able to handle the sun beating down on me, or deal with people in general.
“You look worse than Imogen this morning,” Lily greets.
I glance up from my phone, forcing a smile at the gorgeous blonde. “I bet I feel worse than Imogen.”
“Do you mind if I sit?” she asks.
I move my feet off the sofa. “Please, go ahead,” I reply. “How are you feeling today?”
“Still a little queasy but I haven’t been sick since four this morning. Jaxon had the doctor onboard check me over this morning.”
“I’m glad you are doing better,” I reply, and I mean it. “Where are Rose and Jaxon?”
“They are on their way to the indoor paddling pool. Rose loves the water,” she tells me with a small smile. “I saw you through the window and I wanted to come and say thank you.”
“You don’t need to keep thanking me,” I assure her. “I’m glad I could help.”
She wrings her hands in her lap. “It still means a lot to me. I’ve only had a few when my family weren’t present, and they were scary. I’m glad it was you who stumbled across me. I’ve suffered with them for so long, I should be used to them,” she begins.
I drop my plate onto the small coffee table and sit up, crossing my legs together on the sofa. “I don’t think anyone ever gets used to them. Most people don’t even know they have anxiety. I’m surprised you do because your family seems really protective over you.”
She straightens her long white skirt. “The woman who birthed me wasn’t a very nice person. Stuff happened to me as a child; and whereas most people forget their childhood, mine was scarred into my mind. Or at least, that’s the best way the therapist explained it to me. I don’t handle being around drunk people well. My family are exempt because I know I can trust them.”
My eyes widen. “I am so sorry that happened to you, Lily. I will never understand how a parent can harm a child,” I reply softly, seeing how hard that was for her to declare. I tilt my head to the side. “Wait, if you’re adopted, how do you look like your siblings?” Fuck! “Sorry. That was rude.”
She smiles, her eyes crinkling in the corners. “She’s never been my parent. My mum and dad are my parents. Are you ready for your mind to be blown on why I look like them?” At my nod, she continues, but not before glancing around, like she’s checking we are alone. “Biologically, my dad is my brother. Mumand Dad adopted me after I was saved from the woman who birthed me.”
My lips part, then close. Holy crap! “Yep. My mind is completely blown.”
“I don’t really like talking about it. I never want my parents to feel like I see them as my adoptive parents. That’s not who they are to me.”
“Thank you for trusting me, and sharing.”
She lowers her gaze for a moment, before taking a breath. “My family will do everything they can to show you how grateful they are. I wanted you to understand why before they become insufferable. I know you will say, ‘but anyone would have done the same’, but you’re wrong. Not everyone would have done what you did, so it’s no small thing to them. My husband has already paid for you to join us on our excursion to swim with the turtles when we dock back in Barbados. My dad is annoyed he got there first, so he’s probably planning on paying for you to join us snorkelling when we dock tomorrow.”
“Lily, there is no need for them to do anything. I promise,” I assure her.