Page 88 of He Loves Me Knot
Shit.
He hadn’t meant to be so imprudent.
But the Camdens should have told Mum.
Maybe they were waiting until after everything was confirmed before they did. Or maybe Liddy was right—Elle and Quinn hadn’t completely signed off on the new plans yet and there was still time to turn things around.
His voice was softer as he said, “They might be.”
“But your girlfriend said they were having a good time.” Mum set her hands on her hips.
“They are, Mum. I just think maybe the Camdens are less of the ‘unplug and commune with nature’ types and more of the ‘serve me my cocktails on my beach lounger’ types. And you know how Arthur had that stroke several years ago. I don’t think they’ve gone on many holidays since then.”
Mum teared up. Without another word, she scurried away from the office, the door slamming behind her as she wiped tears away.
Fantastic.
Just what I needed.
Sophia was quiet as she stood. She moved over to a clean stack of plates and then uncovered thegallo pinto, spooning it out onto a plate. Approaching him, she held out the plate. “I guess we should try to help your girlfriend. If she’s the only one trying to help us, anyway.”
“It’s not personal, Sophia.” He took the plate from her. “I didn’t say I wanted this.”
She rolled her eyes. “Then throw it out. It’ll get thrown out anyway if no one eats it. But it used to be your favorite, and you haven’t had your mum’s cooking for a while, so you may as well have some.”
He hated that she was right. Grabbing a fork, he dug in and took a bite. The taste transported him instantly—like so many foods had the last few days—to easy days. Better days. Mornings ofgallo pintoand surfing. Days playing football. Nights that included sneaking bottles ofImperialbeer and kisses with the girl he’d thought would be the love of his life.
The thought of it made him feel sick.
Reminded him of other things, too.
Of being in so much pain that he couldn’t see straight.
Of losing the contract that had promised him three million pounds and a place in the international football league.
Arduous days and nights, having to practically relearn how to fucking walk again and years of physical therapy.
And the one bright spot in his life becoming the deepest hole of darkness he’d ever experienced.
Goddamn Liddy for making me do this.
“Can you help me?” he asked, setting the fork down. He couldn’t look at Sophia.
“Yes. There are some good new tours in town. I think horseback riding for the older couples—the horses are gentle—and maybe four-by-four jungle treks for the younger crowd. Dividing the group will make it easier for an afternoon activity on such short notice. Then everyone can meet back up and go on a sunset catamaran party cruise and see dolphins.” Sophia slid a laptop over from the counter and opened it.
“Maybe something other than horse riding, too? In case there are people with physical disabilities. Arthur Camden had a stroke several years ago, so I’m not sure if he’ll be up for riding a horse.”
“Ah, yes, and the grandmother, too.”
Callum smirked. “I’m fairly sure Granny will opt for riding in a UTV. Driving it, if she can.”
Sophia clicked a few keys on her laptop. “A wild macaw tour in Punta Islita maybe?”
“That could work.”
“I’ll set it all up. What time do you want the tour bus here? And how do you want to pay?”
Oh fuck. Payment.