HE REMEMBERS
1098 Words
My eyes widened, and I forced a polite smile before hastily turning away to return to my seat.
Beryl, you i***t! I scolded myself.
"You should have at least introduced yourself to Mr. Hottie," one of my colleagues teased.
I pouted. "He's too handsome. It's intimidating," I said, taking a bite of food as if I weren't reeling from the encounter. The truth was, my heart was pounding against my ribs with pure anxiety. I stole a glance at him and saw he was already talking to a stunning woman at the buffet. He seemed interested in her.
Good, I thought. Let him be distracted. He probably won't remember me. Or maybe I just looked familiar, which is why he approached. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it and he was actually just there for the fruit. I sighed. The world is small, but I can handle it as long as he doesn't recognize me. I just hope he leaves soon.
After dinner, my colleagues suggested drinks at an open-air bar overlooking the sea. Our bosses were joining, so I was forced to tag along.
"Come on, Beryl, have a drink. Don't be a buzzkill. We're here to have fun!"
"Okay, but only something flavored and light. I don't want to get drunk." I figured I’d order one and sip it slowly all night.
Our drinks hadn't even arrived when I saw him at the entrance. He was with the same group from this morning. They walked straight to a lounge area near the stage where a live band was playing.
"Mr. Hottie is here, too," the girls whispered. I cleared my throat and swallowed hard. What is he doing here? Of all the bars on this island, they had to choose this one. I couldn't relax; my mind was racing with what-ifs.
I checked my phone. Grandma had texted to say Precious was nursing and about to fall asleep. I looked back at the man across the room. He really does look like her. I felt a small, secret smile touch my lips. At least something beautiful came out of that reckless night: my angel, Precious.
I sipped my drink while my companions, who had been drinking for a while, started getting wild. They were hitting the dance floor and inviting everyone to join. Our bosses didn't seem to mind.
"Come on, Beryl, let's dance!" they urged.
"I’ll follow you in a bit. I just need the restroom," I lied, desperate to avoid the dance floor. Partying and flirting just aren't my style anymore. I watched them go, already being approached by other tourists, and winced.
I stayed in the restroom cubicle for a few minutes, leaning my head against the door. I just wanted to sleep. I hoped I could head back to the hotel soon. Was this a sign of aging? I’m only in my twenties, but I’ve never been the partying type. The only time I ever truly cut loose was the night I caught Roger and Therese.
I came out of the cubicle, washed my hands, and stepped out. I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice the man leaning against the wall. When he cleared his throat, I nearly jumped out of my skin. He raised an eyebrow. Oh, damn! What is he doing here?
I tried to ignore him and keep walking, but he blocked my path with one long, tan arm. I frowned at him, trying to keep my clueless mask on.
"How are you?" he asked, his voice smooth. Small talk. Normal for a first meeting, right?
"Ah, fine. I have to go, bye!" I even gave him a little wave.
"Don't tell me you don't remember me."
"Huh?" I feigned ignorance, furrowing my brows as if trying to place him.
"Not a single woman I’ve ever been with forgets about me," he said arrogantly.
What a jerk! "Did we... go out?"
He laughed. "You're a terrible liar. Your face says it all. You’re blushing."
"Mister, you have a very filthy mouth. I'm not used to that kind of language," I snapped, my tone turning curt.
"Oh, yeah?" He smiled playfully. My goodness, he was handsome. It was enough to make my knees weak.
"Yes. Now, goodbye!"
"I took your virginity," he said, stepping closer. "It’s literally impossible for you to have forgotten me."
I shook my head, though the corner of his mouth lifted in a smirk. "I don't remember," I insisted, finally dodging past him.
I found my boss and told her my stomach hurt and I was heading back to the hotel. I just wanted to sleep and pray I wouldn't see him tomorrow. He was stressing me out.
My roommates stumbled back to the room in the early morning, completely wasted. They were out cold, while I lay there wide awake. Despite the lack of sleep, we all got up for the breakfast buffet. We were determined to make the most of the food.
I was at the dessert station, carefully arranging sweets on my plate to give myself an energy boost for the day’s activities. I was so focused I didn't see him approaching.
"s**t!" I blurted out as he appeared beside me.
"You're jumpy. Are you avoiding me?"
I ignored him and kept plating my food.
"If you think I'm going to leave you alone while you're here, you're wrong," he whispered. "You ran out that morning and left me with only two hundred dollars."
I looked at him, my mouth agape. Only? What did he mean, only?
"It was an insult. Woman, I am worth a lot more than two hundred."
I rolled my eyes, finally giving up the act since he clearly wasn't buying it. "You should be thankful I left you anything at all."
He laughed, looking genuinely amused. Then he stopped, rubbing his chin thoughtfully while his eyes raked over me. He smirked. "That’s still not enough to settle the debt."
Wanting him to just go away, I snapped, "Fine. How much do you want? Name your price."
The nerve of him! He’s the one who owes me, if anything. But I didn't regret that night not when it gave me the reason for my happiness.
"Name it," I challenged. I figured I could scrape together ten thousand if it meant he’d leave me alone for the next two days.
He just smirked.
"What?" I asked impatiently. I looked behind us and realized a line was forming. Before I could say anything else, he simply turned and walked away.
I stood there, plate in hand, absolutely irritated.
- Writer
