Because of Sydney (35 page)

BOOK: Because of Sydney

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“Actually, no. It’s spring break. We were booked up two months ago.” I saw a look of pity and concern spread across her face.

No, no, no. This wasn’t possible. I was homeless in South Padre. I stood at the counter, closed my eyes, and tried to grasp my options.

“Are you going to be ok?” The girl whispered.

“ Yes. Thank you, for your help.” I was visibly rattled from the information, but I side-stepped the newly arrived guests and searched for the elevator. Embarrassed and mortified, I walked into the open elevator with a group who had just left the pool. They seemed unphased by the puddles their swimsuits dripped on the elevator tiles. As I watched the light for each floor we passed glow, my determination to see Brett grew stronger.

My pace was hurried as I searched the room numbers on the eighth floor. I pounded on room 852’s door. “Brett, let me in! Brett!” I didn’t care if I looked like one of the deranged girls on
Snapped
. This was possibly the most horrible day I had ever experienced, and Brett had compounded all of it by stealing my hotel room.

The door flew open, but instead of my handsome ex, I stood eye to eye with a petite brunette wearing a hot pink bikini and holding a beer in her hand.

“Who are you?” I barged past her, not all that interested in her answer.

“Brett?” she called out frantically. “Brett, there’s a lunatic in our room.”

“Me? I’m not a lunatic.” I spun on my heels to face her. “You are in my hotel room with my—” I stopped short of saying boyfriend. This must be what people mean by an out of body experience. My words were soft and calm, but inside, I was boiling with rage.

Brett emerged from the bathroom with a towel draped around his waist. Little beads of water trickled over his smooth chest. “Eden, what are you doing here? And what happened to your hair? Have you been drinking?” He eyed me suspiciously while reaching for the beer from the girl. He chugged a few swallows before passing it back to her.

“Why does everyone keep acting like I’m not supposed to be here? I paid for this trip. My parents paid for it. You know that.” My fists dug into the sides of my hips to keep from slugging him. “Is this your definition of keeping your options open?” I nodded toward the girl who had taken a seat at the edge of the king-size bed.

“You’re obviously upset. I think you should go.” Brett placed his hand on my shoulder like he was talking to a good friend he was concerned about. The gesture irritated me.

“I’m not leaving. This is my room. If anyone should leave, it should be you. And you.” I glared at the girl. “I can’t believe you would do something like this.”

Seeing Brett half-dressed and smugly tossing out orders disgusted me. I don’t know when he had transformed into this pompous ass, but I was actually glad I couldn’t be tied to him anymore. He was right—we had grown apart. However, he was the one who had grown into a royal dick.

Brett launched into one of his smooth explanations. “Look, I paid for the room—it’s not in your parents’ name anymore. I tried to call you a few times, but you didn’t pick up. I’m sorry there was a mix-up, but I think we both know what this is really about.” His forehead creased. “You’re taking this breakup hard. It’s understandable you’d be upset, but don’t make a scene. You know I hate girl drama.”

That was it. The words were like the cue I had been waiting to hear. My carefully planted fist flew up from the side of my hip and caught him under the chin. Brett reeled back into the arms of his nameless companion.

“What the hell, Eden?” He massaged his chin.

“Oh my God, Brett. Are you ok?” The bikini-clad girl leaned over to assess his injury. The way she touched him, I knew they weren’t new acquaintances.

I exhaled. I couldn’t decide what I hated more: Brett or people saying “girl drama.” I had never punched anyone in my life, but I felt so much better.

“Bye, Brett. Enjoy your spring break.” I swung the door open and slammed it behind me with as much force as I could muster.

I didn’t know where I was going to find a place to stay for the week, but anywhere far from Brett was fine with me.

By the time I returned to the lobby, the line of guests had dispersed. The nice girl at the counter smiled when she spotted me.

“No luck?” she asked.

“Not exactly. Ex-boyfriend disaster.” I sighed. “I know this is kind of a strange question to ask you, but could you recommend another hotel? I’m homeless and luggage-less.” I laughed. The whole scenario was absurd. I couldn’t stop the eruption of deep belly laughs.

“Oh my God, that’s terrible. Everywhere is going to be booked up. March is the craziest month of the year on the island.” She pulled out her phone. “But I might know somewhere that isn’t booked—it’s not great, but at least you might have somewhere to stay.”

My giggling fit ceased. “Thank you. I’d appreciate anything right now. I haven’t had dinner, or lunch, and I think I’m actually delirious.” That was going to be my excuse for punching Brett, even though he completely deserved it.

“Ok, my friend just texted me and said the Palm Palace is open and has vacancies.” She reached for a sticky note.

“Palm Palace?” It sounded like something out of a 1950s beach movie.

“It’s a motel, but there are open rooms. Here’s the address.” She handed me a Post-it with an address and a phone number. “I’m Marin, by the way. If you need anything else, I put my number at the bottom too. Just text me. If any open rooms turn up here, I’ll let you know—just give me your cell.”

“Thank you. This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me all day.” I jotted my digits down for her.

“I can’t let your first trip to South Padre be anything but amazing. It’s the kind of place that’s hard to forget.” Her brown eyes softened. “It didn’t start out so great for you, but I have a feeling the week will turn around for you.”

I winced at the tenderness in my knuckles as I tucked her number in my bag. “Thanks, Marin. I already feel like there’s no way I’ll forget this trip.”

I turned toward the sliding doors and the line of taxis that had pulled up only seconds ago to unload the next round of travelers arriving from the airport. They scurried past me, talking about concerts, dance parties, and the hotel’s swim-up bar.

Before he could hop in his van, I asked the first driver I spotted if he knew where the Palm Palace was. His raised eyebrow should have deterred me, but I was desperate and according to Marin the motel was the only place on the island I could stay. He motioned for me to sit in the second row, and peeled the van away from the curb. From the wide windows, I watched the Island Sun Resort, its fluffy white robes, endless sunset cocktails, and tropical flowers roll out of view.

Kissing Eden
is available now

Thank you to my family for bearing with me over the summer while I worked on Mason and Sydney’s story. I know it’s not easy while I’m in the writing cave, so thank you for supporting me.

I have an amazing team behind me. Nicole at Running Ink Edits, Sommer with Perfect Pear Creative Covers and the E.M. Tippetts crew—you all are the best! A special thank you to Brina at Mark My Words. I have loved working with you.

Thank you to the bloggers and readers who have continued to support me. You make this journey so much fun!