Moments

I looked at the pamphlet, and my eyebrows quirked as I got annoyed thinking, What the hell was a happy ending?

I suppose someone invented the notion that people are always happy in relationships to sell presents in February. My failed experience was with a guy in high school, a gorgeous guy. Damn, till now, he's still hot to me. His name was Exidos Spencer. I thought I had outgrown him, but secretly, he creeps into my mind like a dirty trick. I compelled myself not to look for him, even though the temptation was delicious.

I don’t know when the crush began; he was not the nicest person. I hate to admit it, but his charm made me want to turn bad as well, just to be with him. That was until he blatantly rejected me after I asked him out. I convinced myself no guy would want me after that, and if by some miracle I found someone, they wouldn't be close to filling Exidos' space. He had cruelly told me so himself. He was a prick for doing it, but he did it privately. I didn't cry that day; I bit into it and held it in, even though it killed me.

I was waiting in line at the Hotel Plateau, where I was staying for two weeks. Wishing I’d grown out of my workaholic tendencies, I sadly remained stuck. I don’t know why I have been thinking of that lately, him, but it seems to find me, all surrounding the one person I wish I had been with so many years ago. I took my standard two breaths, and finally, I got my papers checked at the front desk.

I moved away with luggage in tow and a handbag. I bumped into a shoulder and muttered an apology, but the voice and the grunt made me look up, only to regret it instantaneously.

I should have known it would have been this easy. After all, I was just daydreaming about the blasted man. He has grown into his handsomeness. It has not changed at all. I had to will myself not to drool. Doubting he would remember who I am, I smiled and nodded my head in acknowledgement of him and left right after. My heart pounded in my ears as I entered the lift.

I couldn’t believe what just happened. He was here, showed up out of nowhere at the right time, oh god, perfect timing. Oh no, what am I thinking? I have to get myself together. I came for a holiday, and romance wasn't planned; better to steer clear of him.

I have entered the hallway for the room that I was supposed to be in, and in the lift, just before mine, opened to reveal no other than the throb himself. I grimaced at how lovesick I was then and sadly still am now.

He's going to break your heart again, chimed my mind with a silent warning. My eyes closed as I buried my heart deeper away from his breathtaking face.

I opened the door and sighed heavily. It was not easy travelling to an island and only having your little holiday ruined by someone who does not even remember you. I got settled in and finally bounced on the bed, all comfy and soft. I immediately stripped in my room. I was hoping to wash away all the dirt from the travel and maybe get some sleep before returning to the lobby to see around the hotel. I showered, and it felt wonderful, so good I felt my eyes closing already. A knock on the door woke me. I knew I hadn’t ordered room service.

Please don't be a creep, I begged quietly as I breathed out.

“May I help you?”

“Yes. Good afternoon, my name is Exidos. We met downstairs. We have a room situation,” he said as he tried looking behind me.

My eyebrows quirked as I closed the door to block the view of my room from him. “Oh no. What happened now?”

“We need to clarify that I am in 202, and you’re in 201.”

“That can be done later. I'm tired, and I was sleeping. The view from your room is the same as mine,” I said, closing the door when his hand stopped it with a palm.

“The view is not the problem, since my name is under 202 and yours under 201, they opened our cards to open either door.” His words came from lips that graced me with a familiar smirk.

“Holy hell, you’re kidding! They cannot do that.” I said, exasperated.

“Glad you see it the way I do. I wouldn't want you to be opening my door. Now come on, get dressed, we have to go downstairs,” he demanded as he stood back from the doorway.

I had a brilliant idea to slam the door behind him. I stepped back as if to accept defeat and bang the door behind me. Two steps away from the door, I heard it open, and before I knew it, he was in my room.

“What the hell is your problem? I told you I was going to fix it later,” I yelled, as I saw him walk more for me as I backed away.

“Have you no worry for your safety? I could be a murderer, for God’s sake!” he yelled, equally matching my anger, coming down to look closer at my face.

“Get out of my room,” I seethed calmly, surprising myself.

“I've never met a woman like you. Safety be damned, isn't it? I'll be downstairs waiting for you. Get dressed, or I'll…” he said, but faltered at last. He rose from my face, fixing his jacket.

“Please, let's fix this, and I won't bother you any more.”

He turned and walked outside, closing the door behind him. I eyed the dress on the bed, which I didn’t find appealing to wear, and sighed as I made my way towards it. I tugged it on with nothing underneath. The knock came again, a little urgently this time.

“I am sorry I can’t go with you to sort this problem out right now, my meeting is about to start. I’ll find you when I can,” he said before walking off hurriedly to the lift.

“Oh, Ex, you’re still thinking about yourself.”

I got into the room and pulled off the dress hastily once more, and pulled the covers as I got underneath. All that could float in my mind was the encounter with Exidos Spencer. He is one of those men who leave their mark on you before they touch you; that was how infectious he was. It made me sick to know that I think of him like that even now. With that, I tried to force my mind to shut off and fell asleep.

I woke to the waves slapping against each other, and I turned to see the blue sky slowly giving way to the cool night air. I smiled to myself and decided where I would spend the evening. I dressed warmly because, knowing myself, I would be shaking like a leaf by the first few seconds of being on the beach. I wanted to eat at a lovely restaurant, then I would go down to the beach, and the best part, I get to have it all to myself. Hardly anyone would be out there. I entered the lobby and headed straight to the very attentive concierge.

“Hello, would you mind telling me where a restaurant is close to the beach?”

“There is the little Notch, which I would recommend, but you are free to choose from this list?” The Concierge extended to me the list of restaurants.

“How will I get there?”

“I shall ask the chauffeur to take you; all you have to do is tell him the name you wish to go, and he shall take you.”

“I think I am going to take you up on the little Notch you mentioned first. Thank you.”

“Excellent, I shall tell the chauffeur, and he shall soon take you. Please step outside so he may see you.”

I followed him outside, and soon I was off to the restaurant and was seated quite quickly; it might have been what the driver had told the Maitre. He smiled politely and led me to the table, gave me the menu, then left. I think during that time sitting alone, I have never felt more at peace with myself. My schedule was cleared for at least while I am here for two weeks, and I told myself I am going to enjoy it. I sipped the glass of wine in front of me and closed my eyes, lightly moaning. I looked around me, and I saw a man looking at me from the bar; he seemed smug, and he wore his shirt with one too many buttons down. He is wearing a white button-up with black slacks. I saw him stand up, and immediately, I regretted looking at him too long. He made his way to my table, and I knew exactly what I was going to say.

“Hello, Madam, I couldn’t help but notice you are dining alone. Do you have room for one more?”

“I am actually hoping to be alone tonight. I have not been feeling like company.”

“I understand, but what if I say I am a good listener? Would you allow me to join you then?”

“I am sorry… I don’t know your name, but please, leave me be on the days that I have to enjoy myself.”

“I see. I shall leave you, but surely we will cross paths again. Enjoy your evening, madam,” he said coyly and left.

I could only pray we would not.