Galloway crumpled the cash-filled envelope, shoving it deep into his bag. “Hope so. I have no choice. I’m not accepting no for an answer.” His eyes found their way back to me.
Not succumbing to his power again, I deliberately looked away, feigning interest in a billboard for a diving site complete with jewelled fish and reef sharks. The advertisement held the true colours of Fiji—bright pinks and blues and yellows. It was nothing like the dismal evening where black was the colour palate and the whiff of warm asphalt and rotting rubbish overshadowed holiday welcome.
Finally, the driver returned. “Matava Resort is on the island of Kadavu, yes?” Tapping his phone against his thigh, a glint formed in his gaze. “Very exclusive resort. Expensive.”
Duncan stiffened, understanding the undertone. “If it’s about cost, name it. I’m sure we can come to an arrangement.”
Galloway didn’t move. He held himself rigid but beneath I sensed an anxious need to move forward rather than stay stationary. Whatever his destination or reason, he wouldn't back down or accept defeat.
I envied him.
I was jealous that he had such passion for bending the rules and getting what he wanted.
“I’m with Duncan,” Galloway said. “Find a way to get us there tonight and money can be discussed.”
The driver slouched against his van, oblivious to the chaos of other passengers being ferried to their destinations. “I might have a friend.”
Duncan slapped him on the shoulder. “Great. What’s the damage?”
“Damage?” The driver immediately looked at his vehicle as if we’d vandalized it while he was on the phone. “What damage?”
Galloway chuckled. “He means how much?”
The driver smiled. “Five hundred US per person.”
“No way. Five hundred for all of us.” Pointing at his family and Galloway, Duncan clipped, “Five hundred for five people.”
Wait.
What was I supposed to do? Travel meekly to a hotel I didn’t want to go to, check into a room I had no interest in, and sleep in a bed I already despised?
No.
They had their plans while I rotted in indecision. I had no backbone to my life. I was done being a passenger as tides took me this way and that. I wanted some direction for once.
I wanted to live.
I wouldn’t ignore the messages any longer.
If I couldn’t get home, I would go somewhere second best. I would celebrate like Madi said I should. I would enjoy a holiday, new experiences, and something spontaneous—all because I could. “Um, Mr. Evermore?”
Duncan paused, smiling kindly. “Yes?”
I ignored Galloway watching me. “This resort you mentioned. Is it quiet?”
Amelia answered on his behalf, tucking copper hair behind her ear. “It’s an eco-lodge. Thatched bures with solar power and no carbon footprint. It’s for those who crave solitude and silence.”
Holy crap, that sounds amazing.
Idyllic.
Custom made for me.
I could relax around the pool (if there was a pool), write, daydream, and plan a future where I wasn’t afraid of living.
My heart skipped but this time with hope. “Do you think they’d have vacancy?”
Duncan scratched his chin. “I only made the reservation last week and they said they were at half occupancy. If I were you, I’d be willing to take the risk.”
Thoughts of peace and tranquillity enticed me more and more. I could take a week off and recuperate from my tour, before returning home where the internet would hound me, my work would crush me, and obligations awaited.
Why did I want to rush back if I could have a week just for me?
I’d always been a structured person. I didn’t take gambles or make spur-of-the-moment decisions, but what if this was exactly what I needed?
And they’re going without me.
What would I regret more? Letting them find a way to paradise and holing up in some awful hotel, or taking a risk, going with them, and finding the best experience of my life?
I smiled at the driver. “We’ll pay six hundred for six people.”
Galloway raised an eyebrow. “You’re coming, too? But I thought you said—”
“I don’t care. I’ve changed my mind.”
“You can do that? Just change your mind?”
My smile hardened. “I can do whatever I want.”
“But don’t you have to—” He scowled. “I dunno. Work or something?”
His body language switched from eager to standoffish. Why did he have a problem with me hitching a ride? It wasn’t as if I was asking him to marry me. We’d never see each other again after this.
“What the hell is your deal?”
Galloway flinched. “What do you mean? I don’t have a deal.”
“You don’t want me to travel with you.”
“I never said that.”
“You did.”
“Whatever. Hear what you want to hear. I was merely concerned for your welfare.”
I planted hands on my hips. “My welfare. What do you care about my welfare? You don’t even know me.”
“That’s right. He doesn’t.” Duncan stepped between us, acting as referee. “Six people. No problem at all.” Patting me on the shoulder, he grinned. “Pleasure to have you along for the ride, Estelle.”
“Estelle?” Galloway’s voice stole my name, turning it from a simple address to an angry caress. “That’s your name?”