Lies, all lies.
There had been plenty of mystery and excitement. The gentle throbbing between my legs was testament to it.
But I had to be sure before taking things further.
Last night’s shenanigans could well have been the result of too much alcohol and getting caught up in the moment. Weddings were one of the most romantic events and brought out all sorts of feelings you didn’t know you had. Emotions running wild. Happiness, joy, and the celebration of love.
I couldn’t help thinking there was more to it. But of course, Max and I hadn’t had a chance to discuss things properly. Before long, we’d be back in New York, me at the law firm, him at the construction company, only bumping into each other on nights out with our friends. I sighed. Life would go back to normal, and last night would become a distant memory.
Once I had dried off and dressed, I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and put on a slick of makeup. Despite the beginnings of a dull hangover, I was looking forward to getting home and chilling out in my apartment until I had to go back to work on Tuesday. Tomorrow would be a day of Netflix and fast food on the sofa, for sure.
Jodie had at least begun to make a start on packing. Still dressed in her wedding outfit, she padded from the wardrobe to her bed, throwing clothes into her bag without folding them.
“Do we have coffee yet?” Her eyes shone expectantly.
“All good things come to those who wait.” I placed Max’s shirt on my bed, unsure whether to drop it into his room. My bag sat at the foot of my bed, relatively untouched from the time we’d arrived. It wasn’t going to take me too long to get packed and ready to go.
“Well, I can’t guarantee how good I’m going to be if I don’t get caffeine soon,” she grumbled.
“Okay, okay, I’m going.” I paused at the door, looking her up and down. “Bathroom is free, by the way.”
A pair of socks narrowly missed my head as I went back into the living area, chuckling to myself.
There was still no sign of Autumn or Max. If they didn’t turn up soon, I’d start to worry. I set about making a pot of coffee and checked the refrigerator for any breakfast supplies. There wasn’t anything left from yesterday, so we’d have to stop for something on the way home. I wondered if Bart’s Bar and Grill served pancakes. While I waited for the coffee, I washed and rinsed the glasses, before drying them and putting them back in the cupboard. I hid the champagne bottle in the trash and started tidying up the kitchen in preparation for our departure.
The front door of the cabin banged, and I spun around, fully expecting it to be Max. Autumn, clutching her shoes in one hand, purse in the other, wearing yesterday’s wedding attire topped off with a Holiday Springs resort staff jacket, was a sight to behold.
“Shit, rumbled,” she giggled.
“Exactly where have you been all night Autumn Coady? And why do you have Holiday Springs staff gear?”
The glint in her eye meant I didn’t really have to ask.
“You remember the guy I persuaded to bring us pizza on Friday night?” Autumn’s cheeks flushed.
How could I forget? He was one of the reasons Max and I had been in such a state of flux.
“You’re incorrigible.”
Autumn looked past me. “And where is my brother this morning?”
“Still in bed for all I know.” I tried to make it look like I wasn’t bothered, but Autumn wasn’t my best friend for nothing.
“Are you okay?”
I didn’t get the chance to answer as Jodie barged through on her way to the bathroom. “What are you two whispering about?” She clocked Autumn’s attire and winked. “Don’t need to ask where you ended up last night.” She held up her hand and Autumn high-fived her. “I’ll get coffee when I’m dressed.” The bathroom door banged behind her, the shower starting up soon after.
“We’ll talk later,” said Autumn, touching my arm. “I know we have to check out soon.”
I nodded and watched her go into her bedroom, humming quietly to herself. Deciding to take advantage of a few minutes’ peace and quiet, I poured myself a mug of coffee and added some sugar and creamer. The sun shone, and despite the slight chill in the air, I headed outside to sit on the picnic bench on the front porch.
Pulling my sweater over my hands, I cradled the mug between them, sipping the warm, sweet drink and feeling the caffeine slide through my veins.
Birds chirruped and, in the distance, I could hear the sounds of the lake splashing against the shore. Had things been different, I would have loved more of an opportunity to explore the resort. Its peaceful nature was exactly what I needed right now.
Footsteps crunching over leaves caught my attention. Was it one of the rangers again? I cringed, hoping it wasn’t. I didn’t need another awkward conversation.
“Hey. Where did you get to this morning?”
I glanced over in the direction of the familiar voice.
Max.
Dressed in sweatpants which hung low on his hips, a college sweatshirt, and sneakers, he breathed heavily, as if he’d just been for a run.
“We need to check out soon,” I said, for want of breaking the silence, not willing to directly answer his question. “I hoped you’re packed and ready to go.”
“I’m not.”
I frowned. “Well if you want a shower, you’ll have to wait. Jodie’s in there now, and Autumn…” I ground to a halt, not wanting to rat his sister out on her choice of last evening’s entertainment. “Is next.” I took another sip of coffee, stalling for time.
“I’ll get one later.”
My nose wrinkled. Thank God we weren’t travelling back with him.
Without waiting for an invitation, Max
