What If?

Chapter 23

The rest of the drive to the South Coast Beach Resort was filled with random conversations and a few awkward moments between Chase and I. There was this one time when I reached out to get his iPod and he did the same, we touched hands and looked at each other for a few seconds, then immediately looked away. There were also times when I tried sneaking glances at him, pretending to look at the view from his side of the road, into the open beach, when I was clearly looking at him.

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We finally arrived at the South Coast Beach Resort and the place looks very elegant. Chase parked his car in front of the hotel and left the keys to the valet. We entered into the hotel lobby and the lady in the information booth greeted us warmly. I saw a map of the Resort and it says that there's a spa, pool area, bar, and the floating restaurant.

"Good morning, Ma'am and Sir. How may I help you? Do you have any reservations?" Michelle smiled warmly. That's the name on her name tag.

"Good morning. Umm, yes, the couple's room please." Chase said.

"What?!" I asked with panicky eyes.

"Just kidding. Uhh, I'd like to ask which way to get to the floating restaurant?" Chase asked. Michelle looked at us and smiled.

"Just follow the directions on the floor map Sir. May I ask if you have any reservations?"

"Unfortunately, we don't but Travis invited us over last night." Chase smiled. He's using his charms again.

"Oh, I see. Let me check if there are still vacant seats. Excuse me Sir." Michelle dialed up the number to the restaurant and booked us a table for 2.

"Everything's all good Sir. Mr. Travis Jordan is waiting for you there." Michelle smiled.

"Thank you!" Chase smiled.

We walked away from the counter booth and into to the floating restaurant in awkward silence. I tried not to think about the joke he just pulled off a while ago. We passed by the pool area and it is quite packed with families on their weekend vacation. We followed the path of bricks until we found the beach, and there it is, The Floating Restaurant.

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The Floating Restaurant is huge and it is painted with blue and white stripes. There's a small, wooden bridge going to the resto and below, you could see the waves rolling and clashing back and forth. The sun is shining bright on us and I think this place has one of the best views of the sun setting in the afternoon. The smell of the ocean soothes me and the blowing wind calms my soul – it was one of the best feelings ever. I stopped and looked back at Chase who was trailing behind me. I flashed him a smile as he casually stood there grinning at me while letting the wind mess up his hair and blow off the lower portion of his polo shirt. The way the sun shines on him makes him look amazing and mysterious all together. Looking at him like this, it's such a stunning view.

"C'mon CJ!" I called out.

"This is such a nice view, Ella." Chase smiled at me.

"I know! I bet this place has one of the best views to see the sunset!" I grinned back.

"Well... we could wait 'til afternoon if you want." Chase smiled.

"You have no other plans for today?"