ISOLATED

c h a p t e r 4 8

Chapter 48

"How are the tacos?" Mattias asks, looking at Genesis. The girl sniffs and is breathing through her mouth, which signals to him that the food is spicy for her. She blinks, then forces a smile and looks back at Mattias. "It's delicious," she answers.

But he doesn't believe a single word that's coming out of her mouth.

Mattias made the burritos, and he had Charlotte help with cutting up the veggies – she used a kid's knife and barely did any work, but Mattias made her believe she did. Genesis stayed outside with Gael, enjoying the sun while his fingers played with hers. Genesis felt comfortable to have him touch her again, to have little touches and little shows of affection.

"It's delicious," Gael compliments, taking another bite from the burrito. Genesis gently lays her hand on his thigh, proving to him that she meant her words from earlier. Gael looks down at her hand, then at her. Their eyes lock for just a split second and Genesis smiles slightly, but just enough for him to notice.

Mattias grins and looks at Gael. "We still up for drinks later?" he asks, narrowing his eyes. Genesis's heart sinks and her head immediately starts pounding, suddenly a past memory rushing through her mind. "What do you mean?" she whispers, looking at Gael.

It's like a ghost from the past is haunting her. She suddenly remembers the strip club in Bermuda and the conversation she had with Nat and Hannah. They basically told her to get used to it, but she didn't get used to it. Gael promised he wouldn't visit them anymore, and she believed it too – but now that Mattias mentioned drinks – that's vague, that could be anything.

Drinks at Mattias's place isn't the same as a bar and it's definitely not the same as a strip club. But 'up for drinks' could be anything. It could be anything.

Gael looks back at her, then he takes her hand in his. "Me and Matt are just going out for some drinks," he assures her, "Just to catch up, us guys." Genesis's eyes meet his, she stares at him. Her lips are pressed together into a thin line.

He's not sure why she's suddenly so anxious and he looks at her. "No-" she stops talking, not wanting to accuse him of anything. He promised her no more strip clubs, so why is she suddenly doubting him.

The pieces fall together and Gael takes a deep breath. "No strip clubs," he says, making sure his voice is assuring her. "I'll watch Charlotte," Genesis whispers and she focuses back on her burrito, not sure if she's more upset with him or with herself for immediately assuming the worst in him.

"Thank you," Mattias says, he's not oblivious to the scene happening in front of him, but he doesn't want to get involved in issues that are between them. "When do you plan on leaving?"

"8," Mattias says, smiling, "Charlotte will be asleep so you won't have to worry." Genesis shrugs. "I don't mind if she's awake," Genesis says and she takes the final bite, finishing up her burrito. Gael looks at her, making sure she's okay.

But if she's not okay, she's damn good at pretending that she is.

Dinner finishes up and Genesis gets up to go to her bedroom. Gael watches her and then his gaze goes back to Mattias. "What the fuck am I supposed to do," he asks, Mattias immediately recognizes the panic in Gael's voice when he asks him that question. "I don't know," Mattias answers truthfully, looking at his friend, "Do what you think your relationship means."

Gael stares at him, impatient for a proper answer. But Mattias smiles satisfied, as if he's just given the best advice ever. "Asshole," Gael mumbles and he walks to the bedroom, following Genesis.

The girl's sitting on her bed, texting someone. Gael doesn't say anything, instead he crosses his arms while he leans against the doorframe. Watching her. She doesn't realize he's there, and he secretly enjoys that he gets to spend time admiring her from here.