O'CONNELL'S LOVER

Twenty seven

"I'm just doing what I do best," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "Though honestly, it never gets any less overwhelming."

I hugged her tightly, offering a comforting presence. "It's a lot to deal with, I know," I murmured. "But you're doing great."

Maya's voice echoed through the suite, filled with excitement as she took in the fancy surroundings. "This place is insane!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm intensified.

She twirled around in the middle of the spacious living room, admiring the high ceilings and elegant decor. "Seriously, have you seen the size of this TV?!" She pointed towards the large screen mounted on the wall.

Time skip

We divided ourselves into pairs based on our dynamics and preferences. Finneas and Maya, being the mischievous duo they were, chose to share a room together, no doubt expecting late-night chats and laughter behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, Billie and I decided to share a room, finding comfort in each other's familiar presence.

As we settled into our respective rooms, a sense of contentment washed over me. Being back with Billie after the tumultuous year apart was like returning to a comfortable blanket—a familiar warmth that eased the residual unease within me.

The decision to have separate rooms might have been practical, but beneath it all, there was a part of me that reveled in the closeness of sharing a space with Billie again. I savored the moments we got to share, knowing how precious they were.

After unloading our luggage and finding comfortable spots in our rooms, we all congregated in the spacious living area of our suite to discuss our plans for the evening.

Finneas sprawled on the couch, flipping through the room service menu. Maya lounged on the ottoman, her eyes fixed on her phone as she scrolled through social media. Billie took a seat in an armchair, looking out the window thoughtfully, and I perched on the armchair next to hers.

"So, what's the plan for dinner? Room service, or do we go out and explore the city?" Finneas inquired, holding up the menu.

Maya quickly chimed in, her eyes still glued to her phone screen. "I vote room service. I'm too lazy to go out tonight."

"Seconded," Finneas added, making a show of rubbing his stomach. "Plus, the food here is probably better than most restaurants in the city, anyway."

"True," I agreed, nodding at their points. "Besides, it'll be nice to have a low-key night. We've got a packed schedule for the next few days."

Billie, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up, her eyes still fixed out the window. "I don't mind either way," she said, shrugging casually.

Her indifference could have been interpreted as remote by an outsider, but I knew better. Her indifferent tone was often a shield, a way to hide her true feelings or anxieties.

I glanced at her, noticing the slight tension in her shoulders and the way her fingers fidgeted slightly with the hem of her shirt. Sensing that she might be a bit more reserved than usual, I made a mental note to check in with her later, away from the others.

Finneas, ever perceptive, noticed my subtle glance at Billie and shot me a knowing look. He seemed to understand that something was on my mind, but before he could comment, Maya let out an exaggerated yawn.

"Well, regardless of what we do, I need some serious food in my system soon," Maya declared, setting her phone aside and stretching her arms above her head.

Finneas chuckled at her comment, closing the room service menu. "Alright, room service it is, then. Any preferences on what we order?"

I turned to Billie, who still appeared lost in thought. "Billie, any specific cravings or preferences?" I asked gently.

She seemed to snap out of her thoughts at my voice, turning her gaze towards me. She gave a small shake of her head, her expression remaining nonchalant. "I'm not picky. Whatever the group decides is fine with me."

Her nonchalant response irritated me slightly, and I found myself pouting at her. I knew she was avoiding making a decision intentionally, which only fueled my stubbornness. I wasn't going to let her brush it off so easily. Like don't be scared pookie.

"Come on, Billie, pick something," I insisted, crossing my arms in a mock pout. "You can't just leave it up to us all the time."

Her eyes flickered to mine for a brief moment, a hint of annoyance at my insistence crossing her features. "I really don't care, Lima," she replied coolly, her voice betraying her growing irritation.

Frustrated by her stubbornness, I reluctantly turned to Finneas and Maya, who were observing our exchange with amused expressions. "Alright, since Billie won't make a decision, any suggestions from you two?"

Finneas, unable to resist the chance for a jab, teased, "Oh, so you're giving up on her already?"

I shot him a glare, silently warning him to not push his luck. Finneas just smirked, knowing he had successfully gotten under my skin.