My Cowboy Prince

Chapter 26

It's been three weeks since I arrived in Jamaica, and half of that time has been spent soaking in the easygoing vibes of Ocho Rios. The laid-back atmosphere has been a welcome distraction that helped me push aside the thoughts that have been weighing me down. Unfortunately, today is my last day at this hotel. Later, I'll be picking up my mom before we head to St. Thomas. I've been avoiding going up to the family alone. There's gonna be too many questions that I don't have answers to. Questions that I'm just not ready to face.

Even though, I am unemployed I am trying to convince myself that I'm living my best life. Sadly right now, I'm dipping my toes in my savings but it's worth it... the view and accommodation of this place was worth it... worth every penny.

As I'm removing the wet bikini, my phone buzzes with another message from Luke. Just like the last ones, I ignore it and let the notification fade away. I need to focus, I'm suppose to checkout within the next hour. Once naked I head to the shower in hopes that the warm water there will wash away the lingering thoughts of him.

×××××

The sun is now high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lush landscape as I steer the car along the winding coastal road. The salty sea breeze that filters through the open windows, mingles with the mouthwatering aroma of the freshly baked patties and crispy KFC chicken. I take another bite of my patty, savouring the spicy beef, melted cheese, and perfectly flaky crust that I've missed so much.

"Mhm, I forgot how good these areee," I moan appreciatively.

"Cyah get this nuhweh," my mom agrees. Her voice is filled with contentment as she takes a hearty bite of her own patty. She then leans back in her seat with a satisfied smile spreading across her face. It's been a while since I've seen her this relaxed, and it warms my heart.

We had made a pit stop in the bay to grab some additional snacks for our family's beach trip in St. Thomas. I couldn't resist getting a whole box of patties and a bucket of KFC chicken--- these are the kind of indulgent comfort food that always brings back fond childhood memories. Something that I need tight now...

As I focus back on the road, a comfortable silence settles between us. Silence that is only punctuated by the occasional rustle of paper bags and satisfied hums as we enjoy our food. My mom is quiet, seemly lost in her thoughts, and I'm grateful for the silence. The last thing I need right now is to talk about everything that's been happening.

Every so often, I glance at my phone that is tucked away in the center console. The screen is dark now but Luke's messages are still there, waiting to be read, but I'm not ready to face them. Not yet.

The tires hum against the road, it's a steady rhythm that keeps my mind from wandering too far. We've got a few more hours to go before we reach St. Thomas...

"Yuh alright, mi baby?" my mom asks suddenly, her voice is soft but laced with concern.

I glance over and force a smile. "Yes mummy. Why wouldn't I be?"

The woman gives me a knowing look... the one where she always raises one eyebrow. "Because yuh been really quiet since yuh pick mi up. An' mi know dat look pon yuh face. Someting deh pon yuh mind."

I sigh, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. Trust Mom to see right through me. "It's nothing, really. Just... thinking about work stuff," I lie, hoping to deflect the conversation.

She doesn't seem to buy it for a second. "Work stuff? But yuh tell mi yuh tek leave from work. Unless... Amelia, yuh nuh lose yuh job, did you?"

I bite my lip, contemplating whether to come clean or keep up the facade. The truth is, I haven't told her about quitting my job or about Luke. I wanted this trip to be a break from all of that, but I should have known I couldn't hide it from her forever.