I don't really know why, but a part of me finds the sunset captivating despite not usually being one to admire things. Sam's request to Clea to watch the sunset with me on a yacht turned out perfectly. Though it was only an hour, it was completely worthwhile. We haven’t seen Laurel and Austin and they’re likely drunk by now, so they didn’t catch the sunset with us. It was beautiful. We could have taken plenty of photos since this is one of Sam's cherished moments as a photographer, capturing beautiful things with the camera. But we didn’t take any pictures because we were secretly making out in the back. Luckily, no one was around.
It’s already dinner time and I still can’t find Laurel anywhere, not even by the pool. The pool party is still going on and there's an open restaurant available for all guests at dinner. “Hey, did you find Laurel already?” Clea walked up to me with a beer in her hand. I'm surprised she doesn't look drunk.
“She’s commonly easier to track down.” I replied to her, sipping my fruit drink at the same time.
“Did you check the place you're staying? She might just be napping or something.”
“She might already be back there, I'll check later.” I've already checked our place twice, but there’s no sign of her. Knowing Laurel, she usually goes home right away if she feels a bit dizzy from the alcohol. I know she’s likely with Austin and doing fine, I just wanted to talk to her since it feels like I haven’t seen her all day since we arrived. I was just about to say goodbye to Clea when Tyrone unexpectedly approached us, a drink in hand as well.
“Hey, ladies. Are we having a good time at the party?” He's clearly asking both of us with a grin. We haven't been in touch for a whole month now. Ever since we first shared our numbers, he would text me reminders to take care and not skip my meds. I haven’t spotted him at the clinic either.
“I’m so happy you were able to join us.” Clea told him. It's such a coincidence that we crossed paths through a friend. Facing him this time feels completely changed. “Will you be able to stay all three days, given how busy you are with your parents?”
He lingered in silence, appearing to ponder his reply. “I have to, my mom and dad are very clear that I need to let Veronica make the most of her visit before she heads back to Canada.”
“Veronica is going to have a great time here, Tyrone. Where can I find her? I need to talk to her about something.” Clea began to search the crowd for the woman referred to as Veronica.
“She can't stand the noise, she's likely at a café working on her laptop.”
“I have a good idea of where she could be. Catch you all later!” Clea unexpectedly walked away, leaving us standing with our drinks and awkwardly looking around. I can't help but be curious about Veronica's place in his life. As I think about it, I’m starting to believe they’re in a relationship, especially with all the laughter and how often they’re together.
“There's no need for us to be so awkward around each other, you know.” He spoke without making eye contact with me.
“I'm doing my best not to make this weird. It's just, it’s been a while since we last spoke. . .” I cut myself short, he already knew where I was going. I stand there with my drink, awkwardly looking around and hoping to spot someone I recognize. He's got a point, I shouldn't feel this awkward since Tyrone and I go way back, but I can sense Sam’s unease around him. “So, you met Veronica while you were in Canada?” I began, breaking the silence.
He let out a quiet laugh in response to my question. “Veronica and I are super close, we’ve known each other forever as cousins. That was her apartment before you moved in.” I quickly masked my surprise, not wanting him to see I assumed they were together. “People keep assuming she’s my girlfriend.” Every soft laugh from him has me smiling a bit.
