Bittersweet Love

Chapter 24

Carlos's point of view:

James, Kendall and I are hiding out behind the bushes and watching the path leading to the parking lots.

"Do you think they're going to leave?" I ask nervously. Kendall nods. "Of course. We have everything planned. Nothing will go wrong."

"Psst," James suddenly hisses, "someone's coming."

"This is Mr. Taylor and ... Mr. Roberts," Kendall says triumphantly, grinning at us.

"And Camille and Jo," James says.

"Come on," Kendall whispers, and we cautiously sneak closer to listen. The two men have stowed their luggage and now turn to their daughters.

"I hope you'll behave while we're gone. I don't want to hear any complaints from Mr. Bitters on Monday," Mr. Taylor says seriously, but smiles as well.

"And listen to Mrs. Knight. She's in charge of you from now on and will take care of you," Mr. Roberts adds, glaring at Camille.

"Don't worry, Dad. We will not cause any problems for Mrs. Knight," Camille replies, crossing her arms. Mr. Roberts looks at her for a long time. Camille holds his gaze. Finally, Mr. Roberts nods slowly. "Fine. Have a nice weekend."

"You too," Jo replies, smiling. The two men embrace their daughters, with Camille only halfheartedly returning her father's embrace, and then get into the car. They wave to them and then drive off. Kendall pats James and me on the shoulder. "Okay, let's go back to the apartment."

Logan's point of view:

Somewhat irritated, I look up from my book. Man, some people are really ... extreme. Who would have thought that this topic is about so many ... strange things? Well, not everything in this book is crazy. I've found some very good tips. Once again, I read through the chapters in the book when suddenly there is a knock on the door and James's voice asks, "Hey, Logan, do you have time?"

"Um, wait a second."

I hastily close the book and hide it in my drawer. It doesn't have to be that the guys see it. "Come in."

The door opens and the guys enter. All three have a big grin on their faces that scares me.

"What's up?" I ask suspiciously.

"Do you have any plans for the weekend?" Carlos asks.

"Well ... not really. I'll probably read and-"

"Wrong!" Kendall and James say at the same time.

"What?"

Still grinning, James hands me an envelope. Irritated, I stare first at the envelope and then at the guys.

"Come on! Open it!" Carlos orders and laughs. I open the envelope and take out a piece of paper. I unfold it and read:

Dear Mr. Mitchell

We are pleased to announce that you have won a carefree weekend with a person of your choice. In a hotel where we have reserved an room for you, you can live out and enjoy all your wishes and desires throughout the weekend. This offer is valid from Friday evening and ends on Monday morning. Please take this time span very seriously. It's really important that you return to the Palm Woods at eight o'clock Monday morning. We wish you and your partner a nice and relaxing weekend.

Best regards from your best friends

Jo Taylor

Kendall Knight

Carlos Garcia

James Diamond

I have to read the letter several times before I begin to understand what that means. And then it hits me suddenly. With wide eyes I stare at the three, whose grin has become even wider.

"That ... you ... what ... how ..."

"Well, what you should say is, 'Thanks, guys! You are the best and greatest friends you can wish for," Kendall says and James and Carlos laugh. A grin spreads on my face and I quickly approach them and hug them. "You are really the best friends in the world."

"You've forgotten 'great'," James says, winking at me. I shake my head. "But how did you ...? Hold on ... Mr. Taylor and Mr. Roberts ... Was that your idea?"

The three look at each other for a moment, then Kendall starts explaining everything to me. When he finishes, I shake my head again. "Unbelievable."

"That's why it's really important that you be back by eight o'clock Monday morning. We don't know exactly when the two will come back. So be on time."

I nod in agreement.

"And now," James says, "you should pack your things as quickly as possible and bring the good news to your sweetheart. Every moment you're here is a wasted moment."