It’s never that easy

Chapter Four

I put on my grey jogging bottoms and red sports bra for the safari, I thought that would be so much comfier for the activities we would be doing. Maybe I also had an automotive. I want to show Jamie what he’s missing. I was putting my trainers on when Gemma walked in.

“I thought you said you were done with him?”

“I am. Doesn’t mean I have to ignore him. Come on Gem! He’s my boss for God’s sake.”

“Okay. Don’t bite my head off.”

“Sorry. I’m just ready to go home now. I’ve had enough of the drama this week. It wasn’t this bad at home.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I won’t doubt you again.”

“Thank you. Can we go?”

She nodded, and we headed to the reception area where people were already starting to get onto the bus. Gemma, Steph, Nathan and Jamie all sat at the back, while I sat in front of them.

“Hey. Let me sit behind Keira please Gem?”

“No Jamie!”

“What do you mean no?”

“I am. I want to sit near my best friend.”

“And you will be, sitting next to me.”

“Stop arguing! Just sit where you already are!” I shouted at them.

I see Gemma sticking her tongue out at Jamie as she sat behind me and Jamie was on the other side of the bus.

“Is this free?”

I look up to see Ben looking at the spare seat next to me.

“Sure.”

He squeezed past me to sit next to the window. The bus started to move after he sat down.

“Are you excited?”

“Yeah I think I am. I’ve never been on quad bikes before, so I’m looking forward to them the most.”

“Well, how about we pair up?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

“You do realise, since I’ve been sat down, Jamie’s been staring over here.”

“Has he? Can’t say that I’ve noticed. To be honest, I couldn’t care less what he does.”

“Why? I thought you liked him?”

“I did…do, but he doesn’t. He stated we are just ‘friends’ nothing more.”

“Oh. By the looks he’s giving me, it doesn’t seem that way. He does know that I’m gay right?”

“Probably not.”

We both started laughing with each other. I love the conversations I have with Ben, it’s certainly the best ones I’ve had since being here. He knows how to cheer me up. I’ve always wanted a gay friend and I think I’ve found him. The good thing is, I’ll be able to see him more often with him working in our city.

We arrived and we all had the health and safety aspects of it all. We had to pair up and go into groups of six for the activities. Our first activity was the archery. At first, I wasn’t any good, but Ben was amazing at it. He helped me in the end by standing behind me and aiding me.

“Yeah, I did it,” I excited said, hugging Ben.

As per usual, Nathan and Jamie made it look easy, whereas Gemma was rocky at first then she was great after she got used to it. Steph on the other hand, not so good, she was nowhere near the targets. We then got onto the one I’ve been looking forward to all day, the quads. There were only four quads, so we had to pair up. I went with Ben; Jamie and Gemma together; Nathan and Steph and the last quad was for the instructor. The instructor explained what we would be doing and to follow his every move. Steph and I held on to the boys, whereas Gemma was feeling brave and just held onto the railings on the back of the quads. I looked at her, smiling as we set off. We went first, followed by Jamie and Gemma, then Nathan and Steph.

It was amazing. The adrenaline was out of this world. I felt like I could let my hair down. We were going so fast, it was fantastic. Up until we hit something. Ben and I went flying across the floor. Everyone stopped and come to our rescue.

“OW! OW! OW!” Ben screamed.

When I looked at him, I could see his arm was dislocated. I was lucky, I only came away with a couple of cuts and bruises on my knees and elbows. Jamie and Gemma helped me hop back onto one of the quads with Jamie driving me back to everyone else back at base. Nathan ended up taking Ben back and the girls got onto the quad with the instructor.

One of the people running the safari cleaned me up when I got back, and another took Ben to the hospital to get checked over. I was able to join back with everyone for the shooting, but I had to miss out on the horse riding because of my knees.

“You don’t have to sit with me Jamie!”

“I don’t like horses, so it’s a win win for me. I don’t ride, and I get to sit with a beautiful woman.”

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere pal.”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“I hope Ben’s okay. It looked quite bad.”

“I’m sure he will be fine. You’re worried about him, aren’t you?”

“Yeah I am. That could have been me. He’s my friend. I would be worried about anyone of you.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed how close you two have become over the last two days.”

“Jealous, are we?”

“Me? Never! I never get jealous. He’s a nice guy.”

“Yes, he is a nice guy. A nice guy who likes guys.”

“Oh. Well, I didn’t know that about him.”

“You wouldn’t. You’ve not spoken to him much.”

“True.”

I shrugged my shoulders at him, laughing inside at his reaction. He stood up, holding his hands out for me, to help me get up off the ground. I grabbed hold of his hands. I couldn’t help but feel a tingle through my body from his touch. He helped me walk to the bus and sat next to me all the way back to the resort. I must have been tired as I could feel somebody shaking me, whispering my name. I opened my eyes to realise it was Jamie, my head resting on his shoulder.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to use you as a pillow.”

“It’s fine, as long as you’re refreshed for tonight's antics.”

“I am. I’m going to have a clean-up, wash my wounds properly,” I said standing up, sliding past him. “You’re okay?” I asked rushing towards the entrance where Ben was stood waiting.

“Yes. Just a dislocated shoulder. I have to keep it in this sling for a while.”

“I’m glad you’re okay. You still coming tonight?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss our last night here.”

“Good. I’ll see you soon then!”

I hugged his best side and went to get ready for the barbeque. I decided to wear my pink bikini with a white shawl and I put my hair up with a white flower clip in the side. I walked out onto the beach to find most people had already arrived.

“Wow!” Nathan and Jamie said at the same time.

“Didn’t know you wanted to look like a tropical princess,” Ben joked.

I couldn’t help but laugh at them all. You’ve got to dress the part when you’re at a beach party. We all gathered around the fire pit, except Jamie who was already flirting and Nathan who had gone off to phone Zoe. We sat around the fire for a while, chatting, waiting for the food to be cooked. It was set up beautifully. Tiki lights dotted all around the beach with multi-coloured lights dangling from the trees. There was a DJ in the corner with the fire pit sitting in the middle of the party. I couldn’t have asked for a better night.

The food was absolutely on point. Cooked to perfection. I would have had more, but I am trying to sort my weight out and didn’t want to look like a pig around all these girls. In the end, we danced the night away. By the time the DJ had to leave, there were a few of us left, so we all sat around the fire telling stories. Jamie was sat across from me. Yet again Lacey was huddled into him. So much for not wanting to be around a clingy girl. He did give me the ‘save me’ look. I just laughed at him and left him to rot. I shivered as the cold breeze came in from the ocean. That made Jamie have an excuse to get up by bringing me a blanket that was nearby and sat next to me. But that didn’t stop Lacey from following him, she moved next to him, in which he moved closer to me. I’ve left him to suffer long enough. I leaned my head onto his shoulder, wrapping the blanket around us both. He rested his head on mine. I think she may have got the point this time as she moved back to the opposite side to us. I start to move my head, starting to feel a little uncomfortable because of the way I feel towards him.

“Don’t! She’s still watching us; besides I like this.”

“Like what?”

“Spending time with you. It seems like forever since I’ve been with you.”

“Well, whose fault is that? Not ours. You go off with Lacey every time we’re at an event. And god knows who else you might have been with. This week has been all about team bonding and I feel that you have hardly been around us. Yes, we have become closer than ever, but you just wander off after a while.”

“I don’t believe that. I’ve made a massive effort. Especially with you Keira. I can’t do any more that.”

“Yes, you could have. For once, you could've thought about your head and heart rather than the thing between your legs. You’re the manager. You’re supposed to set an example for us all. Yes, we are all friends, but this was supposed to be for work, so you should’ve acted like a manager. Most of the times you were nowhere to be seen.”

“I thought I was about. I’m sorry to have upset you. I didn’t mean it.”

“Too late now though Jamie. We’re off home in the morning.”

We ended up having a full-blown argument in front of everyone. As he always does, he stormed off yet again. Steph and Gemma asked where that came from. I told them I was fed up of him thinking about himself and his attitude. He’s the one who has been flirting with every girl here and he just expects everyone to bow at his feet. They agreed with me.

After a while, we all headed back to the villa. Steph was that drunk that she couldn’t walk up the stairs and had to be carried up by Nathan. He put her to bed when we got back but the rest of us were only tipsy and we wanted to carry on with the party. So, we decided to have one near our pool. We were jumping in, laughing together. It was fun. Then in walked Jamie with a right face on.

“Keira!” He shouted, nodding his head for me to follow him.

I got out of the pool towards the deck chairs to see what he wanted from me.

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did down there. I think it was the realisation of what I’ve been like over this week. You are right. It is supposed to be for work not for my own benefit. And finally having someone stand up to me and telling me how much of a d**k I’m being is what I needed.”

“Okay.”

“That it?”

“I have nothing more to say Jamie. I’m glad you have finally realised you have been in the wrong, but I’m not going to forgive that easily.”

“Fine. Whatever. I’m off to bed.”

He walked towards his room and I sarcastically shouted, “night then,” and carried on with the party in the pool with the others.

***

Oh, how I wish I did follow him though. But I had to stand my ground. But then again maybe if I did follow him, I wouldn’t have drunk so much. My head is killing me.

“Nice sunglasses!”

“Not so loud Jamie.”

“Delicate, are we?”

“Hmm…” I sounded, rubbing my forehead.

“Aww. Let me get your stuff onto the bus.”

“Thank you.”

I am so glad I packed yesterday morning. Not a chance would I have been able to do it this morning. It’s nice of Jamie to help me with my case though, especially after the way I spoke to him yesterday. But it could also be out of guilt because of his reactions. I just don’t get him; his attitude just changes so quickly. I keep feeling he’s messing with me somehow. I’ll see what he’s like on Monday at work. There were a few buses for us all to go on with us being from all around the country. There were only fifteen of us on our bus, so most of us had a pair of seats to ourselves. Our lot all sat at the back plus Ben. Jamie and I both sat at the very back, the others sat in front of us, Steph and Nathan have seats to our left and Gemma and Ben had seats to our right.

I think I’m going to go to sleep for the journey. My hangover is not going to be good for this long journey ahead. I put my feet up on the seats, slipping my sandals off, and leaned my head onto the window.

“Keira, you can’t sleep like that. You’ll hurt your head even more. Come and lay your head on my legs for comfort.”

“I can’t do that!”

“Just do it woman. The window will make it worse. Trust me. I’ve been in that position before.”

“Fine!”

He was right, his legs were comfier. It was even better when he started stroking my hair. I was asleep within seconds. When I did wake up, we were half an hour away from home. I noticed Gemma was awake and I got up slowly, moving Jamie’s arm that held me tight, so I didn’t wake him, and sat beside her.

“Hey!”

“Hey you okay now?”

“Yeah much better.”

“Jamie comfy?”

“Yes, he is,” I laughed.

“You both look adorable together.”

“Gem!”

“Seriously, look,” she said as she took out her phone and showed me a picture of us both asleep. Jamie holding onto me tightly, while sitting up sleeping and I was holding onto his legs as I slept. I quickly got hold of her phone, secretly sending it to myself before demanding for her to delete it. I can’t have that type of photo going around.

“Nope. You’ll never know when we may need it!”

“When are we ever going to need it?”

“Maybe when we try and make Jamie realise you’re the one for him.”

“Stop! Gem, I can’t do this anymore. I need it out of my head. There is no chance of me and Jamie ever getting together. Stop going on about it please.”

I stood up and sat back down next to Jamie, who suddenly woke up.

“Sorry, did I wake you?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry about it. What’s up?” he asked looking concerned.

“Oh, nothing. Just Gemma and I.”

“Oh, I see. Girl talk?”

“Yep.”

I smiled at him and carried on with the journey in silence, staring out of the window. I can’t believe her. One minute she’s telling me to forget about him and the next, she’s telling me he’ll come around to the idea of him and me. I need to forget about having anything with Jamie. I’m going to ring Mark when I get home and see where that heads.