Chapter 169
KATE
We met the others at the airport the next day, very early in the morning. I was still feeling sleepy. We settled into Nathan's jet. Mia was also present, making my stomach turn at such inconvenience.
Mary and Ben also came, much to my delight. The flight was long. By the time we arrived in Cork, it was already past nine at night due to the jet lag. The car journey to the family house in Glandore took a little over an hour and a half.
The house was a bit secluded from the village, on a hill with a breathtaking view of the harbor bay. The place was incredible, with lots of green fields and trees around. The nighttime view of the village lights was beautiful.
"This is insane," Mary said, getting out of the car.
They came in the same car as Nathan and me. "You grew up here, Nathan?"
"No. My father did."
He approached me and hugged me from behind.
"Imagine living in this place. We should go to the village."
Nathan and I exchanged surprised glances at her excitement.
"Now? Aren't you tired?" Ben scratched his head behind her.
"Tired? What have we done besides sleeping on this trip?"
"She's right," Nathan agreed, pressing his hips suggestively against me.
"My butt is still sore," I whispered, making him smile. He kissed my neck.
"Don't start agreeing with her craziness," Ben said.
"Please, let's go! Kate?" She pleaded with me.
"For me, it's okay. I'm not tired."
"Good to know," Nathan whispered in my ear.
Mary turned to Ben.
"It's three against one, Bennett. So start moving your ass."
"We should probably put the bags away first and see the house," he said with his hands on his hips.
"We can put the bags away now, and I can show you the house tomorrow," Nathan suggested.
"Great," she smiled, taunting Ben.
"I thought your parents were right behind us," I asked, turning my attention back to Nathan.
"They should be arriving soon. Let's go inside."
The house had two floors and was immense, with the outer walls entirely made of stones and some parts inside as well. It must have been an old building that was renovated. The decoration was wonderful.
"Oh my God, this place is gorgeous," Lisa said as she entered after me. "It has such a cozy atmosphere."
Nathan and Ben came in shortly after with some suitcases, leaving them in a corner of the room.
"There are a few more bags," Ben informed us.
Nathan went back outside.
"Don't you guys want any help?" I asked.
"It's not necessary," Ben replied.
Mary approached me.
"Why didn't you tell me his ex-girlfriend would come? What kind of madness is this?"
"I didn't have time, but I'm as shocked as you are."
"Explain to me, because this makes no sense."
"She's a family friend. Nathan said his mother invited her out of pity because her parents are always traveling."
"That's unbelievable. You agreed to this?"
"What could I do? It was his mother's decision."
"I thought she liked you and had forgotten about trying to get them back together."
"I'm sure that's not what she's trying to do. She knows what we have is real."
"You should keep your eyes wide open."
"Why?"
"His mother might have been naive, but do you really believe that blonde accepted this invitation because she forgot about him?"
"I don't know, Mary. Don't drive me crazy. This is already bad enough."
"I'm just warning you."
Nathan and Ben came back with the suitcases.
"These are the last ones. Shall we go?" Nathan said, leaving the bags in the corner.
"Shouldn't we wait for your brother?"
"Do you want to invite the ex-girlfriend too?" Mary stared at me, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow and crossing her arms.
"You shouldn't meddle in this," Ben interjected.
She shrugged.
"We'll wait outside; make up your minds," she said before leaving. Ben followed her.
"She's right. It would be awkward not to invite her if we're waiting for Stephan," I said.
Nathan approached, caressing my arms.
"I have no problem with her," I stated.
"Are you sure?"
"Do you?"
"Kate…"
"You said we should pretend she's not here. I can do that."
No. I can't do that. I couldn't pretend she wasn't present, talking and trying to get everyone's attention, especially Nathan's, with those shining blonde hair. Smiling like a fool and being friendly.
"Do you want to leave?" Mary asked, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
We were in the bathroom of a bar in the village.
"Why does she have to be so nice? And beautiful?"
"If she does more than smile at Ben, I'll put her in her place myself."
"Do you think she's doing it on purpose?"
"I don't know her, but no one can be that nice all the time. It seems like she's trying to charm everyone all the time."
"I'm afraid I'm being a crazy jealous woman. Maybe she's just a genuinely nice person?"
"Sure. A good woman who accepted an invitation to travel with her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend. At the very least, she must be crazy."
NATHAN
Kate returned from the bathroom with Mary by her side. She looked more beautiful each day. She offered me a weak smile as she sat beside me. I could feel her tension.
We were seated in a corner of the bar. Mia was sitting on my right, Stephan at one end, and Mary and Ben on the other side of the table.
"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching for her hand and intertwining it with mine.
"Of course." She forced a smile.
We had been doing so well in the past few days; this trip was like a fresh start for us. I finally dared to admit my feelings for her, and it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. And then Mia happened. Damn it. Why did she have to be here, ruining the mood of the trip?
Kate was trying to pretend everything was fine, but she couldn't. Neither could I. My patience was wearing thin.
Stephan was telling a story about Paris and Parisian bars. I took the last sip of Guinness in my glass. There were quite a few people at the bar; it would take a while for them to bring more drinks to the table.
"I'll get a refill at the bar," I informed Kate.
"I want one too," Mia said, getting up with her empty glass. I patted Kate's shoulder before moving away with Mia by my side.
"You never brought me here," she said, leaning against the counter and staring at me, expecting an answer. Why was she talking about us?
"I didn't have time," I said, the first thing that came to mind.
"Do you remember our trip to Paris?" She smiled.
A memory forced its way into my mind against my will. The trip mostly consisted of short walks and sex in a hotel room.
"Not very well." I pushed the memory away, feeling uncomfortable.
"Well, I remember it very well," she said, placing her hand on my arm.
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