I replied, “Because I’ve been waiting since yesterday. Politely. How long have you been waiting?”

She grumbled her time in minutes. Not an entire-ass day.

I spoke to the staff, who had their heads down trying to find solutions on their computers. “Thank you for your help with this computer glitch that probably occurred on the umbrella website handled by someone on the mainland and had nothing to do with you.”

I’d hate to work in tourism with so many entitled people who expected their vacations to be perfect while being completely unforgiving to staff. I appreciated my behind-the-scenes work even more, no matter the lack of upending excitement.

A younger woman walked through the lobby, parting the crowds with an authoritative presence, her dark hair pulled back into a bun. She wore a sleeveless white blouse, black slacks that ended a few inches above her ankles, and high heels. A woman in charge who immediately took charge, armed with a tablet to her chest and a formidable voice.

“Please don’t yell at my staff, ma’am,” she asserted to the customer. “We are trying our best to resolve the situation main servers created during an already hectic time of the year for the annual Ironman competition. I’d be happy to help you while the manager is helping another valued guest.”

The woman scoffed. “I want the manager.”

“I’m his manager,” she replied.

“Then bring me your manager. I don’t want to talk to you.”

“But you wanted to speak with him?”

“I said bring me your manager! Ugh! This is asinine.”

The woman with the tablet turned stoic and replied in a flat tone, “Here I am. You’re not going to get someone above me unless you go to Oahu or the mainland. I’ll try my best to help, but let me be clear: Please do not yell at me or my staff or you will be escorted off the premises.”

“How dare you.”

“Yes, how dare I. Now, may I offer you some refreshments while we work out your issue, or should I move on to the next valued guest waiting in line?”

“Valued guest!” She fumbled for the phone to record the manager of managers, who promptly snatched the device and said, “Security it is.”

And the next thing we knew, security was escorting this woman off the property. Everyone else suddenly found the patience they demanded of others. The lines not only quieted but moved faster.

The woman swiftly helped break down the line while the manager and staff cast grateful glances. She looked a bit like Bane, had that commanding presence when she spoke, but more put-together.

“Sir,” the manager said, drawing my attention back to him. “We still don’t have any rooms. I’m terribly sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I reassured him, feeling worse and worse for what the staff had to endure. “I’m here with others and able to stay with them.”

“Oh, thank goodness. We will call you as soon as we have a cleared room. You’re at the top of my list. And a full refund for the nights you were unable to get, plus complimentary meals and drinks.”

“That’s generous. Thank you. By the way, so I know how much to give my friend. How much is a villa per night?”

“Oh, you mean at our sister Homestead location?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what size?”

“Not sure. It was originally for two siblings.”

“The smallest we have is eighteen hundred a night.”

If I’d been drinking anything, I would’ve spat it out. I ran a hand over the back of my neck. “Shit. That’s, wow, a lot.”

He nodded. “Ocean views, sprawling yard with lanai and privacy, amazing amenities.”

I let out a breath. “Okay. Thanks. Looking forward to that call, though.”

I didn’t think Bane went all out with vacations. I sure as hell didn’t. Maybe we could work out a payment plan?

There was still some time before the group headed to our second excursion for the trip: a coffee farm in Kona. One of the many places that made the expensive-ass coffee we’d drunk this morning, which was admittedly good. On the slopes of lava rock–rich soil, we’d tour through the growing of coffee beans, FAQs, and roast and grind our own small batch. It was something April really wanted to do as part of our wedding party gift. She even had coffee labels made, complete with the couple’s picture and wedding date, to mark the experience.

It wouldn’t hurt to sit outside, in the shade, and enjoy a drink. Anything icy to cool off, but especially water. There were varying levels to this location, the largest building of three in a giant U-shape. Aside from convenience stores, gift and clothing shops, spas and gyms, there were several indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, and lounges. The one farthest from these angry guest lines was past the gardens, almost to the pool, but not quite reaching the beaches.

I’d just grabbed an icy water and lemonade and wandered around looking for prime seating to catch shade, breeze, and isolation from others, when I spotted April waving me over to a cabana. I lifted my glasses in acknowledgment and walked past the pool, to the side, and wondered how the hell she’d spotted me from this distance.

Her cabana was on a bed of small black lava rocks and chunks of white rocks that might’ve been dead coral, fully covered, somewhat private and quiet, and attended to by spa and eatery staff.

I was betting that Maya and Sejal had sprung for this, since they were also here, appearing from around the corner of the open-sided tentlike cabana, lying face down on massage tables with the ocean shimmering in afternoon light in front of them.

“Come sit with us!” April suggested.

“No. This looks like bridesmaids time.”

“Nonsense! We’re almost done anyway. Have to get ready for the coffee tour soon. Two drinks?” She looked past me. “Is your mystery girlfriend around?”

“Oh!” Maya shouted from her position on the massage table. I had thought she was asleep. “I want to meet her!” She blindly flapped one arm at us, her head turned from us.

This would’ve been an excellent time to tell them the truth. While holding two drinks and explaining: They’re both for me, and that woman who claimed to be my girlfriend? Yeah, just a coworker who was annoyed with Sejal and wanted her to STFU.

The truth would set me free. I wasn’t a liar, had never been good at it. One lie created two, then three, then the next thing I knew, I was caught in a web of lies and had to follow each string to remember what I’d said before. Lying was exhausting when layers and details were involved. And the longer this lie went on, the more humiliating and hurtful it would be when the truth came out.

Besides, the truth would also set me free from Bane. She’d been pretty pissed when I left this morning. Being around Bane was bad enough, but being stuck with an angry Bane was far worse.

“Yeah…where is this mysterious girlfriend?” Sejal asked as she sat up from her massage, her adept scrutiny once again probing.

I’d wanted to end things quietly, although I’d been equally hurt. She didn’t want to go quietly. Even now, she was obviously goading me into a corner, insinuating Bane was a myth, a lie. And sure, Bane was, but Sejal didn’t have to call me out like this in front of everyone. The thing about my ex was that she could be kind and loving and the best person when she was on your side. She wasn’t on my side, though. A broken heart and resentment meant that we could never truly be civil. I wasn’t going to fight back. I never had and never would. We were over. She’d walked away from me, and I’d let her because she was right. I wasn’t what she wanted, no matter how hard I’d tried.

She wanted me to argue. She’d even claimed that my lack of fighting meant I didn’t care. I didn’t understand her logic, but others seemed to agree. If you love someone, you fight to keep them. But…if they loved me, they wouldn’t make me fight. Not like this. Not bickering and public arguments and pitting friends against me.

If Sejal had wanted to move elsewhere, I would’ve moved with her.

If she was having second thoughts about my commitment, I would’ve proven myself to her.

If she thought we didn’t communicate well enough, I would fix the problem.

She wanted me to be more romantic, more doting, more public displays of affection. I tried to do all of those things, as unnatural and foreign to me as they were.

I fought for her in different ways, but she only saw that I didn’t argue with her at the end.