42

SOLEIL

The rest of lunch is an awkward affair. I can tell Brice is upset. However, I'm not about to put my business on the patio and talk it out here. He's not much of a talker anyway.

I'm thankful when the courses come to an end. All I've done is nibble and push the food around my plate. Everything feels like sandpaper going down. The wine helps though and I have a slight buzz going that takes the edge off from earlier.

Riaan gives us a tour of the estate on golf carts. I'm grateful because the shoes I have on were not made for walking. I do take them off and put in some work when he encourages us to get in the vat and stomp on grapes the old-fashioned way as he explains the process from press to bottle. His chatter fills the void that Brice's silence has created.

Brice has been quiet and aloof with me. I try not to read too much into it as he hangs back with Hidde and at some point, they disappear leaving the rest of us to enjoy the demonstration. They've probably been through this dozens of times and don't find this stuff half as interesting.

As the sun sets behind the hills, we wash up and head back towards the main house. It looks like people are preparing to head back. The helicopter blades roar to life on the landing pad positioned on the vast lawn – a good distance from the house and the vines.

I spot Brice and walk over to him. He's with Hidde but in a few minutes we'll be alone and I can explain myself. I didn't mean to say no. It kind of just slipped out. When everyone is gone, I can pull Gogo aside and formally introduce them. I have no doubt I'll get an earful from her about lying when I'm back home.

"Get ready to go. You're flying back with the group. Hidde and I will join you all a little later."

I wonder if my face falls as far as my heart. I know he's upset. I can see through the indifference he portrays. All of a sudden, I don't care who's around. I have to fix this.

"I didn't mean it." I take his hand in mine. "I was put on the spot and panicked because I've never had to introduce a boy to my family. Mark was the first but that was different. With everyone else leaving, I was planning to talk to my gran about you - us..." I'm rambling so I stop and take a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

I've never had a boyfriend. That thing with Obi a few years ago doesn't count. Not to forget how Gogo looked like she was about to blow a fuse when she thought Hidde was my boyfriend and I wanted to spend my holiday with him instead of her and the family. She wasn't completely off base but technically I wasn't officially with Brice then. Our relationship is complicated.

"I see," is all he says.

He slips his hand out of mine and shoves it into his pocket. I understand why he'd be mad after introducing me to his uncle as his girlfriend and even wanting to fight him for putting his hands on me. All I did in turn was deny him. I hate myself for saying no. I hate the ache in my chest even more.

"We'll walk you out," says Brice.

He walks ahead of us leaving me with Hidde whose blue eyes look at me pitifully. I can't stand it and don't have anything left to say, so I follow Brice like a lost puppy. When I see Gogo and Riaan, I put up a façade to say my goodbyes.

"Take care, mtwana wam." Gogo gives me a tight hug. "We'll talk when you get home," she finishes with a wink.

At least she doesn't appear to be upset about this whole thing. I made a mountain out of a molehill and now I'm miserable. I'm one of the last people to board the chopper. My throat feels tight for a different reason as I watch Brice turn around and walk back into the house. He didn't even say goodbye.

I focus on the remaining people who watch us depart. Riaan places his hand at Gogo's back and I wonder for the first time how she got here and how she's going home. I mimic the other passengers and put on the headphones.

"Are we still going to the party?" one of the girls asks.

"Hell yeah!" one of the guys replies.

I'm staring out the window, so I don't see who's talking. I look up only to see Hailey get on. The last available seat is beside mine. She settles in and stares at me for a beat before turning to whoever is next to her. Great. I don't even get to languish in my misery privately.

I fix my gaze out the window and watch the lights below. They vary in degree from secluded houses to the suburban streets and then the city. A short while later, we're flying over pitch darkness indicating the natural habitat that has yet to be claimed by humanity. This would have been an amazing sight to see in the daylight.

I'm so consumed by my thoughts that I don't notice the time pass until we're soon landing. I guess we're back in Plett. We disembark and find two black SUV's waiting for us. The guys group together heading to the one at the back. I follow the girls to the one in front. There's 4 of us in each car. I take the front seat not wanting to engage in conversation. I just want to go back to the beach house and wallow alone.

"So Soleil, are you and Brice dating? It wasn't very clear at the table."

I can only assume it's Hailey. I have a feeling she wanted to ask me on the flight over but she stopped herself. I sigh very audibly in answer. I'm exhausted from the day's events. I've been playing that moment over and over again in my head.

Why didn't I just say yes? I berate myself for the nth time.

"A piece of friendly advice: Brice doesn't date; he fucks. You're just the new lay. Don't get too comfortable."

"Are you speaking from experience?" I ask, not able to hold myself back this time.

"We have something you'll never have, a bond you can never understand."

"Trust me, I understand a trauma bond when I see one."

Is she trying to lay a claim to my boyfriend? What part of what she said was friendly? I feel a headache coming on just trying to unravel this mess.

The silence is thick. The driver remains focused on the road and might as well be an NPC.

"What does she mean by that?" asks Jessica.

"Nothing."

"What's a trauma bond?" asks Antonella.

"Shut up," Jessica bites out.

Okay, that was rude. Clearly, Jessica and Hailey are closer leaving Antonella out like a third wheel.

The rest of the drive goes by in silence, but it's short. We arrive at a huge mansion that is vibrating with music. People arrive in a continuous stream. When we get out, Jessica gives me the evil eye as if I kicked her kitten, her arm looped through Hailey's. The three walk in, leaving me behind. I guess I'm now being ignored. I don't care. They're not my friends and I welcome the reprieve.

I head over to Didier to ask if I can get a ride back to the beach house. I'm not in the mood for large crowds and loud music, and I definitely don't feel like socialising.

"Hey, do you mind if I get a lift back to the house?"

"Yes, I do. Your boyfriend would kill me if I left you home alone. Come on."

I wonder if he truly believes that or is drawing his own conclusion from the scene I made earlier. He drapes his arm over my shoulder and ushers us into the house. There are people everywhere you look and despite the heavy bass, the house music gives off a chill vibe. Some are talking, others playing games, and most are drinking.

Now and again, Didier stops to greet a few people and even introduces me. I know no one and feel like an outsider looking in on everyone having a good time. On the inside, I'm glum and borderline numb.

We get to the kitchen and the boys help themselves to the drinks laid out on the counter. I grab a bottle of water from one of the stacks instead. I don't know how much wine I've had but the earlier buzz has faded leaving my mouth dry and my body drained. Hailey and co have disappeared into the crowd so I stick with the guys and we head outside.

I babysit my clear, bottled beverage. They down green and brown ones while swapping stories about sports and babes. I try to follow along but my thoughts are constantly drifting elsewhere. At some point, I even take out my phone and find myself mindlessly scrolling. I stop on a picture of Char who looks stunning in the gown she wore to the banquette. I like it and leave a fangirl comment.

"Wow! Who's that?" Didier asks me, leaning over to take a closer look.

"My best friend."

I tilt my phone to show her off proudly.

"If I wasn't already a taken man, I'd ask for an introduction."

"Hmm, is she your type or are you just looking to test the waters." I side-eye him suspiciously.

Didier throws his head back and laughs.

"If you must know, I'm partial to dark skin, dark hair, and dark eyes."

He pulls out his phone and unlocks his screen. His wallpaper is a picture of himself and a gorgeous Indian girl that reminds me of Simone Ashley.

"You're a lucky man. She's beautiful."

"I know." He tucks his phone away.

"Didi, it's your turn," says Louis shaking his almost empty bottle.

I wonder how much longer we'll be here. Are these guys not drunk yet? They've been going inside on rotation to get a new round of drinks while I've nursed the same water bottle. When Didier gets up, I follow him for a refill.

As we make our way around the small groups gathered, I feel him before I see him. My eyes search for him and soon spot him. Brice is hard to miss. He stands taller than most at over 6ft. Dressed in all black with formal slacks and a t-shirt that hugs his sculpted frame, he looks like a model.

He's magnetic and draws the attention of those around him. It looks like he knows everybody or should I say everybody knows him. His IG following could make an influencer jealous. Girls gather around him, but he pays them no mind as he continues his conversation with Hidde and a couple of guys I don't know.

I muster the courage to go over to him. I stand behind him and place my hand on his back to get his attention.

"Hey!" I greet when he turns around.

He cocks his dark brow and gives me a head nod. "'Sup."

Just as quickly, he returns his attention to the group. I feel awkward and dumb. I should probably make my way to the kitchen. I could certainly use a stronger drink now.

"Who's this?" One of the unknown guys asks.

"A family friend," says Brice not even bothering to look at me.

They continue with their conversation effectively dismissing me so I walk away from their little circle and head back into the house. I've learnt my lesson from earlier and I'm not keen to explore this one even though I just want to hide in shame and forget about today.

A family friend? Really?!

I toss my empty bottle in the trash and take a clean plastic cup from the stack. I'm looking for something stronger this time to help me swallow down the embarrassment. I stay away from the darker liquids and opt for the clear tequila.

I pour a few tots and throw it back. It sends a shiver down my spine. I don't know about mixing tequila so I pour vodka next and dash it with cranberry juice. It doesn't taste too bad. I feel warm and the noise around me is kind of muted.

When I've somewhat calmed down and look around, I have no idea where Didier went. Instead of sitting outside like a sad little loner, I walk around the house and stumble upon a group in the hallway playing a game of beer pong. Someone must have won with the way the crowd is cheering.

"Pay up! Pay up!" the shirtless guy in shorts and a snapback calls. I can't tell if he's tanned or coloured but he's definitely cute. He collects his fare from the disgruntled opponent. "Who's next? I can do this all night!" he brags.

It can only be the recently imbibed liquor fueling my courage this time because I find myself asking, "How much?"

He looks around not able to see me over the tall bodies. I step forward. His gaze runs from the crown of my head to the soles of my heeled feet.

"Up here, Big Boy." I gesture to my eyes using my index and forefinger, motioning them between us.

"Bet's R200 if you can afford that sweetheart."

"Let's make it R500."

I pull out a handful of blue Madiba's from my purse and fan myself. A few people "oooo" at the challenge.

"Alright, alright!" He accepts.

He's grinning like he's got me. I may not be the most sporty person but I am a gamer. My hand-eye coordination is top tier. When I vie for the leaderboard, I'm usually at the top of the charts. I've also played table tennis with Char so this shouldn't be that hard. I take a final sip of my drink and set the cup down on a side table.

I don't plan on finishing it or picking it up again. I plan on winning. Hopefully, whatever's in my system doesn't impair me too much. The table is reset and we're each given a ball.

"Do you know how to play?" Butch Boy asks.

"Somewhat. Give me a refresher on the rules."

He looks at me and shakes his head with a smile. I can see him underestimating me. I don't mind. He's gonna learn today. He goes on to explain the rules of play and we hold eye contact trying to sink the ball to see who will go first. He gets the ball in quickly and I can see his confidence go up.

He sinks his first shot in and I'm forced to drink. The beer isn't much but it's bitter leaving a vile after-taste. I can't do that again. He misses the next toss and it's my turn. I focus and start sinking one shot in after the other. Call me Deadshot with this aim. The cups are restacked and I miss the following throw.

It's his turn and he bounces the ball on the table. I swat it away before it lands. Not on my watch. I'm up next and I'm ready to put this boy to rest.

Three.

Two.

One, and I'm done.

I didn't realise how many people were watching until they started hollering once I sank the final ball. The energy is infectious and I'm two-stepping a victory dance.

"Show me the money!" I shout like Jerry Maguire and stick my hand out.

Big Boy walks over to me and hands me my win. I count a grand and fan myself.

"Not bad new girl. What's your name?"

I fold the bills, tuck them into my bra, and stick my free hand out. "Soleil."

"Cheslin," he introduces himself. "Want to play again? It's your game now so you get to pick the next opponent."

"I don't think so," I hear Brice insert himself behind me.

For a few minutes, I'd forgotten about him and was having a good time. I roll my eyes and contemplate my options refusing to give Brice the attention he's used to from everyone around him. Even Cheslin looks behind me and then back at me.

"Your boyfriend?" he gestures behind me.

I could say no and ignore Brice like he's been ignoring me. Then I remember what started all of this and think better of it. I say what I should have when I was initially asked.

"Yes, he's my boyfriend."

2024 / 04 / 07

WC: 2 752

Dedicating this chapter to Speakingof_Amaris 🌼

Brice was so touched by a little misstep lol. He reminds me of those people who have you apologising and paying for your mistake for a while when you wrong them!