Chapter 43 - The Towel (1/2)
”Tonight?” Claire says, incredulous. ”You can't possibly be serious!”
”That's why I said get ready.”
”Get ready how?”
Gabriel Tan shrugs. ”Maybe get a grand pampering session at the spa?”
”This place has a spa?”
”Of course,” Gabriel beams. ”This was formerly a hotel, remember?”
Claire stares at him. ”But what does getting pampering have anything to do with being ready to meet your mom? I'm sure there's nothing that a woman like me can do in this lifetime to impress her.”
You have no idea how impressive you actually are, Gabriel thinks. But he says, ”I'm not sure either, but trying to relax won't hurt, right?”
Claire mulls it over. She has never gone to a spa, never got a massage in her life. She has never been conscious of her beauty—”what you see is what you get” has been her lifelong motto. No need to improve her skin or undergo beauty or cosmetic treatments, like so many women of her age do. She's happy with what she has, and she's sure any man who would really love her won't force her to ”improve” her looks. Not that it needs improving at all.
But Gabriel is her boss and what he says must be followed, she reasons. After all, it's all free—how many others can have a free day pass at a spa?
”All right,” she says finally.
”Perfect!” Gabriel says.
Claire's brow knits in confusion. ”Why are you so excited about me going to the spa?”
Gabriel smiles. ”You don't expect me to let you get pampered while I'm all frayed nerves, here, do you? Of course, I'm going with you.”
”What?”
”You're my 'fiancee', remember? We need to keep up pretenses.”
No one would bother exploring this hotel so where's the need to keep up with the pretense, Claire thinks, but she keeps it to himself. ”What time is it now?”
Gabriel looks at his Rolex watch. ”I guess it's time we get going.”
It's that ”we” again, and somehow, secretly, it sends Claire's heart aflutter. ”Sure, but I reek of liquor. I think I should have a quick shower first.”
Gabriel gazes at her with that half-smile. Claire could only vaguely guess what this man is thinking. But she's serious—she's still a vɨrġɨn, and she plans on staying that way until the right man comes. But somehow, in her heart of hearts, Claire fears that if Gabriel says right now that he wants them to shower together, she might not have the strength to resist.
”Well, I'm sorry about all that,” he says, pointing at her stained dress. ”I was clumsy. Don't worry, I'll have Cassandra bring some of her best stuff. But right now, you're right, you really need to get a shower.” He grins.
Claire waits. And waits. And when Gabriel still doesn't move, she says, ”Well, aren't you leaving?”
”Why?”
”Because I'm taking a shower and you're still here.”