We keep walking, but the easy fun of the afternoon is gone, replaced with something much heavier, an uncomfortable silence stretching between us like a chasm.
I grip the bags with my sneakers and my hat—that I paid for—tightly, trying to convince myself that maybe I am really being uptight.
But deep down the unease remains, gnawing at me, whispering that something is off. And as Timmy continues to chat away lightly, discussing our next stop, as if nothing happened, I wonder how many more times I’ll have to bite my tongue just to keep the peace.
44
N IS FOR NO
My friend Natasja messages me out of the blue.
Natasja:
Hey Margaux! I’m going to be in Sunset Cay for work in a few days.
Me:
Oh my gosh, you are?!
Natasja:
Yeah, there’s a conference I’m attending.
She sends me the address of the conference as well as where she’ll be staying.
Me:
Oh wow! You’re going to be staying so close.
If you have time, I’d LOVE to see you!
Natasja:
My schedule is pretty packed, but I’ll see if Ican get away.
It would be nice to catch up.
It feels like an opportunity for a bit of a redo on our engagement party. Needless to say, Parker won’t be invited.
And having Natasja meet Timmy is important. She’ll be my first friend to meet him in person.
Natasja is a very smart, entrepreneurial businesswoman who travels the world for work, attending conferences and working groups.
The night begins with excitement and anticipation.
We choose a bar below my apartment, in the same building. It’s an open air space, warm and inviting, with dim lighting and an eclectic mix of international flavors on the menu.
I see Natasja approaching the bar and run out to give her a big, warm hug. She’s one of those huggers that squeezes you properly, and you can feel the energy transfer between you. Quality hugs, that one.
She’s joined by two of her friends from the conference, making our group a lively five.
We start with a round of exotic cocktails—tart, vibrant drinks that take advantage of the local tropical fruits the area is known for, and a few tapas plates to share—their signature bao buns with applewood smoked bacon, tempura calamari, crispy pork spring rolls with pineapple relish, and grilled chicken satay with deliciously tangy pickled daikon and carrot.
Our group laughs and chats as we savor the bold, rich flavors. I beam at Natasja and her friends, happy to be able to share this moment with them.
Timmy is attentive, keeping his hand on the small of my back, leaning down to kiss me and smile at me regularly. It feels really good to be able to introduce him to one of my closest friends.
None of Timmy’s friends were able to make it tonight, but that’s okay. I really don’t think too much of it. Because, after all, most of his friends live on the opposite side of the Cay, and this has all been planned same-day, short notice, just like our other ‘engagementparty’. Although I’m very relieved Parker isn’t attending this one. What an unhinged dickhead.