My head is in so much pain.

The bright sun hit my face so aggressively that I wake up to myself laying on the couch and a light hangover.

Why am I not in my bed? Who put me on this couch? I couldn't even imagine that it was Davin because he could care less.

"What up, drunky?" A rather suave, moderately deep voice calls loudly and I move my head around to get rid of my headache. Tested, tried, and failed.

Something in me just doesn't want me to look at him but my eyes can't control themselves and move over towards the coffee-drinking hunk in nothing but his briefs.

The groan, that's been awaiting him, escapes as I struggle to sit up. These past several days have made me question what to change my relationship status to. The 'married' status doesn't seem like it'll be around any longer due to my husband's negligence.

And how dare he call me 'drunky'? He's one to talk...

"I've been thinking about us and you're right. This is a couple's trip..."

Nah, it's a mystery and I'm the brokenhearted wife that wonders where her man's been at for the past several months. It's a game of Clue.

Matter of fact, that's not a bad idea for a book. May need to hit up the bookstore and find some titles because someone has to have a book on that.

"...and, since it's a couple's trip, I figured we should go somewhere special."

If by 'special', he means the beach? I'm gonna snap. He better be serious about this because I'm growing a sense of joy within my heart and it's becoming hard to control.

I'm wondering what's changed his mind. Then again, maybe it's best not to wonder and just go with it. This is all I've been wanting anyhow.

But I couldn't help but think about what could've possibly got him to change his mind. Could've been Cam and Cass getting through to him and he felt bad. Maybe that girl he was on the phone with found out about me: his wife.

Either way, I'm pretty overjoyed.

"You're serious, right?" I ask, feeling all giddy inside and watching him come back from the kitchen with another cup in his hand.

He sits beside me, placing the cup in front of me, and takes my hand in his.

"I couldn't be anymore serious about this. To be honest, I figured we needed a little space after our heated argument in the car."

That makes so much sense but he could've just said that. I would've given him all the space he needed...

But silence is a response, a loud response at that. Silence can be a whole lengthy text.

"Now, I believe we're ready to enjoy this trip together. It'll be just you and me."

He kisses my hand and rubs over it with the other hand. My eyes study the hand that his lips just pressed against. A sense of doubt brushes over me and I lose all the joy I felt before.

Why was I begging and crying for this man only to consider dismissing him when he finally wants to spend time with me?

Nodding is the only thing to do in a time like this, giving Davin the idea that I accept his apology.

He leans back and wraps his arm around me, asking "So, how was the gala last night?"

Honestly, it was hard to remember how it went. All I can remember was being miserable and drinking a little bit.

Even if remembering it was possible, it wouldn't be worth remembering it because he wasn't there.

"Maybe if you were there, you'd know how it went," I say, sipping on some of this warm green tea.

A scent of pancakes moves in on our conversation, making me get up to find them. Sure enough, a huge breakfast platter beautifies the kitchen counter with its strawberries, toast, and plethora of other foods.

I steal a piece of bacon before a pair of arms wrap themselves around my hips and light kisses greet my neck. Long overdue.

"Baby, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. Remember? We needed that space-"

"You sure do pick the right ways to ask for space. Just linger off, without your wife, in a random state that you've never been too. Oh yeah, that's definitely how you tell me that you need space. Let's not go there with your timing."

He sighs deeply and throws his arms in the air as I'm making a plate with almost everything on it.

"Let's change the subject. How 'bout a dinner cruise later? Just you, me, and the Hawaii waters?"

That sounds beautiful. A lovely water ride across the Maui waters with the sunset coming down on us. Thinking about him holding me, as we lean on the railing of the boat and watch the sunset, gets me excited; a picturesque moment.

I have to find something to wear. Maybe Cass can help me find something.

Well, is there any time to ask her for wardrobe advice?

"As long as there's food and it'll be just us, I'm down."

After accepting his offer, ideas of outfits rush through my mind as I'm finishing off my breakfast. Maybe that island tree outfit would work for this occasion?

No, just a nice sundress that doesn't show off too much. Catching his attention is my goal. Now that he's wanting time with me, I plan on reeling him in and taking all my frustration out on him a little later this evening.

All of that aside, this could be the night our marriage finally gets back on track. There still may be hope for us after all.

****

We're walking hand-in-hand onto the boat, ready to enjoy the festivities, and I have bundle of delight in my heart. I'm thrilled because it's been so long since we've done something this exclusive and special.

Davin leads us to this lovely table, dressed for a romantic boat ride with the white table cloth, red rose petals, and candle sitting in the middle of the table. The chairs are comfortable and a little plush.

As I fix my dress, Davin fits himself up from behind and whispers in my ear. "You are the sexiest woman in the world."

His fingers find the slit in my dress and the heat is on downstairs. I'm biting my bottom lip, attempting to control myself and my lustful desires.

A quick reminder of last night's situation turns Niagara Falls into the Sahara.

I want to put my faith back in this marriage and believe that this will help build our marriage. There's just something that's got me feeling like I'm on an episode of Punk'd.

After taking my seat, we're instantly introduced to the waitress of the evening. She goes over the menu and explains what our options are, how the cruise works, and all that.

All the while, I'm watching a waiter carry away some drinks and one of them looks so delicious. It looks like some strawberry swirl with a pineapple on the side. It's about the size of a soup bowl and it's calling my name.

The waitress finally asks for our drink orders and begins eyeing my husband. I could've called her out but that drink has my attention more than she does.

Davin orders a craft bear and I order that strawberry drink that's being served to the couple behind him. Apparently, it's a Strawberry Island Breeze and it's just what I need.

"Sweetheart, it's not a good idea for you to have that drink. Maybe, we can order you the virgin one."

Somebody must've caught wind of, what Cass considers, 'my drinking problem'. It's not a problem nor an addiction. What person wouldn't want to drink that, what looks like, frozen margarita?

There's nothing wrong with me.

The drinks come back fast and I go in for a sip until it's taken away by the last person I'd ever think would do such.

"BITCH! You are not gonna believe this!" Cass says as she and came take a seat at our table.

Of course, I'm flabbergasted because this was supposed to be Davin and Journee time. What happened to that?

"Look, it's not like I'm not happy to see you but...what the hell are you doing here?"

That question didn't help me get my drink back and the answer didn't improve my mood either. So much for a romantic evening together.

'Just the two of us'.

Bullshit.

"Baby, that was my fault. I invited them way before I spoke to you about this and forgot to tell them it was a date...but they're here now so why not enjoy it?" Davin says as he clinks cans with Cam.

I'm biting back my anger because I already knew it. This isn't his fault; it's mine because I persuaded myself into believing that this was going to be a date for two distanced partners. You don't know how stupid I feel.

What the fuck does a girl got to do to get time with her man alone? That's all I want to know.

I throw myself back in the chair and throw my napkin on the table, knocking Cam's beer off the table. Cass must not have noticed because she's too busy trying to talk to me.

Fuck these drinks, fuck all this love shit, fuck these bum ass niggas, and fuck this whole damn trip. I'm over it.

"Anyway, girl-"

Fuck whatever the hell she got to say to me. I don't even want to hear it anymore.

I get up from my chair and walk away from the table, too frustrated to even speak.

My heart is hurting so bad, my mind is flooding with all the worst memories of this entire trip, and I barely hear what's going on around me. My eyes blur my vision as I move further away from them.

Since attention from everybody else is what Davin wants, he can have it. I refuse to fight for this marriage by myself and end up kicking my own ass.

I carry myself to the upper deck and find an open bar with some gentle island music playing. Visitors are dancing everywhere but most of the attention is on one of the female hula dancers. They're all dancing around, learning the moves, and seem to be having a great time.

If only we could trade places.

As soon as I reach the open bar, I'm stopped by somebody else.

So sick of this shit.

"Journee, Journee, Journee. Never thought we'd bump into each other at an event like this."

****

OOP!

Who do you think she ran into? And why does Davin have a problem spending time with her?

What do you think will happen next? Did you enjoy the chapter?

I hope you did and I'm sooooo sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I've been inspired to write something else and also been working a lot.

Anyway, thanks for reading! See y'all on Wednesday! (For real this time)