You Can't Buy My Love novel Chapter 13

Olivia

I sighed as I opened my eyes; sleeping on a boat was way more comfy than I expected! Also, this bed is a dream come true! I smiled as the sun hit my face through the balcony door, and then begin to grin at the fact that I was literally spending my nineteenth birthday in freaking Milan!

I didn't know what the future held for me, but I think it's about time I started to take advantage of this stress free life I have been given access to. This is the first time in my life that I didn't have to worry about my family, or money, or school, and honestly it was kind of cool.

I sat up in bed, grabbing my phone from under my pillow. It was a FaceTime from my mom. I hopped out of bed immediately and shut the balcony door as well as the blinds. If she knew I was on a boat in the middle of nowhere, I'm sure that'll be a serious red flag.

I stripped out of the robe I was wearing, and threw on a long, gray T-shirt that I brought with me just in case. Once I was in costume, I sat in the corner at the table, so she couldn't see anything in the room. After all, I was supposed to be building houses for the needy, not living in the lap of luxury.

I finally answered the phone, and not only was my mom on camera, but also my sister and brother. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all yelled in unison.

"Hi guys!" I laughed, shaking my head at the pair of them.

"Oh, my sweet Olivia!" My mom gushed. "I can't believe it's your birthday and I can't spend it with you!" She cried, and I rolled my eyes at her drama.

"Mom. It's okay. Really!" I sighed. "I'm in a whole other country! There's nothing that can top that!" I told her, not being totally dishonest.

"I know but I wish I could bake you a cake, and hold your hand." She continued, this time it was Dina who rolled her eyes.

"Wow! It's broad daylight over there!" Ben said in shock, and I looked around and nodded.

"Yeah it's actually super early," I said simply, tying my hair up in a ponytail.

"We waited until midnight to call you!" Ben said, and I laughed at his missing tooth in the front of his mouth.

"Well, sorry I can't stay on the phone," I started. "I have important house stuff." I mumbled, and my mom whined.

"Aw! Okay baby! I love you." My mom said.

"Bye guys!" I grinned, hanging up immediately.

I sighed heavily with relief. I can't even believe I pulled this off! I have no idea what I would have done if I was still in America! She would for sure know that we weren't in different time zones. My whole cover would be blown.

I threw myself on the bed, just grateful to get away with me scheme another day. I stripped out of my T-shirt, then put my robe back on. Now it's time to enjoy my birthday and this yacht. I screamed in excitement, but into a pillow so I didn't wake anyone, then hopped up in excitement. Today is going to be the best birthday ever!

~*~

I lounged on the pool chair, ready to dive into the water. It looked so cool and blue. I honestly can't even remember the last time I went swimming; some things in life we really take for granted I think.

I guess I could get a little tan, since I am supposed to be in Africa. Maybe staying in the sun won't hurt. When I opened my eyes, Nova was beside me in her own bikini, making herself comfortable on the chair beside me.

"I think I'll swim too," she smiled, settling down with a copy of 'Lolita'. I smiled at her choice of book, then closed my eyes again.

"Lolita," I sighed. "Light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul." I loved that book, and I think I almost forgot that.

Nova gasped, her mouth dropping as she looked over at me. "You read?!" She asked, and I shrugged.

"I read." I said longingly. "A long time ago." I looked out into the distance, remembering when I was younger and I used to read anything I could get my hands on. I would read books in two days tops, and be ready to dive into the next one. I would stay up, sometimes until 2 or 3AM to finish them if I was really into it.

I lived in books; I lived for books. It seemed there was a whole world out there to get my hands on. Then I grew up, and I grew tired, and then suddenly there wasn't enough time anymore for books. Or a world that seemed so unlikely compared to reality.