The 30th Day in Hawaii

Chapter 11

When Lily had made it to Jack and Gabe's hotel room, she was greeted by a peeved looking Jack, who pulled the door open and graciously let her in. She followed his annoyed gaze to find that Gabe was draped on the couch, his forehead covered in sweat, and his eyes clenched tightly shut. She had cooed at him, and gently helped him into his room and tucked him into bed, her womanly instincts coming out. She made sure that he had everything he needed before telling both him and Jack that Toby was in her suite, and suffering from a pretty large hangover.

They were both antsy to get out and go somewhere, and they felt that they had to take this opportunity and go do something productive. "Want to go out to lunch?" Jack asked, looking over to check the time. Lily nodded enthusiastically, realizing that she hadn't eaten anything today, and that it was close to lunchtime. They popped in to tell Gabe they would be leaving. "Should we tell Toby? In case he wants to join us?" Jack wondered, and Lily shook her head, telling him that Toby probably wouldn't be up for it.

Jack and Lily were just about to leave the lobby when Lily spotted Toby conversing with a woman in the corner. He was hunched over, his face close to hers, and they looked like they were whispering about something. Jack had noticed that she was no longer following him, and followed her gaze to Toby and the woman. "Oh. That's Emma." He said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. Lily raised her eyebrow at Jack. "Who's Emma?" Jack sighed and pulled Lily out of the hotel before Toby could see them, and began to walk towards the beach.

"Emma. Some girl Toby met about a week ago and she's been all over him ever since." Lily nodded quietly. "He doesn't like that?" She asked curiously, feeling a small wave of uncertainty creep into her mind. "Well, it's not like he's done anything to stop it." He replied bitterly. "I'm sorry if I sound rude or anything, she's just really annoying, and everything she does is in bad taste." This caused Lily to chuckle, hooking her arm around Jack's arm and look up at him. "I thought that me and Toby had a thing."

Jack kept walking, but he looked down at her. "Did you finally notice how much he likes you? I was surprised myself, not even three days and he's got a crush." Lily smiled, and decided to tell Jack about last night. "Well, not only that. He kissed me last night." Jack smiled proudly and laughed. "I knew it!" He exclaimed, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He pulled her tightly against his side, and as they approached the car, a familiar voice was heard calling their names.

"Lil! Jack!" The voice called to them, and they both turned to see Toby running towards them, Emma lagging slightly behind him. He slowed to a walk until he was in front of both of them, slightly out of breath from the run. "Where are you going?" He wondered. "Out to lunch." Lily said, eyeing Emma suspiciously. Toby didn't notice, but introduced them anyway. "Lil, this is Emma. Emma, this is my friend Lily." Lily frowned internally. 'Well, here I was thinking that we were more than 'friends.' That kiss meant a lot to me.' She thought.

Lily was the first to extend her hand, a genuine smile plastered on her face. 'Always assume the best from people.' She thought, shaking Emma's hand. "It's nice to meet you Emma, I've heard great things." She watched, delighted, as Emma's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Really?" She questioned, turning to Toby. "You've said nice things about me?" Toby looked questioningly at Lily, and stuttered. "Uh- Yeah! Of course." He lied.

"I thought you had a hangover." Jack suddenly stated, looking at Lily to confirm that Toby looked hangover-free. Before Toby could reply, Emma's small hands framed his face, and she began to baby talk him. "Aw! Did my little Toby boy have a headache?"

Jack was trying to hold in his laughter as he gripped Lily by the arm. "Well," He stated, drawing attention from the group. "We must be going. A man's gotta eat - all that jazz." Jack got into the car, and as Lily began to get into the passenger's seat, she felt a hand grab her arm. She turned around to face a beaming Toby inches from her face. "Bye, Lil." He cooed, cupping her face with his calloused hand and kissing her full on the mouth. She reciprocated enthusiastically, happy to put on a show in front of Emma. "Bye."
_

"I'm stuffed." Jack exclaimed as they both made it into the hotel. He slumped onto a couch and exaggeratingly rubbed his stomach. "I'm going to die I'm so full." Lily laughed and sat down next to him, propping her feet up onto the table. "You'll be fine. Hey, do you want to go to the -" Jack stopped her by placing a hand over her mouth, and shushing her. He looked around slowly and leaned into her personal space. "Toby isn't here." He said in a hushed voice. Lily yanked his hand from her mouth and raised an eyebrow. "...So?" Jack rolled his eyes.

"So. We can start to plan his birthday party!" Lily scrunched her nose up. "I didn't even know that he had a birthday coming up. He never said anything to me." Jack nodded. "Well of course not!" He laughed. "I'm sure it wasn't a topic that came up when you guys ditched me and Gabe to go have sexy-time in an ocean." Lily blushed. "We did NOT have 'sexy-time' in an ocean!" She exclaimed, shoving Jack's shoulder. Jack stopped laughing and pulled out his cell phone.
"Let's brainstorm." He said, looking over at Lily expectantly. Lily frowned. "I barely know anything about him, so I can't come up with much." Jack nodded thoughtfully, and he suddenly perked up. "I have an idea!" He sing-songed, quickly typing something down in his phone. He had piqued Lily's interest, and she leaned over his shoulder to read what he had typed. "Number one." She read aloud. "Don't invite Emma."

Her chest bubbled with laughter as she slumped against Jack, her giggles becoming louder and more forceful by the second. She felt Jack shaking beside her, and she realized that a few people in the lobby were looking at them with confusion. She slowed her laughing and shushed Jack. "Okay." She said. "Now the real planning."