Speed dating, unlimited bubbles, and boys? What could possible go wrong?

Chapter Text

One of the producers led us over to the pool area. Chelsea was bouncing like a kangaroo. Good for her though. Lottie would destroy her if Chelsea took an interest in Gary. We all knew Hope wasn’t going to drop Noah’s leash.

“I can’t wait to meet these boys!” Chelsea squealed. “Ivy, what will you be up to?”

“Other than be pissed off about the lack of jacuzzis and hot crisps around here? I reckon I’ll wait around until we get back to the Villa. I’m going to hold out for Ibrahim.” I tsked.

“Does he know that?” Lottie raised a brow.

“If he has at least two brain cells, he will!” I crossed my arms. “Common sense, Lottie. If I’ve been with him since day one and we spoke about recoupling, I’m sure he gets the message.”

“If not, he’ll see when this season airs!” Chelsea chirped. “For me, I want to have some fun.”

“I agree with that! We deserve to have fun!” Priya smiled softly at Chelsea.

“The door is wide open for me.” Marisol grinned. “I’m open to anyone.” That’s why you’ve branded the name ‘El Desperado’, babe. “I say bring it on!” Hope looked unsure. For fuck’s sake. Loosen Noah’s leash for three days. She should really unwind after the whole Priya ordeal. All she was going to do was pretend Noah had nothing to do with it. I still can’t believe Noah tried to say it wasn’t his fault like he wasn’t the one who kissed her. Unbelievable.

“I got a text!” Lottie sang. “It’s time to meet the boys!”

As if on cue, the Casa door flung open.

The first boy walked out, shielding his eyes from the sun. He radiated with confidence. As he should, he was tall and his melanin skin reflected the sunlight. He adjusted his glasses as he took in the sight around him. “Alright ladies, I’m Elijah.” Chelsea instantly took interest. The loud ear piercing squeal made it obvious.

The second boy to come out was every dude I avoid on a daily basis. His blue curly hair fell in his eyes as he brushed it away. “I’m Felix! What’s cracking?” Oh he definitely knows and does Fortnite dances.

The next boy was solemn and quiet. His tattoos looked rather mysterious and eerie. His dark blue eyes wandering over each of us cautiously. His inky black hair was pushed up and away from his eyes. “What’s up, I’m Kassam.” His voice lingered with mystery. Something about it made my gaze linger. It was familiar in a really weird sense.

“Oi ladies! What’s happening?” A tall, red bearded, muscular man stepped out of the Casa. “Names Graham.” His tattoos looked like the drawings my nine year old cousin did when he tagged up the railways.

The fifth boy to hop out of the Casa was a full mustached Indian man. “Ladies. I’m Arjun.” He grinned widely, eyeing down the line. He seemed to radiate confidence. The pep is his step showed his enthusiasm.

The last boy to saunter out of the building was a messy haired strong but silent type. “Hello. I’m Carl.” He smiled softly at Hope. He’s really nice but he has no taste. Clearly.

“Let’s get cracking!” Chelsea clapped her hands and led us all over to the sun loungers. We hadn't sat down for more than two minutes before she jumped right in. “So who do you fancy?” She was extra sure to glance over at Elijah. If he didn’t fancy her, he was an idiot.

“Carl, you go first.” Graham encouraged him. Carl looked almost…. scared?

“I’ve got to go with Ivy or Hope. It’s not like I’ve made a decision though.” Carl shrugged. Wow he does have taste!

“For me, it’s all about Ivy!” Felix grinned. Oh no. Can you be all about literally anyone else? Not today, Satan. Anyone else but me, Discount Ninja.

“I’d say Priya or Hope.” Arjun agreed. “What about you, Kassam?”

“Gotta be Lottie.” Kassam paused. “And maybe Ivy on one of her good days.” My head snapped toward him. He just raised a brow, challenging me. Good days? That bastard.

“Hilarious.” I rolled my eyes.

Lottie cleared her throat.

“Guys?” We all turned toward Marisol. “I got a text! Looks like we’re going to be speed dating.”

“This is going to be such a good laugh.” I tossed my hair over my shoulder as I sat down at the middle table.

I was bloody wrong. The entire first round was absolutely boring. It was awkward considering half the boys had no idea what they wanted to ask us or talk about. I would have gotten better answers from a bag of crisps.

Felix was the first one over for round two. Delightful. “So. What do you do in day to day life?”

“Mostly judge beauty pageants or coach them.” Not to get a little bit homebrew but I knew how good I was at my job. “I even participate now and again. I’ve never lost.”

“Sounds…..posh?” Felix offered. He probably thought him sitting completely still would be also considered “posh” as well. What a joke.

“I’ll be frank. You’re not up my alley. At all. You do seem rather rambunctious though. That’s a good thing.” I crossed my arms up onto the table. “For someone else. Like Priya possibly.”

“I figured just as much.” The buzzer rang off and he left.

Arjun was next. He mostly talked about dogs and how they were his passion. He liked how I was a pageant girl. He was really into dancing and just having fun. I knew he wasn’t my type but hey, someone would cheer me on during competition. I prayed he would take Hope from us all. Then again, he could do better.

Elijah seemed more on the seductive side. At least, that’s what he was giving me to work with. I didn’t mind but Chelsea gave me puppy eyes.

Graham? Good ole Red Beard? Well let’s just say I was way too “prissy” and “hot headed” for him.

“I can’t believe you have the audacity to say that!” I scoffed.

“It’s just the truth. You’re always judging others or yelling at someone.” Graham called over his shoulder as he left toward Marisol. I don’t know who I pitied more.

“Unbelievable.” I muttered, rubbing my temples.

“He's not wrong.” I jumped at the sound of Kassam sitting down.

“Excuse me?” There was no way he was being serious.

“You are very opinionated and blunt. It’s borderline rude and no one has the backbone to say so.” Kassam explained. “Before you scream at me or ask to speak to my manager, let me tell you something.” He leaned back in his chair.

“You’re doing great so far.” I rolled my eyes. “What is it?”

“See? This is why people think you’re mean and bitter.”

“I am not mean and bitter.” I scoffed. “I’m not going to sugar coat my feelings. It didn’t do me any good in private school and it won’t do me any good here.”

“How would you know that if you haven't tried to be kind here?” He awaited my answer. When I was silent, he continued. “Exactly my point. You’re the only one who can show the other side of you.”

“Other side of me?” I raised a brow.

“The side that doesn’t make me wish I couldn’t hear.”

“Thanks for that!” I leaned back in my chair.

“Biting people’s heads off isn't going to get you far. No one said you had to listen to me. It’ll probably do you some good if you at least tried to not be such a witch.” No one ever scolded me for my behavior. His passive yet dismissive tone threw me off. “I’m not scared to tell you to get yourself under control.”

“I don’t need to do anything.” I insisted.

“Ivy.” His dark blue eyes held mine captive. “Relax. That’s all you have to do.” He got up and left right before the buzzer went off.

For once, I was speechless.

Priya led us girls to the bedroom to open up the suitcases the boys had sent us. All the other girls were excited, I just prayed to God it wasn’t going to be chalk and lavender oil.

It was his underwear and his t-shirt. He’s such an interesting little Viking. The best part was he also tossed in my strawberry gloss. I sighed in relief. “Thank Goodness for Henrik.”

All the other girls were less than enthusiastic with their packages.

Chelsea got a cork, socks and a smushed flower necklace. “Well we didn’t make it together… he kinda just left it on the dresser.” Lottie raised her eyebrows at Chelsea's sad face.

For Lottie, Chelsea was hard to understand. She paid Elijah every bit of her attention but then grew sad thinking about Gary. Lottie couldn’t understand why Chelsea was so torn. Chelsea had the hardest decision of all of us. She didn’t get to know the Villa boys like we did. Now, she had the Casa boys too. Chelsea would risk giving up getting to know the Villa boys if she came back with Elijah.

Lottie got a golf ball and some golf shorts from Ibrahim. I kept my jealousy in check for that. I had worn his tour t-shirt a few times to bed. I knew they were a friendship couple but it didn’t ease me to see her gifts. “At least he washed them!”

Noah sent Priya a pair of fancy pants. My lips pushed into a smirk at the sight of the familiar pants. I knew they were mine. Rahim and I had gotten it in on the bed next to Nope’s. The clothes made it further than we did.

“Those are mine.” I slipped them out of Priya’s hand. “Wonder how he got those.”

Talk about awkwardness. “I’ll pretend that didn’t happen.” Priya offered, patting my shoulder.

Marisol got Bobby’s favorite pair of pie socks. “They’re even clean!” Bobby wasn’t that good at doing his own laundry. It was a huge step for him.

“Come on girls. Let’s go have some much needed relaxation time!” Priya strutted out to the pool.

The party was actually not bad. Glowing lights and a turntable set definitely didn’t kill the mood. We were all dancing and talking for hours.

Hope and Lottie wouldn’t stop fretting about the possible other girls at the Villa. They even got Chelsea involved and started calling them weather reporters.

I was worried too but I wasn’t going to show it. I worked hard for Ibrahim and I to work. I would never admit it to the girls but I started to open up to him. I was comfortable with him. He knew about some old lingering problems and insecurities. Well, whoever watched Love Island in the past two weeks knew too. I was sure of it.

“Let me tell you something, girls.” I crossed my ankles. “If they want to flirt, They're gonna flirt. If they decided to keep one of them? Fine. Then they weren’t worth your time anyway. Whatever is going to happen, will happen.” I shrugged. “I say the best thing to do is to kick back and enjoy the free drinks. The more fun we have, the less we will think about whatever chaos is going on at the Villa, okay?”

“Ivy is right, girls.” Marisol agreed. There’s a first. “We can’t let this ruin our time. Let’s live in the moment.” Graham covered her eyes with his hands. “Graham? Is that you?”

“How did you know?” He grinned up at all of us before he took them off.

“You can’t scare me!” Marisol tickled him until he collapsed onto the ground. “Let’s get a drink.”

The rest of us girls watched as she trailed off with Graham behind her. “They’re disgustingly adorable.” Lottie allowed.

“You're telling me.” I sighed.

“It’s nice to see you be the peacemaker.” Lottie commented after a moment of silence. “It suits you.”

“Oh please. Hope was going to drive herself mad if I didn’t step in.” I insisted. “She drives me mad more than anyone.”

“Just take the compliment, Ives. I’m begging.” Lottie shook her head. “Speaking of begging.” Arjun bounded over to us.

“Ivy! Lottie! What is going on over here?” He handed us both drinks. His gaze lingered on Lottie.

“What?” She raised a brow at him. I knew he was there to ask her about Kassam so I planned to dip.

“I actually need to go talk to…..” I trailed off as I gazed around the lawn. My eyes fell on Kassam who was leaning against the bar as Felix talked his ear off. “Kassam about something. I’ll be back.” I swiftly maneuver my way around the pool. My heels clicked against the pavement as I came up behind Kassam, hovering my chin over his shoulder. My nose was invaded with the scent of his cologne. Felix looked shocked at my presence. “Hey. Can I talk to you?..... Now.” It was demanding. Kassam raised a dark brow at me but got the hint.

“Sure Ivy. What’s up?” He didn’t move.

“Alone.” It came out through gritted teeth. Kassam nodded towards the swinging bed. “Hurry.” I marched off towards the swinging bed. He came around maybe two minutes later.

“What is it?” He leaned back, the swing slowly rocking us.

“Who do you think you are? You can’t talk to me like that.” I tucked a piece of my icy blonde hair behind my ear.

“The same way you talk to everyone else?” He pondered. I gave a curt nod. Kassam hardly knew me but he was good at making me feel guilty. “Why? Do you not like the way I talk to you?”

“Okay Marisol Jr. I do not need reverse psychology right now.” I huffed, leaning back. “What’s your point?”

“No one likes a mean girl, Ivy.”

“Well no one likes the guy who spins records all day.”

“You're something else. I’ll give you that.”

“In four days you’ll never see me again. Why do you care so much?”

“Someone has to be honest with you. It’s clear your parents never were.” He shrugged.

“What are you trying to gain from this? To hurt my feelings?”

“You can’t manipulate me, Ivy.” Kassam shook his head. “I know exactly what you’re trying to do.”

“I never said I was trying to do anything, Kassam.”

“Now that I shut you down, you don’t know what to do.” I frowned at his words. “Predictable.”

”Fine. Now what?”

“I think you being mean is the only way you know how to defend yourself. You want people to think you’re cool and real from being mean.”

“So? What’s so wrong with being cool and popular?”

“If anything, you’re shallow and toxic.” He shrugged.

“Ouch.” I muttered.

“Like I said, relax. It’ll do you some good. The way you act in private is just….” He shook his head. “It’s better than whatever mean girls facade you're trying to keep up.”

“I’ll pretend that you didn’t just insult me.”

“I’m not attacking you, Ivy. Just giving you advice.” He took a small sip of his drink. “Maybe you’ll take it someday and realize how much you’ve been missing out on.” He shrugged. “It’s not only your world.”

“You don’t get it do you? I let my world be taken from me. All I’m doing is getting it back.” My eyes narrowed at his solemn face.

“Hey babe!” My gaze shifted to Lottie who called out to me from the other side of the pool. “We gotta talk about sleeping arrangements!” I groaned. “Save it for the bedroom, killer.” She chuckled as I stood up and crossed over to her.

“Who do you reckon the other girls already stole?” Lottie just glanced between Kassam and I. “Lottie?”

“Oh uh Chelsea already stole Elijah and Marisol stole Graham. I reckon Hope will take Carl since he’s a safe option. So that leaves you, Priya, and I with Kassam, Arjun, and Felix.” She read the look on my face. “I’ll get Priya to take Felix.”

“Perfect. I’ll speak with Arjun then. He is going to love having this queen in his bed.” I winked and strutted off.

It was rather easy to locate him. He was having his full attention on Elijah and Chelsea. “Alright Ivy?” Arjun turned around at the echo of my heels.

Here goes nothing.

“I just wanted to let you know you’re a lucky man.” I reached over Chelsea to grab another glass of bubbly. “We’re sharing tonight. Don’t get too handsy.”

Arjun was pleased with my words. “Aye aye captain.”

Two hours later, everyone was washing their faces and brushing their teeth. I slid back into the bedroom. I had made sure I got the bed facing the window. Nothing would make me feel better like warm sunshine on my bare skin.

Arjun had knocked out almost instantly. Apparently it happens whenever he gets good bubbly in his system. I prayed his hangover would suffice. Poor guy was worn out. I couldn’t blame him. Hope would bore me to tears everyday.

Felix and Priya were giggling in their bed like primary schoolers. I had to give her props. She already had him bending backwards for her.

Hope and Carl both had on eye masks and slept as far away as possible. He had even put up a pillow wall to make it more comfortable for her.

Elijah and Chelsea both had the blankets pulled over their heads. Those little blonde waves spilled out the top.

Marisol had wrapped herself around Graham like a vine around a post. Graham was a heavy breather. I could hear him all the way from over here.

Lottie and Kassam were the last couple to get into bed. She gave me a soft smile as she tucked herself in. “You alright, Lottie?”

“Always, babe.” She winked before rolling over.

That sneaky little enchantress was definitely up to something.