Chapter 50 b
Nathan bursts into laughter. "I have to be precise when talking to you."
"You should. Because I married a sweet-talking expert hunter." Tasya smiles broadly. "Enjoy your meal, husband. We have a lot to take care of, including your sudden obsession with Booba Glamping."
Nathan can't help but laugh again. "It'll be fun, Tasya. I'm sure you'll like it."
"I'm not sure we'll have any alone time."
Nathan's brow furrows. His laughter suddenly disappears. "Don't tell me... Naina is coming?"
***
Mr. Jack parked Nathan's vehicle not far from the location where the boss would spend a few days with Tasya. Nathan took a week off with his wife. No one could complain because Nathan and his performance were not to be taken lightly, taking Faldom from a point of instability. To show their appreciation, most of the board members approved the leave request for these two couples under the same flag.
This came after a somewhat lengthy drama that took place at the hotel right after all the events were over. Tasya had also changed into more comfortable clothing. Two suitcases had been loaded into Mr. Jack's trunk. The Four Session Hotel had a honeymoon package available, which Nathan had actually gifted to his parents. Deliberately. Because Nathan wanted to create a different moment with Tasya.
Just the two of them. Indeed. Nathan didn't want Naina knocking on their door just because they were on the same floor. To avoid that, Nathan was willing to spend more money to ensure their privacy remained undisturbed.
He had to work hard to convince Naina not to come with him. It wasn't that he didn't want Naina in his life, but really, for the next week, Nathan wanted to enjoy Tasya's company alone. Not out of selfishness, even though he had to have a heated discussion with Tasya first. Because his wife didn't mind if Naina joined them. She even said, "Are you really going to leave Naina just for the honeymoon? I wouldn't do that, Nathan."
"It's not like that, Tasya," Nathan replied, frustrated. He couldn't count how many times he had explained his intentions and goals, including the reasons why Naina shouldn't come for the time being. Naina had a lot to catch up on at school. Her exams were coming up soon. Nathan didn't want her to neglect her studies because she went with him.
Plus, it was just for a week. No longer.
"If Mama and Papa are going to have a good time by themselves, who's Naina going to be with?" Tasya asked, whispering. "It's a pity, Nathan. Don't be too heartless."
"Oma Alexa is taking care of her. Besides, Mama won't just leave Naina for her own enjoyment." Before getting a longer lecture from Tasya, Nathan continued talking. "I don't want Naina to be left out either, but today is our day, you know. There will be many days when the three of us can spend time together later. Let Naina focus on her exams for now. We're only leaving her for a week."
Tasya still couldn't fully accept it.
"Naina doesn't mind us leaving, right?" Nathan asked his niece, who was accompanying them on their departure.
"No, she doesn't. I saw Oma and Opa's room. It's nice. There's a swimming pool inside. I want to stay there for three days. I can do my schoolwork from the hotel. Oma said it's okay."
Nathan is taken aback. "But that's not what you said earlier, Naina."
"Huh?" Naina stares at Nathan in surprise. "Oma said it's okay. It's already booked. Besides, who am I going to be with at home? Mama Tasya won't be there. I don't want to, ah. I'd rather stay at the hotel." This is going to break Nathan's bank!
"Besides, you don't want to use your room, right? It's better if your child uses it, Nathan," adds Sunny, welcomed by an agreeing nod from Alexa. These two middle-aged women wholeheartedly make Nathan panic. "But you didn't say that yesterday, Ma, did you?"
"Let Naina stay at the hotel for a change. We'll be there with her." This time it's Herry Abraham who chimes in, making Nathan pale even more.
"Pa!"
They burst into laughter.
"Whatever. Just don't call me unless it's urgent. I want to enjoy my time with Tasya. Don't disturb us!" Nathan grumbles unhappily. He immediately takes his wife's arm.
"Oh! I'll say goodbye to Naina first."
No, Nathan doesn't mind Naina's wish to stay at the hotel for a few days. As long as she prepares herself well for her exams. After Naina's exams and graduation, Nathan has secretly promised to take Naina on a vacation. Any destination will do as long as Naina is happy. It can be a family trip with Tasya and her two younger siblings, right?
Just this once, Nathan wants to be alone with Tasya.
"Sir," Mr. Jack calls out, causing Nathan to turn. He has been observing the resort building and checking all the facilities since earlier. "Yes?"
"I'm heading back now, Sir. I've asked room service to deliver all your belongings to your room. I've also left the car key at the reception." Nathan gives a slight smile. "You've already ordered a taxi, right?"
"Yes, Sir. It's on its way here."
Nathan nods. For this trip to Booba Glamping, Mr. Jack is the one driving. Nathan still feels tired from his wedding party earlier. Upon arrival at the location, it's been two hours since nightfall. The clear sky is adorned with stars as the backdrop for tonight.
"Why didn't you go back tomorrow morning, Sir?" Tasya asks with a furrowed brow. "What time will you arrive in Sydney?"
"No, Mrs. Tasya," Mr. Jack grins. "Tomorrow, without Miss Naina at home, I can get some rest. Besides, if she wants to go to the mall, it's probably in the afternoon. I can rest in the car."
Tasya feels a bit guilty. But what can she say when Mr. Jack seems insistent on going home? On the way here, Mr. Jack was even offered another room at the resort they're visiting, but he said, "I'm afraid I might disturb you and Mrs. there." Where did that reason come from?
"Alright, Sir, take care. Let me know when you've arrived," Nathan pats Mr. Jack's shoulder gently. He lets the middle-aged man leave. In Nathan's eyes, Mr. Jack's contribution is immense. Besides being with Nathan's family for a long time, Nathan personally sees Mr. Jack as more than just a chauffeur.
During yesterday's wedding, Mr. Jack helped Nathan a lot. He wasn't just a messenger or a driver but a part of the event Nathan organized. Merry too. They all had to enjoy the party. They weren't hired help to run the event. "What is this place, anyway?" Tasya asks, looking around in bewilderment. "Why does it feel eerie?"
"Where's the eerie part?" Nathan laughs. He pulls his wife closer to him. "I've ordered dinner. Spending the night in a place like this is calming for me, Tasya."
Tasya smiles faintly. "No car noise, only the sounds of insects, huh?"
"That's right." Nathan shrugs. "Especially tomorrow morning when the sunrise comes. No need to go anywhere. We can just relax and watch."
"Really?" Tasya finds it hard to believe what Nathan just said.
"When have I ever lied?"
Their chosen resort offers a unique accommodation. It's a glamping-themed setup in the great outdoors, complete with a not-too-large swimming pool, a relaxed gazebo to enjoy the day, and most importantly, their sleeping quarters. It's a concept with large balloon-like structures with transparent tops, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the sky from inside while being protected from the heat or rain. Nathan hopes it won't rain this month. What excites him the most about spending time with Tasya is the hot spring bath provided at each resort.
It's truly private and perfect for spending quality time as a couple.
"It's quite chilly outside," Tasya rubs her arms as soon as they enter the tent.
"Arnhem Land is generally cold, Tasya," Nathan chuckles. "That's why I asked you to bring a thick jacket."
"Thank you, Nathan."
"For our vacation, you get to choose which country to go to. Just don't decide too suddenly so we can coordinate the flights with my schedule."