Mad Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

bungalow because it’s a bit cheaper. I’m happy with it but I do kind of wish that we were staying in an overwater one. Perched on top of the ocean every day like that would surely be the experience of a lifetime. My gaze settles on a giant villa that sits at the end of the long wooden path that leads along a row of villas that rest on the sea. Bikram motions toward them.
    “Those are the Seascape Villas and at the end is the Ocean Haven.”
    “It is enormous!” I’m sure he can hear the awe in my voice. What kind of people get to stay there?
    “Yes, it is unbelievable, too. The villa is fifty-two hundred square feet, with a living room and two bedrooms. It is really fantastic. Very luxurious. It is the jewel of the Maldives.”
    “How much does it go for?” Orie asks curiously. I’m glad he does because I’m dying to know.
    “It is about fifteen thousand American dollars a night right now, in high season.”
    “Wow,” I say.
    “So it’s like the Hope Diamond of villas?” Orie says to Bikram, who laughs at his comparison.
    “Yes, I guess you could call it that, Mr. Pratt.” Bikram says.
    “Is it booked?” Orie is never afraid to ask anything. Nothing fazes or embarrasses him. Another one of the amazing qualities I love about him.
    “Yes, sir, a guest has just booked the villa for fifteen nights. I believe he’s checking in today. He is a returning guest. He stayed with us last year for fifteen days as well.”
    “That’s … ” Orie whistles softly.
    “A lot of fucking money,” Erik finishes.
    My thoughts exactly.
    Bikram smiles. “Yes, Mr. Pratt. It is a lot of money.”
    “Must be nice,” Orie says with a smile, but I know he could care less. Money has never been a driving force for him. He’s more of a live-your-passion kind of guy.
    We head down a white sandy path, off the beach and deeper into the lush, tropical island. I marvel at all the foliage and vibrant colors of this small paradise. The beach villas blend in well with the jungle vegetation. I’m struck again by the awesome picture, the live canvas of art that is right here every day for guests to see.
    Bikram continues down the velvet sandy path and gives us a quick tour of the resort. Almost all the restaurants are centrally located in one pocket of the island next to the main u-shaped beach and are accessible on foot. All the restaurants and the gym are clustered close together. We’re surprised to hear that there’s a small underground dance club on the island that is open three nights a week. We’re told that we can ask for bikes, but honestly everything is so close that I can’t imagine why you’d need them.
    The spa is located in a giant villa across from the overwater guest villas. It looks like the ultimate sanctuary. I can’t wait to have a massage.
    Everything is so tastefully done and just reeks of relaxation. Bikram tells us that they have yoga and water classes for free every morning in the main guest pool, which is next to the restaurant where they serve breakfast. We all quickly decide to attend the following day.
    “I can book any treatment for you at the spa at any time. There are many wonderful options. And we are very pleased to have Noom with us right now.”
    “Who is she?” I ask.
    “She is a crystal energy healer,” Bikram tells us. “She is very famous here on the island. Lots of Hollywood celebrities come to see her.”
    “Really?” Erik asks. “Hollywood celebrities, huh?”
    “Yes, sir. She can cure anything, from physical to mental ailments.”
    Erik immediately turns to look at me. “You’ve gotta see her.”
    Gee, thanks. Do I look like I need that much help, I think.
    “Yes, you do,” Erik says, obviously reading my mind.
    “Would you like me to book a session with Noom for tomorrow, Miss Walker?”
    “Yes, please,” I say. If I don’t do it, I know Erik will for me. Who knows? Maybe Noom will be able to help me.
    “Around ten o’clock, after your breakfast?” Bikram asks me