Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 59304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
“I’m not saying I’m going to propose to her and declare my undying love. This isn’t Hollywood. But perhaps we could have a chance at something real. That can never be the case if she doesn’t know–and, hell, accept–who I am. Let’s not forget the fact that’d be a selfish thing to do.”
“Selfish?” He nods. “Ah, I get it. She might become a target.”
“The girlfriend of Dario Bianchi.” I sigh. “Anyway, none of this means a damn thing if she decides that last night was a one-off.”
“I wish I had all the answers, Dario.”
“Just airing it out is enough.”
“I’m sure you’ll do the right thing.”
“I hope so.”
CHAPTER 19
SIENA
I’m walking to the resort manager’s office when my cell phone rings. It’s Dario.
“Hey,” I say, answering.
“I wanted to let you know I talked to my cousin. He’s staying in the suite opposite.”
“Okay…”
“He’s agreed to move into another room so that you can take it. That way, I’ll be able to keep an eye on you, just in case anyone tries any crap, but you’ll have your own space.”
I stop and lean against a palm tree. I’ve got no right to feel stung and rejected. This is what I wanted after all, isn’t it?
“Siena?”
“I’m here.”
“If I had my way, we’d share a room, but believe it or not, I’m not always a selfish prick.”
“That’s, yeah, good. A good idea. I get you. It makes sense. It saves trying to live on top of each other.”
“I can call him back and say we’ve changed our minds. Trust me, I’d rather be roomies.”
“No, you’ve made your decision.”
“Siena—”
“I need to go. Thanks for telling me. Bye.”
I hang up before he can say anything else, feeling immature. I need to screw my head on. Instead, I text him.
Siena: That was good thinking, Dario. Thank you for that. A good middle ground. Sorry for hanging up. I’ve got a meeting.
This is exactly what I was trying to avoid when telling him I needed to focus on my work. Now, as I keep walking, I’m not thinking about the manager or the resort or the vow renewal. I’m thinking about the fact that I won’t be spending another night with Dario.
Which is what I wanted.
Right?
Pushing that to the back of my mind, or trying to, I go to Rozaina Adam’s office. It’s at the back of the admin section. From the other side, I can hear her talking on the phone, but not the words.
I knock to let her know I’m here, and she calls out, “One minute!”
I pace as I wait.
A few moments later, a man approaches me wearing a resort uniform. I recognize him as Naaif, with a serene smile on his face despite his job as basically the island’s errand boy. He’s holding a bunch of flowers in his hand.
“Siena–these are for you.”
I immediately think of Dario, wondering if he’ll get jealous, which annoys me.
“They’re not from me,” he goes on, perhaps reading my expression. “I’m just bringing them to you.”
I take the flowers, a collection of all different colors, wild and beautiful. I read the notecard.
I know this is complicated, but I’m doing my best, Siena. Whatever else is true, you’re an amazing person, and I love how well you’re handling this.
Dario x
My heart flutters, and it’s like he’s here, wrapping his warm arms around me. I suddenly feel close to him.
The door opens. Rozaina–or Rosy, as she has asked me to call her–waves me in with a smile. “Lucky lady,” she says. “I’m jealous.”
“Do you mind if I set these down?”
“Sure.”
I place them near the window, then sit opposite her desk. She’s a tall, lean woman of around forty years, with long black hair and dark brown eyes.
“What can I help you with, Siena?”
I lean forward, resting my arms on the desk. I’ve never enjoyed confrontations or negotiations, but life can’t always be enjoyable.
“I want to know why so much is going wrong on this trip.”
She trembles, but tries to hide it. “Is it that bad?”
“The boat tour–vendor cancellations–and it’s more than that. It’s like everyone is scared to agree to do anything for me. Is something going on?”
She turns away, swallowing hard.
“You’re hiding something.”
“I never said that, Siena.”
“Rosy–you didn’t have to.”
“We’re doing our best to work with you.”
“Is it because I’m younger than Veronica? Is it a lack of respect?”
“No!” She looks mortified. “Absolutely not. We all think–no, know–that you’re doing an excellent job.”
“Then why so many roadblocks? Something as simple as ordering flowers, for example, shouldn’t take five phone calls and three trips to the vendor… with a follow-up trip just to make sure they’ve done as I’ve asked. Don’t you agree?”
I lower my voice, realizing I’m ranting at her.
Rosy sighs. “I think you should forget about this and do your best.”
“How can I forget about this and do my best? This is impeding me from doing my best!”