Page 40 of More Than Just Friends

‘Not here there won’t!’ I snapped back. ‘This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was really looking forward to seeing the sunset. Not in my heart or mind, but here.’ I pointed to the viewing point. ‘And now I’ve missed it!’

Frustration flooded my veins. I should’ve insisted we left earlier or told Adonis that if he wanted to keep trying on bloody T-shirts, he could stay at the shop whilst I made my own way here.

But I knew why I didn’t. I stayed because I felt guilty that I’d neglected him earlier by not sitting next to him or going on the cable cars. And now what was supposed to be a highlight of this trip was ruined.

As I watched the sun disappear beneath the horizon, the crowd started to disperse. I spotted Petros and other people from our group, then I saw Noah and Kayleigh walking towards us.

‘There you are!’ Noah said.

‘Oooh! Someone’s been shopping!’ Kayleigh eyes flicked excitedly to the barrage of bags Adonis was clutching. They were taking up so much room that the other tourists struggled to get past. ‘What’d you get, Alicia?’

‘Those are Adonis’s bags,’ I replied, not even trying to hide my annoyance.

‘Adonis’s?’ Noah frowned. ‘But you left the restaurant hours ago! You got something too, right?’ he asked and it felt like a knife was being twisted in my gut.

‘No.’ I lowered my voice, which was now tinged with embarrassment.

It wasn’t like I expected Adonis to buy me anything. The stuff in those shops was pricey and we’d only just met, but I suppose he could’ve at least offered. I would’ve said no of course, but it would’ve been nice to be considered.

He didn’t even ask if I wanted to get an ice cream or stop off at a souvenir shop.

But at the end of the day, that wasn’t what pissed me off the most. I was more upset that I’d missed the famous sunset.

And I’d never get the chance to come to this spot and see it again.

14

ALICIA

After checking myself in my bedroom mirror, I slid on my sandals and headed to the bar.

It was Monday evening and Sammie had just texted to let me know she’d arrived at the hotel. I was so excited to see her and her timing was perfect as we got back from the daily excursion about an hour ago, so I’d had time to shower and change.

Today we’d gone on a tour of the island in the coach, visiting traditional villages including Pyrgos and an archaeological site in a place called Akrotiri.

I’d enjoyed visiting the villages and the lunch at a restaurant with gorgeous views. Things with Adonis were surprisingly okay.

After the sunset debacle, I thought things might be a little frosty. But on the way back to the hotel last night, true to his word he’d let me have the aisle seat.

Then he’d taken my hand and said, ‘My darling, Alicia, I know that you are sad that we missed the sunset, but I promise I will take you somewhere even more beautiful. We will go somewhere just the two of us and I will make it the most memorable night of your life. I was just trying to find some new clothes so that I could look nice for you.’

When I’d looked in his eyes, they were watering. He seemed so upset.

So desperate to make amends.

Holding a grudge and sulking like a baby wasn’t going to help the situation and I wanted us to get along, so I’d said we should just move on.

I liked the fact that he at least was determined to make it up to me. And I was looking forward to seeing where he’d take me that was even more beautiful.

Adonis had invited me to his room again after dinner, but I politely declined. I must be growing as a person and getting stronger, because I didn’t even feel the urge. All I wanted to do was get back to my room, relax on my terrace and watch the stars.

Today Adonis brought me another flower, which was sweet, and he immediately gave me the aisle seat on both legs of the coach journey.

The conversation was fine. He mainly chatted about how great his workout was that morning and how popular the photos he’d taken in the shops in Oia had been on Instagram and TikTok, before showing me his top ten most popular reels, but at least there weren’t any awkward silences.

I’d also finished completing Sunday’s Love Tasks during the journey. It was easy to report the one thing I’d learnt about Adonis: that he loved shopping (I was tempted to add ‘and himself’ to that statement, but thought that’d be too petty).

My song of the day was ‘Ka-Ching!’ by Shania Twain, but it could’ve easily have been ‘Selfish’ by Justin Timberlake.