Page 145 of Sicilian Sunset


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But it hurt to think of myself as only a fling.

Rhia has been talking, but I’ve been zoned out completely with my own thoughts.

“… and who knows when you’ll meet someone like him again. You guys have so much chemistry. Perhaps you should stay a little longer and explore where this relationship could go.”

“Chemistry wears off eventually,” I say. Because it’s true, it always does. “We’re on a hormone high, helped by the fact there’s an expiry date on this… this… whatever this is. Is it any wonder everything is so intense? It’s natural wanting to prolong it, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps. But what if there’s something real there, and you’re throwing it all away by going home? What if he’s your One?”

And here I thought Rhia was the more realistic one of the two of us.

“Remember the dating guru we followed for a while? What was his name… Timothy someone?” I ask.

“Timothy Wood,” Rhia chimes in.

“Wood?! Was that really his name?” It sounds made up, but it’s memorable, something you’d want in that industry.

“Yep, and you had a crush on him.” Rhia is quick to remind me.

Well, that was easy to do. Timothy Wood was… is really hot. Though, I would never admit to it.

“Did not,” I deny. “Anyway, moving right along. Remember what he said about the One?” I ask, but don’t wait for her answer. “He said, there isn’t just one person who’s meant for you, but thousands of people who you could be extremely happy with. And ultimately, that’s what you want, to be over the moon happy. And when people talk about the One, they’re talking about a person with the qualities they were looking for, and who wants to be in a serious relationship.”

“While that sounds reasonable, I still believe Lex was meant for me and only me. But besides that, how does what you just said disqualify Tiero from running for the top spot?” Rhia asks.

“I don’t know if Tiero has the qualities that are important to me or if he even wants to have a serious relationship. He’s never had a girlfriend before.”

“He’s obviously waiting for the right person to come along. And why couldn’t that be you?” God, she really doesn’t want to let this go. “What are you afraid of?” She asks, exasperated.

“We live in two very different worlds. Worlds that I don’t think are compatible.”

There’s a moment’s silence, and I bet she’s rolling her eyes.

“Just so you know, I’m rolling my eyes at you,” she tells me, annoyed.

Ha, I knew it!

“Rhia, I’m coming home tomorrow. Will it be hard to go back to my reality after this amazing trip? Absolutely! Will I be heartbroken? Most certainly. After all, I met an amazing man with whom I had the time of my life and who made me feel things I don’t want to analyze. But the truth is, I can’t see a future with Tiero. And before you ask, yes, I’ve dreamed up many scenarios in my head where we did, but it’s just not realistic.”

Rhia sighs dramatically, “I hear you, El. I’ll make sure I have your favorite choc-mint ice cream ready and waiting for you.”

And that’s why I love her. Well, one of the many reasons. Even if we disagree, she’ll be there for me and support me with whatever I decide. I can count on my best friend to help me pick up the pieces of my shattered heart and mend them back together. Let’s just hope it won’t take me two years this time.

We chat for a little while longer before I end the call and go to the beach. Tiero is still on the phone, and I sit down on the warm sand and look out over the azure blue sea.

What a trip!

It has surpassed anything I could have ever imagined.

While I had a fabulous time with the girls before Tiero entered the picture, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s the sole reason this vacation turned into a spectacular one. One I’ll never ever forget.

“What are you afraid of?” Rhia had asked.

What am I afraid of? Why did I get so defensive when she encouraged me to stay longer?

I frown at myself… I don’t understand.

It’s undeniable. I have strong feelings for Tiero. For heaven’s sake, I felt the earth shift and our souls connect… so why am I not jumping at this opportunity to explore this?! I’m sure I could get more days off work if I tried.

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