“I did. But, since I have time on my hands, if you like, I can accompany you there and show you some sights.”
Harleigh looks at me. She looks like a deer caught in headlights. I didn’t mean to startle her; it was the last thing I intended to do.
“Only if you don’t mind,” I push forward.
“I don’t want to put you out.” She smiles weakly at me.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”
“Okay,” she says, a little too much like if she doesn’t say okay, she’d run in the opposite direction. “Do I need to do anything or wear anything specific for an Eco Bar?”
I shake my head. “Nope. As you are is perfect. Are you ready?”
“I am. I’m really looking forward to seeing this bar. I looked it up on Facebook and the pictures look amazing.”
“Pictures do it no justice.”
I stand up and wait for Harleigh to put her book in her bag, grab her hat, and stand up. I hold my hand out to her without thinking. She looks on edge again, as if warring with herself whether she should hold my hand or not. Yesterday, when I met her, she was like a skittish mouse, but last night she was more relaxed and herself. I’m hoping that in time she will relax more and realise I’m not out to hurt her in any way. I want to see the person I saw last night all the time. That’s what I will set out to do.
“I won’t bite, I promise,” I smile at her.
She nods and holds her hand out to mine. I see her hesitate, but she finally takes it. I could have taken her hand for her, but I don’t want to push her to do things she’s clearly not ready to do. I will never push any woman; it isn’t in my nature.
We walk through the hotel slowly.
“Good morning, Giovani,” says Horatio, my doorman. “Beautiful day for exploring.” He raises his brows and lifts his hat to me and Harleigh.
“It is indeed, Horatio. This is Harleigh. Harleigh, this is Horatio. If you ever need anything when I’m not around, just give him a shout.”
“Anytime.” Horatio holds his hand out to Harleigh. “I never sleep. You’d think I live on this door. Come find me anytime and I’ll help you.”
“Thank you. Everyone is so kind.” Harleigh smiles and tightens her grip on my hand. It’s as if she’s a little nervous of Horatio. I’m not sure if she’s even aware that she did it.
“Well, we’ll be on our way.” I walk away from my doorman and Harleigh follows at my side. “Horatio is harmless. He’ll take care of you.”
I don’t know why I feel the need to make Harleigh feel at ease all the time, it just comes naturally. I like to help people when I can, but Harleigh is different and I can’t put my finger on what makes her unique.
“I get the feeling he has a story.”
“He does. He lost his wife, Deeanna, of forty years about eighteen months ago. He practically lives in the hotel. I don’t mind. I pay him extra and it keeps him active and possibly alive, because I think he’d give up and end up with Deeanna if he was at home all the time.”
“No kids?”
“Two sons. They both live in Sofia. They visit frequently. Nothing will ever make him leave Nessebar. This is his home.”
“I get it. I’m a hopeless romantic. He probably feels a connection to Deeanna here.”
“I thought you might believe in love at first sight and romance.” I smile and navigate us along the cobbled streets.
“You don’t?” Harleigh turns to me, still holding my hand, studying every move I make. I like this inquisitive side of her.
“I think I once did. I have Italian in my blood. It’s a part of the Italian dream. Love, family, happiness.”
“So, what made you lose that faith in love and happiness?”
“Life, I think. I’ve been thrown a few curveballs. Let’s just say that relationships have never been my strong point.”
I speak openly and freely. I don’t feel like I need to hide who I am from Harleigh. She’s genuinely interested in me as a person, and it may just make her relax if she knows everything about me.
