“Nope. Young, free, and very single.Very single,” I repeat nervously.
“I find it hard to believe that a beautiful, talented young woman would be single.”
“Charmer.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I was with someone. Engaged, to be more precise.”
“I get the feeling there is more to this story.”
I nod weakly. I’ve never really spoken about my ordeal to anyone other than my family, but there is something about Gio that makes me want to tell him. I turn to face him.
“I was abused, physically and mentally, by my fiancé. That’s why I’m single. I got away. I’ve spent the last twelve months trying to get my life back to normal, or as normal as can be after everything that happened. That’s why my brother booked this holiday. He thought that sun, sea, and cocktails would do me the world of good.” I lift my glass and take a big gulp of wine.
I can feel the anxiety rushing through my veins. My heart is pounding in my chest. Tears appear in my eyes and I don’t want to let my past consume me.
“I am so sorry that you’ve been through that.” Gio reaches over and takes my hand. “No one should ever be treated badly, especially not by someone who should love and protect them. Some people are just arseholes. I’m glad you have family who helped get you through it. And never forget that I’m always here if you need an escape. Anytime, day or night.”
“Thank you.” I feel the heat in my cheeks rise. “I’m glad I decided to come on this adventure. And I’m sorry about being emotional.”
“You never have to apologise for being upset around me, Harleigh.”
I nod.
“Anyway, I bet your brother is mighty glad to hear that you’re enjoying this trip.”
“Yes. I’m just waiting for the ‘I told you so,’ speech.” I roll my eyes and straighten my back.
“That’s what brothers are for.”
“So, I’ve shared my life story with you. Is there no Mrs Giovani?”
Giovani straightens up and takes in a deep breath. I can see the turmoil in his features.
“I had a fiancée as well. Let’s just say that it ended badly. She left me high and dry, bled my accounts dry, and ran off with my best friend, Jack.”
“Oh my God. I’m so sorry, Giovani. Was this a long time ago?”
“A few years ago now. I was lucky I had business accounts that only I could get into, otherwise all of this would have just been a pipedream.”
“Gosh, I don’t know what’s wrong with some people. Her parents must be so proud.” I shake my head in disgust.
“You’re the first person, other than family, that I’ve told about her. I’ve always hid it from my present.”
“I’m glad you did. And, for what it’s worth, you’re the first person I’ve confided my life secrets to.”
“So, no more skeletons in the closet, no bodies under your floorboards?” Giovani smiles wickedly.
“No, not humans anyway. When I was a child, I made my dad bury my goldfish in the garden. My parents still live in the same house.” I giggle. “Does that count?”
I think the wine is finally going to my head.
“Poor goldfish. I’m pretty sure Lucca’s goldfish got flushed down the toilet when he was four. He was upset with my mum and dad for weeks. It’s a story my dad still shares to this day.”
I laugh. I could just picture Lucca as a toddler, upset and in tears over his flushed away goldfish. He is just an adult-sized child now.
I sit back in my seat and tilt my head back to the night sky. It’s like a totally different world here. There is a perfect combination of everything.
“It’s so peaceful here. I can see why you love it so much.”
“It’s one of my favourite places to be. It doesn’t feel like work. In fact, what are you doing tomorrow?”
