At that moment, we round a sharp bend and turn into what I assume is our destination.
“Enjoy the show, guys,” says Rio, as he pulls up to the side.
I follow Gio out of the taxi and he takes my hand. I look up to the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen. It’s actually set out like a tent, but it’s built with brick instead of fabric.
“Wow! It’s stunning.”
It’s breath taking. There isn’t a word good enough I can use to describe it, it’s that beautiful.
“Let me show you the magnificent view.”
Gio pulls me along behind him and I follow willingly. The night air is still humid and warm. Other tourists are walking around the area, getting ready to go inside to settle down to dinner. The whole atmosphere is something else.
We climb a few steps and Gio pulls me over to the wall. I look out over the whole area of Sunny Beach, the sand and sea below us. The views are magnificent. It’s like a scene from a postcard. It’s every photographer’s dream.
“It’s even better at about nine o’clock when dusk is setting in. If we’re not too carried away with the acts, I’ll bring you back out.”
I place both of my hands on the wall and throw my head back to take in a lungful of air. It’s amazing what clean air can do, not just for your lungs, but for your wellbeing too. I’ve only been here a short time and my skin and hair are so much healthier. My mental health isn’t on par just yet, but it’s better than it was back home. Everything feels so much better here.
“I’ve said this a lot lately, but I could so get used to this.”
“Me too.”
I look over at Gio and he’s staring right at me with a cheeky smile on his face. I don’t want to be too forward and ask if he’s talking about the same thing I am. My head and heart need to think that he means me, and not the sun, sea, and amazing views.
I take the proverbial bull by the horns, lean forward and kiss Gio a little harder than I planned. I’m relieved he doesn’t mind public displays and openly kisses me back with no hurry.
I pull back and his forehead rests down on mine. I feel his warm breath against mine.
“Maybe we should go inside,” I whisper against his lips.
He winks at me, takes my hand, and we walk slowly around the building, taking everything in. If what I’ve already seen is not the main thing then tonight is going to be a ten out of ten… and I don’t just mean the man.
What is this man doing to me?
Chapter 15
Giovani
Sitting beside Harleigh, watching her clap and cheer for the trapeze acts flying through the air, is the best thing I’ve heard and seen in what feels like forever. Her hair is down, her body is relaxed, and she’s enjoying herself. I’m glad I thought about bringing her to Khan’s tent now. Anyone that comes up here and doesn’t enjoy themselves needs a personality transplant. Kids from a young age, to grandmas at eighty-years old enjoy the atmosphere. The entertainment, the views, and the building alone are the main attractions. The food and drink are just a bonus.
“This is so much fun. Does it have to end?” Harleigh pouts and makes me smile at her innocence.
The lights come up and everyone cheers loudly. I can feel the applause vibrating through my body it’s that loud.
“I’m afraid it does. Did you enjoy it?”
“Absolutely amazing. It’s the best thing I’ve ever watched... ever.”
I’m over the moon that Harleigh enjoyed this little beauty spot. I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best nights out in Bulgaria. People come from all over the world just to experience what Khan’s tent has to offer. It’s the one place I tell all my hotel guests that they must visit.
Harleigh drinks the last of her glass of wine. Her eyes are sparkling from the alcohol; a look I’ve started to like on her. It’s the one time I get the true Harleigh. There’s no filter, no thinking about what she needs to say or do. She’s just pure and relaxed. I wish she didn’t need alcohol to fuel that side of her, but I won’t stop trying to break down her walls until I get this side of her all the time.
“Would you mind if I took a photo of us together? I promised my brother I’d take a picture, and it isn’t something I’d usually do, but I’m trying out this new me. I have social media, but I’ve not used it for a long time. It just seems fitting that I take a picture of us tonight when we’re all relaxed, dressed up, and having fun. It might show my brother that I got over my panic attack earlier and did actually have fun.”
I reach over and take her hand.
“I just rambled, didn’t I?” We both laugh. “It sounded okay in my head.”
