“Okay then. You should be able to see the new bar before you leave.”
At that moment, Lucca and Margo come out with plates of food and place them in the middle of the large table. Everything smells delicious; bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, and tomatoes… I’m in heaven.
“Tuck in, Harleigh, because my boys have an appetite bigger than a bear.”
We all chuckle around the table and I think I see a ghost of a smile from Alex. The light chatter around the table is there, but I can feel the strain. Lucca sits opposite me and Gio, but he only speaks when spoken to. His shades are covering his eyes so I can’t get a feel for what he’s feeling, and it annoys me that he’s hiding behind a barrier.
“So, Harleigh, you’re an editor. Have you edited for anyone I might have read?” asks Margo.
“Oh, I edit mostly for independent authors, but I do occasionally, when I have time, edit for a small publishing company called Lonely Hearts Publishing. If you haven’t already, you must check out Italian author, Laura Rossi. Her books are a fabulous mix of dark and romantic.”
I beam at Margo. I could talk about books all day long. It’s a lifelong passion of mine. I think I take that from my mum.
“It must be a rewarding job.”
I chew the forkful of bacon I have in my mouth. “It is. Seeing people’s work come to life is magnificent. It’s like I’m a proud mother seeing them succeed.”
“No intentions of writing for yourself one day?” asks Margo.
I shrug and take in a deep breath. “Who knows? It was always my intention to pen something to paper, but life got in the way. Now I have some time and independence, you never know what will happen. I’ll never say never.”
I feel Gio’s hand rub circles on my upper thigh, giving me a little bit of strength and courage from his contact.
“You all have plans for today?” asks Margo.
I smile warmly at her, because she’s trying her hardest to keep the chatter flowing easily. It’s a question that was already asked before she came outside to eat.
“Lucca and Harleigh are going for lunch, and I have my half of the paperwork to take care of this afternoon. Dad said you plan on going exploring,” says Gio.
Margo shrugs. “Maybe. We’re on holiday and we both need some rest and relaxation.”
And that’s how our morning continues with Gio’s parents. It feels nice to be around other people. The whole morning is stilted but flowed with some encouragement from us all. I think Lucca was the only one who didn’t initiate conversation, but no one made an issue of it.
I think I proved I’m not scared of Gio’s dad. He could throw anything at me, and he still wouldn’t be as bad as the life I lived with Martin. He could give me the third degree, make me feel small, and not approve of what Gio and I have here, but I’m not letting him spoil my holiday. I don’t have much time left and I plan on enjoying every moment.
Chapter 19
Harleigh
We’re eating our lunch in a pub called The Funny Pub. It’s a small bar in Sunny Beach that Lucca says is the best. We’ve done some shopping in the small shops and market stalls along the promenade, had a few refreshments, and now we’re all walked out. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed a friend to do basic things with.
Now it was time for a refreshment and some sustenance. As much as I wanted a burger, I decided to have the fajitas and they’re amazing. They’re lick your fingers clean amazing.
“How are you really, Harls? It’s just us now. No need to sugar-coat things.” Lucca takes a bite of his pizza and stares at me softly.
I shrug. “I’m okay. I’m enjoying my holiday,” I look around us just as everything is getting busier.
“I meant with what happened last night.”
I lift my cocktail to have something to do with my hands. “I don’t blame your dad for being protective of you both. I have a dad and two brothers who are the same. I’ll admit what he said hurt me, but I’m a big girl. I’ll get over it.”
Lucca shakes his head. “Just don’t ever back down where my father is concerned. Stand up to him.”
I nod. Gio told me the exact same thing earlier this morning.
“Is that what you’ve had to do?”
Lucca sits back in his seat and throws his arm over the back of the other chair. “I never used to. I used to take it, believe it or not. The teen years kicked in, I rebelled, and I found a life for myself. Now, we just butt heads at every turn. I’m what you call the black sheep of the family.”
