“First of all, I don’t know that guy, but he doesn’t seem like the type to use you and leave you from everything you’ve been telling me. Secondly, you’re the most amazing woman I know. You might not be a business person or a millionaire, but you’re a bright, hard-working woman, and any man will be lucky to have you. That bastard you got away from is just a prick and you need to stop letting him control your life. I hope I never have to see him again because I will kill him with my bare hands.”
I cringe. I know he would cause damage to Martin, and as much as I don’t care about him, I do care about my brother, and a criminal record would hurt his career.
“He isn’t worth it, Gavin. I got away. I’m free. I’ve been happy here. I’ve found a little piece of myself. I just wish I could erase these negative thoughts forever. It’s like it doesn’t matter how much positivity I show, there is always a bucket of negative energy just waiting to land on my shoulders.”
“In time, I think you will learn that good things are meant to happen to you. You’ll realise that you deserve every drop of happiness and love that comes your way. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. You went on this vacation, embraced the change, and grabbed every opportunity you could. You sound like you’ve found a lot of yourself in Bulgaria.”
“I have, and that’s what scares me. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like this back home, and I should be comfortable where I call home.”
“Just enjoy the rest of your holiday. Think about yourself, your future, and what you want to happen next. Only you can make these decisions. Speak to Giovani. You never know, you might be going through the exact same turmoil, just afraid to broach the subject with one another.”
“You’re right.”
“I always am right, sis. Now, what are you doing?”
“I’m on the beach with my book. Gio had some work to do today, and I wanted to get some sun, sea, and sand. I thought the tranquil setting would be good for me.”
“Spoken like a true sun worshipper.”
“You know me too well. How’s everyone back home?”
“All good here. I break up for two weeks’ holiday next week. Looking forward to some R&R.”
“Good. You work too hard.”
“You sound like Mum.”
“That’s not a bad compliment. Mum gives out good advice.”
“I beg to differ on that one. Anyway, remember what I said. I’ll call you in a couple of days, but call me if you need me to be your sounding board.”
“Thanks, Gav. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hang up the call because my tear-filled eyes spill over. I was glad I kept it together while I was talking to Gavin, because I couldn’t deal with his overprotective arse flying out here. I know he wasn’t joking.
Could I really give up my life back home? Could I really live out here and travel with Giovani? Could I go home and forget all about Gio and what we’ve achieved over the last couple of weeks?
So many questions and time is of the essence.
That call has just made me more confused, because I have a lot of questions I need to work through in my head before I bombard Giovani with them. I need to be sure of my decisions, because once I voice them, there is no going back.
Chapter 22
Harleigh
I take the last forkful of my omelette I ordered for lunch and sigh with contentment. I found a small café in the middle of Old Nessebar. It reminds me of a French café I once visited in Paris when I was eighteen. I’m glad I was lured in with the blue and white checked tablecloths and china cups I saw people sitting with outside. I came inside because I think I’ve had a bit too much sun today. My head is bursting, but I’m not sure if it’s the sun or my constant over-thinking things. I’ve tried to avoid Giovani as much as possible the last two days, but I can’t avoid him forever. He’s only going to burst into my room to find out what on Earth is going on. I’ve sent him texts to tell him I’m okay and I’m just exploring, but I know it was pitiful. It was a poor attempt to get him off my back.
I’m doing what I do best – hiding. I’m hiding from my problems instead of facing them head on. I’m afraid of everything, but I think disappointment is my biggest fear of all. I don’t want to believe that Gio will just walk away from us next week, but the reality of it happening is high, and I wouldn’t blame him one bit.
“Can I get you anything else, Miss?” the waitress asks as she lifts my plate.
“No, I’m stuffed. Thank you. Can I have the bill, please?”
The waitress nods in a friendly manner and walks away quickly. She hasn’t had a minute since I arrived here today. She must be hot and bothered, but she has never once showed it. She returns with my bill inside a leather pouch and puts it down beside me. I leave my money with a tip and make my way out. The moment I exit the café, the heat hits me. I didn’t think it was that cool inside, but it clearly was when I feel this stifling heat.
I’ve been out since eight this morning. I did a bit of shopping, had breakfast and lunch out, and now I’m going to make my way back to the hotel to spend some time in the cold pool. I know I won’t be able to hide out there, but maybe Gio has given up looking for me.
