One Week Later
Harleigh
I’ve been dreading this day for the last two weeks. Today is the day that I’ve got to fly home to Scotland, break the news to my family that I’m uprooting my life to live spontaneously, and hand in my notice to my work. I’ve got so many people to let down and that breaks my heart, but the thought of never seeing Giovani again sends me to a place I’d rather not be. Thinking about the life we could have together feels right. The only thing that feels wrong is flying home to Scotland, living a life full of fear and uncertainty, and never returning to Bulgaria. Nope, for once in my life, I’m doing something for me.
I sit down on my suitcase, because Gio is just going to take it to his house for me. It seems pointless taking it home to come back with so much more. At least I can fly back with some important things I’d like here with me. The rest can go into storage until I’m ready to settle down somewhere permanently.
“All ready?” Gio leans in the door frame and folds his arms over his muscular chest.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I stand up and walk over to Gio, lean my head against his chest, and he runs his hands up and down my arms. “I’ve got my hand luggage ready for the plane. I’m all good. Did your parents get off okay?”
Margo and Alex were supposed to go home last week, but they extended their trip so they could see the new bar being refurbished. Instead, they flew out at eight o’clock this morning.
“Lucca took them to the airport on time. He said they got off okay. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall during that trip to Bourgas. I’m pretty sure Lucca would have thrown them through the airport doors and left.”
I laugh. “Yeah, me too. They’ve been getting on a little better lately.”
“Hmm, until the next time.”
“Or maybe your dad can see that Lucca is making something of his life here.”
“Maybe. Anyway, is someone picking you up in Glasgow when you land?”
I nod. “My mum, dad, and brother are picking me up. I bet Gavin has told them everything I’ve said and done since I arrived here. I’ll be put through a Spanish inquisition.”
Gio tightens his arms around me and backs us out of the room. Usually, he’s backing us into a room, ripping my clothes off, and worshipping every part of me. It’s a stark contrast, and I’d much rather the latter option, but we need to leave in about twenty minutes if I’m going to be on time.
“They’ve missed you, beautiful. And, if you want to Skype me in on the chat you have about coming back out here, I don’t mind. I’d like to put their mind at ease that I’m not going to hurt you.”
“They’ll be eager to meet you. I don’t know why I’m nervous. I’m an adult. I know my family will be happy for me once they’ve got the interrogation out of the way. It’s just…” I sigh.
“It’s just that you don’t like the unknown.”
I look carefully at Giovani. In such a short space of time, he has got me worked out.
“You’ve probably hit the bullseye with that remark.”
“Come on. My brother wants to see you before you head off. I did tell him it wasn’t like he wasn’t going to see you again, but you know what he’s like.”
“I’m glad, because I want to say goodbye to him. Well, not goodbye, just a see you later. I’ve become extremely fond of you both in such a short space of time.”
“Good, because it looks like you’re stuck with us both now.”
“That’s no hardship, honey.” I lean up on my toes and seal my lips with Gio’s. It’s soft and passionate, nothing that would suggest we need to get moving soon if I’m going to make my flight on time.
We pull apart at the same time and Gio leans over to pick up my hand luggage and suitcase. I’m pretty sure I could help him, but he’s a stubborn male who likes to show off his strong side, and I love that about him.
“We’ll give the luggage to Lucca in the bar and he’ll take it to the house for you, saves us having to leave now to hand it in. It gives you an extra ten minutes downstairs with him.”
I nod. I “You look so put together. Yet, here I am, flapping like a bird.”
“Looks can be deceiving, beautiful. Inside, my heart is breaking at the thought of you in Scotland without me. But it’s only for a short time, right?”
“Absolutely. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from here and you guys.”
We leave the hotel room and I take one last look around before the door closes and I hear the click of the lock. Every step away from the room fills me with dread. I know I’m being silly and overreacting, I just can’t help it.
We take the elevator down to the lobby; it’s quite busy with guests arriving and leaving. Today is going to be a busy day for the staff.
