Page 224 of Daddy, Take Me Away
We laugh together as we scale the steep path but then we go silent in concentration. By the time we get to the top, we’re huffing so much, neither of us could speak if we tried.
Catching our breath, we take in the view. It’s stunning, with sunlight dancing off the sea. The humid air around us is sweet with the scent of white Hibiscus and Jasmine, and as our breathing slows we hear the sounds of the birds and tree frogs.
“God, this is amazing,” I comment on an exhale, enjoying both the view and the breeze.
“Agreed. Especially the breeze.” He chuckles.
I glance back at him. He’s plucking at his shirt which is clinging to his muscular chest. “This must be your favorite resort.”
Amadeo looks at me, his face relaxed and thoughtful. “It is. Always has been. It was my father’s too. That’s why it’s named The Pellegrino. Our version of planting a flag.”
“But you don’t come here often,” I state, knowing it’s true. I’ve wanted a meeting with him here for a while now, but every time I contacted his assistant, she told me he had no plans to come to this resort. I was actually pretty shocked when she messaged me a few months back and told me he was coming and asked if I’d like to set up that meeting during my honeymoon.
I wanted the meeting before I booked the honeymoon, so I agreed and the rest is history.
“I don’t. Not anymore.”
“Why’s that?”
He doesn’t answer me. In fact, I’m beginning to think he didn’t hear my question when he says, “What are we waiting for?”
I look over the edge and adrenaline spikes in me. My nerves twist and my belly quivers but I remind myself this is my fresh start.
“Let’s jump then.” The words don’t come as strongly as I mean them too.
He glances at me. “It’s a ways down, yeah?”
“Hell, yeah. A Zoë Wayz down,” I say, acting far braver than I feel. I’m about to leap when he speaks again.
“I thought you were just kidding.”
I shake my head. Is he trying to give me an out? “I never kid about adventure.”
He peeks over the edge, pulling off his shirt.
“You chicken?” I ask, some hopeful part of me springing to life.
“Nope, just checking for sharks.”
“Sharks?” A huge wave of fear hits and I cautiously ask, “Did you see any?”
But he doesn’t answer, he just turns his back to the sea, winks at me, and, holy shit, leaps from the edge.
I grin at the sound of his whoop on the way down, and when I volley, the birds burst from the trees and fly into the air at my squeal.
My head bursts from the water below, and I laugh. “That was awesome!” Looking around, I spot him treading water behind me.
“It was.” He sounds lazy, which isn’t something I’d ever expect of him.
“Want to go again?”
He lifts his arm to glance at his watch. “I should get back. I haven’t been here in a while and there’s a lot to do.”
“Yeah, I guess. I should do some work myself. It might be hard to do while avoiding my sister though,” I say, my voice betraying me with its sadness. He suddenly dives under the water and grabs my legs, tugging me.
When he pops up, I splash him.
“I think landsharks are far more dangerous than ocean sharks.”
