Page 83 of The Bitter Rival

“No, give me a sec, will you?”

“Sure.”

“Nancy, I’m going to take a call for a minute. Then we can board.”

“Nick?”

“Yeah?”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Thirty minutes later, we board the ship. I’m glad I chose to use the power chair for this jaunt, as I would’ve been completely wiped out by the time I managed the terminal boarding process with the braces.

Checking in to my suite, Nancy advises she’s right next door if I need anything. What I need is a nap. I set my phone alarm to rise in time for dinner and get Boom settled in for our departure.

“Are you okay, Sebastian?”

Nancy’s voice has interrupted my trance, and I look up from my perch on the veranda. It’s where I’ve spent the majority of this cruise. Alone. Watching the world go by without being a part of it.

“I’m fine. I’m just disappointed. I’d hoped this trip would bring me some peace.” I have to admit, I feel even more removed from the world around me.

“Can I get you something?”

“Would you mind bringing me a cup of tea?”

“Of course, Sebastian. I’ll be right back.” I watch as Nancy steps inside the stateroom, leaving me to my thoughts. Tea? When the hell did I start drinking tea?Looking down at the small metal table beside me, I try to make room for when she returns. Moving Pride and Prejudice out of the way, I snicker.Been reading too much of this. It’s rubbing off on me.I’ve been unable to read much more of this book since coming here. Hell, since leaving her. There are just too many damn passages where Fitzwilliam fucking Darcy keeps screwing up his chance with Elizabeth Bennet. It’s like the universe has equated my relationship with Bella to this historical romance for all to see.

Returning with my tea, Nancy places it on the open spot beside me. Boomerang’s head pops up as he lies here beside me to see if there’s anything for him. “Is there somewhere else you’re considering traveling, or are you thinking of heading back home?”

“I’m not ready for home, Nancy. I think I’d like to go to Italy. Have you been? If you need to get back, I can try and make-”

“No. Sebastian, I’m committed to this job. To you. Don’t worry yourself about that. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy.”

“Good. I’d primarily like to stay by the sea. Sorrento, Naples, Capri, the Amalfi Coast. But we could take in Rome if that’s what you’d like.” I reach down to pat Boom’s head unconsciously. This magnetic mutt has brought more comfort than anything the Mayo clinic has given me.

“You’re very kind, Sebastian. You go where your heart takes you. I’m happy to sightsee wherever we end up.”

If we were going where my heart takes me, we’d be headed to Monument Avenue.

It’s been ten days. I’ve loved being in Italy, but the loneliness just has a new zip code. The people here are wonderful. The food is incredible. And the views of the deep blue sea are magical. But they all feel two-dimensional. As if a part of my puzzle is missing. Parts, actually. I miss Austin almost as much as I miss his mother.

Sitting on the balcony of my hotel room, I’m brought back into the present as I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Reaching for it quickly, I see Nick’s name on the screen.

“Hey, Nick. How are you?”

“I’m good. How are you?”

“I’m okay.

“Bas?”

“Yeah?”

“Come home.”

Dropping my head at his words, I know he’s right. I’m just not ready. If I came home now, I’d only go to her. I’d be left with my tail between my legs when she sent me away for what I did to her. “Nick, I’m hoping to gain a little more strength before I come back. It’s beautiful here. If I can’t get around, at least I can eat my weight in pasta and look out at the sea.”

“Okay, man. We just miss you. We can help.”

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