“And how deeply did she hurt me, refusing to even talk to me? She destroyed me, Grams.” Pain shot through his palm, and he realized he was still squeezing the shell. He opened his hand and dropped the broken bits of white onto the sand. A quick check told him he hadn’t broken his skin.
“You were both hurt. But time heals those wounds. And talking it out will be healthy.” She reached out and took his chin, forcing him to look at her. “For both of you.”
Aiden sighed. His grandmother was not going to give up on this, he was sure of it. Maybe if he agreed to talk to Felicity, she’d get off his back. He knew it wouldn’t resolve anything, but Grams obviously wanted him to. He’d do it for her. “Fine. I’ll talk to her.”
Grams patted his shoulder. “I know you will.”
“But, let me do it in my own time, okay? I don’t want you imposing anything.”
Grams opened her mouth in mock shock. “Me?”
He chuckled. “Yes, you.”
She looked out at the ocean waves. “I wouldn’t dream of imposing anything upon you.” She stood and brushed off her outfit. “I’ve reserved us a table at the restaurant for six o’clock tonight. You can brood out here for a while, but I want you all done by the time we go to eat.”
Grams didn’t wait for him to respond. She left him sitting there in the sand. Aiden just shook his head. He was up against a formidable opponent. But two could play this game. He said he’d talk with Felicity, but he didn’t say when.
He’d just avoid Felicity until the week was up. Then he’d have a quick conversation with her, and it would be over.
Mabel barked at him until he stood up. “Come on, girl. Let’s go find a better stick.”
As he walked, he felt good about his plan. The trick would be keeping Grams from concocting her own plans.
***
FELICITY OPENED THEdoor to her villa and took in a breath. The house was amazing, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, and a stone fireplace in front of a cozy looking couch. A small kitchen with a window facing the tree-lined path was off to the left. There was a Jacuzzi in the bathroom, and the bed looked so comfortable she almost stopped to take a nap. Instead, she opened her suitcases and started unpacking. She almost had everything put away when a knock came on her door.
Who could that be? She walked into the living room and found a messenger at her door. “For you, ma’am.” The man handed her a note.
“Thank you.”
She unfolded it and read it.
I would be delighted if you could join me for dinner tonight. Please meet me at the restaurant at six. I’ll have a table reserved.
Phoebe
Dinner with Grams sounded wonderful, Felicity thought as she folded the note and slid it into her back pocket. This trip wouldn’t be ruined by Aiden. She was determined to enjoy her stay, and just avoid him. It was a large resort. They could both be there without running into each other all the time.
Felicity pulled out her phone and logged into the Wi-fi. Then she posted a message to her favorite Facebook group, GirlsRock. It was formed by her best friend, Amy. All the girls she hung out with in high school were in the group.
You won’t believe what happened. I arrived in Belize only to find out Aiden owns this resort! I almost died when I saw him. Actually, he almost died. He walked right into a signpost.
Amy posted an answer right away.
For real? I can’t believe that! What are you going to do?
I’m just going to avoid him and take the photos I’m hired to.
Several of the other girls posted comments. Felicity chatted for a few moments before logging off. It was fun to talk to Amy, but she had a job to do. Plus, who sat indoors on their phone when they were on a beach in Belize?
She stuffed her phone in her pocket and grabbed her camera. The afternoon sun warmed her as she walked around the villa for a while, taking preliminary photos and making plans for what she would photograph in the morning light. Her stomach growled and she looked at the clock. Time to get ready for dinner.
She wanted to get out of her travel clothes and take a shower, so she rummaged through the closet, looking for something that wasn’t too badly wrinkled. She settled on a pencil skirt and blouse.
The shower felt lovely, and soon she was dressed and ready to leave. She grabbed her camera and her purse and left her villa. The early evening breeze carried the salty smell of the sea. Her legs enjoyed the stretch as she walked and took more photos along the way. When she got to the restaurant, she told them she was meeting Phoebe.
“Yes, miss, right this way.” The man grabbed a menu, and she followed through the maze of tables and booths. When they stopped, she almost swallowed her tongue. Aiden sat at the table with Phoebe, and he looked amazing in a white dress shirt.