Myrah's POV
I carried my picnic basket, draped my beach bag over my shoulder, and put on my headphones.
I had a map that pretty much worked perfectly and made it easy for me to get to the beach. I traveled to the beach in about twenty minutes.
I adored it because it was private. I cherished spending time by myself and being in my own place without being judged.
Away from the ocean, on the white beach, I laid out my picnic blanket and set down my belongings. I covered my body in sunblock before deciding to go enjoy the moment.
Cool water that was boiling and fizzing like brine licked my feet. I couldn't help but smile as the wind caressed my face and tossed my hair, despite the sun pounding down on my back and shining in my eyes.
Waves in front of me surged and flowed down, breaking with a quiet hiss upon the beach beneath my boots.
I felt alive, and it felt fantastic. With music blasting in my ears, I started running and dancing in the sand the way I always enjoyed it.
I played with the water while singing along to my favorite tunes. On the sand, I drew some shapes and waited for the waves to wash them away. It was intriguing.
After some time, I returned to my picnic and devoured my meal. I was enjoying myself. My issues all seemed to miraculously disappear. I adored the beach because of this.
I was engrossed in my sandwiches when my phone started to ring. Weird. It was brand new, and I hadn't yet shared my new contact information. Who might that be? Possibly the incorrect number?
After the calling continued, I answered. I didn't want issues with my brand-new phone.
I said, "Hello."
And that's when she responded. Hello, Myrah. This is Nick Calleiro, and I guess you can tell by the sound of my voice.
What made me smile?
"Oh my God, Nick. How did you acquire my phone number? I'm really astonished, and it's a beautiful surprise, too." Because of the waves, I had to really elevate my voice.
I do have my methods, though. I wanted to see how you were doing. What's up? How are the Seychelles doing? Describe your honeymoon.
Awww, he was so nice.
"Well, everything is great, and I'm OK. How are you, Monica, and your other family members doing?
I'm doing well as usual. Everybody is OK. I'm really missing the two of you.
"Really?" Why should you care about me? I observed as I ate a kebab, "I thought you would only miss your friend Valentino."
"Ouch, we were buddies, I thought," he lamented.
"We are?"
Really? I mean, it had been like five years since I had a pal.
Naturally, we are in London. I think that friendships don't last forever. Willingness and establishing a friendship based on the truth are important.
He gave me a London call. These days, no one truly calls me. Although it was uncommon, hearing such a thing from someone made me feel wonderful.
"So, do you want to be my friend?"
"Of course," I say. I'd have still wanted to be your friend even if we had met under different circumstances, despite the fact that you are Val's wife, and we would end up getting along nonetheless," he said, making my heart fill with warmth.
And could I ask why?
"Because I enjoy you as a person." I've only known you a short while, yet I already see how special and great you are. So, do you desire friendship?
Other than Kyle, no other male had ever given me the freedom to speak without having voice problems.
Where on earth was Kyle, to speak of? I hadn't seen him since the reception of the wedding. I had a great time being with him.
Naturally Nick, I think you're a decent person, and having you as a buddy would be really beneficial to me. You seem to be someone who is adept at listening and comprehending people.
And I'm sure you're battling with a lot of things, so I hope we can all assist in your recovery.
"Nick, you're a good guy." What more can you tell me about yourself and your family? I'm not sure if I'm bothering you, but I simply need to talk to someone.
We can chat, but Val is also quite skilled in this area, as you are aware. He is a lucky man to be your husband. He honors his word, and I am aware that he swore to love you forever.
So far, he has simply promised me that he will never again touch me.
I questioned why Nick and Monica weren't aware that we were pre-arranged. They appeared to be rather close to Val.
By the way, are you at the beach? Definitely, I can hear the waves.
"Yep." This place is fantastic. I adore beaches.
At least one similarity anyway, allow me to introduce my family and me. My father is an ex-psychiatrist. He currently works as a chef and owns and operates Gourmet Calleiro.
"OMG!" That's probably my favorite eatery in the city. The services and food are on fire. I've had a few previous encounters with your father. He is incredible.
They had a bustling eatery that was thriving in real life.
"Thank you so much. My mother is an obstetrician and gynecologist. I'm a doctor right now. In addition to working at the restaurant with my father, Monica is a forensic scientist. She is a fantastic cook.
"Wow. I adore your family. I swear it must be a ton of fun.
"It is. You ought to visit us soon.
"Definitely. Tell me about your fascinating career, please.
After that, we continued to converse for hours. He made me laugh when we spoke, and it felt like he was right there with me on the beach. It was easy to talk to him.
Only after my battery ran out around dusk did we hang up. He still had many interesting tales to tell, and I admired his charisma.
After a wonderful picnic with Nick, I packed up everything. Just thinking about our chat made me grin.
I heard a voice say, "You are smiling way too much for a person who just spent the whole day on the beach alone," making me jump out of fear.
Finally, I recognized that it was Valentino. I wanted to slap him again.
"Geez!" You crazy person, do you intend to give me a heart attack? I yelled as I shoved him by the chest.
He truly frightened me. I had not even heard or seen him approaching.
"Woah. Picking up the picnic basket, Valentino observed, "Someone is on her period today."
Who says that? I exhaled quickly while folding my arms.
Valentino seized a kebab I had left.
"Don't all women get like that during that period? gloomy and such? He asked while enjoying the kebab, and I think I heard him groan.
"I never thought of you as stereotype fodder. I gripped my beach bag, and we began to stroll on the sand as I said, "I'm different.
He gave me an amused expression as he turned to face me.
"Really? So how do you act? He questioned me abruptly, pausing and staring at me in the eye.
"I'm not about to discuss my periods with you, am I? I asked with an eyebrow raised in confusion.
"I know absolutely nothing about you."
You don't need to get to know me. You called me dull.
Question: "When did I say that?"
"I overheard you talking to Caylee on the phone."
I turned away from him and began dragging my feet in the sand because I didn't want him to make a fool out of me.
I didn't intend it to be taken that way. You were misinformed.
"Let's avoid discussing these things. Like we always do after every chat, we'll end up fighting.
"Let's attempt to do something different this time. I prepared a small treat for the two of us. After disappointing you today, I owe you one.
Is this a joke you pulled on me? I turned to face him and questioned him.
We both slowed down and turned to face each other. He appeared to be in a pleasant mood and had warm eyes.
Myrah, please don't sully this occasion.
"I don't like to play practical jokes. Almost always, I'm a brutally honest person.
Really? Being friendly and all makes it quite awkward.
"Do you want me to be completely honest with you right now?"
Do I?
I forced a hard swallow and met his gaze directly.
"Yes."
"I adored the
outfit you wore.
It's still early in the morning, and your current clothing makes your body look good. It's quite seductive.
What the heck?