Author's note:

I finished editing this chapter earlier so I decided to update today, instead of tomorrow.

Enjoy it!

-

„Nikki, a little „birdy" told me that two days ago went on a date with a handsome, tall, charming waiter named Isaiah," Aline teased, while they all were sitting in a circle at the beach. It was warm Sunday afternoon, perfect for an outdoor gathering.

There was total silence in the circle. Brian and Marina already knew about her date with Isaiah, but both friends were carefully following the woman's reaction. On the other hand, Diego and David were just looking at Nikki surprisedly, while Daniel wasn't bothered by their conversation. The tall man was busy with adapting the wires of the guitar. Nikki sighed, a small smile creeping onto her face.

„You mean one of these two?" she asked, pointing at Brian and Marina. He just raised both of his hands indicating that his mouth had stayed closed. Unlike him, Marina's facial expression clearly showed that she was the one responsible.

„Sorry, I had to tell her. That waiter really looks like a million dollars."

„Marina, you have a boyfriend," Diego warned her and the Latina lightly hit him in the shoulder in return.

„And? How was it?" Aline asked. "We want the details."

„I don't want to know the details, thank you very much," David said jokingly.

Nikki briefly glanced at Daniel but there was no sign that he was listening. The woman sighed once more.

„Good...I guess," she replied as Aline's face fell immediately. She had expected a completely different answer.

„Good is not enough. It has to be great," Daniel spoke suddenly, not looking up from his guitar. Nikki jumped, surprised.

„I swear, sometimes it seems like you're waking up from the dead. When we least expect it, you speak, scaring us with the fact that you're actually paying attention to us," Diego complained. Daniel just shrugged, still not looking up.

„It wasn't bad. Isaiah is nice and everything, just...there was no spark between us. I guess I'm trying to find it," Nikki explained, still trying to get over Daniel's sudden statement.

„Has he kissed you?" Aline began with the interrogation again, which made Nikki blush. All of them were curiously staring at her...even Daniel. She put her head in her hands, laughing.

„Oh, my God!" Marina gasped. „You slept together, didn't you?"

„Marina!" Nikki and David yelled at the same time, a little bit shocked by Marina's straightforwardness.

„Why do you want to know all the juicy details?" David asked in confusion as Nikki shook her head.

„No, of course we haven't slept together, what the hell? There was a short goodnight kiss but that's all. Isaiah proved to be a gentleman. And I'm glad he is because I need more time to think about how I feel."

Almost half an hour later, Nikki decided to separate from the others and go for a walk in the sand. As the sand slipped between her toes, the woman gazed at the open sea, where the sun was already setting. After a few short minutes of walking, she felt a hand on her shoulder, snapping her from her thoughts. She turned around, seeing Daniel's smiling face.

„Jesus, you scared me," she said, putting a hand over her heart.

„I'm sorry," he replied, gesturing for her to keep moving forward. Nikki understood and continued to walk with him right next to her.

„I guess you want to talk?" she asked and Daniel nodded.

„I've just wanted to tell you how glad I am to see you moving on from your problems. You know, the reason you came to Naples."

Nikki's facial expression immediately became soft. He could be really sweet when he wanted to. And she knew it would cost her a lot of sleepless nights because, as Daniel was becoming more open, the harder it was to resist him.

-

Marina nudged Brian's shoulder. He immediately gave her his attention and she gestured toward Nikki and Daniel, who were going away together. The rest of their friends were swimming, so Marina didn't have to refrain from commenting.

„You see? Perhaps all this wasn't such a bad idea," she said.

Brian was concerned, as he watched his other two close friends.

„We just went through an interrogation about Nikki's relationship with another man and you were so excited over the possibility of her and Isaiah being together but now you're already saying how her and Daniel possibly being together wasn't a bad idea? What's wrong with you, Marina?"

The Latina turned her whole body toward Brian so she could look at his face.

„And why the hell are you so against it? Nikki's closeness is obviously good for Daniel," she replied irritably, which made Brian frown. He didn't want to cause new assumptions about his feelings for the dark-skinned woman.

„Have you ever thought about what's good for Nikki? You know how Dan is, and if she stays close to him, she'll only be even more hurt. The girl came here to forget about being hurt. Do you really want history to repeat once more?"

Marina was aware that she and her ex-boyfriend had different opinions about this situation but their discussions are moving to a completely new level.

„Instead of focusing only on negative things, maybe you should be more focused on everything positive that could come out of this, Brian. We all know how big a change that could be," she stated angrily, standing up and walking toward the rest of their friends.

Brian groaned, rubbing his temple. This constant passive-aggressive relationship with Marina was beginning to affect his mood. What had begun as a conflict over their failed romantic relationship has now become a conflict in all areas, including a relationship between their friends. But Brian knew that, no matter what, the Latina would always be there for him. They had gone through too much together and neither of them wanted to throw everything away just because of this crazy and obsessive need to be right. He knew they'll always be friends, but these constant fights were killing him. He continued to dig in the sand, waiting for any of his friends to return to the circle.

-

In the meantime, Daniel and Nikki were walking through the waves, breaking against the shore. They were laughing and not thinking about the people behind them. Daniel was telling some joke, while Nikki watched him. After a couple of seconds of laughing, there was a silence and both of them were looking at the ground they were walking on.

„Dan?" she called him and he raised his head. „You think you'll be able to move on? Someday, in the future."

His face took a serious expression. Daniel looked up at the sky, sighing loudly.

„I don't know," he replied honestly. „I mean, everything was so much simpler before. And more beautiful. Things changed after Sofia. Me and my friends...yes, we've stayed friends but we aren't half as close as before. Brian and Marina broke up just two months later. As if every one of us went to their own side, to live their own life without others."

Nikki just squeezed his upper arm, silently telling him she was listening.

„But doesn't this happen to everyone? You grew up with these people but now, you all are exactly that...grown-up people who have their own lives. It's nice to have friends and everything but you have to have time and space just to yourself. That's a good thing...not bad. And I understand what you've told me about them but will you be able to move on...in your heart?"

Daniel stopped, facing her.

„I guess I'm still holding firmly onto many things that were before, including my relationship with my friends. Maybe I just haven't grown up enough yet. So...she was the love of my life. I doubt this will ever change," he replied.

Nikki swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She was persistently looking for answers and reasons to tell Isaiah how she really feels but she wasn't thinking about what would happen if the answers wouldn't be likable. A compassionate smile was creeping on her face, while she hugged him around the neck firmly. The man immediately returned the hug.

„It's very easy to talk to you," he said, keeping her in his embrace.

„You're a very good friend."

Daniel stepped away, letting go of her and they continued to walk.

„You know, no matter what you say, I still admire your friendship," she said, making Daniel look at her questionably.

„Why?"

Nikki put her hands in the pockets of her loose shorts.

„You all have jobs and, as you say, your own lives but you still every day find time for each other. I don't know...we, in Seattle often meet for a drink or once in two weeks at somebody's apartment to make up for everything we've missed. We don't go to the beach, don't sit in the circles, listening to someone playing guitar," she said with a smile, pushing him in the shoulder gently, telling him she refers to him. „Usually we're dressed in jeans or working clothes and we definitely don't walk barefoot. We're just not so carefree. I mean, don't misunderstand me but I have a feeling that people here are much simpler and accessible. We have too busy lives."

Daniel smirked.

„You know how they say? If you go more southern, people are also much warmer...not just the weather."

Nikki glared at him playfully.

„Be serious," she told him.

„I don't know. Naples is a small town. Here, everybody knows everybody else and people are connected to the sea. I guess that's why you're having the impression that everyone is much more relaxed. Yeah, we all do have jobs but we also understand that having a job isn't the most important thing in life. A lot of my friends have gone to school because it gets very difficult without a college degree. Brian started his own business. People accept little things, small pleasures. I think that people in northern states are just too busy with working and living just for business."

Nikki grabbed him by his arm, as they were approaching a little beach cafe.

„They've told to me that my dad was the same as me before he got married. Guitar, beach and surfing...punk-ass way of life. The other half of population who live their busy lives for the rest of us say that we're wasting out life and time but what they don't realize is that exactly these little things give true meaning to life. I'm not chasing after money or seriousness but the little things that make people happy. I've already lost too much to not appreciate friendship, my spare time, and, ultimately, the sea. Life is too short to waste time living it as society dictates."

Nikki was looking at him with total admiration. She wondered how Daniel hasn't realized yet how much she likes him? She was convinced it was written all over her face.

„You have a really amazing view of the world and life," she said. „I know you're a lot happier than the rest of us."

He kind of scoffed a little, getting serious again.

„Happiness is a relative term. I would say that currently, I'm only existing. I haven't graduated, I live how and where I want and what Brian is paying is enough to survive. So, I'm existing."

She swallowed hard and continued watching his profile. His way of life and thinking was vastly different from hers. Daniel was the complete opposite of everything Nikki believed in. She was always hoping to find a complete man who finished school, who could give her what most people, especially foreigners often call „The American dream". She chuckled to herself as she was looking at the man she was slowly and irrevocably falling in love with. The man who didn't have a higher purpose, who spent his days on the beach, barefoot and out of the proper clothes, who was fighting with himself, the world and everything society considers as acceptable. His greatest happiness was playing the guitar on the beach when the sun is setting over the sea.

„Will we stop for a drink?" Daniel asked suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. Nikki nodded, so they approached the wooden terrace of the cafe.

Daniel pulled a chair for Nikki and then sat down on the opposite side. They ordered a drink and continued to talk about some general stuff. Suddenly, Daniel groaned, sticking his chin in his palm. Nikki followed his gaze. Ronnie and Luis...of course the two of them had to come at this cafe today. Ronnie had a wide, mocking smile on his face, waving in their direction, while Daniel stared at him angrily. Nikki thanked heavens when Ronnie didn't provoke Daniel and continued to the bar with his friend.

„Why can't you and Ronnie stand each other?" she asked curiously. For a few moments, Daniel continued to glare at the two and then finally focused on Nikki again. He was visibly upset.

„Long story short? We were both in love with Sofia. The idiot has never moved on from her and the fact she had chosen me, not him," he replied, playing with his glass.

His response wasn't a surprise. Daniel's world revolved around Sofia. Even the fights with other people were, in this way or another, associated with his former girlfriend.

„Ronnie and Sofia were neighbors and best friends. Then she started to hang out with us. He never liked any of us, but at first, most of his anger and hatred were directed to Marina. Our parents never took us seriously but you can see what all these conflicts turned into. At the moment I had shown an interest in Sofia, it was over. Ronnie was acting like crazy and we were fighting constantly but while Sofia was present, she was trying to calm the tension."

Nikki grabbed his hand.

„It looks like Sofia wouldn't want you to argue with him."

Daniel scoffed, smoothing his hair.

„Moron! He always provokes me when we are somewhere out and when I'm drinking, then I really don't have any patience with him," he complained.

Nikki looked at him sympathetically, deciding she would no longer comment on his situation with Ronnie. The two friends spent some time in the cafe and then returned back to their friends. They found only Brian and Aline, who explained how the rest went to their homes, for various obligations.

Nikki greeted her friends and went to the hotel. As she was walking through the overflowing streets of Naples, she was startled by the ringing of her phone. The screen showed her mother's face.

Nikki: „Mom?"

Susan: „Nikki, honey, how are you?"

Nikki: „Good. I'm just heading to my hotel. Is everything all right?"

Susan: „I wanna know when you'll stop with this nonsense? When are you coming home? Addison called me yesterday and it looks like your publisher is interested in your return too."

Nikki: „I'll come home when I'm gonna be ready for it. No matter what you think, I can take care of myself. Don't worry about business. I'll call them and explain everything."

Susan: „Nikki, we miss you. We don't know anything about you. Please, come home. You won't solve your problems like this. I beg you."

Nikki: „I'm good where I am. I'm very grateful to you and dad for caring but everything is okay. You can always call me if you want to hear from me. Bye, mom."

She knew Susan wanted to say more but she didn't give her the chance. She ended the call, putting her phone back in her bag. Susan wouldn't call again, that was for sure. She learned she couldn't force her daughter to do anything she didn't want to. Soon, she entered her room, leaving her things on the table next to the door. She needed to shower to wash the salt from her skin. After a few minutes in the bathroom, Nikki checked her phone again. There was a message.

Will you, please, do me the honor of going to dinner with me? I'll pick you up at 8:00 p.m. Isaiah.

Nikki groaned, lying down on the bed and sticking her head into the pillow. She didn't want to go out with Isaiah but she also couldn't reject him. He was obviously hoping there would be something more between them in the future and Nikki wasn't even trying to convince him otherwise. She grabbed the device again, replying to him.

Sounds great. See you.

As she was lying on the bed, Nikki was thinking about the situation she found herself in. As much as she tried to find a solution, it seemed like things were just getting worse. There was no going back. She was falling for Daniel but dating Isaiah, in hopes that her feelings would somehow turn around. She knew this wouldn't happen if she stays so close to the tall man. Daniel got into her heart and thoughts and as he was opening up to her, she was falling more and more. Again, she was feeling overwhelmed and decided to rest a little before she would need to start getting ready.

-

Isaiah pulled the chair for Nikki and then sat opposite to her, immediately grabbing her hand. The woman looked around, remembering that exact moment when she was with Daniel, earlier this day. She was sure that her companion had chosen one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. High ceiling and elegant surroundings spoke for themselves. Her eyes finally fell on Isaiah. The man was wearing a white shirt, unbuttoned at the top and gray suit. Nikki couldn't deny how attractive he was.

„I'm really glad you came with me," he was with a big smile, not looking away from her eyes.

Nikki smiled back.

„This place is wonderful," she replied, ignoring his statement.

He also looked around.

„I come here a lot. They have great Italian food. Spaghetti with mussels are the best thing I've ever eaten."

She continued to talk about food until a waiter came and took their order.

„I hope you're right about the spaghetti," she said, smiling.

„You won't regret it, I promise."

Nikki nodded, then apologized and went to the toilet. The long, green dress she had chosen tonight wasn't the most comfortable thing. She stayed in the toilet for a few minutes. When she finally came out she almost ran into a tall male figure, coming from the male toilet. Nikki immediately recognized the posture.

„Dan?" she called, surprised.

Daniel raised his head. His face lit up, as Nikki was absorbing his appearance. The black shirt on light cream pants and the shoes of the same color looked great on him. His otherwise tousled hair was now neatly combed.

„Nikki...for the second time today," her replied in greeting.

„What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to compose herself.

Dan just gestured toward the main hall.

„I'm here with my parents. They wanted us to go out for a change. I saw you when you arrived with your date but you haven't noticed me," he responded and then looked at her outfit. „Isaiah must be very good if you decided to dress so beautifully for him."

Nikki was suddenly blown away.

„Umm..." she muttered. „It was the last minute invitation."

Daniel smiled, gesturing toward the hall.

„C'mon. Let's not let him wait too long."

They entered the hall together, smiling at each other. He gently squeezed her arm in greeting and then turned to his table, while Nikki looked after him. He didn't even realize that Isaiah was standing next to her.

„Is that Daniel Linares?" he asked.

At the sound of his voice, Nikki faced him.

„Yeah," she replied. „He's my friend. We met each other at the exit of the toilet."

„I didn't know you hung out with him."

Nikki looked up from her plate, which had arrived at their table in the meantime, directing her gaze to her companion. It seemed that Isaiah wasn't confused so she concluded his question was pure curiosity.

„Yes, he and his friends accepted me in their circle."

Isaiah nodded, taking a bite of food.

„His girlfriend was very sick. I remember she died. What happened to him is really awful," he said, to which Nikki looked at him softly. She was glad Isaiah was sympathetic to Daniel and everything that happened to him.

„Yeah, it really is awful," she replied briefly, then changed the subject. Although Isaiah was considerate, she didn't feel comfortable discussing Daniel and his private problems.

The conversation continued with other topics, but Nikki wasn't nearly as relaxed as she was at the beginning of the evening. Her gaze constantly went in the direction of the tall man, sitting not so far away from them, beside a beautiful middle-aged woman and an elderly man. Nikki smiled unconsciously, noticing a great similarity between Daniel and his father.

„Nikki?"

At the sudden mention of her name, she jerked, returning her gaze to Isaiah's eyes. He looked worried.

„Are you okay?"

„Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" she asked automatically, a nervous smile creeping onto her face.

He coughed uncomfortably, shifting in his chair.

„I got a feeling like you aren't listening. If you're not comfortable, we can go. I'll ask for the bill," he said, causing guilty feeling in her. Isaiah was really trying to make this evening nice and enjoyable for both of them and there she was, sitting at the table with him but thinking of Daniel. She just squeezed her eyes, putting her hand on the table.

„Honestly, I have a headache. Would you mind if we call it a night?"

As he called for the bill, Nikki could see a little bit of disappointment in his eyes, but Isaiah was extremely good at hiding it. Nikki picked up her belongings and after a few minutes, they were both heading to the exit. They passed by Daniel's table. The man nodded, smiling and Nikki just raised her hand in greeting. Isaiah noticed a seemingly short contact but managed to connect what had caused Nikki's disinterested behavior. They came to his car soon and he opened the passenger's door so she could get in. A couple of seconds later they were already on the street to the hotel.

Nikki was completely silent, looking out the window, while his eyes were running in her direction.

„Nikki? is everything okay?" he asked worriedly again, to which she faced him.

„I'm fine, don't worry. I'm just a little tired."

Isaiah changed into a higher gear.

„You know, I noticed a sudden change in your behavior after you got back from the toilet. That is, after you talked with Linares."

His statement caused panic in Nikki and she could no longer look into his eyes.

„What's that supposed to mean?" she asked defensively but Isaiah stayed calm.

„It's okay. You don't have to defend yourself or explain anything to me but I'd like you to tell me where we stand because I really like you. If we aren't on the same page, I'd really like to know," he explained.

She sighed, defeated, finally giving up on fighting herself. There was a complete silence for a few brief moments and then, she looked up in his eyes.

„I'm sorry," she said. „I've really tried but it's not working. I just don't feel the spark I should feel to know that we're going in the right direction. I'm so sorry, Isaiah. I didn't want to deceive you or something like that, I swear."

His face looked a little hurt but Nikki was already familiar with his abilities to hide his true feelings.

„It's okay. I have to admit, I was hoping for a different answer but I understand that you can't force yourself to feel something your heart doesn't want to," he replied. „Just tell me if Linares is responsible for this?"

She was silent again, shaking her head.

„That's...it's really complicated. I...I'd rather not talk about it."

Isaiah accepted her explanation, knowing he also got the response he wanted. Further effort would be futile because Nikki didn't feel the same. She couldn't.

He parked in front of the hotel and walked her to the entrance. Nikki faced him, smiling slightly.

„Thank you for everything. And again, I'm sorry," she apologized but he just kissed her cheek.

„Stop apologizing. It's okay. I'll be fine. Maybe we see each other somewhere in the hotel. Good night, Nikki."

She raised her hand in greeting, watching Isaiah as he was walking away and then she sighed loudly, finally getting in. There was a time to rest.

-

The next morning, Nikki was sitting on the beach, where she usually surfed with Daniel. She was waiting him and he was late. Her thoughts were on her date yesterday evening. It was impossible to get rid of the guilt. Although she and Isaiah weren't in a relationship, she agreed to go out with him both times, which in some way gave him courage and sent the wrong signal. She hoped that Isaiah wouldn't blame her and that they'll stay on good terms. At least for the infrequent number of times, they'll see each other around.

„Hey..." she heard, waking up from her thinking. Daniel was standing above her, looking tired.

„Hey, you're late," she said, getting up from the sand.

„I know. Sorry, I fell asleep. How long have you been here?"

„For about fifteen minutes. It's okay."

„Great," Daniel replied, clenching his board more firmly. „Are we..."

He stopped talking. Nikki wondered why. Then she saw that Daniel wasn't looking at her at all but at something behind her. She turned and froze at the place, gasping in total shock. There was a girl approaching them, with wavy sandy hair.

No, no, no. Impossible.

Daniel was already running toward her, pulling her into a strong, firm embrace. Nikki just staggered backward, hitting one of the loungers.

The girl in Daniel's embrace was the same girl from the picture in Brian's shop.

It was Sofia.    

Author's note:

I love cliffhangers. Hmm, can the dead be brought back to life?? Who's the mysterious woman? 

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Nikki and Daniel are getting more closer to the point where she's starting to play an important role in his life. 

If you liked it, please don't forget to vote or comment. I'd be happy to read your opinions or constructive criticism. Next update: Tuesday!

Stay true to yourself, have a nice day and see ya!