As she prepared her beach bag, Nikki talked to Brian over the phone. The man was worried about her and insisted on her spending the whole day with him in the store. She was a bit annoyed with him not wanting to leave her alone but she decided against arguing.

Nikki: „For the last time, Brian...I'm fine! I'll be there in a few minutes."

Brian: „Are you sure? I can come to get you."

Nikki let out a frustrated sigh.

Nikki: „Oh, for fuck's sake, I'm not suicidal. I can go to the store by myself."

Brian: „All right. I won't hold you anymore. See you soon."

The woman greeted her friend, interrupted the call and then took a deep breath. Her hands went through her black hair. To speak the truth, she wasn't fine. Her thoughts were still running back to the evening Daniel told her they couldn't be together. She hadn't seen him or hear a word from him for more than three days. She was trying to convince herself she didn't care but it was only making her feel worse. Daniel humiliated her and she promised herself she would never forgive him.

She stood in front of the mirror, looking at the patch now covering the small scar on the right side of her head. This morning, she visited the hospital where they finally pulled out the stitches but she received strict instructions about spending her time out, in the sun. On the beach she had to wear a patch, protecting the young skin from harmful sun rays.

She sighed, picking up her belongings and then heading toward the exit. Just as she grabbed the door handle, she heard a light knocking from the other side. At first, Nikki's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and then she remembered her conversation with Brian. The man was probably already at the hotel but called her out of politeness. She sighed, opening the door.

„Brian, I told you..." she started but as soon as her gaze fell on the person on the other side of the door, her mouth got shut and no longer spoke a word.

„It's not Brian," a well-known voice said to her. It was Daniel. His face was showing a guilt and fear.

Although she was in shock, she managed to compose herself enough to angrily slam the door in his face. But Daniel was faster and he jumped in between. She was trying to close the door unsuccessfully. The tall man didn't give up.

„Nikki, please, let me explain. I'm not asking for more than five minutes. Just five minutes to explain everything to you and then you can kick me out and never talk to me again. If you would want that. Please," he was talking fast, trying his best to convince her.

Nikki's pushing finally stopped. She opened it very slowly, still angrily staring at him. Daniel walked in.

„You have five minutes. Not even a minute longer and then I want you to leave," she replied sharply.

Daniel took a deep breath, trying to get his shit together. He wanted to see any kind of emotion on her face but there was none. She was extremely good at hiding it. He couldn't tell what she was thinking about. Both of them sat down on the sofa, opposite each other. Daniel leaned on his elbows.

„All right...here it goes," he started. „I know you probably don't want to hear an apology or listen about Sofia but I have to tell you how sorry I am about everything. I've been like the biggest dick and I'm really sorry. Through my whole life I loved only one woman and when she...died, honestly, my whole world crashed to the ground. There was nothing left. Sofia was everything in the world to me...absolutely everything. I wish I could show you or explain such a pain but you can't know unless you try it. I was convinced that I'll never be happy again and I kinda made a piece with it. I accepted I'd never love anyone anymore. I don't know...I was convinced if I'm avoiding to say she died, the pain wouldn't be so strong but I haven't realized I'm only deepening it. Time goes by and things don't improve."

The woman's eyes became a little bit softer. She could see he finally said this sentence out loud. Sofia was dead and the man finally accepted it. She began to listen more carefully.

„And then, you came and changed everything. Although I was initially acting like a fool, you've always been kind, trying to help me and...you've been here for me. Trust me, I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life. And I know we've already discussed my initial reaction to your confession but I want to tell you how sorry I am for treating you so badly. When you told me the truth and when I realized the feelings are mutual, I swear to you, I've never been so scared in my life...ever. I was afraid to feel again. I was so afraid I would...hurt Sofia. I know how stupid it sounds because she's gone. I know it's not an excuse but everything I did was out of fear. I'm sorry, Nikki...really. Please, forgive me for everything. Please. All I want is another chance. Just one more. I promise...no, I swear I won't screw up again. Please."

Nikki finally exhaled a breath she was holding since Daniel started explaining things. He finally said how he truly felt. There were a million different images going through her head. All good and bad things that have happened since her arrival to Naples. Yes...Daniel was a master in acting like a jerk but she knew this behavior was a defense mechanism. Her feelings have never before been so crazy. She nodded slowly, leaning her elbows on her knees.

„If you want me to tell you how everything is fine, I can't do that. It's not everything fine," she finally replied. „You really hurt me. I never told you to love me or...or that you have to completely forget about Sofia. I'd never ask you to do that because I know how much she still means to you. I was ready to wait for you to open... at your own pace. Then, with that date invite you somewhat showed me you are ready but at the first sight of trouble you pulled back in a very ugly way."

Daniel knelt in front of her, gently taking her hands in his own. She didn't pull back and he interpreted it as a good sign.

„I know and I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you so bad. Probably...I jumped into things. I should've waited. But Nikki, I can't describe how much you mean to me. Please, give me another chance. Just as a friend. I'm begging you."

She shook her head softly.

„I'm not sure..." she started but Daniel interrupted her by putting his palm on her cheek.

„Please," he pleaded again.

Nikki looked at him well. He had big black bags under his eyes. She wondered if he slept at all? Agony on his face was speaking for herself. The woman caught hold on his palm which was still pressed on her cheek and lowered it to her lap. She didn't separate their hands nor take her gaze from intertwined fingers.

„What made you come here? And where were you?" she asked. Daniel sighed, squeezing her hand.

„Sanibel. I thought...I don't know...if I go there, maybe something will change. That was our place and her presence is the strongest there. I was hoping things would crystallize," he explained.

She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity. Daniel wasn't lying to her.

„Is it more clear now?" she asked.

The man nodded.

„Yeah but not because of Sanibel. I don't know...I was expecting some sign from Sofia. Something, that will show me the way I should take. But this isn't about Sofia...it's about me. Marina found me and gave me Sofia's letter. Obviously, they had an agreement and this letter was the last weapon to wake me up. The most powerful weapon, because it made me see things how they really are. With this letter, Sofia caused a very violent reaction in me but also very positive and she showed me how to continue with my life. I'm not hurting her because she's dead and nothing will change that. Even if I choose to go to the end of the world, things will remain the same. I can see it now. I accepted. More than anything, I want her to find peace. We both have to find peace. The only way to achieve this is to stop holding on Sofia's shadow that hovers over me and let go of her."

There was a light, barely noticeable smile on her face. Daniel's change in just a few days was enormous. She almost couldn't believe it. His ex-girlfriend seemed to have a huge, crazy enormous influence on him. And only she could make him wake up. Nikki squeezed his hand, still placed in her lap.

„I the last few days I've convinced myself that I no longer want to see or hear you but here you are. I just a few minutes you turned everything around," she replied, dropping her gaze to their hands. „I'm glad you're okay, Dan. And that you accepted Sofia's death...finally, whatever she did to make you do it. I hope thing are going to get better now but right now, I can't be more than your friend. I need time to digest all this."

Daniel let go of her hand and nodded. There was a little bit of disappointment in his eyes but he himself knew it's for the best. Not only for her but for him too. Jumping into things again...into the unknown would be a wrong step.

„But we're going to be friends, yeah?" he asked, looking for confirmation in her eyes.

She smiled faintly, stood up and then hugged him tightly. Daniel was surprised but he immediately hugged her back.

„Yes, we'll be friends," she replied, feeling the tension leaving her shoulders. That made her smile more widely. After a few moments, both of them stepped back.

„Walk me to the store, will ya? I should be with Brian. He's terribly annoying and concerned. Till now, he probably thinks I jumped out of the window or something," she said, not paying attention to Daniel and his widened eyes. Only when there was no answer, Nikki lifted her head for the bag to his face and realized her mistake.

„Oh, my God, I was kidding. I wasn't serious, Dan. The thing is in Brian who is too worried and I can't for the life of me explain to him that I'll be fine."

The tall man swallowed hard.

„Nikki, I'm so..."

„Stop! Stop apologizing, everything's fine. We'll pass through this, okay?"

Daniel just softly grabbed her hand and they got out of the room. However, when they were in the hallway, they separated and left a space between their bodies. Nikki needed her private space to process everything. It was only past noon, and so much had already happened. As they went down to the lobby, the woman was grateful for Aline not being at work today. She didn't have a strength or will to explain everything.

„I'll visit Brian too. I only hope I won't get punched or kicked in the balls, as he promised me."

Nikki had to laugh.

„Brian is still your friend. He won't attack you," she said.

Daniel slimed back, putting his hands in pockets, as he continued to walk beside her.

He hoped Nikki was right and that his stupidity won't cost him friendship with Brian. As they walked lightly toward the shop, his eyes were constantly running at Nikki's direction. She smiled.

„Nikki Hamilton?!"

Both of them turned to the sound of a female voice and found eyes to eyes with a younger brown haired girl in a bikini. She had a broad smile on her face.

„Sorry for such a start but I'm a big fan. I love your series," she exclaimed excitedly, as Nikki smiled back apprehensively. Recognition on the street was the worst part of popularity.

„Miss Hamilton, would you sign the book for me? I have it here with me."

Nikki exchanged glances with Daniel, who was looking at them.

„Nikki is fine. And of course. I'm glad you like it."

She took the copy of her book and the pencil from the girl's hands. Then, she put her signature inside the cover and handed it back.

„Here!"

„Thank you!" the girl said. „You don't know how much this means to me. I hope you'll write the sequel."

Nikki nodded and hugged her.

„I'm glad. Stay firmly on the ground, okay?"

Once again, the brunette gave them a big smile and then went on her own way. Daniel laughed.

„You really are famous," he commented as she hit him lightly on the shoulder.

„Shut up!" she replied, smiling.

Both of them focused on the well-known outline of the store. Nikki clenched her eyes to see it better. Brian was standing in front of the door, locking it. When she realized what was going on, she hurried forward to catch with him before he would leave. Daniel was right behind her.

„Hey..." she called his other friend who immediately snapped at her direction, sighing in relief.

„Finally!" he said with a frown, going through his blue strands of hair. „Where have you been? You should've been here more than half an hour ago. I was just getting ready to find you."

Nikki wanted to justify herself but Daniel beat her to it.

„Actually...it's my fault. I held her back," he exclaimed. Only then Brian seemed to realize she didn't come alone. It took him a few moments to process that his missing friend returned. His eyes suddenly became hard and angry. He gestured toward the shop, throwing the keys to Daniel.

„You! Get in...right now!" he ordered. The tall man didn't dare to complain, as Nikki was just watching in confusion. Brian waited for Daniel to get in a close the door.

„You really scared me. Don't do it anymore," he said seriously.

„I told you I'm fine and that I don't need a nanny. I'm not responsible for your excessive concern."

Brian rubbed his forehead.

„Look...the state in which you came to the store a few days ago...I just can't get it out of my head," he replied. Nikki smiled, hugging him.

„I appreciate your concern. But I'm not a child and I know how to deal with problems. It's not the first time I have a similar problem, remember? And I'm still here," she tried to calm him down. The man just nodded, leading her into the store.

Daniel was standing by the counter, twisting his thumbs nervously. Brian glanced at him firmly.

„So...I should punch you. It's actually amazing what a dick you can be, Dan," he stated angrily, not taking his gaze from Daniel's blue eyes. The other man sighed. A little bit more of justification.

„Would it help if I tell you I really wasn't able to function normally? And I've had to move away from everyone and everything?" he hesitated.

Brian clutched his fists. Nikki decided to put her hand on his shoulder, making sure he wasn't going to attack him.

„So what? Is that an excuse for such an idiotic behavior? I can't believe you let everything go so far, Dan."

Daniel rolled his eyes. He had enough of scolding.

„Look...I've heard enough from both, Marina and Sofia," he started and then his gaze fell on Sofia's picture. "And as I've said for probably a thousand times since yesterday, I know Sofia is dead and that I can't do anything about it, okay? Now tell me what I can to do make up for everything?"

Brian's eyes were now wearing a surprise and the man exchanged glances with Nikki. He immediately took a few steps forward to put his hand on Daniel's shoulder.

„From Sofia?"

He then explained everything to him and Brian was shocked again. Another thing he had no idea about. It seemed Marina was carrying a lot of secrets. Too much. When Daniel finally finished the story and told him what Sofia had written, Brian approached him a little differently. He hugged him.

„Although I'm angry, I'm glad you're okay, Dan," he answered honestly. Daniel hugged him back. As they moved away, Brian's gaze was running from one to another, his finger pointing between them in wonder. Daniel's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

„Oh...we're friends," Nikki clarified. „I think it's better this way. He has a lot to think about and I...well, I have to digest it."

The man nodded approvingly, accepting her explanation. Nikki and Brian noticed a huge change in Daniel's demeanor, speech and attitude. First of all, his gaze was no longer flying in the direction of Sofia's picture. Not as much as before. Brian was convinced it was time for a truce and hoped for the best.

„Listen, when we're already here, I have to tell you something," Nikki started with a serious expression. „Addy, my friend from Seattle called me. Darnell knows where I am. He threatened to convince my publisher to stop co-operating with me and she had no other choice but to tell him."

Both men had very serious facial expressions.

„You think he'll come to Naples?" Brian asked, already clenching his fists.

Nikki shrugged.

„You never know with Darnell. Everything is possible. I'm just telling you to be ready if some jerk comes, asking for me."

„He won't be welcomed here. That's for sure," Daniel said grimly, looking ahead.

She exchanged glances with Brian, changing the subject. She seemed no longer wanting to talk about Darnell. Soon, Brian and Nikki went out for lunch, while Daniel decided to take over the store to make up for everything. Although he was no longer working here, he remembered the procedure well. The afternoon shift was flying fast. Two of his friends have returned to the store until the evening. The doorbell ringed cheerfully as their smiling faces entered.

„I see you've had a good day," he said, gaining their attention. Nikki's eyes immediately became softer, looking at him with love. Before any of them had a chance to say something, the door opened again, Marina's head pushing through the entrance.

„Hey...I'm glad you're all here," the Latina said.

Brian approached her, somewhat timidly, inviting her in. Marina wasn't paying much attention to him. All four of them stood around the counter. At the moment, there were no any customers. They could talk peacefully.

„Is everything okay?" Marina asked Daniel briefly and the man just nodded, confirming.

„Are you going to the beach?" he asked.

„I came to ask Brian if he wants to go with me but I'm glad to see Nikki is here too. Shall we?"

Daniel gestured toward the door.

„You go. I'll be there around 7:00 p.m. when I close."

Once again, Brian squeezed his shoulder gratefully. Daniel watched his three friends disappearing behind the door and then went to put some stuff at the warehouse. He hoped there would no longer be customers today.

-

Brian, Nikki, and Marina were walking slowly in the direction of the sea. With the sunset, city streets were becoming more crowded and the city more alive. Nikki explained all about her relationship with Daniel to them. Brian and Marina were full of understanding.

They were already at the very entrance to the beach when Nikki suddenly heard a familiar voice, calling her. She turned around and saw Isaiah.

„Hey..." she said, surprised. She wasn't expecting to run into him today. A small smile crept its way on his face.

„Are you going to the beach?" he asked.

She gestured to Brian and Marina.

„I'm here with my friends."

His gaze was soft. Nikki hadn't seen him after their snorkeling trip and she was glad to see the waiter was fine.

„Do you maybe want to join us?" Brian asked, surprising everyone around him. Nikki's head snapped in his direction but the man only smiled innocently. „We have an extra seat in our circle."

Isaiah rubbed the back of his head nervously, not knowing what to do.

„Actually, I would love to. If Nikki doesn't mind," he finally replied.

She told him she didn't have any problem with it and then all four of them joined Diego, Aline, and David, who were already there. They sat down in a familiar circle. Isaiah settled right next to Nikki, while on the other side was the only other dark-skinned man.

„You look good," Diego said, making her smile.

„I'm glad you noticed," she replied softly, hitting him in the shoulder.

The conversation continued with other light and entertaining topics. Nikki was glad that her squad accepted Isaiah so easily. Her gaze flown in his direction for a few times. Nikki couldn't deny Isaiah was really handsome. But once again, she confirmed to herself what she already knew...with him, she didn't feel all those sparks which were flying between her and Daniel. There was no chemistry, only good old friendship. Isaiah seemed to understand it too, so he wasn't asking any questions nor he talked about anything that happened between the two of them.

Soon, she could see Daniel's familiar shape in the distance. Then, she realized he could misunderstand why Isaiah was here tonight. Her shoulders immediately became tense as she looked at Brian. He seemed to understand his friend, also looking at Daniel's direction.

„Don't worry," he said quietly so the others wouldn't hear them. „If there are going to be any problems, I'll explain it to him."

Daniel was already very close and something was clearly wrong. Nikki noticed he was eyeing the group sharply. No...not the group but Isaiah. Her heart sank. She didn't want this to be wrongly interpreted. She looked into his eyes but the man lowered his gaze to the ground.

„Hey!" he greeted.

Aline and David were immediately on their feet, hugging him and saying how happy they are to see him. He thanked them briefly.

„Has he gone somewhere on a vacation or something like that?" Isaiah asked her curiously.

„He wasn't in Naples for the last three days. They're happy to have him back," Nikki explained.

Daniel settled between Aline and Diego and finally made an eye contact with Nikki. The woman couldn't guess what he was thinking because there were no emotions in his eyes.

„Since you're all here, I'd like to say something," Marina interrupted her thinking. All eyes were suddenly directed toward the Latina. She took a deep breath and Nikki could feel her tension.

„I'm moving to Tallahassee!" she fired. All the jaws, including Nikki's, almost hit the ground. There was a dead silence all around them.

„You're leaving Naples?!" Aline exclaimed suddenly, almost yelling. Marina just nodded.

„I can't believe it. Why?" Nikki asked, as her gaze went to shocked Brian. She was very worried about her friend.

Marina cleared her throat.

„My dad wants to open another office there. He thinks the Capital offers more opportunities than Naples. Javier was suggested as the main leader and he asked me if I want to go with him. I sad yes."

The blond man swallowed a lump that was standing in his throat, clenching his hands into fists. Marina was leaving Naples and she was going to live with another man. Not too long ago, she begged him for another chance and he refused her. Brian seemed to be paying for all of his mistakes in past months. Marina had changed a lot. Recently, a lot of secrets came to the surface.

„You and Javier aren't together for so long. Don't you think you are maybe rushing things for a little? ...I mean, with you two living together? And so far away from Naples. That's six hours of driving," David said, trying to be reasonable.

Marina sighed. She knew that, sooner or later, someone would mention this topic.

„I know it maybe seems like we're jumping into things but he's a really wonderful person and I've always wanted to live outside of Naples. This is my chance. I mean...Javier and I still have a lot to go through but I think we're on a good way. I'm happy with him."

Aline got up and hugged her friend.

„I'll miss you so much. When are you leaving?" she asked. Marina enjoyed being in her friend's embrace. To speak the truth, she had been thinking about leaving Naples for a long time but, back then, her strong desire to get back with Brian and to help Daniel was more important than this life-changing decision.

„I should've waited for two more months, but honestly, I don't want to. I'm moving next week, along with him."

A lump got stuck in Brian's throat for which he thought he got rid of it a long time ago. It wasn't like that.

„Well...I think we're all are going to miss you. But the most important thing is that you're happy with your decisions," Diego stated, hugging her. Marina was very grateful for all the support her friends provided for her. However...Brian was completely silent, pressing his hands in the sand. Marina could say he wasn't happy for her.

Diego interrupted her thinking by getting up and starting to encourage the rest of them to go swimming. Aline, David, Isaiah, and Nikki immediately joined them, while Marina wanted a chance to talk with a still slightly shocked Brian. But Daniel also didn't give any signs of swimming interest. Instead, he was drilling holes in the back of Isaiah's head with his gaze. Marina punched his shoulder lightly, to gain his attention.

„Are you okay?"

He looked down at her and she could notice him swallowing hard.

„Nikki and Isaiah? What's happening between the two of them?"

Marina's eyebrows raised in surprise.

„We ran into him on the way to the beach. Brian was the one who invited him to join us...not Nikki," she explained. Daniel's shoulders began to relax and he returned his gaze to the dark-skinned woman. She was laughing hard as Isaiah was trying to sink her under the surface. Daniel's lips also curled up. Only Nikki could cause all these warm feelings inside his heart. Such a shame it took him so long to figure it out. Sofia explained it to him...made him to finally see it.

„She should be with somebody like Isaiah. Someone who'll always make her smile," he said quietly but Marina heard him, grabbing his hand softly.

„Isaiah is her friend. You are the person she loves, Dan, no matter if she wants to admit it or not. Nikki has never given you a reason to doubt her honest intentions and now it's time for you to prove the same and return the trust she gave you, even when you didn't deserve it."

Her words seemed to wake up Daniel, who looked at her. The Latina was right. Soon, Diego invited them to join and this time, Daniel didn't refuse his offer. He stepped into the sea, exchanging a glance and a smile with Nikki.

Brian and Marina were the only ones remained on the beach. Although they were sitting away from each other she looked at him and noticed his firm gaze on the creek. The man was frowning and playing with his fingers. Marina moved closer to him.

„Hey..." she called him lightly but Brian didn't look at her. His gaze remained at a place.

„Are you really leaving?" he asked after a few seconds, hearing a sigh coming from her. This forced him to look at Marina's eyes. The Latina just nodded.

„Yes. The decision is definite. I can't stay here anymore, Brian. That's what I've always wanted and I think it's finally the time to move on with my life. Now, when Dan is okay."

Brian faced her with his whole body.

„What about me?"

Marina smiled softly at his question. The smile wasn't happy. It was somehow nostalgic.

„Earlier this summer I didn't want to see it but...you were right. You were right for all this time, Brian. We broke up for a reason. I was just too stubborn to figure it out."

For a thousandth time tonight, he swallowed a lump in his throat and sighed.

„I'm sorry for everything," he said, lowering his gaze to the ground. „I should've been a better partner and understand how much Sofia's death hurt you. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me, Marina. And for not being a better friend to Dan. Maybe we could avoid a lot of these problems."

The Latina put her palm on his cheek to stop him from apologizing.

„Stop. There's no point for you to apologize for something that's over. We all were fighting with pain as best as we could. And...even if you tried to be there for me, I'm not sure if I would let you back then. You knew me too well and that was what I hated the most. I hated being so sensitive and emotional."

Brian caught Marina hand and intertwined their finger.

„But you went to Dan."

„That was different," she tried her best to explain. „Sofia was your friend...mine too. We both were sharing the same kind of grief. But Dan...as hard as it was, none of us was so hurt as him. Sofia was his first love and we both know he loved her more than anything. He still loves her. I thought...in fact, I was hoping for him to understand me better and not allow the other to see my real feelings. For the emotions, I carry within."

„You've never told me anything about that letter. I had no idea about it," he said, hoping Marina wouldn't misunderstand it and take it as an attack. But she just sighed again.

„It wasn't my intention for anyone to find out about it. Sofia didn't want it. She didn't want to burden him or remind him of herself more than necessary. But I think we both know it was more than necessary to show it to him," she explained.

„You did the right thing," Brian admitted.

They both looked at Daniel who was involved in some kind of discussion with Aline and Diego. He seemed to keep away from Nikki.

„Do you think he will manage to overcome all the obstacles and love Nikki back?"

Marina knew the answer.

„He has already overcome the biggest one. Dan had his first great love but I don't think he felt what it means to have a love of his life. Nikki could take this place...I see them together. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see."

Again, the man looked back at his ex-girlfriend. One question was constantly racing through his mind and couldn't stop.

„And you? Have you felt what it means to have a love of your life?"

He caught Marina unprepared. But despite this, she smiled sadly.

„I had my first great love...just like Dan," she replied. „I know what you want to hear and I want you to know I love you, Brian but..."

„But you're not in love with me anymore," he finished. Marina nodded slowly as Brian let out a breath he was holding, let go of her hands and looked at the sky.

„I'm sorry. We've lost this love somewhere along the way. It shouldn't be like that but it is. You were right. Now, I just confirmed what you already knew."

The man kept his eyes closed, nodding his head as if he was trying to convince himself of the truthfulness of Marina's words.

„Javier?" he asked briefly but she knew what he was thinking about.

„He's a wonderful person and I love him immensely. He gave me everything I've ever wanted. We aren't in the stage of greatest love yet but we'll come to that. All we've built till now it shows a great potential. I want to see where the life will take us but I really hope my future will include Javier. I want a future with him."

Brian's heart was falling apart in million pieces but he somehow managed to put a smile on his face. At that moment, he looked at Marina's calm and relaxed face and knew he had definitely lost her. Javier took his place. But was bothered him the most was the fact that he had a chance to fix it but he threw it into the air and refused to take her back when she offered him a reconciliation. He was sure she would always wait for him. Now, Brian was the one struggling with the loss. However...he knew he couldn't discourage her.

„I wish you all the happiness of this world, Marina. And I hope you'll find what you're looking for in Tahallassee and Javier," he said briefly, with a smile on his face. The Latina hugged him tightly.

„The same goes for you. Naples suits you, Brian. I know your whole life is here and I really hope you'll find someone to share it with."

The man moved away from her and straightened up. He knew this was their last intimate moment. From now on, Marina would move away so it would be easier for her to depart. Brian simply knew it would be like that. She said it for herself...he knew her too well.

„I should go. I have a lot of stuff to arrange before next week and I need a good night's sleep. And with our constant gathering, I don't have enough time to sleep," she said, smiling and getting up from the sand. Brian followed her.

„Well...thanks for telling us everything. I don't think I'd ever forgiven you if you just left."

„It was never my intention to just disappear from Naples. You're my best friends...all of you."

Brian smiled back at her.

„I was serious, Brian. Find someone with whom you'll share everything you've gained here," Marina said seriously. „And tell the other I'll see them tomorrow."

As Marina started to leave, Brian raised his hand, waving in greeting. The man was looking at the figure of his ex-girlfriend until she completely vanished from the sight. Then, he rubbed his face, finally accepting the truth.

„Yeah...it's over!" he said, sitting back on the sand and raising his gaze to the pink sky over the sea.    

-

Author's note:

Boy, this chapter was long. This time I haven't split it into two parts. So...Marina and Brian were definitely separating their ways. It's not possible to fix their relationship.

I can now say the grief and the bumpy part of this story are officially over. It'll be a few "surprises" but nothing strong.

Anyway...if you enjoyed it, please vote and comment. It means a world to me.

Next update: Tuesday.

As always, stay true to yourself and have a nice day.