„There. Everything's in the car," Daniel said, closing the trunk of Marina's Honda. The Latina grinned at him thankfully.

Today was the day of her move to Tahallassee. All of her friends came to her house to help her with packing and getting ready. Even Patricia, who returned from Mexico just a few days ago, where she was arranging everything necessary for taking her mother with her at the fall. The women were packing her stuff while the men were lifting all heavy boxes. Marina's parents already had a farewell evening with her so they decided to leave the house and allow her friends to say goodbye to her. Aline had a really hard time accepting Marina's move from Naples and was constantly wiping her nose and eyes, trying to justify herself with allergies. The other girl knew Aline was simply emotional.

Nikki, od the other hand was restrained and more worried about Brian who was silent and dreary. She couldn't help it. She knew all this had a bad impact on her friend and how hard is for him to accept this failure. The man wasn't looking at it as a farewell but as a loss. It's much more difficult to recover from a loss.

She and Daniel were on the same page when it comes to this. As he was slowly recovering, trying to leave mourning behind, he now began to fear that Brian was just entering this stage. Marina might haven't' died, like Sofia but her departure wasn't any less painful. Daniel was sure of it. Over the whole day, he and Nikki were constantly exchanging worried glances and sympathetic smiles.

„When is Javier coming?" he asked.

„We have enough time," she responded immediately. „And I want you to know that I won't forget about you or leave you guys behind. I'll be coming back to Naples as much as I can, okay? I promise."

The last sentence was said with a look toward Brian. He understood the message but just squeezed his lips in a straight line. Marina then hugged Aline firmly.

„Don't worry, pal," she said. „All those things that seem so tangled now will eventually resolve by themselves. Even your impossible love life."

Aline had to laugh to it, through her tears which Marina immediately wiped. Then, she approached Diego and David, giving both of them a firm hug and a promise she'll miss them. The same was with Patricia too. Nikki was the next. The Latina stood up to her, grabbing both of her upper arms.

„I don't know you as long as I know them but I want you to know that you've really made this summer much better. You are a really good friend. I just hope I managed to return at the same pace."

The woman swallowed hard, stiffening. She wondered if this was her last encounter with Marina? She knew she would soon have to decide on the date of her returning home but hoped that, in meantime, Marina would at least of once returned to Naples. She wasn't ready to lose this friendship.

„You don't know how much," she replied as Marina's lips curled up in a smile. „Thank you for everything, Marina."

When she moved away from Nikki, there was Daniel standing next to her and for now, hiding his emotions very well. His relationship with Marina was special. It was incredible how much she had helped him to find a way back to himself. Marina surprised him by grabbing his hand and pulling him away from everyone who was watching them in confusion.

„Hey..." Daniel started but Marina just hugged him firmly, interrupting his chatter.

„Thank you," she said. „Thank you for being my friend when I was having a hard time. Dan...I'll never forget it."

Daniel's eyes were finally flickering but the tall man just smiling.

„You're welcome. You know you can always count on me."

Marina looked up at his face, grabbing his upper arms.

„I know," she replied. „What the hell are you waiting for, Dan? Why haven't you done anything about Nikki yet?"

He gave her a confused look.

„She told me she needs time. I don't want to screw up again."

„Dan...it's been enough. Both of you are so miserable without each other and it's so obvious. Do you really think I haven't noticed glances you're exchanging? You can do it...you do it and finish with it. Show her you're ready to fight for her and that you won't give up."

Daniel looked sideways.

„What if...what if we start something and then something happens to her?" he asked, finally vocalizing his fear. Marina's eyes almost fell out.

„I'm sorry?"

„What if she ends up just like Sofia? What if it's something connected to me?"

She put her palms on his cheeks.

„Dan...you can't live like that. Stop being so frightened and start believing. The sun always shines after the rain, isn't it? Neither yours is far away. It's standing a few feet from us and watching you. You know that. Sofia has ordered you to be happy and you have to accept it, okay? Don't look for excuses or obstructions but let the feelings come into your heart and start to live according to them. If Sofia's order wasn't enough for you, then I'm ordering it too," she explained to which Daniel, visibly calmed by her words, hugged her once time firmly.

Both friends returned to the rest of the squad not commenting on their conversation. Others weren't asking anything.

Marina then looked in Brian's direction. The man was just looking at the ground, knowing it was his turn to say goodbye. She stood in front of him, caressing his cheek. His eyes met hers.

„I love you!" she said and Brian took a deep breath, trying to calm down. „You are my best friend. You'll always be."

He nodded, not knowing what to say.

„I have only one request for you. Be happy. Be the happiest you can be and use every given moment."

Brian's eyes once again escaped in other direction. He couldn't force himself to look her in the eyes.

„I'm sorr..."

„Stop apologizing," Marina immediately interrupted him. „We've already gone through it and let's just forget it. It's time to move on."

He once more nodded and then kissed her cheek. Marian hugged him. Now, after sharing her goodbye with her friends, she only had to wait for Javier who soon arrived. Her parents also returned and joined them in the yard. Marina once more hugged each and every one of them and then got into the passenger seat, smiling as she watched them standing in line as if they were in physical education in high school.

„Call me when you arrive," her mom yelled.

The Latina just raised both of her thumbs in agreement, waved them and then the car started to move slowly toward the main road...toward Tahallassee.

After the car turned to the corner, Brian finally let out a breath, holding his arms down his body. He looked at Aline and Nikki, both holding him under his arms, smiling at him sympathetically. As he struggled not to become emotional, a shadow hovered over him. Daniel put a hand on his shoulder.

„You need a drink," he stated.

„Yes. I definitely need a drink," Brian replied. At that moment, he was very grateful to his friends.

The group greeted Marina's parents and headed to the old place. The bar on the beach. They knew Brian needed a distraction to forget about the fact that Marina had probably left the town forever.

As soon as they entered the bar, Daniel waved to the waiter, letting him know they needed a drink.

„Marcel, the usual," he said.

-

When the group reached to the bar, beers were already lined up in front of them. Nikki recognized the waiter. Regardless of his bright, red hair, his name was implying he was Latin too. Brian sat down on the high bar chair, immediately taking a long sip from the bottle. He drank almost half a bottle. Nikki settled on one side and Daniel on the other.

„Slowly," he told him.

„It'll be awful without her," Aline stated, playing with her bottle. „I'll miss her so much."

Diego put a hand on her shoulder, hugging her.

„She did what is the best for her. We should believe in her and her choices," David replied.

Brian decided to stay silent today. He was holding his beer bottle, looking at the bar while the others kept talking. Occasionally, he would feel Nikki's hand passing over his upper arm but the woman wasn't asking any questions nor including him in the conversation. Suddenly, everyone heard an unknown voice calling Daniel.

„Daniel Linares!"

He, along with all his friends turned around and saw Leah, the blonde he had slept with a few weeks ago. He hoped he would never see her again but it seemed like Leah was having other plans.

„Leah..." he said. His eyes immediately flew to Nikki. She had discomfort printed all over her face.

„Oh, you even remember my name. Given the speed you ran out of my room a few weeks ago, I thought you'd forget," she was straightforward.

Niki turned to the bar again and dug a long sip. Daniel felt embarrassed. He just cleared his throat.

„You won't introduce me to your friends?"

„Umm, yes...of course. Guys, this is Leah...my..."

The tall man paused, not knowing how to categorize his relationship with Leah but the blonde anticipated it. She smiled broadly, raising her hand in greeting.

„I'm his friend. I'm glad to meet you all."

The other just smiled uncomfortably. The whole situation was pretty tense. Daniel was sweating from nervousness.

„Well...Leah, I'm glad I saw you but I should really go back to talking with them," he said. „One of our friends left Naples today and we came for a drink."

Leah looked surprised.

„Oh...I'm sorry," she replied but in the next moment, there was something else in her eyes. Leah didn't care what happened with Marina. „Maybe you could come to my table. I could...console you."

At that statement, Nikki got up, heading toward the exit.

„I need air," she said briefly. Daniel reached out to her but in the last seconds he changed his mind and sighed. Leah noticed this small sigh, which discovered a lot. Maybe even too much. The others were watching them with interest, especially Patricia.

„You won't come with me, do you?" she asked, a little disappointed.

The tall man rubbed his temple, grabbing his bottle.

„You should leave, Leah," he replied, turning to the bar again and not giving her any more attention. The blonde shyly raised her hand in greeting and then returned to her table.

The others were silent and Daniel felt terrible. This was a day when they should be there for Brian. His dramatic life once again gained all the attention. He felt a hand on his shoulder. Patricia stood next to him.

„You should go after her," she said quietly.

„I want to stay here," he replied, gesturing to Brian. „I'm sure she'll be fine."

„No...go after her. This isn't good, Dan. You have to explain everything to her," Brian told him, not looking up from the bar. The tall man turned to his friend.

„I would love to stay here with you."

Brian laughed...somewhat bitterly.

„It's okay. I have a bunch of friends to watch over me until you and Nikki return. You know how shaky your relationship is. Go and fix things."

Daniel was looking at him for a few more moments and then just turned, heading to the exit. The others came closer to Brian. Patricia took Daniel's spot. Considering that she had just returned from Mexico, the Latina hadn't yet had the opportunity to hear about everything that happened and had no idea about Daniel's date with Nikki, outburst and his disappearance for three days.

„I missed a lot, didn't I?" she asked.

„You have no idea how much."

Patricia sighed, grabbing Brian's shoulder.

„There'll be time to tell me everything. Let's focus on what we came here for? Drink," she replied, raising her bottle to the air and toasting with the rest of them.

-

Daniel saw Nikki sitting in the distance, on the spot where the waves blended with sand. For a moment she reminded him of him. He was doing this thing often, especially in the sunset with the sounds of his guitar. He had to laugh but then he remembered why he came after her and approached her.

„Hey..." he called her. Nikki turned to him, looking into his eyes briefly but then she just sighed and returned her gaze to the creek. No matter what, he sat down next to her.

„It's so stuffy inside. I needed air," she justified herself, knowing why he came after her. The tall man followed her gaze to the creek. The sun was still quite high and the beach crowded with people.

„I'm sorry about Leah," he apologized instantly. „I thought I'd never meet her again. I know it's a stupid assumption but..."

„You don't have to apologize, Dan. You haven't done anything wrong," she interrupted him.

Daniel sighed.

„But I need to apologize."

„Did you sleep with her?" she asked although she knew the answer to that question. She couldn't hold back. For a few moments, Daniel was looking at her in silence but he couldn't avoid answering.

„Yes. I was so wasted both times. I remember her name because..." he paused a little not knowing what to say but then decided to focus on important things. „I have no interest in her. I want you to know that, Nikki. And I wish I haven't slept with her. I'm sorry about that unpleasant surprise today," he explained as best as he could.

Nikki looked at him. Daniel was honest. This was their agreement and he was sticking to it. He remained honest and told her what happened between him and that blonde girl. Nikki didn't have a right to get angry because the two of them weren't together at the time. To speak the truth, they were never officially together and Daniel could do whatever he wanted but he still came and apologized for Leah's appearance today.

„Like I said, you have no reason to apologize," she replied briefly.

„I miss you, Nikki."

She was a little bit caught off guard with his honest statement and the words got stuck in her throat.

„Look...I want you to come with me tomorrow. I want to show you something," Daniel continued.

„Where?" she asked, causing a slight smile on his face.

„You'll see. We need less than three hours to drive there, but in the end, it'll pay off, I promise," he replied.

Nikki wasn't sure this was a smart idea but Daniel pleading look forced her to make a choice which was going in his favor. The woman smiled back at him, saying yes. They both stayed sitting on the sand for a little while and then returned to the bar, giving Brian the support he needed as best as they could.

-

Ronnie and Luis were enjoying at the bar of one of the most expensive clubs in town. Both friends had cocktails in front of them, discussing the best ways to get what they wanted out of women. Luis firmly maintained his theory od brutal honesty, which was supposedly very attractive while Ronnie was more pro-advocate of his secretive way.

„Like a cat stalking a mouse. Trust me, Luis," the other man repeated while Luis was just shaking his head.

Both of them were so caught up in their conversation that they didn't notice when the place next to them was filled. Luis's accidental, careless turn caught the attention of the dark-skinned man who was sitting next to them.

„Hey, watch out...this suit wasn't cheap," the man said, wiping the traces of a sparkling drink with his hands. Both of them raised their hands in apology but it seemed that the man wasn't paying them much attention, so they returned to their conversation. When they finally drank their drinks, there were two glasses filled up with the same stuff in front of them.

„We haven't ordered another round," Ronnie said, confused but the waiter just shrugged.

„You didn't. It's my treat."

The duo faced the man again, this time more carefully. He was wearing a dark blue designer suit with a white shirt and had no hair on his head. His jaw was firm, just like the muscles which were obviously shaped in the gym. It didn't look like he was from there because neither of two friends couldn't remember if he had ever seen him before.

„Are you new?" Luis asked curiously.

The man took a sip of his whiskey and then faced them.

„Yes. I arrived today."

Ronnie stood in front of his friend, offering his hand in greeting.

„I'm Ronnie. Ronnie Ward and this is my friend Luis Ramirez. You seem like someone who can't be seen in anyone's company. Naples is a very tricky place, so watch out with whom you're hanging out," he said.

The man was looking at them for a few moments and then he just smiled, shaking Ronnie's hand. He had an impression that Ronnie and Luis could be useful to him.

„Darnell Adams," he replied. „Listen, boys, I'm here because I'm looking for my fiancée. She left a few months ago and I just recently found out where she is. I'd like to find her to fix things with her. Can you help me?"

They just laughed.

„How's her name?" Luis asked.

„Nikki Hamilton."

Ronnie and Luis needed a couple of moments to connect the name with a person. Then, both of them were looking at Darnell, shocked.

„Did you just mention Nikki Hamilton?"

The man nodded, making Luis elbow Ronnie in the ribs.

„Isn't that Danny's girl?" he asked quietly but Darnell seemed to hear him.

„I'm sorry, who's girlfriend?"

Ronnie gave his friend a scolding glance, then faced Darnell again who had already got up from his seat, demanding answers.

„Do you have her picture?" Ronnie asked, trying to calm the tension. Darnell squinted his eyes, watching them suspiciously but no matter what, he pulled his phone out and showed them Nikki's picture. They both immediately recognized the face and exchanged glances. Ronnie smiled broadly.

„Why don't you have another drink with us? We'll explain everything to you," he said, grabbing his shoulder.

Darnell wasn't so sure of their sincerity but still decided they could be useful.

„All right," he agreed. „Let's hear what you have to say."    

-

Author's note:

Hey to everyone. Update day! So...Marina finally left. Have anyone expected that? Or you guys thought she and Brian will find their way back to each other?

Another big thing: Darnell came! What do you guys think it'll happen?

If you liked it, please vote or leave a comment. It means a world to me.

Next update: Friday!

Stay true to yourself and have a nice day!