Author's note:

Hey guys! I hope you all have a good day. Because of the length, I've had to split this chapter into two parts. I'm not quite satisfied with part 2 so it's coming up tomorrow when I finish with editing.

I hope you're going to enjoy this chapter. We're coming to the end.

-

Nikki was sitting on the counter in the shop while Brian was arranging the shelves. She played with her phone which, during these days, was quiet. There was no trace or voice from Daniel. She wondered how much time he actually needed because three days had already passed and she still hadn't heard a word from him. The only positive thing was the fact that she also hadn't heard from Darnell. Was it possible that the drama in the hotel convinced him to go back home? Nikki only hoped so. Everything she wanted now was to hear from Daniel.

„Why don't you call him?" Brian asked.

The woman looked up at his sympathetic eyes, shrugging her shoulders.

„He said he needs time to compose himself. I don't want to impose," she replied.

He grabbed her hand in sympathy, which caused her becoming emotional. A tear instantly fell down her face.

„Nikki, don't be sad. Nothing terrible happened. Dan is going to call you," he tried to convince and somewhat console her. „He changed, We've all seen that change in him."

„But what if the old Daniel comes back?" Nikki asked in a shaky voice. „What if again...Darnell mentioned Sofia."

Her gaze went to the big picture on the opposite wall. It seemed to her that each day Sofia was more and more beautiful. And that's what was killing her. Brian followed her gaze.

„Sofia isn't your enemy, Nikki. She was a good girl but Dan's with you now, isn't he?"

„Yeah, but he's with me because she told him he has to move on. In that letter," she exclaimed, making Brian smile.

„You should be even happier because of it. That only means Sofia herself is a fan of you. You have to learn how to trust Dan. He'll call you."

Nikki wiped traces of tears from her face, trying to smile at her friend.

„I know you're right."

„Come here. Help me with these things. It'll occupy your attention for a bit and you'll stop thinking about bad things."

Both of them dived in arranging shelves. Brian jumped to help a few customers but the morning was mostly quiet. Around lunchtime, Diego and Patricia appeared, carrying bags full of Chinese food. The smell of chicken in a brown sauce immediately made Nikki smile. The food helped her to feel a bit better than before.

As soon as they finished eating, Patricia invited Brian and Nikki to drink. Diego, unfortunately, had to keep working. The trio went to the beach cafe. After a short walk, they sat down in the shadow of the terrace and ordered some non-alcoholic cocktails.

„When are you leaving for Mexico again?" Brian asked Patricia.

The Latina sighed. Nikki looked at her well. It was amazing how much she was alike to Sofia. There were almost no differences between them if somebody was looking at her from afar.

„I'll have to leave soon. Mom is having a really hard time here," she replied, twisting her glass between her fingers. „I told her about Nikki and Daniel and honestly, she went crazy. I started screaming how we all betrayed Sofia."

The other woman gasped. She almost couldn't believe Patricia admitted everything to Zamira. Just like that.

„You're kidding, right? You told her?" she asked, shocked.

„I had to, Nikki," Patricia immediately defended herself. „It's not important what my mom thinks. The time won't wait for anyone and she has to understand Dan doesn't act as she does. It's better for her if she knows everything. The sooner she accepts it, the better."

Nikki still wasn't convinced this was a good idea but she didn't reproach Patricia. The girl knew her mother. However, there was still a question what would Daniel react? She started to think about him again.

The thinking didn't last long. She was interrupted by a familiar voice behind her.

„Nikki, nice to see you here."

Nikki faced the direction of the voice and saw Darnell, accompanied by Ronnie and Luis. Perfect. This will undoubtedly make her day even worse.

„I wish I could say the same thing," she muttered.

Ronnie stood in front of a lawyer, looking at Patricia's direction.

„Patricia, you came back."

„Ronnie. You're still the same jerk as before?" the Latina asked casually, making Ronnie smirk at her.

„Feisty as always. You know, you should relax a little. I'm sure you'd attract much more glances," he said.

Nikki wondered if Ronnie was talking like this with all the girls? He was really slimy.

„Have you changed your mind? Are you going home with me?" Darnell asked, interrupting Ronnie and Patricia's bickering.

Nikki looked at him as if he was crazy.

„Of course not. But you can go by yourself. Let's hope your plane won't collapse along the way."

Darnell laughed loudly. He loved when she was trying to be funny or sarcastic. Then, he approached her, getting in her face.

„I'm not going anywhere without you," he replied, waiting for her reaction.

„If I were you, I wouldn't be so sure of it!"

Nikki recognized a well-known voice. Darnell paused, squeezing his jaw firmly as Nikki stood up, seeing Addison standing behind them. She covered her mouth with her hand in total surprise. Brian and Patricia just observed a short blonde behind who was standing Aline, barely holding a laugh.

„Addy?!" Nikki called her friend but Addison was too busy staring at Darnell, who was obviously very uncomfortable. She took a decisive step forward, getting in his face, just as he did to Nikki a few moments ago.

„If I were you, Darnell, I'd use my return chart today, for which I'm sure that you have it and return to Seattle, to the hole from which I crawled out," she said quietly but sharply. Darnell was visibly angry and upset.

„What the fuck are you doing here?" he cursed, not looking at Nikki's friend.

„I came to send you back home."

„I said I'm not going anywhere without her."

It seemed that Addison didn't like his answer. The blonde put one foot in front, looked at the ground and laughed, shaking her head. Nikki realized she knew something they didn't.

„Go home, Darnell," she said seriously. „But if you don't want to do it in a nice way, let's make it ugly. Yesterday morning, I asked for an urgent meeting with Alexander Turner to solve something and by the way, I mentioned to him everything you told me when you came to my office. Let's just say he didn't like it a bit. He even mentioned something about calling your boss," Addison explained as Darnell's face became more green. He realized he was in a trap. „Too bad I've beaten him to it. Immediately after that meeting, I went straight to your office and told everything to your boss. He considers this the power abusing and he doesn't like the fact that his employees are connected with such things. He said he would talk to you about what happens when, besides professional services, you're also pulling personal favors. In layman's terms, my dear Darnell, you'll be very happy if you manage to keep your job after all this."

Darnell's otherwise confident and proud face was now showing only fear. Nikki secretly hoped this would be enough to send him home.

„You're bluffing." he suddenly spoke, remembering the day when Addison said the same sentence to him. It was perfectly clear he was trying to convince himself everything was fine.

„Really? Why don't you call your boss and check it out? Take a risk," she replied. „Although, if I were you, I wouldn't. I'd take the first plane home."

Darnell was breathing harder, his chest surging in panic. Addison achieved exactly what she wanted. He was looking angrily at her and then wanted to leave the blonde once again stopped him, pulling his sleeve.

„And Darnell, let this be a reminder for you never...ever threatening me again like that unless you want to crawl and lick the ground I step on. Clear?!"

The others almost burst to laugh. He was immensely humiliated by Addison.

„Go to hell!" he almost shouted, then walked off fast, not even looking at Nikki. Ronnie and Luis were dragging themselves behind him.

Addison stared at him until he hadn't disappeared, a firm expression on her face. Then she faced the group. As soon as she saw Nikki, her face became soft again. She screamed excitedly, widening her arms and inviting the other woman to her embrace. Nikki didn't wait even a second. She just hugged her best friend as tightly as possible.

„I can't believe this!" she shouted excitedly. „You came in the right moment."

„I know. Jesus, have you seen his face? I think he feels a little sick now," Addison replied, smiling broadly.

Nikki slowly pulled away from her. As the two of them greeted each other, Brian was curiously observing her friend. He was impressed with Addison's performance. Delighted.

„You look different, Nikki. Happier. I really missed you," the blonde said sincerely.

„When did you get here? God, why haven't you called me? I'd wait for you at the airport," Nikki started to ask questions but Addison just raised her hand.

„This morning. You can't even imagine how mad I was when I found out that he left Seattle to go after you. He said he wouldn't do that. I took the first plane I could book. I'm totally exhausted and all I want now is a bed," she explained briefly and then changed the subject. „This girl, Aline...she brought me here. In the right moment."

Nikki grinned gratefully at Aline.

„Before I take you back to the hotel to book a room, come here. I want you to meet my friends from Naples," she stated, pulling her hand. Both women stood in front of Patricia and Brian, who was smiling softly at Addison.

„Addy, these two are Patricia and Brian. Guys, this is my best friend and manager, Addison Baker."

Patricia smiled, waving in greeting. Addison smiled back warmly. Brian just approached a little, offering a hand to her.

„Brian Murphy. Nikki's best friend," he exclaimed. Addison squinted her eyes at him but eventually took his hand, shaking it.

„I can't be her best friend. That place is already taken," she replied, faking seriousness.

He had to laugh.

„Well, we can share it."

That caused Addison to became a little shy, looking at the ground.

Nikki once again hugged her excitedly. She was so delighted with her friend coming to Naples.

„I'm so happy to see you," she said. Addison only caught her hands, placed around her neck.

„Can I get a hug too?"

As soon as she heard the question, Nikki immediately recognized the voice. She let go of Addison, who faced the direction of voice curiously, seeing an unknown man. But he wasn't unknown to Nikki.

Daniel was standing on the wooden steps of the terrace, smiling softly at Nikki's direction.

She was just looking at him.

„So?"

Immediately after he spoke, she threw her hands around his neck, kissing him. His eyes initially widened in surprise but he quickly put his hands on her waist, pulling her closer. They exchanged a few kisses and then pulled away, staying in each other's arms.

„I'm sorry I haven't called. I thought it's better to come here and talk in person," he justified himself but she didn't want to listen about all this nonsense. The most important thing was that Daniel was here and that he had kissed her back. Maybe everything would be fine after all.

„I'm so glad to see you," she exclaimed with a smile. „C'mon, meet Addy, my best friend. Addy, this is Daniel. Currently, the most important person in my life."

Daniel smiled broadly, standing in front of Nikki's friend.

„You should've been here a couple of minutes ago," Brian stated. „I think Darnell won't be a problem anymore. She totally crushed him."

Daniel raised both eyebrows questionably.

„He had it coming. I think he'd cut his trip short. There's no point for him to stay any longer," Addison replied calmly. Daniel stretched out his hand.

„Thank you!"

Nikki faced him again.

„Listen, I'd have to take Addy to the hotel. Can we talk later?" she asked but before Daniel had a chance to answer, Aline meddled in.

„If you two need to talk, I'll take her back and help her with the room reservation," she said.

Nikki hesitated but only one look at Addison immediately convinced her. She hugged her friend once more, thanking her for helping her with Darnell. Addison asked her to meet up later so she could tell her everything about her meeting with Alexander Turner.

„Can you just tell me if it's approved?" Nikki asked. She couldn't wait for their later encounter, knowing this news could affect her relationship with Daniel.

Addison nodded.

„You have time until September, 20th but then, they are expecting you in Seattle," she replied.

The other woman sighed in relief. Aline took Addison back to the hotel and Daniel grabbed Nikki's hand. They both greeted Patricia and Brian. After that, they headed for the beach. He was sure they would find more peace and quiet there than in the cafe. Hand in hand, they walked down the beach, watching the waves.

„What were you up to in the last three days?" she asked him.

Daniel looked at her softly.

„Stay at home. I wanted to process everything that happened."

She just nodded, not knowing what to say.

„Well, it looks like Darnell is no longer going to be a problem."

In the next few minutes, they continued to walk in silence. Nikki observed the tourists who were either laying in the sun or swimming in the sea. On the other hand, Daniel was watching her.

„You're leaving," he stated suddenly. Nikki's head instantly snapped toward him.

„I have to. I have to go to that meeting before they do something stupid."

Daniel had to smile.

„I know. I understand," he replied and then paused for a little. „I was looking for schools in Seattle."

Nikki gasped in shock at his blunt statement.

„Wha...what?"

„I mean, I wanted to look over all the options I have. I have to finish my schooling. I want to," he explained.

Nikki stopped.

„You want to go to Seattle with me?"

Daniel sighed, his lips formed in a thin line. He slowly pulled her toward himself and they sat down on the hot sand, looking to the creek. The waves were forming on the open sea, then heavily breaking to the shore, creating a foam.

„I don't think I can leave," he finally answered her question. Nikki let out a breath she was holding. She had a bit of hope that his answer would be different. „Listen, all this between us is pretty new and we both promised we wouldn't jump into things but moving to Seattle with you would be a pretty big jump. Maybe even impossible. I don't want to put too much pressure on our relationship. Moving to literally another end of the States is a very big step. My whole life would change from the roots."

She nodded. She understood what Daniel was trying to say and knew he was right. This time, Daniel was the voice of reason.

„So, what's going to happen then?"

He took a deep breath.

„I'll be in the MBA at the fall. I'll be in Miami. Miami may not be Naples but it's still Florida," he replied. „We have a month before you have to leave so I suggest that we use that time to know each other better. After that, I think we should just let the relationship go its way and see where it'll take us."

Nikki looked at him suspiciously. The answer wasn't exactly promising.

„Let me finish," Daniel said, seeing she wasn't any calmer than before. „I'll be in Miami and you in Seattle. It's pretty far but it isn't impossible to have a relationship. Back in high school, I knew people who later went to different colleges and managed to stay together through all these years of separation. They only saw each other several times a year. They managed to get through it although they were much younger than us and maybe even much more immature. We are two grown-up people. I really believe we can make this work. And I think this time will be enough for us to decide where and how to proceed. After I finish my studies and you your series."

Daniel could see a change in her eyes. The woman began to understand and trust in his words.

„I can see myself living in Florida," she said. That made Daniel all smiley.

„I'd love to see you here again...permanently. But let's not trying to do long-term plans, okay? Let's just see what's going to happen."

She kissed his cheek. Daniel seemed so sure of all this but her insecurity was overwhelming her.

„You really think this will work?"

„Yes," he replied immediately, caressing her shoulder with his fingers. „I can't explain what you mean to me. In my darkest days, you were the only one who had managed to reach the light, hidden under the surface. I'll never forget it and I'd rather die...die than let anything happen to us."

Nikki just kissed him. Daniel was quite surprised by her direct approach but he didn't complain. He kissed her back, allowing those sparks which were always flying around them to fly and fire once again.

They had been sitting on the sand for a long time, looking at the creek and later she asked him to walk her to her hotel. She had a lot to discuss with Addison and wanted to compensate for all the missed time. Nikki hoped she would manage to convince her friend to stay in Naples with her for this last month.    

-

Author's note:

So...Daniel is not going with her to Seattle after all. It's a pretty big commitment and their relationship is currently too young and too sensitive to take this kind of pressure. But they're not breaking up either, which is a very good sign.

If you liked this part, please vote or leave a comment. I love your comments.

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