Nikki smiled broadly, watching Diego throw bad jokes at Aline and Marina, who were faking offenses. Two weeks have passed since her arrival at Naples and the woman was spending almost all her time with the small group Brian had met her with. Though she knew them only for a few days, the locals have grown close to her heart. But she was much closer with Brian and Marina. After the Latina realized Nikki wasn't a threat and that she wasn't interested in Brian, she became much more friendly. Nikki had to admit this was warming her heart.

She closed her eyes, trying to soak up a little more of the sun's warmth. Her relaxing was interrupted soon by the cold water hitting the upper part of her body. She jumped up, spreading her arms. Brian was standing behind her and dying of laughter, holding an empty plastic container in his hands.

„Asshole!" she yelled, a small smile creeping onto her face. „You could've just woken me up, not throw a water on me."

Brian was laughing loudly, clutching his belly.

„I'm sorry!" he barely managed to say. „I had to!"

Nikki just shrugged and stood up. Sunbathing didn't make any sense now, because she was wet anyway.

„Hey, where are you going?!"

She faced him again, winking.

„In the water!"

Brian watched her going between the waves until he felt somebody pulling his arm. He locked eyes with his ex-girlfriend's. Marina smiled innocently.

„Took you long enough to get here," she said.

„Yeah, thanks to Dan. Jerk was hung over again. It took him half an hour to get to the store."

Marina's mood instantly changed from playful to anxious. The brunette released Brian's arm and took a deep breath.

„What are we going to do with him?" she asked, hoping that he had a proper answer. But Brian just shrugged helplessly.

„I don't think we can do much. It is how it is."

„I'm tired of watching everyone give up on him. Dan doesn't deserve this. You know he can't help himself."

The blonde man shrugged again.

„What do you want me to do?!" he asked, becoming defensive. „Do I have to remind you that I've already tried everything? I don't know what else to do, Marina!"

Marina was trying to say something, but she was interrupted by a voice they both knew well.

„What's going on?" Nikki asked, standing behind them.

They both faced her, Brian nervously scratching the back of his neck. Nikki had caught them unprepared.

„Don't worry," he replied. „Everything is fine."

She watched them suspiciously for a few minutes, but eventually, she stopped with the interrogation and retrieved her belongings. Aline and Diego were still discussing something. She took the towel, wiping her face with it and then lay down on the white deck chair again.

„Hey, are you two coming to my hotel for the party today?" she asked them, drawing their attention to herself.

Both of her friends looked at her curiously.

„Sorry, I can't. My family has some kind of gathering, so I have to be there. I made Diego accompany me," Aline replied, shrugging.

Nikki frowned.

„Brian, David, and Marina?"

„As far as I know, David and Marina are working. I'm not sure about Brian's plans."

Nikki frown deepened, this time even more. She knew there was only one name left open for an invitation. Daniel. But frankly, Nikki didn't have any desire to communicate with the tall man. In the last two weeks she spent in Naples, Daniel didn't bother to talk to her more than it was needed. Sometimes, he was crossing the line of rudeness, so Nikki completely gave up on trying to establish a good relationship with him.

The woman groaned and called Brian, who immediately ran to her.

„Yes?" he asked.

„Are you coming to the party at my hotel tonight? I talked to you about it a few days ago, remember?"

Brian's eyes went wide as he remembered Nikki talking about the party for the hotel guests. Aline soon confirmed it and Nikki was hoping they would all go together. But, just by looking at Brian's face, she knew the blond man wouldn't go.

„Forget it..." she said, raising her palm. „I already know you'll make an excuse."

Brian folded his hands.

„Sorry, I really forgot about it and promised my parents to help them build a new closet for the room. I'm really sorry."

Nikki just shrugged. She wasn't surprised and had already started to prepare for going to the party alone.

„Ask Dan. As far as I know, he doesn't have anything planned after the end of his shift," Brian said nonchalantly, but Nikki frowned, shaking her head.

„Daniel isn't nice to me. I don't think he likes me very much. Why would I be a good company to him then?"

The blonde man sighed. He didn't want to go in further discussion about his friend. Nikki already knew when she reached a limit to Brian's willingness to talk about Daniel and she wasn't trying to make him explain Daniel's problems to her.

The tall man was the type of person who didn't reveal absolutely anything about his personality. Nikki had a chance to see him only a few times and he always stayed closed and reserved. All that she could say about him was that he looked really good and obviously had certain problems. She came to this conclusion after listening to Brian and Marina's multiple discussions about Daniel and his behavior. Two friends were always mentioning certain things, such as Daniel's lack of responsibility. She even heard Brian once mentioning no one could help Daniel. However, Nikki would be lying if she didn't admit she was interested in whatever the tall man was struggling with. Regardless of Daniel discovering a little about himself, he was, in some mysterious way, very interesting and attractive. She would often catch herself thinking about him.

Wrapped up in her thoughts about Daniel and Brian, Nikki didn't realize she had dozed off in bright sun. She jumped slightly when a shadow loomed over her. Brian laughed, putting his hands on his hips.

„We fell asleep, didn't we?" he asked, obviously amused.

Nikki shook her head.

I was thinking about what I'd wear tonight," she replied briefly and picked up her phone, turning it on.

In the last two weeks, the small white device was spending more time off than on. The main reason for that was avoiding Susan and Darnell's calls. Nikki's mom and former fiancé simply weren't giving up. Even Addison had learned Nikki needed space and stopped with the constant calling. She only occasionally sent messages about the book's selling. That was how Nikki was staying associated with her business.

Once the phone turned on, she jumped up.

„Shit. It's late. I was supposed to be in the room already."

Nikki collected her belongings in panic.

„Hey..." Brian called, but she ignored him completely, wrapped up in her own thoughts. The blond man called her a few more times. She wasn't reacting.

„Nikki Hamilton!" he finally shouted as she froze in place, looking up at him. „Will you slow down? The party won't disappear. You won't be late."

She took a deep breath, nodding.

„Thank you!"

Brian just smiled and squeezed her hand.

The woman moved slowly toward an exit of the beach, heading to her hotel. It took her a few minutes to arrive at her destination. When she finally found herself in the comfort of her room, she put her stuff on the table beside the door and immediately went to the bathroom. What she needed was a shower, to wash off the salt and strength of today's sun.

Warm water had relaxed her muscles. Nikki slightly brushed her hair with her fingers, washing off the remnants of the regenerator. Soon, she finished, wrapping herself in a large white towel. Then, she opened the closet in her room and pulled out a short black dress, remembering the day Brian had chosen this piece of clothing for her. A big smile appeared on her face. Brian was actually a very good friend. She was somewhat surprised by the word she used. A friend.

Nikki hadn't known Brian for long, but the man was bringing a piece and joy she needed in her life. She could call him a friend now, not an acquaintance. On the other hand, she hoped that someday Brian would find what he was looking for. It was more than obvious how much he and Marina were missing each other. However, whenever they were in the same place, they both fight like dogs and cats. The woman smiled, remembering another of their endless bickering.

She didn't even realize she was already dressed. Nikki closed the closet door with a large mirror on it. She glanced briefly at her appearance, realizing she was satisfied.

„Now makeup."

Again, Nikki found herself in the bathroom, opening a makeup container and putting on eyeshadow. She went back to thinking about the days spent in Naples. In addition to not being mentally disturbed, she also received many new ideas for the last sequel of The Silhouettes. Nikki didn't know how long she would stay in Naples, but she didn't plan to start writing again until her return to Seattle.

It took her a few minutes to get ready. The elevator landed on the ground floor, where loud music from the hotel's beach was already heard. Nikki went toward the back door or a passage to the beach. As she passed through a large glass door, she was so surprised by the view that she stopped on the spot.

Otherwise the always empty beach was now crowded with people. There was a bar made of bamboo wood on the right, at a little distance from the sea. In the middle was a huge bonfire, illuminating the beach, besides several solar lamps. She noticed a few people, accommodated at high tables and chairs and the dance floor, where the most visitors were. There also were benches and cushions, placed a little behind the bar. Nikki assumed this part was reserved for groups or couples, which made her sigh. She was really sorry that none of her new friends couldn't be here.

She slowly started to approach the bar and then sat in a vacancy. A tall, dark-skinned waiter immediately came to her.

„What can I get you?" he asked.

She took a few moments to think.

„Do you have anything with tequila?"

The man nodded then disappeared and Nikki just smiled, looking forward to a drink. She looked around briefly, in hope to find at least some acquaintance, but no one was here. The waiter soon returned with a tall glass, full of orange-yellow liquid. Nikki's eyes lit up.

„Tequila Sunrise. I bet you know what it is, since it's a well-known drink, especially in these areas," the man explained, offering her a glass. „The first one is on the house."

Nikki grinned at him and then gently tilted the glass, taking the first sip. She immediately felt a sweet-sour taste of orange juice and tequila's strength. For a few minutes, she was just watching a waiter doing his job until he noticed her gaze and returned to that part of the bar.

„You're here alone?" he asked.

Nikki just nodded, taking another sip from the glass.

„My friends weren't in the mood for the party," she answered briefly. „I'm Nikki."

The waiter accepted her extended arm and shook it gently.

„Isaiah," he replied. „Don't worry, you're not going to be alone for long. Florida men are famous for their flirting abilities."

The woman laughed loudly.

„You immediately jumped to the conclusion that I'm not from here."

Isaiah returned her smile.

„I work in the hotel. We all know who you are, Nikki Hamilton."

She widened her eyes, staring at the waiter. He laughed again.

„Don't worry," he said. „Only employees know who you are. And, I suppose, some fans. Enjoy your evening, Nikki. I have to go back to work."

She just nodded and continued to drink tequila, occasionally looking back at now totally crowded dancing podium. Nikki actually began to think about joining the crowd, but then something else had caught her eye. There was a very familiar face in the corner of the enclosed space of the party, surrounded by two girls.

„Daniel!" Nikki whispered, not taking her eyes from the tall man. It seemed he hadn't noticed her yet. The woman narrowed her eyes, trying to sharpen her vision. The man was dressed in a black shirt and dark jeans. His sand-colored hair was messy, as always. He looked good. But what Nikki had most definitely noticed was the state in which the man was. She was wondering how many drinks he had before he found himself at this party? Then, she heard another familiar voice.

„Look who's here!"

Nikki turned around and saw another well-known man. She remembered him because of an argument he had with David, but she couldn't connect his face with a name.

„You are..." she began, trying to remember his name.

„Oh...this actually hurts," he replied, putting a hand over his heart, with a smirk on his face. „I'm Ronnie. We've already met."

She eyed Ronnie, noticing how he was wearing a branded outfit again. The man obviously had a lot of money.

„Hey, Luis. Come here. I found us a company. A good one."

The other man joined Ronnie, also wearing a silly grin on his face. Nikki was had a hard time, trying to get used to them. Both men were too full of themselves and didn't even try to hide their big ego. She returned her gaze toward Daniel, which caused Ronnie looking at him too.

„Oh, I understand now. Our dear Danny is here."

Ronnie and Luis exchanged gazes. Nikki suspected they would cause trouble, so she decided to focus on them, trying to keep them from making problems.

„How come you're here?" she asked.

Ronnie smiled.

„Because I was hoping to find you," he replied smoothly. Nikki knew she had met the biggest womanizer of all. Even bigger than Darnell. The man flirted with such an ease as if he had been doing it all his life, which betrayed his main occupation. Hunting for women.

„Will you excuse me for a moment? I have to say hello to my old friend," he said, gently stroking her upper arm. He walked past her, his friend following him.

Nikki immediately jumped to her feet, grabbing his arm.

„Please, don't make problems," she pleaded worriedly.

Ronnie stopped, looking back at the woman.

„Don't worry. Nothing will happen to him."

Both of them headed to Daniel and the girls around him. Nikki went after them but kept a safe distance. Obviously, Ronnie had problems with Daniel and she didn't want to interfere with the private matters of the tall man. However, if things got out of control, she was ready to meddle, being familiar with Brian and the rest of his friends' concern about Daniel.

She watched Ronnie and Luis sitting opposite them laughing loudly, as Daniel grimaced, trying to chase them away. Nikki couldn't hear what they were saying, but it was obvious the two men were having a lot of fun, rilling Daniel up.

The girls who were with Daniel rose slowly, heading toward empty seats on the other side. Luis leaned toward them and whispered something. Nikki frowned. She didn't like them. It seemed they were enjoying the attention Luis was giving to them, giving Ronnie a free way to Daniel. The man grabbed his shoulder, pulling him harshly. Daniel tried to push him away, but in his state, he couldn't fight back. Soon, the tension was building up and both men were on their feet. Daniel was fuming. Nikki had never seen him this angry.

She was by their side in a second but wasn't interfering.

„Look at you!" Ronnie hissed. „Sofia would be horrified by your behavior."

Sofia? Who was Sofia? Ronnie mentioning this name infuriated Daniel even more. He harshly pushed Ronnie, who fell to the ground.

„Shut up! Shut the fuck up!" he yelled.

Luis got up, trying to interfere, but Nikki meddled, putting her palm on Daniel's chest. The man narrowed his eyes, trying to see who was standing between him and Ronnie.

„You!" he said, looking into her eyes. She herself was shocked by her own move.

Daniel seemed like he had forgotten about his fight with Ronnie and he began to stagger toward the sea. Nikki wanted to make sure Ronnie and Luis wouldn't follow him. Although Ronnie was visibly furious, he remained in place. The woman then went after Daniel. She had lost him in the crowd for a moment but found him again soon. The man staggered again toward an empty part of the beach.

„Wait!" she yelled.

Daniel didn't listen, so she had to run to him and grab him under his arm. The man flinched.

„Let go!" he hissed, but Nikki didn't have the slightest intention to leave him alone in the middle of the beach, near the water.

„Daniel, stop!" she shouted.

He finally stopped, but only to put his hands on his knees and throw up. Nikki ran forward, catching him by the arm. The sounds of choking and coughing filled the air.

„God!" the woman said, gently stroking his back, trying to make him feel better. „It's okay!"

He was slowly emptying his stomach of all the alcohol he had consumed tonight. It took him a few seconds to calm down. Soon, he got up and pulled a napkin from his pocket so he could wipe his mouth. Nikki was still standing beside him, holding his hand.

„Are you okay?" she asked with concern.

Daniel squinted and then rubbed his eyes.

„Nikki?" he asked as if he wasn't sure if a person standing next to him was really her.

„I have to call Brian," she replied and tried to find a cell phone in her handbag. Daniel immediately gripped her wrist firmly.

„No!" he said, walking away.

„What do you mean, no? Look at yourself. You can't go home alone."

He just shook his head and continued to stagger. At one point he started to walk toward the sea, causing Nikki to pull him to her side.

„Stop!" she shouted. „Don't you dare to enter the sea."

„As if it'd be a first time," he muttered to himself.

Nikki didn't give up. She grabbed him by the arm again, starting to pull him toward the exit of the beach. The further away from the sea, the better. Daniel was initially keeping pace with her, but he began to lose it soon. He was visibly exhausted so Nikki found a bench near the exit, helping him to sit down.

„I should really call Brian. He'll know what to do with you," she said, more to herself, but Daniel heard her clearly and shook his head again.

„No!" he immediately replied. „Not Brian."

Nikki was looking at him. His state was really awful.

„How much did you drink tonight?"

„I don't know. I didn't count. I haven't counted for a long time," the tall man answered honestly.

Nikki sat down beside him, rubbing her forehead. She hesitated, not knowing what to do. Daniel refused any kind of help, but she couldn't leave him here in such a state. She was really worried.

„Listen, I have to call someone. Someone, who'll know what to do with you. If you don't want me to call Brian, at least tell me who else I can call. Give me a phone...or number."

For a few moments, Daniel seemed to think about what she had said and then he slowly pulled out a cell phone from his pocket. Nikki sighed in relief. Daniel had listened to her. It took him a few seconds to find what he was looking for, but then he finally gave her a phone. She looked at the screen to see who she was going to talk to, but there was only a number. She was holding a black thing close to her ear, waiting for a mysterious person to pick up.

„The number you dialed is not in service."

Nikki immediately stood up angrily, handing a phone to confused Daniel.

„Can you give me the number of a person who is real?" she asked sarcastically.

Daniel's eyes traveled from the woman's face to the phone's screen. He seemed to be confused.

„The number is real. She is real. Sofia," he replied. Now it was Nikki's turn to be confused. That name appearing once again.

Sofia!

Who the hell was Sofia and who was she to Daniel?

„Who's Sofia? Is that your girlfriend? Maybe you've dialed a wrong number," she reasoned, but Daniel shook his head.

„I mean, yes...that's my girlfriend," he replied and Nikki's eyes widened. She was kinda surprised. Daniel Linares has a girlfriend? How come she never saw her? She was hanging out with them for about two weeks now. Then, she remembered the scenes from half an hour ago and the company Daniel had brought to the party. Was one of those girls actually a mysterious Sofia? No...it's not possible. None of those girls were showing any interest in protecting Daniel from Ronnie. Ronnie's words seemed to be engraved in her memory.

Sofia would be horrified by your behavior.

Now, everything made sense. Nikki connected the stories and assumed Sofia actually shouldn't know about Daniel's behavior.

Nikki made a disgusted face, once again looking at the confused man's eyes.

„Dial a real number and I'll call your girlfriend to come to get you," she said, still disapproving Daniel's actions. „Although I'm not sure if she wants to see you in this state."

The tall man only scoffed. Somewhat sarcastically.

„She doesn't want to see me at all," he confessed. „It's been a year since she left me."

Once again, Nikki's face betrayed an obvious shock. She didn't expect such an outcome.

„So...she's actually your ex?"

Daniel's whole body shook when she asked him that. His eyes filled with sorrow and the man just looked at the direction of the sea.

„Yes," he replied. „I guess you could call her my ex."    

-

Author's note:

Hey. So this was chapter 4. Nikki and Daniel somewhat interacted for the first time. I loved writing this chapter because it's a base for further development of the plot.

Next chapter is coming up on Saturday and it's, in my opinion, the most important chapter in the whole story. A tip: Nikki will finally found out what hides behind Daniel's behavior.

If there's anyone who liked it, don't hesitate to vote or comment. I'll be happy to read your opinions and reply to you.

Have a lovely week, stay true to yourself and see you in a few days.