Nikki was in a state of shock. In complete shock. She was standing stiffly, almost frozen, her eyes wide open, staring at the picture of a girl with sand-colored hair. Curls fell over her shoulder while her mysterious green eyes looked ahead. Sofia was dead? Daniel's ex-girlfriend was dead?

The woman finally exhaled. She couldn't cope with everything she just found out.

„God, I'm so sorry," she said, putting a palm on her face and gently shaking her head.

Brian and Marina exchanged glances. The Latina turned to the big picture, while Brian patted Nikki on the shoulder.

„It's okay," he replied. „You didn't know. Dan didn't tell you the whole story."

„I shouldn't have pushed so much."

The blond man rubbed the back of his head.

„You would've found out about it anyway. I knew we couldn't hide it for long, considering the way Dan behaves. These things always have a way of coming out in the open. I was just hoping I won't have to be the one to tell you. This is still Dan's thing but I'm glad he has at least mentioned her to you. Now he won't be able to accuse me of revealing his secret," he explained and Nikki looked up at him.

„He doesn't have to know that I know. I could still pretend to be oblivious."

Brian disagreed with her. He knew that there was a certain kind of tension between Daniel and Nikki. Although he wasn't sure what exactly happened, he was convinced Sofia was somewhat involved.

„Will you finally tell us now what the hell happened between you two?" Marina asked. She grabbed Nikki's attention and for a moment and she stopped thinking about Sofia.

"Ever since he told me certain things related to his, I guess now nonexistent break-up, I was trying to get him to tell me the whole story. But he misunderstood it and kinda accused me of wanting to use his story for my new book," she admitted.

Marina was standing behind the counter, hands leaning against it.

"I swear, it was never my intention to use him. I just thought..."

„We know. He is such an idiot sometimes," the Latina interrupted her.

Nikki was trying to assure them everything was fine and that there's no need to tell anything to Daniel. Frankly, now, that she knew the truth, she felt stupid. She should have never assumed things. They talked more about Daniel but eventually decided to go home.

„Hey, can I know what exactly happened to her?" Nikki asked as they were leaving the store,

„She was sick," Brian answered. „Leukemia. Acute and extremely aggressive type. She found out in a late stage so she didn't have a much of a chance in the first place."

The woman shut her eyes, beginning to feel even worse. She never should've started this conversation. But now, she knew. She was aware of the situation and could fix her attitude toward Daniel. She knew he certainly wouldn't be open to any kind of conversation about his dead girlfriend.

„I think I'll go to the hotel. I really need to sleep this off," she said, changing the subject.

Brian immediately stood beside her.

„I'll walk you."

Nikki was already shaking her head.

„Stay and talk to her," she whispered so Marina wouldn't hear her. She hugged her friend. She was really grateful for Brian.

-

Brian wasn't sure about leaving Nikki alone on the dangerous streets but she didn't give him a choice. She said goodbye to Marina, then walked away from them, leaving them in front of Brian's shop.

After Nikki was completely out of sight, the blond man turned to his ex-girlfriend.

„So," he started. „You brought a new boyfriend."

Marina's eyes went wide as she realized what Brian wants to talk about but an initial shocked facial expression was soon replaced by an indifferent face.

„I thought it'd be nice to introduce him to the people with whom I spend most of my time," she replied nonchalantly, causing some kind of anger in Brian.

„And the fact that you knew I'll be there tonight has nothing to do with it?" he asked bitterly, getting closer. „Just a few days ago you had practically begged me to take you back, and now you already have a new guy. Very efficient."

The Latina pushed him away. Brian had crossed the line. He was very clear and loud when he said he didn't want to get back together with her.

„You have absolutely no right to say those things to me," she almost shouted. „If I remember correctly, you rejected me. So?"

There were flames coming from Brian's nostrils. The blond man was furious.

„You're really loyal, Marina," he responded sarcastically, turning around and wanting to leave but Marina caught his arm and prevented him from leaving.

„Did you really think I'd be waiting for you forever?" she asked quietly, looking straight into his eyes, as he rolled them.

„You left me."

Marina just swallowed the lump, standing in her throat and let go of his arm. Brian was walking backward, slowly moving toward the street, leading to his home.

„You know what I meant," she replied on the verge of tears. „You'll never get tired of constantly reminding me that I was the one who ended our relationship. You like to punish me, even when I tell you how sorry I am. I left you but you're the one who wanted this and now you have your freedom. Without me."

These were her last words, before turning around and leaving. Brian was watching her until she disappeared from sight. He knew Marina was right. She offered him a reconciliation, which he refused. He had no right to be jealous of Javier. But then why was he? He didn't seem like a bad man. Marina had mentioned that he worked with her dad and Brian knew Martin Gonzalez very well. Marina's father would never work with somebody below average, which meant that Javier had proven himself enough. Brian shook his head repeatedly, trying to get rid of the newly-formed images in his mind. He decided to go home. For today it was enough. Too much has already happened.

-

Nikki was lying in bed, tossing and turning around for the thousandth time this night. She couldn't forget her earlier conversation with Brian and Marina. Sleep evaded her, so she got up and decided to go to the balcony of her room. She could hear the sound of the waves from afar. There was this familiar smell of salt in the air. It was so calming that Nikki's body instantly relaxed. The woman sighed, looking into the distance. There was nothing on the horizon but the sea, glistening under the silver glow of moonlight. In a few hours, she would see Daniel again. It was all Nikki could think of. She was trying to decide how to behave around him. One thing was certain. Daniel didn't have to know that she knew about Sofia.

She soon returned to bed. She was lying on her hip, facing the window. The curtains and caps weren't folded, so she still had a clear view of clear, starry, summer sky of Naples.

-

Daniel was sitting in the sand, the surfboard right next to him. His fingers traced shapes between his legs. He was convinced that eight o'clock has already passed. Nikki's late. But Daniel wondered if she would even come, after yesterday's conflict. He couldn't blame her. Maybe he was a little too harsh. He was snapped from the state of thinking by soft steps, coming right behind him. It was still too early for tourists, so he knew this could only be one person. He turned around. Nikki was standing behind him with a board under her arm and faint expression on her face.

„Sorry, I'm late. I overslept," she said, instead of greeting. Daniel just nodded, picking up his board and then going to the sea, without a word. Nikki followed him.

Daniel left his board to float and grabbed Nikki's board tail.

She understood the message so she sat upon it until her feet were up so she could stand up. Her hands immediately moved away from her body, in order to maintain the balance.

„Keep the balance," Daniel said as if he could read her thoughts.

He was watching the dark-skinned woman making the same mistake for the thousandth time. She found herself in the water, rubbing her eyes again, trying to get rid of salt. Her frustration was very obvious and Daniel was forced to change tactic.

„All right..." he started. „You can't keep the balance on the almost calm water surface. Why don't we try the small waves for beginners? Maybe they'll force you to do it. The first mistake you're making is bending your back, instead of your knees. This will, in any case, expel you from the board. We are bending our knees, not our back, all right?"

Nikki just nodded, sitting on the board again, while Daniel reached out to grab his own.

„And Nikki...stop being so frustrated. I've already told you that psychological condition can affect your success. Like in any other situation in life."

Nikki wasn't looking at his face. She was just paddling toward deeper water. Daniel copied her moves. They stopped in the neck-deep water, both of them sitting on boards.

„Okay. I think we could find what we're looking for."

Daniel saw a few light waves, which weren't moving too high.

„Here they are," he gestured. „Come to the wave as I've taught you and try to separate your body from the board. Just your body, not your feet. And remember, we're bending knees."

Nikki nodded again. She was confidently lying on the board, starting to paddle. She also tried to remember everything Daniel had told her about reading the water. It was very important to recognize the right time to stand on the board and the right time to break the wave. And she recognized it, steadily separating for the surface and getting up but only for a moment. Although the wave was small, its strength was too big for a beginner like Nikki. The break in the wave pushed the board forward, which caused Nikki to fall, first on the board and then into the water. The woman breathed water into her lungs, with a sharp pain passing through her left arm. Soon, she felt a strong arm pulling her back to the surface. As soon as her head was back in the clear air, Nikki began to cough uncontrollably. Daniel was still holding her.

„Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes showing concern.

Nikki's coughing was slowly calming down. She rubbed her painful right upper arm, looking really defeated.

„I'm tired of this. I'm not good," she hissed.

„This is a normal thing. Accidents will happen to you. You'll probably be full of bruises until you master the technique. But it'll be worth it," Daniel explained and Nikki just narrowed her eyes.

„Perhaps it would be the best for me to just give up," she replied. „I'm not improving. It makes no sense to force it."

For a few moments Daniel was just watching her, no emotion on his face. Nikki wondered what was going through his head.

„No," he said briefly.

„What do you mean no?"

„No. You'll not let the frustration to get in your way. Do you really want to give up?" he asked.

Nikki looked at him angrily.

„I think that's for me to decide." she hissed, not being able to explain why she was suddenly so angry but it seemed like Daniel wasn't bothered by it. The tall man was completely calm. „Anyway, didn't you want that? Yesterday, you told me you want this to end as soon as possible, right? So, I'm giving up today."

Nikki was already ready to leave but Daniel firmly grabbed her hand, forcing her to face him. The water splashed all around them. She hit his chest and they both were frozen for a moment, looking into each other's eyes. They were too close. The silence was very heavy. Then he moved away, clearing his throat.

„You won't give up," he said. „I won't accept it. You've been training for weeks now and I haven't spent my time here for nothing." his facial expression was suddenly softer and he looked like he wanted to apologize. „Look, I'm sorry for yesterday. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you just...I don't like to talk about myself. I'm the one who made a mistake and if you want to hear an apology, here it is. I'm sorry, okay? Now stop being silly and get back on that board. You'll catch all the tricks and you'll learn. It's different for everyone and some people need more time than others."

Although she was completely surprised by Daniel's sudden mood swing, Nikki's facial expression immediately became softer. He was really trying to persuade her to continue with the lessons. She remembered her yesterday's talk with Brian and Marina. Now she knew the truth and how Daniel must felt. He had lost the person he loved, but still, he was the one apologizing. Nikki should be the one to apologize for trying to meddle in his life. But the tall man had beat her to it.

„All right," she finally said, smiling softly. She could swear she saw a small smile appearing on her instructor's face. Daniel just leaned over his board again and they returned to learning.

Nikki wasn't aware how much time had passed until she actually started to follow Daniel's instructions. She changed her attitude, which had automatically brought the first positive result. Finally, after several hours, she learned how to maintain her balance. While riding a smaller wave, Nikki managed to get up on the surfboard, falling only after the wave broke. Daniel's eyes immediately lit up. Finally.

She emerged from the water with a big smile on her face.

„I did it!" she yelled, then turned her gaze toward Daniel, who was also wearing a big smile on his face. Nikki's heart skipped a beat for several times. This was the first opportunity she could see Daniel's grinning. „Thank you, Daniel."

The tall man just nodded and then headed toward the creek.

„Go home and get some rest. We'll continue tomorrow after I finish my shift at Brian's," he said, before hitching a ride on the waves.

Nikki watched her instructor. Daniel had a cleaner technique. Like he spent his entire life surfing. She could really see his connection to the sea. Some people just can't live without the sea. Daniel was such a person. Nikki smiled broadly again. She saw that noon was approaching slowly, so she started to think about having lunch with Brian, knowing where she could find a blond man. Changing her clothes was necessary but after she changed, she headed to Brian's shop. The place wasn't too far away, so Nikki enjoyed the warm day, walking and thinking about Daniel and her first success. The board suddenly became heavy, falling to the ground. But when Nikki bent over to lift the piece of fiberglass, an unknown arm grabbed the other end.

Nikki looked up, meeting with a familiar face.

„Awesome board. I didn't know you surfed."

She tried to remember the man's name, but he saved her from the trouble.

„Isaiah. I'm the waiter at your hotel. We met at the party a few days ago," he said as Nikki recalled.

Isaiah was wearing a white polo t-shirt and short pants. It seemed like he was about to go golfing or something like that.

„Are you going that way?" he asked, pointing at Brian's shop.

Nikki nodded.

„Actually, I'm stopping at that shop. I have a friend waiting for me."

She was smiling. Isaiah picked up the board and decided to walk her to the entrance. He had seen Nikki struggling to carry it.

„So, your boyfriend works here?" he asked curiously.

Nikki cleared her throat.

„No. Just a friend."

Isaiah nodded, looking at the crowd on the streets. Sleepy tourists finally came out of their hiding places.

„I suppose you're single then. You don't have a boyfriend or something like that?" he carefully asked.

Nikki became a little embarrassed. The dark-skinned waiter asked the question with a certain intent, she was sure of it. The stopped a few steps from the entrance of Brian's shop.

„You're right. I have no boyfriend...or something like that," she replied, trying to make a joke to ease her embarrassment.

Isaiah handed her the board.

„I'm glad to hear that," he said. „Because I would really love to go out with you, Nikki. If you're interested and want to give me a chance to charm you."

Nikki swallowed hard. She knew this would happen. Isaiah was handsome and probably incredibly good at talking to women. The typical male nervousness wasn't present.

„Umm..." she stuttered, not knowing what to say but Isaiah had once again saved her from the trouble.

„You don't have to answer me now," he said. „You're practically living at my workplace. Think about it. If you decide to accept it, and I'm really hoping you'll accept it, you know where to find me. See you, Nikki."

Isaiah continued to wear a smile on his face, as he was slowly moving away, not taking his gaze away from Nikki. She raised her hand and waved to him, saying goodbye. After the man had disappeared, Nikki took several minutes to get herself together before she entered the store. She held the board firmly and pushed the door. The bell rang immediately, signaling the entrance of new customers.

She was looking through the darker interior and saw Brian, lying sprawled on one of the loungers for sale, reading a book.

„Shouldn't you be working?" she asked loudly and he jumped out of his place as if he had committed a crime. Nikki had to laugh.

„Nikki...I didn't even hear the bell," he said, fixing his shirt. „How come you're here? I thought you're still surfing."

She put the board on the wall and leaned against the front of the counter.

„I was hoping to have lunch with you. Today was the first time I had managed to stand up on the board so I'm in a good mood," she replied cheerfully but then got distracted by the book, lying on the lounger. „What are you reading?"

Brian turned to the place where he was lying just a few minutes before and grabbed the book, showing the cover page to his friend. Nikki could read the title.

„Mirage," he said. „I noticed that the third sequel was released at a nearby bookstore so I bought it. I wanted to know what would happen next. And you're here now so you could sign it for me."

Suddenly, the woman felt embarrassed again. It was no secret that she didn't like to discuss her books.

„Actually, I was planning to give you a book. As a present. But it seems you beat me to it," she said.

Brian smiled, handing her a pencil from the counter.

„You live on book sells. I had to add something to your fund. Besides, payment for the hotel can be quite expensive."

Nikki hit him on the shoulder gently, then opened the well-known cover page of the third sequel and began to write something on the blank inner page. After a few seconds, she finished, returning the pencil to Brian. The blond man took the book in his hands again to read what Nikki had left for him.

For the best friend, I could wish for!

Nikki Hamilton!

„Nice. I didn't expect anything less," he joked, then hugged Nikki. „Thank you!"

She just waved with her hand.

„Piece of cake. Still, I think you should've waited for me to give you a copy."

Brian wanted to complain to her statement, but Diego cut them off, coming from the stockroom.

„If Brian doesn't want it, I'd be happy to take my own copy."

Nikki smiled but Brian hit him in the arm.

„Diego Martinez, I pay you enough to afford one book. How can you even think about scrounging? Besides, don't you have to study? Your exams are around the corner. Go back to the stockroom."

The other man also hit Brian in the arm, returning him equally.

„Wait a minute," Nikki said, surprised. „You're still at college?"

Diego nodded.

„He's younger than me," Brian explained.

„How come we've never talked about this stuff? I just assumed you all are the same age."

Nikki was really surprised by this information.

„Well, you never asked. Aline is the oldest and Dan is the youngest, Diego following him. Aline had finished school first, some organizational things, I don't know exactly. God only knows why she isn't working in her profession. Diego is still a student, both Dan and I dropped off from it and David and Marina were never interested enough to get in in a first place."

She was quiet for a few moments, absorbing all the information Brian just gave her. She couldn't get over the fact that she had never asked them about their age. She had been a part of their circle for a good amount of time now.

„I guess you, being a professional writer, are a big fish in this educational stuff?" Diego asked.

She shook her head.

„I studied English literature and finished quickly. I was already good at writing as a student."

„I know that. I'm your fan, remember?" Brian replied.

Nikki was feeling embarrassed again.

„Can we change the subject, please? I'm feeling weird and stupid for not asking all these important things about you before."

Both of the men just nodded.

„About me saying I want your book for free, I was joking. Don't take me seriously," Diego said, hugging her. „I'm glad to see you and I'm glad that Dan hasn't killed you yet."

Daniel seemed to know they were talking about him, as he headed through the door, also carrying his surfboard.

„Oh...you're all here," he said, instead of greetings. „I came to earn my money so you have the rest of the day free."

Daniel didn't try to interfere with their conversation. He just went to the stockroom to prepare for the rest of his day at work. During this time, Brian squirmed uncomfortably in place.

„Did he just dismiss us? I didn't know he's the boss now," he said, pointing to the stockroom where his friend was.

Nikki rolled her eyes, pulling both, Brian and Diego.

„I'm dying of hunger and I really don't want to go to lunch alone. I need company and who's better than you two?" she asked cheerfully.

„But I need to study," Diego complained.

„Oh, c'mon. Your lessons won't go anywhere. You can do it after lunch."

Diego decided to fulfill their wish, joining them for the lunch and rest of the day. Studying could go to hell.

Nikki could say she was slowly falling into some kind of routine. Naples was becoming her second home and she was getting used to the heat and the people around her. The tropical place had brought her a certain kind of peace, which she wanted to keep, no matter how much it cost her. As the time passed, the dark-skinned woman became more close with Brian, Marina and the rest of their friends.

Apart from accepting the habits and customs of Naples, Nikki could also say that her relationship with Daniel was at a completely new level. In addition to surfing, Nikki and Daniel had brought their relationship to a state of friendship. The rest of their friends noticed Daniel was turning his attention to surfing and instructing, not drinking. Brian and Marina were so happy for their friend getting his shit together. At least for a little.

But while Daniel was focused on making a great surfer out of Nikki, she was more concentrated on her instructor. In the past month, she has met Daniel's other side. Although he still had moments of weakness when he was silent and closed, the man's nature was actually very warm and open. He was smiling more often, always ready to joke around. Nikki slowly started to fear that she would eventually cross the line of friendship.

On a warm July afternoon, they were both riding the waves. Nikki was sliding slightly over the surface of the water, making sure to bend her knees.

„Hey, you'll hit me, Dan! Don't fool around!" she shouted vividly at Daniel who had just cut off her path.

He laughed loudly, making sure that the wave doesn't get him out of the board.

„Relax. I won't crush you. You're surfing with a professional."

She just rolled her eyes. They were catching the waves and having fun. A few minutes later, Nikki stopped because was getting too tired. She jumped from the board in the warm sea water, leaning her head against the piece of fiberglass. Daniel floated up to her.

„Giving up already?" he asked.

She nodded.

„I'm tired.

They remained floating around. Nikki closed her eyes, relaxing a little.

„Hey, why don't we ever wear wetsuits?"

Daniel raised his head, slicking the wet hair, falling over his forehead.

„Because you'd probably die from the heat. Surfing suits were designed for colder waters. They're protecting your body from coldness."

Nikki immediately accepted his answer. Soon, Daniel pulled her over to the beach, where they both sat on the sand, turning toward the creek. The tall man handed her a bottle of water. They were sitting in silence, looking at the open sea. The sun had already begun to set, leaving its colors on the restless surface.

Nikki looked at Daniel, recognizing his posture. He was silent again. She lowered her head, staying in that position for a few moments until she finally looked up in his profile. There was a complete silence, but Daniel seemed to be unaware of it. He was in his own world.

„I came here because my longtime fiancé had cheated on me," Nikki said suddenly, holding her breath. He could feel Daniel's gaze moving from the open sea to her.

The man didn't speak. He was just looking at her and she took it as a sign to continue.

„You were right when you told me no one went on vacations alone. I didn't come here only for a vacation. I came to forget all the bad things that happened to me. Darnell is...I think he was cheating on me all the time. He told me something about running away from the routine," she said with a lump in her throat, laughing bitterly. She didn't want to cry over Darnell anymore, but something about telling her story to a man who knew very well what pain was made her emotional. „Imagine, he had told me in my face that I was just a routine for him. A routine he had to break with other women. It's not something you want to hear a few months before the wedding."

The woman began to blink quickly, trying to avoid the tears, threatening to come out on the surface. She couldn't explain where these emotions were coming from and before that, she was convinced she had already cried all the tears she could for her former fiancé. However, she mustered the strength to look at Daniel and met his with concerned blue eyes.

„I'm sorry," he said. „He's an idiot."

Nikki shook her head.

„I'm an idiot. For even thinking that somebody like Darnell could be faithful. So stupid of me."

Daniel grabbed her by the hand.

„Hey...this isn't your fault," he started. „Some men are just like that. They can't help it."

Nikki let out a shaky breath, nodding gratefully. She was really grateful to Daniel for listening to her.

„Can I ask you something?"

„Of course," she replied.

Daniel squirmed, rubbing the back of his head.

„Why are you telling me this?"

Nikki returned her gaze to the creek. She took several deep breaths, mentally preparing herself for what was about to come. Then, she faced Daniel, catching both of his hands.

„Because I trust you," she said honestly. „And I want you to know that you can trust me too. I often watch you while you were looking at the creek and I've noticed your mood swings. When I asked you who you are waiting for, I didn't ask because I wanted inspiration for my book. I sincerely care about you, Daniel. I know you're currently in a bad place, that you're feeling bad," she was explaining, while understanding fell upon Daniel's eyes. The man realized what Nikki was talking about. „I don't want to force you to talk about things you don't want to. Or you can't. But I want you to know that I'm here. If you want to talk to someone, I'm here. I know you probably heard it like a million times, but it really gets easier if you talk about your problems."

Daniel lowered his head, squeezing his eyes shut. His chest was starting to constrict, while he remembered all the images he was trying to suppress. He ran his trembling hand through his hair. Nikki realized he was actually panicking, so she quickly put her hands on his shoulders and shook him gently, silently cursing to herself.

„Hey, it's okay," she said quietly. „I'm sorry for asking again. We don't have to talk at all. I'm sor..."

„Why do I have this stupid feeling that you know absolutely everything?" he interrupted her, looking straight right in her eyes.

Nikki just sighed.

„I don't know everything about your life," she replied. „But if you mean Sofia and her...death, I'm familiar with it."

Daniel's eyes widened in surprise and complete horror.  

-

Author's note:

I think you can figure out where I'm heading with this story. I'll probably update on Friday.

If there's anybody who likes it, please don't hesitate to vote or comment. I reply to you.

Stay true to yourself and have a nice day.