My palms are sweating. Partly because of the sweltering heat of 37 degrees, that is a record high temperature for the city in July. But, the perspiration in my hands is mostly because I'm walking around a marina, looking for a 'in-your-face' boat named 'Venus', where Daniel awaits me for the 'date'.

I haven't stopped thinking about it. At the restaurant, when we sampled the menu. During the walk back to my Airbnb accommodation. At night rolling around in my bed in a sleepless daze... The word date has not left my mind for one second. It's a date... What did he mean by that?

I mean, did he mean a date, date? Because that's not possible. He's back with... Or is he? Maybe he just used it differently. He probably has. He probably hears it all the time and uses it with his friends. I frown. Who says to their friends 'Let's go on a date'? I groan internally. This is killing me!

It appears. Venus stands in front of me in all her glory. This is not a boat. It's a freaking yacht... A gentleman stands outside and gives me a small, encouraging smile.

"I came to see the boat with a friend for a party tomorrow night? Daniel Schmidt?"

The gentleman nods and shows me the way in. I climb aboard and look around. The yacht will easily fit in everyone and is magnificent. I smile at Daniel's choice. Emily will love it.

I see decorations stacked on the side and I wonder if that is ours or belongs to another party. The man guides me through the vessel and leads me towards the back of the ship. The moment I cross it, I see Marie sitting down, looking bored. She raises her eyes and meets mine and I can immediately see the walls are back up. I look around but see no sign of Daniel.

"He's not here," she says, reading my mind. "He had an issue back at the office and asked me to come here while he finishes up there. So you wouldn't be alone..." her voice is full of disdain.

I deserve her coldness. Similarly to Emily, I shut all contact down after Italy. And, since reconnecting with Emily, I have tried to make amends with Marie, but I knew that was a hill harder to climb and easier to fall. She stonewalled all my attempts and her demeanour towards me shows her true feelings for my betrayal of our friendship. I want to make amends. I just don't know how.

"Hi Marie." I end up saying.

She scoffs and rolls her eyes before placing her sunglasses that lay on her head back on her face. "There's some decoration stuff already here and Daniel will bring in the rest tomorrow. They said we can keep it here for now."

"Oh, that's great. Are you coming tomorrow night?"

"Ja," she responds monosyllabically.

"Are you coming to help set it up in the morning or is just me and Daniel?"

She looks at her nails. "Ja, nicht für Sie. Für Daniel." (Yes, but not for you. For Daniel.)

"Ich weiß. Und, es tut mir leid, Marie." (I know. And, I'm sorry, Marie.)

She raises her eyes to me.

"Ich habe Deutsch gelernt. Es ist nicht perfekt, aber ich mache Fortschritte." (I've been learning German. It's not perfect but I'm getting there.)

Her face softens for a moment. "Entschuldigung ist nicht genug." (Sorry is not enough)

Marie testing my German abilities is a small olive branch.

"Whatever it will take," I say. My German abilities not allowing me to carry on the conversation to the text I wished. "Ich will nur Meinen Freund zurück." (I just want my friend back). I look down at my feet. "Ich war ein Idiot." (I was an idiot)

"Your accent is still terrible," she mocks me.

I chuckle. "I know. But, at least you're talking back to me..."

She looks away for a moment and then back at me and sits down, crossing her arms. "Only because I have to while waiting for Daniel on this stupid boat."

"Can I sit down and chat with you while we wait?"

She goes to her phone and starts typing a message, shrugging her shoulders in response to my questions. I sit down nervously. We stay in silence while she continues to type furiously on her phone. Be honest, Nat.

"I'm sorry for not talking to you after Italy."

Marie stares at her phone.

"I know it was wrong of me and that I've hurt you. I could offer excuses, but the truth is this. You are his friend. And I know how protective you are of him. Your words on my birthday kept replaying in my mind and I didn't know what to say... to any of you. I know I hurt you and Emily. I'm trying to make amends with both of you. I shouldn't have put a guy ahead of our friendship. Even if he is Daniel..."

I look down at my hands. The boat is rocking slightly. I gulp dryly. My throat feels parched and my stomach rumbles.

Emily was an easier task, but I know I might never regain Marie's trust again. And her silence after my words says it all. I rub my hands and look at my watch. My initial nervousness at seeing Daniel has faded away and replaced with dread.

I get up and move away from Marie and stare at the ocean, looking down at the constant undulation of the moving water.

"I told him it was a bad idea. Going to Italy."

Her voice startles me and I turn around.

"I know why you stopped talking to me. I am his friend first and he was wrong in doing what he did."

I nod and lower my eyes to the ground.

"And I know you blame me."

I open my eyes in surprise. Blame her?

"Blame you for what?"

"For pushing you into Daniel's arms. If I had stayed put, then none of this would have happened..."

I shake my head. "I've never blamed you for anything."

"Ja, klar." she responds sarcastically. (Yeah, right.)

"Marie..." I take two steps towards her. "I don't regret my relationship with Daniel, and I don't blame you for anything. You wanted the best for both of us and, although I don't know how but whatever you said to Daniel to make him admit his feelings for me, or what you said to me that night in the pub... that was you wanting the best for us. If we didn't work out... that's not on you. It's on me and Daniel..."

Marie removes her sunglasses from her face. "Okay." she responds.

I know she won't say anything else, but a glimmer of hope shines through the small interaction.

"Hallo." the same gentleman that allowed me in boat interrupts our conversation. "Ich habe eine Nachricht für Natalie Porter..." (I have a message for Natalie Porter...)

"Sie Meinen Nately Potter," Marie says with a smirk. (You mean Nately Potter)

"Tut mir leid. Ja, Nately Potter." (I'm sorry. Yes, Nately Potter)

Marie and I exchange a knowing smile.

"Ich bin Nately," I say. I repeat intentionally my name wrong and in the corner of my eye I see a glimpse of a smirk from Marie's lips. 

"Mr Schmidt wordt nog steeds opgehouden en vraagt of u hem beiden in het kantoor kunt ontmoeten" (Mr Schmidt is still held up and asks if you can both meet him in the office)

"Danke," Marie responds, and he takes his leave.

"He was too fast for me..." I say.

Marie gives a small laugh. "He's still held up and wants us to meet back at the office. Daniel's been here before. He just wanted to know if you are happy with it."

"Oh, I didn't know that... Yes, I'm fine with it. It's beautiful."

"I know... I have great taste."

"You chose this place?"

"I helped. He was back in New York and it's quite difficult to plan a party when you're in a different country." She shrugs in response.

"Tell me about it!" I respond.

Marie puts her shades back on her frame and walks past me. "Are you hungry? We have time for a quick bite. Maybe the cafe you used to go to?"

"I would love that." I respond with a smile, knowing that I'm one step closer to making amends.