“Thea, meet Eric,” Lana said with excitement.
Lana smiled as if she had just lined up a royal engagement. “Eric’s a writer, too. He’s been dying to meet you since I told him about your novel.”
For illustrative purposes only.
My cheeks reddened. “Oh, it’s not finished.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Eric said. “The fact that you’ve poured yourself into it for two years… that’s incredible! I’d love to hear about it.”
But after a few minutes, whether it was Eric’s unmistakable charisma or the wonderful seaside air playing tricks on me, I agreed to go for a walk.
“Give me a moment,” I asked, unexpected even myself.
Back in my room, I rummaged through my suitcase, pulling out my most flattering sundress.
Why not? If I’m going to be dragged around, I might as well look good doing it.
Eric showed me areas of the island that were unaffected by the pandemonium of the “retreat.” A secluded beach with a swing suspended from a palm tree, a hidden route leading to a cliff with a stunning view—places not mentioned in any guidebooks.
“You’re good at this,” I said, laughing.
“Making someone forget they’re wildly out of place.”
His smile widened. “Maybe you’re not as out of place as you think.”
As we spoke, I laughed harder than I had in months. But, beneath the laughing, something tugged at the edges of my mind. I couldn’t describe the small unease I felt. He appeared too perfect.
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