“I do. I’m not saying it didn’t hurt like a bitch because it for sure did. It still stings when I think about them. But I know that it happened. It’s done. The only thing I can do is live my life. Create the life I want for myself and go from there. I mean … there is no such thing as destiny, right? I’m free to choose what I want.”
Malia choked on her drink. “So, you don’t believe in destiny or fate or anything like that?” she asked with an arched eyebrow.
“No. Not at all. Should I?” Emmy laughed as she sipped her wine.
“Well, a lot of the natives believe in those things and a lot more.”
“Really? That’s interesting.” Emmy left it at that. She honestly had no idea if the fates or destiny were a real thing or just something someone made up eons ago. Being the morality police was not her thing, nor did she have any interest in pursuing such endeavors. She believed in letting others think what they wanted, forming their own opinions.
“How was your first day? Did you do anything fun? Meet any sexy guys to help you keep your mind off your ex?” Malia joked.
“Honestly, it was weird. I was so tired when you dropped me off that I had thought about taking a nap, but the sun and pool were so inviting. I ended up lying in the sun by the pool.”
“Nice! That’s always the best.”
“Uh … not really. I ended up falling asleep, and some guy in a three-piece suit woke me because I was frying myself in the sun. I felt like such an idiot. He must have thought I was drunk or on drugs or something. The whole situation was absolutely ridiculous.”
“Ha! How fun, though. Was he cute at least?” Malia asked.
“Oh, girl. He was like no guy I had ever seen. He was this huge, tall, mountain of a man with long hair and eyes that I could get lost in.” She sighed.
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“It’s more like ahe’s way out of my leaguething. Dude was smoking, fucking hot. There’s no way that he would ever be interested in someone like me. Besides, with his body type, he probably has a girlfriend who’s at least close to six foot and legs that go clear up to her neck. I can’t see him with someone who’s beyond short with thick thighs that jiggle when she runs.” Emmy laughed.
“I don’t think you see yourself like others around you do. While you may be short, you are far from hideous. Those curves of yours are sexy as hell. You are beautiful, and you need to own that shit.”
“I don’t know about the whole beautiful thing, but I know I’m not the worst looking person out there. But I am realistic. There are millions of women out there who are far more attractive than me, and I can’t imagine a man who looks like him actually being interested in cubby, little me. The thought alone makes me laugh.” Emmy chuckled before popping open her menu and asking. “What’s good here?”
“Everything. They really do have the best food. I hate cooking, so we eat here several times a week.”
Once they gave the waitress their orders, Malia was the first to break the silence. “So, I have to ask, did you have a conversation with the hottie?”
“I did. He was really friendly, but it was awkward,” she admitted, still wondering what the hell the man actually wanted.
“What did he say?” Malia asked before taking a sip of her drink.
“I’m really not sure. We talked for a few minutes. He gave me a card to some club on the island and asked if I had a local tour guide. When I told him no, he personally offered to show me around. It was really weird.”
“I don’t think so. I think you should take him up on his offer. Isn’t this trip your way of finding out who you are? A discovery of sorts?” Malia asked.
Emmy waited to answer until after the waitress had placed their plates in front of them.
“Is there anything else I can get for you, ladies?” the waitress asked.
“I’m good. Thank you. Everything smells amazing,” she said as she inhaled the mouthwatering aromas.
“Thanks, Gayle. I’m good too,” Malia said.
“I knew you were good. Hell, I don’t even have to ask for your order most days. Who’s your friend?” the waitress asked.
“This is Emmy. She’s just visiting on vacation, but you never know. Maybe she’ll decide she loves it so much and relocate here,” Malia joked.
“You never know,” Gayle laughed. “That’s what happened to me. Well, that and the love of a good man.”
“It is beautiful here. I won’t lie,” Emmy said. “But I think I’m going to need more than a few hours of being on the island to make up my mind. At least give me a few days to decide.” She laughed.
“Deal. You can make up your mind on Monday,” Gayle said with a wink. “Enjoy your dinner, and let me know if I can get you anything else.”