HARLEM
I stare at myself in the mirror, wondering if I should change my jean mini skirt to jeans when Lexi calls. Finally. I've been calling her but time zones and all keep getting in the way.
"Harlem sweetheart, I've missed you. How have you been?" she asks.
"Lexi babe, I'm good. I wanted to tell you that I had a mental breakdown yesterday. Because I… finally called my mom and then a lot of memories starting rushing in especially when I went for Karaoke." I pout and she gasps.
"Omg, My love. I'm so sorry. I wish I was there with you. God, please tell me you're okay now?" I smile
"I'm fine Lex, Ezra was with me actually. He… consoled me. Because he found me crying on the beach." I mutter.
Lexi gasps. "He what? Wait, we're talking about the same Ezra Roth, right? Who is engaged and ALSO in the Maldives?"
"Yeah, but like I've been trying to tell you; but time differences and shit. Also, he's not getting married again."
"Really? That's crazy. But like how is he in the Maldives with you though?"
"He said he was already planning a vacation with his friend and decided to make it for 15 others as a gift." I roll my eyes and decide the skirt is fine.
"Yeah, sureeee." She drags.
"My reaction exactly" I scoff.
"But like… that's cute and the vacation must have cost him a fortune." She says and I nod even though she doesn't see me.
"So? He held you while you cried? That's literally so cute. Omg."
"Lexi. I have no idea what he wants. Like, what does someone like that want to do with me? He even kind of asked me out today and I agreed, as we speak, I'm getting ready."
"Shut up! Be for fucking real. Are you serious?"
I roll my eyes, AGAIN. "Yes, Lexi."
"Okay, first of all, you're fucking amazing, Harlem. Please you're the most beautiful, smart, funny, kind and talented friend ever. Who the fuck wouldn't want to be with you? And it's a sign, that the two of you are meant to be."
I groan "Lexi, thanks but that's a fairytale. Soulmates don't exist."
"Oh, but they do. If not, tell me why he still keeps coming back? Like there are enough half naked women he could get with and want him, but he's there, with YOU. Doesn't sound like a fairytale to me."
I pause because she's right, he could literally get anyone he wants. But I'm not convinced. "Lex, you just made me more paranoid. What if this is a game to him? 'Try getting the girl who doesn't give a fuck by showering her with money and attention' Oh, and stalking."
It's her turn to groan. "Can we admit that we both need therapy in different aspects?"
I scoff "What do YOU need therapy for? You grew up fine." I mutter looking for my earrings and avoiding my makeup bag entirely.
"Oh, so now we're being discriminated. Sweetheart, even a year-old baby should go for therapy. Being on the earth for even a year is enough."
I smile and put it on. "Fine, whatever. I have to go now, I'll text you."
"Alright love. Say hello to that beautiful Indian Ocean for me. And please Har, I want to attend a billionaire wedding if you don't mind. Bye." She says and cuts. She's a funny one; I'll give her that.
I stare at myself in the mirror; I'm wearing a jean skirt with a crop top and beach slippers, my hair is in a bun and I think I look good. Right? What do women around billionaires wear for this kind of thing? I slap my cheeks to stop that self-depreciating thought. If he even dares comment negatively on any of my outfits, then fuck him; I'll be sure to tell him that.
I hear a knock on the door and I realize it's been about two hours already. I grab my phone and open the door and there he is in all his dark hair and green-eyed glory. He's wearing a basic Tee with jeans. Good, we're both going casual.
"You look beautiful." I look up at him and he's staring at me like I created a star. I smile at him gratefully.
"Thank you, even though I have no make up on." I say and close the door, locking it.
"You don't need makeup to be beautiful."
"Tell that to all the women out there who do." I smirk and fold my arms.
"I'm telling it to you, Harlem Tamrin." He says seriously. My smile slips because I can ALWAYS tell when someone is being genuine and it's radiating off him, it's scary.
He steps closer to me and takes my palm, entwining our fingers. "Thank you for letting me in today. Even though not all the way yet, but a sliver." He says staring into my eyes and I'm speechless. Because I feel every inch of me burning up like I have a fever. EVERY. INCH
I swallow and look down. "I don't know what to say to that."
He chuckles a deep rumble and I melt all over again. Who knew chuckling was hot? "You don't need to say anything, Queen. Let's go."
We walk to wherever we're supposed to, out of the room sections into the beach area, and my mind is still fuzzy. I'm silent the whole time and thankfully he doesn't seem to mind. He just squeezes my palm occasionally and draws silent circles on it with his thumb. Shit, this was a bad idea. Being around someone as good looking as him? Yeah, it's a bad idea.
I don't get to finish that thought as he turns to me. "There's a mini zoo deeper into the island, and a boat ski on the water; I asked the staff. They don't really have much because we're on an Island but which one would you like to do?"
I stare at his handsome face thoughtfully. "Let's do both."
He smirks "Both it is."