Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 58353 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58353 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
"Filia?" Marco asks softly. "Why are you crying?"
"Am I?" Sniffling, I wipe the tears away in a hurry. "Sorry, I’m just a little overwhelmed."
Marco considered the plane with his brow crinkled. "You're thinking about your job."
"And my father,” I say “I miss them both." My shoulders slump. "God, it sounds so dumb. But it's the truth. I really loved being a flight attendant. My dad is going to be so let down when I tell him what happened."
"Is your dad hard on you?"
"Not at all," I laugh weakly. Pulling in air to calm myself down. "My dad loves me like crazy. But he knows me, knows what I want. No matter how I spin it, how positive I try to be, he'll know how miserable I am about getting fired and that's what will get to him. He wants me to be happy all the time."
"Nobody can be happy all the time."
"Sure," I admit, looking up at Marco, "but I bet your mom feels the same way about you."
His mouth falls open. I'm worried I went too far. Marco glances at the wooden plane, then at his phone. "It's late. We should get dinner, I saw a great pizza place on the way in. You haven't had pizza here yet, right? It would be a crime to miss it."
My stomach rumbles. "You don't have to twist my arm."
Together we leave the shop. As we do, I can't resist looking back once more. The wooden plane sticks out to me more than anything else on the packed shelves. I bet it costs a fortune, as it should, it probably took weeks to make. Deep down, I'd love to have it. But wouldn't that be torture? To look at something that reminds me of what I lost and can never get back?
Chapter Nine
Marco reveals another gift the next morning. "Luggage?" I ask, marveling at the navy blue, glossy hard shelled case. "For me?"
"You need something to carry your things," he says, nodding at all the clothes he bought me. “For when you join me on the cruise.”
I shake my head and give him a tight hug. "Thanks again. For everything."
"It's nothing."
I disagree, but I'd promised to stop fighting his generosity. And to that end I have also decided that I will join Marco on the cruise.
Last night I kept thinking about my father and that model plane. The reason I became a flight attendant wasn’t to serve entitled people drinks. I wanted a rich and thrilling life. I wanted to travel and explore the world and meet new and amazing people.
I’ve already met an amazing person in Marco. Someone kind and strong, who tells me what he wants and treats me like a prize, something to covet. I shouldn’t let that go so easily. I also shouldn’t turn down the chance to try out cruising in style.
So I agreed to go with Marco on his ship and this morning as I pack my new luggage I can’t help smiling at Marco, as he watches me with an amused grin.
“What’s this?” I ask, pulling a small box from the bottom of the closet. I hadn’t noticed it among all the new clothes until now.
“Another surprise,” Marco says, leaning forward.
Inside the box is a set of lacy lingerie in pastel turquoise.
“For later,” Marco purrs.
My face is on fire. Trying to ignore the burning heat in my face and, well, everywhere else, I continue packing, very aware of Marco’s eyes on me as I bed over to place the last few items in the suitcase.
When we finish packing we head to the lobby. Marco is signing check-out paperwork when Derek clears his throat behind me. I glare at the sight of him in his ironed tan pants and tight black button-down. "Ready for an adventure at sea?" he asks me.
I plaster on a fake smile. "Absolutely."
Derek's eyes roam over me, making me feel uncomfortable. "Nice luggage," he says with a smirk. "Did Marco buy it for you?"
I grit my teeth, ready to snap back when Marco intervenes. "Yes, I did," he says calmly. "I thought Filia needed something sturdy to carry her things in."
Derek rolls his eyes. "Right."
I'm about to say something when Marco's phone rings. He steps away to answer it, leaving me alone with Derek. His eyes follow Marco until he’s out of earshot and then he leans in close.
"Listen," he says in a low voice. "I don't want to see you leading my brother on. He's too good for you."
"Excuse me?" I say, anger rising in me.
"You heard me. You're just a fling to him. Don't get your hopes up."
I open my mouth to retort when Marco returns. "What's going on?" he asks, seeing the tension between us.
"Nothing," I say quickly, shooting Derek a dirty look. "Just excited for the cruise."
Marco gives Derek a hard stare before turning back to me. "Let's go."