Trying Not To Love You

Part Ninety Three

Chapter Ninety Three

Martha stormed away barely able to process the cosy sight of Sonny and his ‘famous’ friend sat drinking beer and eyeing up women as they walked past. She had no idea what she’d expected to find, but when she’d left her hotel earlier it was with confidence and optimism. After two unsuccessful days of cruising the Spanish resort she was hopeful that today she’d locate him. It was her last effort. She’d hoped to see him somewhere, anywhere, she wasn’t there to just to try and patch things up, to take up where they left off, she was there because she was worried about him, she was his friend, and she wanted to see that he was ok. That was her primary concern.

Despite that, the last thing she’d expected to see was him sat laughing with the man who helped him ensnare Scott and lead him to his murder. His accomplice the last time he’d abused her hospitality and trust. All the while she was worried sick about him, he was sitting on a beach in Spain laughing, having fun. She had never hated him as much as she did at that moment, everything he’d said to her, every promise he’d made, every word he’d spoken, all lies.

With her head held high she covered the promenade in long confident strides, hanging on to her control by the finest threads. At least you found him, put your mind at rest, she tried to assure herself. That was what this trip had been about, making sure that the man you care about is safe and happy...and he is. What more was there to do? She’d left Ethan with no warning, dumping the responsibility of him onto her father, Lucy, and probably Michael too. Who did that?

But then they ALL owed her, and she’d deserved this break, this chance, even if the purpose of the trip had suddenly become ridiculous. She’d go take a swim back at the hotel, then spend the two days until she flew home relaxing by the pool. The safety of the hotel, the warmth of the sun, and her own reliable company.

She reached the end of the boardwalk and turned left, her hotel was a few blocks away, but as she got there, a hand curled around her elbow and she didn’t have to turn to know it was Sonny, her whole body responded, instantly. She almost stumbled over at the sensations that coursed through her, electric, jaw dropping, and obviously knee buckling. Fortunately he was there, strong holding on to her arm. When she regained her footing she shrugged him off, stepped away and only then turned to look at him.

He looked amazing, except for the beer stain on his chest, a tan did wonderful things to him, and she’d never seen him in shorts, flip-flops, a casual t-shirt. He carried it well, he was usually so aloof, so dark, that this stark contrast surprised her.

                “Get your hands off me.” It was said quietly, but Martha knew her voice was full of venom.  Despite his shades, she could feel his eyes boring down on her for a moment, then he loosened his grip.

                “What are you doing here?” Without seeing his eyes she had no idea what he was thinking.

Glancing away for a moment, she took a deep breath, “I came because I was worried about a friend, but I can see I didn’t have to. You‘re fine, MORE than fine. Objective achieved. Ok. Right. Bye.”

As she turned once again to leave him, her emotions barely intact, he reached for her again, “Martha, don’t run off. Stop, have a drink?”

She stared at him for a moment, then rolling her eyes she almost laughed, “have a drink? Really? That’s my offer?” Again she laughed, then shook her head in amazement, “I came to check you were ok, not to drink beer by the beach...” She let those words hang between them, then added, “I’ve seen you, you’re ok...I’ve got to get ready to go home...this was only ever a quick visit.”