SHAPES UNSPOKEN

- 7 -

HAPPY READING 🥰

Sean Britto

Today is Friday and I’m on my way to drop Steph at Brian’s house for the weekend. Jinette is going to have her hands full of boys, that’s for sure.

I’m heading to Guyana to visit Annabelle. We’ve been talking and texting for two weeks now. She’s feisty, always ready to challenge me, always giving me a rough time—but I like it. I like that she doesn’t fold easily. It makes the reward feel earned.

I don’t have any hidden agenda for this weekend. No pressure. No expectations. Just time. She sparked something in me I didn’t think I had left. Every conversation with her leaves me wanting more—more answers, more depth, more of her.

Her guards are high. That’s expected. With my situation and whatever she’s been through, I can’t blame her. But I’m ready to climb those walls if I have to. I just don’t want to tear them down by force—I want her to lower them willingly.

I pull up in front of Brian’s house. As soon as the car stops, Steph unbuckles his seatbelt and bolts toward the door.

I grab his overnight bag and walk up. Brian is already outside, laughing with Steph.

“You sure you’re ready for this?” he asks.

“I’ve grieved, stressed, and thought about doing something crazy for the past six months,” I say quietly. “It’s time I move on.”

I take Steph’s tiny hand. “Be good for Uncle Brian and Aunt Jinette, you hear me?”

“Yes, Daddy! Can I go see my best friend now?”

I let him go, and he runs inside.

“Best of luck,” Brian says, patting my shoulder.

I nod, give my regards to Jinette, and head to the airport.

Six hours later, after clearing my luggage, I’m in Guyana.

I switch my phone to roaming and call Annabelle. I’m exhausted, but seeing her will fix that. She made all the hotel and transportation arrangements. I glance around the airport—no sign of her.

She doesn’t answer the first call.

I try again.

This time she picks up. “I’m running a little late, but I’m on my way.”

A few minutes later, I see her.

The moment she walks through those doors, everything else fades. I wasn’t far from the entrance, but suddenly my heartbeat feels louder than the airport announcements.

She walks with confidence. Tight blue jeans hugging her curves. An off-the-shoulder blue and white top resting just above her waist. Light makeup. Glossy lips that I’ve imagined too many times.

She smiles politely at a man who approaches her. He says something. She laughs softly.

Jealousy hits me hard and fast.

I close the distance between us, step behind her, and lean down, brushing my lips against her neck.

“There you are, beautiful.”

She spins around, startled. Her eyes widen.

“Hey baby, you miss me?” I tease.

She’s still in shock.

I glance at the guy with a firm expression. “I’ve got the smiling and boyfriend part covered. No need to worry yourself.”

I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close.