Home

Chapter 58

*C H A R L O T T E*

While we walk to our lunch spot, Katarina is talking to Hero. She seems quite charmed by him and I can't blame her. He's all charm and fun to win her over. Fabio isn't impressed.

"Are you okay?" he whispers to me.

I shrug. I don't know what to make of this. Why the hell isn't he in America? He said he had a job to do. He made that very clear.

"Don't worry, I've texted Tiago. He's meeting us there. We won't let him hurt you." He puts his arm around my shoulders for support. Hero turns around and his eyes are blazing. Fabio wraps his arms a bit tighter.

The waiter at the snack bar is a friend of ours. He greets us with a broad smile and two kisses.

"Bom dia, girls," Marco greets us. He obviously has a hangover.

"What's up Marco?" I laugh.

"You missed one hell of a party last night," Marco beams. "I mean everyone was there and it was awesome! Too bad I had to work today. Anyway, Tiago is waiting for you."

Marco takes us to Tiago and talks to Katarina about the party. I know she's annoyed she missed a good one. She is such a party animal and she would go out every night of the week.

"See, Charly, we should have gone!" Kat sighs with regret.

"Oh, I promise we will go this weekend," I say. "I promise you'll have fun." I wink at Marco as I say this.

"You actually have a life here," Hero says all of a sudden when Marco is debating party spots for the weekend with Kat.

"Of course I have. Why is that so surprising?" I turn to him and look in to his eyes.

"It's just... I never-"

"What? You assumed I would come all the way here just to cry my eyes out over you? While you were out and about in Canada with Melany, I made myself a life here. I have friends, a house, a job."

"I know, I know," Hero puts his hands up in defense. "I just mean, it's so real now. I obviously knew this but I never thought about your life here. You have people here. It's different to hear about it and to actually see it."

I don't know where he's going with this but before I can reply Marco brings us some glasses of Madeira wine and takes our order.

"I'll have the lapas, thanks," I say to Marco and I hand over the menu.

"I have no idea what those are but I'll have the same," Hero says with a smile. I roll my eyes.

Marco takes our order and disappears to an other table. I honestly have no idea what to say to Hero so I take a sip of the Madeira wine.

"So," Tiago starts and puts his gaze towards Hero. "You must be Hero, I have heard so much about you. I am Tiago."

Hero isn't intimidated and if he is, he is hiding it well. Of course, he is used to talking to people he doesn't know and I can see him change into 'press Hero'. He's all charm and smiles.

"Not all good I imagine," he says.

Tiago smiles. He is enjoying the fact that Hero isn't a bit scared.

"I'm glad to finally meet you. What brings you to our beautiful island? I heard you were expected in America?"

I try to hide my smile by taking an other sip. You can always count on Tiago to point out the elephant in the room.

"Yes, I was. But before I left I was walking around the streets of London. I watched the full moon over the Big Ben and the Thames and I realized I was making a big mistake. I actually tried to tell Charlotte but she wouldn't hear me out." He puts his eyes towards me and I can't look away. Wait, what?

"So you didn't go to the United States?" Tiago pushes.

"Yes, I did go but only to tell them I'm done. I did everything my contract asked and now I'm done with that film. They cant keep pushing me around just because their actress demands it. So, yes, Tiago, I did go to the United States but only to end this once and for all. The only mistake I made is realizing this too late. I should have told them over the phone right away."

We all look at each other after that. None of us know what to say. I can't really think about what this means with all those people staring at me but for now it doesn't change anything.

"And that's why I am here. To tell Charlotte that and also to visit the island I have heard so much about," Hero adds after a moment of silence.

"It doesn't change anything," I whisper. I am trying to swallow the tears. I am not crying in a full restaurant. "You left after I asked you to stay for me."

"Yes, I did and I will always be sorry for that."

Luckily, Marco brings our food so the conversation ends there.

"What are your plans while you're here, Hero?" Kat asks. "Anything you want to visit?"

Hero knows he has pushed me too far for now and he plays along with Kat.

"Well, I hired a great guide so I'm sure she'll tell me what to do."

I don't think I can handle being alone with Hero for an entire day tomorrow so I quickly come up with a plan.

"Yes, well, everyone who visits the island should do a levada walk. And lucky for us, Tiago knows the levadas so he can take us!"

Tiago frowns at me and Fabio smirks. I look at Tiago with pleading eyes.

"Okay, well you're in luck, Hero, I am a mountain guide so I'll make sure we have a great mountain and levada walk tomorrow. I know a great, tiny restaurant in the mountains where we can have the most amazing lunch."

"Sounds great!" Hero smiles. He actually looks very excited and he has dropped his act. He's more like himself now.

"The day after tomorrow is my day off," Kat says. "Why don't we all visit São Vicente and take a swim at the natural pools at Porto Moniz?!"

"Oh god, yes!" Tiago says. "It's my day off too so I'm definitely in!"

If eyes could kill, I would have shot Kat in that instant. I know what she's up to. She wants me to spend time with Hero. Kat gives me an innocent smile and takes a sip of her wine.