Paradise Bound

Chapter 9

We both sit in silence as my words still linger in the air around us.

Isaac finally breaks the awkward silence as he turns to me.

"I'm guessing you are speaking from experience? With your sister?"

I hesitantly turn and lock eyes with Isaac.

"Yes unfortunately so. I was a fool to not see it sooner, but I loved the jerk and I never thought my sister would be capable of that. She was married at the time too."

"That's rough. I'm guessing that had something to do with your decision to take this job?"

I sigh heavily as my eyes turn back to the sea.

"Yes, we all worked in his hotel, my sister was the receptionist, I was the assistant hotel manager, obviously they kept their jobs and as far as I know they are still there. I on the other hand was jobless and homeless, so yes this job came at the perfect time for me."

"He sounds like a fucking asshole if you ask me."

"Yeah he is, but I guess love makes you a little blinded at times."

"Yeah.... I know all too well. I'm assuming Mia told you all about Diane?"

I look back to Isaac, afraid of what to say, I don't want to get Mia in trouble.

"It's ok, I'm not angry with her for telling you. I guess she probably wanted to explain why I'm always a grump."

I just smile softly at Isaac and nod. He returns the smile then turns his eyes towards the sea.

"I suppose everyone goes through heartache at some point in their lives. Hopefully it makes us stronger."

"Well I should be the fucking hulk at this stage."

I let out a small chuckle.

We sit in silence for several minutes before I finally speak.

"Hey, I might head back to my apartment now. You should get back to the party, everyone will be looking for you."

"Yes, well let me walk you home."

"Isaac it's literally around the corner, I think I can manage on my own."

"Please, I insist. It will put my mind at ease knowing you are back at home safely."

"Okay them, I'm certainly not one to argue with my boss."

We both stand up and dust the loose sand off our clothes.

"Well I was hoping tonight I wasn't your boss, I was just Isaac."

"Very well "just Isaac". You can walk me home."

Isaac smiles at me and we start walking away from the beach and up towards my apartment.

When we reach my apartment door I grab my keys out of my bag and open the door. I turn to face Isaac.

"Listen Isaac, thank you for inviting me tonight. I know I didn't stay long but it was lovely to meet your parents."

"No, thank you for coming, I promise I'll try to be less of an ass in the future."

I can't help but chuckle lightly.

"Well I'll look forward to that."

"You know your ex-husband is an idiot? He clearly didn't realise how lucky he was to have you as his wife."

I'm stunned to silence at hearing Isaac's words. I can't help feeling a little flattered at his compliment.

"I just mean.... It's his loss."