Riley smiled with a devilish grin. "Well, I'm from Texas, y'all," she said in a highly exaggerated accent. "We ain't scared of nothin'!"
With the conversation fading into a new topic, they picked up their roots and traveled downstairs to the garden to continue the chat.
They planted themselves at the loungers, enjoying the shade's protection from the intense sun. "There they are," Nate grinned as he stepped out of the bedroom and onto the patio.
The other boys followed him out and they headed over to the loungers. "How's everybody doing. Excited for the dates?"
He plopped down next to Riley and threw an arm around her. "I'm a little excited," Caro smiled shyly. She kissed Tres' cheek as he took a seat next to her.
"A few of you should be scared," Zac teased. He took his seat next to Fatima and smiled over. "Especially you." "Yeah, why me?"
"I'm just kidding," Zac shook his head, then glanced over. "Or am I?" Dan pulled Heather onto his lap as he sat down.
"I'm excited for sure, I think we've all got some great stuff planned. I can barely keep it a secret." "Well, you better! Don't ruin my surprise."
Heather freed herself from his grip and returned to her seat beside him. Zac looked like he was about to say something, and then froze.
His eyes locked on an insignificant patio tile, telling Fatima he was listening intently. She stared at his profile until she heard it too: unambiguous footsteps.
The group was silent as they drew closer, and their hearts began to pound. No new Islanders were coming, not in the final days.
Had Arielle returned to dump a couple? Right before the final dates? Two middle-aged couples appeared in the garden of the villa, looking around in awe.
"Mom?" Riley leaped to her feet with a grin and rushed to one of the pairs. "Oh my god, our parents are here!" Daniel laughed.
He rushed to a woman who resembled him through his eyes and lips and wrapped her in a tight bear hug. Zac looked nervously over at Fatima.
knowing that soon, we would meet each other's parents. Heath's dad arrived with Tre's parents. Caro's mom arrived with Nate's dad.
Zac's mom stepped out. She was a tall woman with dark hair and brown eyes like her son. Zac grabbed T's hand and they stood up to greet her.
"Hi, Mrs. Taylor, it's lovely to meet you," Fatima smiled as she pulled her into a hug. "Oh, I've heard so many great things about you... and seen, I guess,"
Mrs. Sanders laughed with a smile that showed all of her teeth. "I know you haven't forgotten about me." A familiar voice filled Fatima's heart with warmth and song.
"Madea!" She grinned and rushed to hug her. "Aloha." "Aloha, my little fish," Madea laughed. "I would love to speak with you privately."
"Oh, okay." Fatima smiled, filling with nerves as she didn't have a clue of what her grandmother was going to say.
"We'll catch up in a minute," She reassured Zac and Mrs. Taylor, leaving them to chat and enjoy each other's company.
She led Madea to one of the day beds where she could comfortably sit, and came to her side. "How are you?"
"I'm healthy. Tima, I want to say how proud I am of you." Her hand lifted to cup T's cheek. "The way you've carried yourself and represented our culture with grace brought tears to my eyes. You can even ask your mother." T was fighting back tears.
