Heart Me

19

Stone stood in front of the window of their bedroom, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the sea golden bathing by sunrays as they painted the water. The sun setting on the horizon coloring the sky in orange and pink shades. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves filled the room, providing a sense of tranquility that Stone sought after a long day. Just then, Iris entered the bedroom, her presence disrupting his reverie. Freshly showered and wrapped in a robe, her blond hair tucked away under a towel, she exuded an aura of serenity that matched the scene outside their window despite the stressful phone call or even their conversation. Somehow, Iris managed to recover from it, better than he did. Stone turned to face her with a smile, captivated by her beauty. The way she carried herself with grace and poise never failed to leave him in awe. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as they met his gaze. Iris walked towards him, her steps light and graceful like those of a dancer. She leaned against Stone's shoulder as they both continued to admire the breathtaking view before them in silence. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as they shared an unspoken connection. The couple stood there together for what felt like an eternity, silently appreciating each other's presence amidst nature's grandeur. The sea served as a backdrop to their love story; its ever-changing tides mirroring their journey through life. As Stone looked at Iris standing beside him, he couldn't help but kiss her temple. Iris looked in his eyes and smiled.

"Are you calmer?" She asked as her vanilla scent impregnated his nostrils. Instead of answering her right away, he smiled softly, raised his hand, and ran the tip of his fingers over her delicate cheek. Then, he leaned over and kissed her lips.

"Yes and no..." He responded. "It's very hard to take it all in."

"Come here..." Iris grabbed his hand and pulled him to sit on the bed. "You understand it has nothing to do with him, right?" Stone nodded. "Because it's not. It's not about him it's only about our son and he's the only one who can truly help."

"I know." Stone nodded. "But do you also understand my side? It's not easy..."

"Tell me." Iris rested her warm palm on his face. "Talk to me."

"I know we were separated but it's different for me." He paused a few seconds. "I know him. I have to look in his face and not just that... he's provocative. He was provoking me and you in Paris. You know I am right..." Iris nodded. "It's not the same as it was with Chris. I was jealous of Chris. Maybe afraid you'd fall in love with him, but with Benedict..." He decided to say no more.

"Benedict was just a fortuitous thing and not anything else." Iris affirmed. "And I understand, babe. I really do."

"I also understand your point." He whispered while running a hand over his still wet hair. "I just... I really wish you didn't have to talk to him or be near him ever again."

"But he's the only one who can actually do something." Iris affirmed. She got up, kissed him on the forehead and walked towards the chest drawer to grab her moisturizer. Stone watched silently while she poured some on her hand, then she rested her foot on the bed and looked at him. "But on the other hand." She started talking again while running the product over her leg.

"But if you talk to him, isn't Megan going to know you two talk? Isn't it going to be worse?" Stone asked her. Iris shook her head. "Why not? Megan is too smart."

"Benedict is smarter. He's never going to give it away. He's our only hope, Stone." Iris started taking care of her other leg. "Why are you smiling?" She smiled too.

"Are you naked under that robe?" He asked and she started giggling.

"We're having a serious conversation here." She told him, putting her moisturized leg down. "But I'm glad to see you're in a much lighter mood."