The Things We Did Last Summer

Chapter 6

Ksenia leaned up against the kitchen wall, holding a glass in her hands. She’d chosen to stand by a man that had been standing by himself, watching the people come in and out to get meals for dinner. She lifted the glass to her lips as she spoke, loud enough for the man beside her to clearly hear her words. “Whoa, a ton of good looking people are here. Damn.”

Benedict’s attention was caught by her words. He agreed, there were several good looking people here, he knew of a few that he was constantly baffled by with their outer, and inner, looks. One in particular. He chuckled in good humor, venturing to offer his personal opinion in order to be polite and respond. Who else was she talking to? Everyone else had finished dinner, each on their own time tables, and had left. “I’d be the proof that not everyone is attractive.”

Looking over, pleased that he had responded, she thought about her answer. She definitely disagreed with him, seeing him with a more scrutinizing glance. He was a different kind of handsome, but handsome nonetheless. “No, actually, I would find that to be proof of a lie.”

Benedict chuckled. She was at least free to have her opinion. “Well then, it looks like you might have an eye problem, you should consult a doctor about that. I think you may be blind.” Ksenia finished her drink, draining it of the final golden drop. The taste swirled around in her mouth, delicious. “Well, I think my eyes are perfectly fine, thank you. I don’t think you can accept that I think you are a very good looking man.”

Benedict turned, facing her as his shoulder leaned up against the wall. It was much easier to see the dark haired girl than to constantly be turning his head to the side. “My goodness, have you hit your head recently? …. Thank you really… I suppose you’re right, I can’t take compliments.” It was one of his faults. He had a difficult time taking compliments. “I’ve never met you, I assume you are new here then?”

He couldn’t take compliments hmm..? She was going to have to change that. It wasn’t like she had another goal or something else to do here on the island. At least not yet. “I am new here, actually. I’m Ksenia, and who is Mr. Handsome?” The name was accompanied by a raise of her eyebrow, though she meant it. Benedict easily transitioned back into his personality of a gentleman, bending down to kiss her hand. “A beautiful name for a beautiful young lady.. My name is Benedict, but most of the young ladies call me Benny. I suppose my full name if a bit of a mouthful.”

She blushed lightly when he kissed her hand. It had taken her by surprise but if he was trying to impress her that did it. “Oh my god, you are a gentleman. Well, it’s lovely to meet you, Benedict. I like your name, it sounds very….classy.”

A deep chuckle came before his comment. “Oh, goodness.. It sounds a bit silly to me. I’m the one on the island that got the made up name.” Ksenia shrugged. “I would think you would like it, darling. It seems to fit you very well, if I do say so myself.” And she did. Benedict clasped his hands together at the name, and another one of her compliments, looking away briefly before coming back to be polite. “Oh, goodness, thank you. So how are you settling in? You’ve got a room by now I take it..?” Most people had a room by their second or third day, though he knew of a few who had waited almost a week.

“No, I don’t yet. I’ve been wandering the house the entire time I’ve been here.” She was an explorer? Benedict’s interest was peaked, if she liked exploring, perhaps he could make another adventuring buddy. That was, if Ksenia was interested. He’d have to see if Emma was up to making a group exploration. He would have asked Chris as well, but he hadn’t seen him in almost three weeks.

Still, the fact that she hadn’t found a room made him just a bit concerned. “Oh, my. Well, if you would like, I could help you find one. I know there are a few open upstairs. I could meet you upstairs in a few minutes, I just need to shower and change, I was just sleeping in a tree all night so I’m afraid that I’m a bit less than presentable at the moment.”