Changing Tides

Three

"It was really lovely to talk to you." he said. We got off the plane and we're waiting for our luggage to appear from the baggage claim. "I usually snooze off during plane rides. It was refreshing to finally talk to someone without getting pried. Maybe, it's because you really are a good psychologist. Are you sure you didn't do your thing on me?" he raised his eyebrow. "If I did to you what I do with my clients you would be crying, to tell you." We both chuckled. Our bags arrived and he helped me with mine so I thanked him. I knew this is the part where I need to go back to reality. So I told him, "Thank you so much James. I didn't tell you before but this means so much to me. I am a fan. And this is more than a fan could ask for. Don't worry, your location's safe with me. As well as your ridiculous fan encounters." I winked, and he laughed. "It was a breather for me as well." he said.

I know that it's time to go. I bid him goodbye. We both turned on our own ways but before I could stop myself I called to him, "Hey, Mr. McAvoy!" He turned to me "I hope you'll find what you're looking for." he smiled and told me "You too, Ms. Henderson."

The taxi was waiting for me outside and the driver greeted me. He said his name was Miguel. He worked at the hotel I would be staying. We drove for a good half hour. We arrived at the hotel and since it was summer, the lobby was packed with tourists. I decided to sit and wait for the counter to clear. After 10 minutes, I approached the reception and took my key card. I headed to the 3rd floor where room 3110 was. I opened the door and I was astonished with the view. It was overlooking the beach. A vast expanse of blue green spread across and I immediately thought of James' blue eyes. I shook my head to keep myself from thinking about him. "Shut it, head! You're not helping." But to be perfectly honest, he hasn't left my thoughts since we parted from the airport. I have to self-talk and remind myself that he's a dream, and everything that happened in the plane should stay on that plane.

I decided to start my vacation and push my thoughts about James McAvoy away. Besides, this is what I came for. I filled the tub with warm water and relaxed for a few minutes. I thought of how I'm going to spend my time in this beautiful island. I decided I would go out tonight and look for some place quiet to get dinner. I picked out a summer dress and strappy sandals, put some lip tint and towel dry my hair. I brought my clutch and open it to stuff my wallet and phone. I saw a folded paper I didn't recognize. It read:

My dearest Carly,

Have fun on your trip! I know you love to plan so I took the liberty of planning your activities since I bet you have no idea what to do on your time there. And I don't want you to just read and write the whole time. So I hope you follow this:

1. Eat at Bistro Fernando 2. Shop at the district market in town 3. Ride an all terrain vehicle in the rocky valley of San Andres 4. Kayak through the underground river 5. Snorkeling or scuba diving 6. Cliff dive on Point Maria 7. Zip line, parasailing, jet skiing...

I rolled my eyes. She knew better than to give me a list of to do's I didn't make. I continued reading.

I know you won't do those things. Less so, alone. So I thought the first thing you should do is to find someone who will be with you. Really! get to know someone tonight. You deserve to be happy. Fall in love for goodness sake!

Love,

Eris

She did know me very well. I smiled at her gesture. At least, I'm on my way to dinner and she'd given me a place. That I can totally do on my own.

Eris was right, Bistro Fernando's nice. It was slightly packed but I found a table at the far end of the booths. I ordered grilled chicken parmesan and a glass of wine. I decided to go to the ladies' room. I was about to turn to enter the door when someone dropped his keys in front of me. I stooped to pick it up but he grabbed it first. As we raised our heads I was surprised by the person looking at me. His blue eyes got me staring at him for what I felt like a minute. "Hey! We keep on bumping onto each other." James said. I was taken aback but managed to speak without making a fool of myself. "Yeah, that's what I thought too. So you're here as well." He told me he was staying at the same hotel I was staying. He asked if I already had dinner and I told him I was waiting for my order. He asked if he could join me so I said yes. I pointed to him my table and I excused myself to go to the ladies' room.

Once inside, I didn't realize I was holding my breath. I calmed myself because I can feel sweat on my palms. "I am having a dinner with James McAvoy!" my hysterical self was getting more hysterical by the minute. To completely drown the madness that is my head, I talked to myself aloud, but not too loud. "It was just a friendly dinner. This isn't a date so stop overreacting." After a few minutes, I managed to get myself out of the wash room. I saw him sitting on the other side of the table in his off white shirt and linen shorts. "Sorry, if I took so long. I think it's the jet lag" I lied. "No problem." he replied. The waiter came with our orders and we started eating.

"So, what do you plan on doing for the coming days?" he asked. I thought of Eris' letter but I am not going to do just that. "I still haven't figure that out. But my best friend gave me a list of things to do. But I couldn't be up for that." I replied. "A list? That sounds fun. Can I look at it?" I froze at the notion of him looking at the ridiculous letter Eris gave me. "It's just a bunch of random things like jet skiing, diving, snorkeling and other things. I bet you've done all that already." I reasoned.

"That's highly probable. But still, a list of to do can be quite challenging. Don't you think?"

"Well, I really like crossing out my to do list after I have done it but only if I DID the list myself."

"Maybe, it's time for you to follow a list you didn't make." he shot back. We continued eating and he offered to pay for it. I refused of course but he's insistent. We left the restaurant and walked to the hotel.

"I've actually done the first on the list." I blurted out. "My friend recommended the place we just had dinner in. And I think she was right about it."

"I think your friend has impeccable taste." He said. If Eris heard that compliment from James himself, she would probably flip out.

"Well, she's...something." I snickered.

"You know what, I have no plans on what to do with my time here and I think I am up with doing the things on your list. Is that okay with you?" he asked.

I looked at him and studied his face and thought he was serious about it. I could hear Eris in my head prompting me to say yes. "Yeah, sure." is all I have managed to say. We continued to walk towards the hotel.

When we reached the lobby, there were eyes on him and on me. Of course, people will look at him. But I saw that it was as if he doesn't notice that people were looking at him. I became more conscious and I tried to distance myself from him. I stepped back so I was actually behind him. This he noticed so he told me, "You don't have to do that." he smiled and once the elevator opened, he motioned me to get inside. Once the door closed he said, "Sorry about that."

"You don't have to apologize. I just hate it when people stare at me. Although I know that they were actually looking at you and not me."I told him. The elevator stopped and I got out, he followed me to where my room was.

"Room 3110. Just two floors up to where my room is." he said.

"I bet it was the suite." I teased. "Well, best room's for the best." he playfully bragged and winked at me.

"Sure, Mr. McAvoy." I smirked.

"I'll see you tomorrow then? Breakfast at the hotel restaurant?" he asked.

"I'll see you then. Good night, James." I replied. I took my key card and got inside my room.