Changing Tides

Nine

The following days became much like a pattern for me and James. We have breakfast together, go to the beach, or somewhere around. We were literally inseparable. I was more than happy because we have grown closer than ever. We often talk about anything and everything. It's just so refreshing to be able to talk to someone when all your life, you have been the one on the listening end. 

We continued doing Eris' list. When we decided to try parasailing, I felt that I was born to do it. The feeling of being on air, as if flying, was one of my childhood fantasies. While suspended mid air I told James that if I would be given a chance to have a superpower I would definitely want to fly. "I know that's kinda lame for you." I told him. "I actually watched you saying that you'd want to be able to inspire love and horniness to other people which I think was cool but kinda gross." 

"What? How is that gross?" he asked.

"Yeah. Totally. Let's say you despise someone so much so you decided you'd make him fall in love with a pig. That's bestiality! Uck!" 

"I can definitely do that but stop being so judgmental. It's not that bad. I once allow a dog fuck my legs for Filth."  he said.

"Ugh! Right. Stop making me remember that. It was the hardest thing to watch, of all your films, really. But it was one of your best performance yet. Bravo! Mr. McAvoy!" I beamed.

He did his humble bragging thing he usually does and so I rolled my eyes at him. 

After parasailing, we  both got a jetski. After a few minutes of briefing me with the basic things I need to know to operate it I realized that it's more or less like the ATV so I got a grip of what to do easily. 

"I bet you can't race me." he said. "Don't be so sure of yourself Mr. McAvoy." I shot back.

"Loser will buy dinner tonight?" he challenged. "Deal." I replied. And we throttled out in the ocean. 

I don't know if he purposely let me win or what but I finished first. I was overjoyed and gave him a triumphant smirk. "Ha! Dinner's on you tonight. So where are we going to eat? Not in The Lobster House, I hope."

"Just meet me at the hotel lobby later, okay? And wear something nice." he said playfully. 

As soon as I got back to my room, I showered and get ready for later. I looked at the dresses I brought with me but I can't decide which to wear, then I remember the dress I bought at one of the shops near the hotel the last time I wandered alone. It was a garden print silk chiffon dress which looked right in between of formal and casual. I looked myself in the mirror and thought to myself. "Not bad." I took my purse and went to the door. I don't know but I was feeling jittery. I reminded myself that this is just dinner, not a date. I have been dining with James all throughout our vacation but this is the first time that I felt like this. I stepped out of the elevator and walked to the lobby were James is. I was looking for him but he spotted me first, he called my name and I turned around. He was wearing a white and blue linen shirt and a navy blue pants. He was dashing as always but I cannot read his expression. He came to me and looked at me intently. 

"Wow! You looked beautiful." he said. 

"You're not bad yourself." I tried to shrug off his comment because I don't want to embarrass myself. "So, where to?" I asked. He offered his arm so I took it. I saw a couple of people looking at us but I dismissed it easily. 

I didn't know but the hotel has this penthouse restaurant exclusive for VIP guests. So it was easy for him to reserve us a table. My jaw dropped at the sight of the place. It was grandiose and every bit extravagant. We sat in a table near the window which was all glass so the view was splendid. Our waiter came and we ordered. 

"I hope you don't drool on yourself." he looked at me and smiled. 

"How many times do I have to tell you, I don't drool myself." I retort. "This place is amazing. I mean, look at the view." The sun setting across the horizon and the waves rolling to and fro was hypnotic. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. 

When the waiter arrived with our food, I can't help but to stare at it. I fought myself not to take a picture of it. If the place was fantastic, the food was superb! Everything was perfect. I felt like I was in a dream; I am in a paradise, experiencing a lot of wonderful things and I was with the man I haven't even imagined seeing in person but is now physically present right in front of me. 

"I feel like I'm in a dream." I said quietly. James leaned to me and took my hand. He said, "You're not." I don't know how and why but I inched forward and kissed him. He kissed me back and when we part we were smiling like fools. I straightened up and looked away, embarrassed. He held my chin so that I could face him. "This is real, Carly. All of it." I nod and he put his lips against mine.