Runaway

Chapter 2

Miami, Florida, early May 2018

Nikki put her big sunglasses on her face. The sun was blazing strongly here in Miami, through several layers of clothing. It seemed like she had forgotten she was going to a warmer region and she adjusted her clothing to a rainy weather of Seattle.

As she carried her luggage, she rolled her eyes at her best friend, who she was talking to over the phone.

Addison: „Nikki, you can't leave just like that. Be reasonable, please. Are you seriously going to throw everything away just because Darnell is a cheating dick?"

Nikki: „It's not only that. It's a big thing. Addy... four years of my life were a big, fat lie. I gave him my trust and he slapped me in the face with it. I need a break. I really can't stay in that city anymore, with so much rain and all those bad feelings I have. When it comes to the book, I have you."

Addison: „Will you at least tell me where the hell are you?"

Nikki: „Florida!"

Addison: „Where in Florida? I need a location. The exact location. I have to know where to find you if I'd need you."

Nikki: „You have my phone number. I'll always take your calls. You know it."

Addison: „God, why can't you just tell me where are you?"

Nikki: „Because I want to eliminate every opportunity for Darnell to find me. For the last few days, my phone didn't stop ringing. He isn't giving up and I don't have time for this shit. My cab is here. Bye, Addy!"

Nikki ended the call before Addison had the opportunity to react to her last words. She sighed, putting the tiny device in the front pocket of her dark blue jeans, then pulled the luggage and walked through the automatic doors of the airport.

The main road in front of the entrance of the airport was filled with cabs. Nikki just raised her hand and one of the drivers immediately noticed her. A middle-aged man with bright hair and dark brown eyes came out of the cab.

The driver opened the trunk and she helped him push the luggage in. Then she got in.

„Where to?" he asked, after getting behind the wheel.

She pulled a paper with the name of the hotel out of her wallet, giving it to the driver.

„I have to go to Naples or something like that. The name of the hotel is on this paper."

The man narrowed his eyes and slowly took the paper from her.

„You want me to drive you to Naples?" he asked, still frowning. „It's pretty far away. Won't be cheap."

Nikki smiled softly.

„The price isn't important. I have to be there."

The driver no longer asked questions. He just started the taximeter, then headed out of Miami. The traffic prolonged the process of getting to the destination but Nikki wasn't bothered. The bright sun pierced its rays through the windows of the car. She truly enjoyed the heat caressing her face. It was something Seattle couldn't provide. She watched the cars and the buildings, taking in the differences between her home and the scenery passing by.

Slowly, they arrived in the suburb of Naples and Nikki admired the place she had chosen for her vacation. Compared to Seattle, this town was much smaller, but the colors had doubled it in size. It was clear that they entered the tropical belt of the Earth's ball.

The driver soon stopped in front of the hotel, whose name was written at the peace of paper and Nikki took out her wallet.

„It's 300 bucks," he said. Her eyes widened.