Runaway

Chapter 17

Yes, Nikki Hamilton definitely wasn't a type of person who can easily be surprised or exerted in shock but Daniel was definitely one of the people who succeeded in it. His sudden request for her going out with him was a huge surprise. So much that she was just speechless. It took her a few moments to compose herself and answer him. The answer was, of course, positive.

Nikki was now spraying the last layer of makeup in her room's bathroom, taking deep breaths. Today, she was finally going out with Daniel. A few days passed since he asked her out on the beach. She hadn't told anyone anything until yesterday, which caused strong reactions, especially from Brian and Marina. Two of her closest friends from Naples announced their arrival to the hotel before she would head out with Daniel and were now sitting in her room, waiting for her to get ready.

Nikki was trying to hear what they were talking about but she wasn't hearing anything, which made her sign and return to her makeup.

„Get it together!" she ordered herself.

During this time, Brian and Marina were nervously squirming, she on the bed and he on the sofa.

„I can't believe this is happening. I'm shocked. I swear to you, I almost fell from ma chair yesterday when to told me she is going out with Dan. I thought she was joking," the Latina was babbling with stars in her eyes.

Brian, on the other hand, shook his head in disapproval. Marina seemed to ignore his concern or she didn't understand it.

„This won't end well," he said, whispering so Nikki wouldn't hear him.

Marina was suddenly speechless, just looking at her ex-boyfriend.

„Here you go again with all this negativity," she replied, not paying much attention to Brian's warnings. She was terribly annoyed with him.

„Listen to me..." he hissed, approaching the bed. „The day after Nikki's accident he came to the store after a longer period of not being there and as soon as he saw Sofia's picture, he got a panic attack. Dan is anxious. He hasn't forgotten about Sofia, he's only suppressing everything in himself and it's only a matter of time when it'll explode. And guess who'll be on the front line, receiving a direct hit?"

Marina's eyes widened in surprise. He almost couldn't believe the amount of negativity Brian was carrying around.

„He kissed her. Multiple times. You heard it all for yourself, Brian. Nikki admitted everything to us. Something good is finally happening to both of them. Why can't you support them?" Marina asked, annoyed but Brian didn't give up.

„Nikki is going to burn!" he replied, getting into Marina's face. He was very sure of his theory. „When everything escalates, Nikki will be the one who's going to get the most damage. For a thousandth time."

„If you're so sure...or better say unsure of your best friend, why don't you tell her, Brian?

The man knew Marina was just trying to provoke him. He paused, sighing as his hand went through his hair.

„Because...because I hope I'm not right. And because at least for once I don't want to be a party pooper who always brings bad news."

Marina wanted to say something to him but she was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. As Nikki came out of the bathroom, they both got up from their sitting places. The Latina clapped her hands, smiling broadly to the other woman.

„When he sees you, Dan will fall on his ass," she said.

Nikki felt somewhat embarrassed but smiled back at them and then looked at the big mirror in the room. She was satisfied with her appearance. Tight, white-and-black dress with an open back was looking great on her. She was grateful she decided to buy it. She left her hair in its natural curls, falling down her shoulders and back and she also picked a light makeup. Frankly, she didn't need it. The dark-skinned people had that advantage. The sterile gauze which was covering her stitches was no longer there and they weren't so noticeable.