Entangled Temptations (SLOW UPDATES)

Chapter 8

THE MALDIVES

I got off the plane pretty tired, going from one time zone to the next was taking a toll on me, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I hadn't spoken to Ayana since Spain because I needed some time to decompress and unpack everything I had experienced with Max without a million and one questions. We texted back and forth and the thing I love most about Ayana? Yeah, she was a bit intrusive when it came to me and my life, but when I set a boundary? She KNEW not to cross that line. The time I had spent in New Zealand was enlightening, and it was truly all about self discovery. Sure I had my fun, but because I was by myself, I had some time to truly reflect. Not to mention my surroundings were just so peaceful and serene.

I took a taxi and made it to my ocean villa at the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, knowing full well the room would be fully lit up since Ayana made it here before I did. I stopped at the front desk to get my key, and walked on the wooden bridge. Although my body and spirit was rejuvenated, but my mind was dog tired. I got to my door and barely got a chance to roll my suitcase in, Ayana runs up to hug me, almost knocking me over.

"Oh my God, have I missed you! I know we've texted but it's been over a month since I've last seen you!" Ayana exclaimed.

I felt like the world's shittiest friend. I had been so caught up in my own life, that I hadn't even taken the chance and ask the latest in Ayana's. I hugged her back with a voracity that simply couldn't be matched.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I know I haven't exactly been a chatty Cathy lately. I just needed some time to decompress. Having to leave Max took a toll on me that I hadn't expected. That affected me more emotionally than catching Smitty in the act with my sister."

"Okay, so we're just going to skip over the Smitty comment. You are going to have to tell me about this man, and why you decided to just leave."

"I promise I will, but DAMN can I get in the door real good? I'm tired, it was a long flight, and I just want to take a shower!"

"No, fuck that shit. I've had to put up with your stench before, I'll put up with it again. I want to hear about this man. You OWE me that."

"What the hell? I don't stink! Damn bitch you're so selfish lately!"

"Being without my best friend for a month will do that to me. And no you don't stink, but I've missed you!!"

Leave it to Ayana to guilt trip me like no other. It was late and I just wanted to shower then sleep, but considering this woman has pretty much gone through every hardship with me, I DID owe her that.

"Okay, what do you want to know?"

"EVERYTHING! But let's start with how you met. I mean I know the few things you told me, but I want to picture as though I was there."

"Well his name is Max, which I believe I had already told you. I actually had met him on the plane before we met at the hotel. It was supposed to be a fun roll in the hay, a one night stand, but there was something about him that was so alluring, and then when he offered me that proposition, I JUST HAD TO TAKE HIM UP ON IT!"

"But that's so unlike you though!"

I sat down on the couch in our villa and screamed my frustration into a pillow.