Misconstrue

Happy TWENTY-ONE, Will.

It wasn't common to see many celebrities while growing up on Nevis, especially since St. Kitts was the more popular tourist destination when I was younger. On the other hand, living in a big city such as London, with its many exclusive events allowed for spotting celebrities here and there.

But not for me though. I was mostly a recluse in undergrad and too hyper-focused on being number one in med school to notice anything or anyone insignificant. 

So, of course it comes as a culture shock to see the reception Emilio's getting in Barcelona. 

It started at breakfast. The baristas at La Papa were ecstatic at the sight of Emilio. They greeted him with warm smiles and asked about his wellbeing, and he engaged with a huge smile on his face while introducing me as his girlfriend. It became obvious to me that this is his go-to spot when he's in Barcelona.

I spotted a few people pointing and smiling at us while we sat and ate. I tried to ignore them. Tried to remind myself that no one knows who I am and there's no way they'll find out. I tried to distract myself by the fact that Emilio's holding my hand, and talking to me, but there were moments when I found myself disassociating.

As we sat there, amidst the wildly disturbing white walls of La Papa, I could only focus on one thing. Did Emilio take Lola here as well? Did he introduce her to the staff as his girlfriend? Did he sit in a secluded spot while asking her questions about her work and goals for the future?

I was dying to know!

So, when Emilio dragged us to the next spot, I didn't say a word. I found myself nodding with a reserved smile on my face as Emilio picked out sparking jewelry for the both of us. I mean, what else was I supposed to do? There were people on the sidewalks taking candid photos of us. I felt like I was an exotic animal in the zoo. 

Did Emilio take Lola here too? I noticed that Emilio and I were the only ones in store. Did Emilio make an appointment so we could be undisturbed? Is it because he learnt the hard way when he took Lola here at first?

A moment of peace finally found us when we ended up at Marina Port Bell - on Emilio's superyacht. I couldn't even laugh if I wanted to, of course he owns a superyacht!

And so, we settled down for lunch on the open waters. 

"Thank you." The need to be thankful overwhelms me. The sun's reflection hits the water in my apologetic moment, and my wrist also glistens magically as we sail along. 

My stomach is tight. While thoughts of Lola were running wild in my mind, I failed to realize the price point of Emilio's gift. Resting on wrist is a eight-point-nine-two carats bracelet, crafted carefully with one hundred and thirty-eight diamonds.

I used my need for the washroom as an excuse to check the price and that knowledge left me feeling a little uncomfortable. I think it's finally setting in that I am dating a billionaire. I mean, what normal person would buy their date a bracelet that costs over a hundred and sixty thousand Euros?

"You don't need to thank me, Balei." Emilio's eyes light up as he smiles at me. It's obvious that he's content, and I'm guessing I should feel the same. 

This type of luxury is on a different level. "Well, I am grateful for everything." I put on a smile of my own. "Who knew superyachts could be this..."

I pause. I am fascinated by the enormous vessel, but I'm sure they're also not healthy for the environment. I should choose my words carefully. Emilio's going to be without a jet because I chose to be a warrior for the environment.

"...super?" 

Emilio laughs with a shake of his head. "That's one way to put it."

"But seriously." I take a deep breath as the wind whips around us. "This is a much-needed break. Thank you."