by KM Lowe
Gio walks towards a black car and pulls open the door. “Sorry, Giovani. I was taking a business call.” A man jumps out of the driver’s seat.
“No worries. Rio, this is Harleigh. Harleigh, this is Rio, our driver for tonight. He runs this taxi company.”
“Nice to meet you, Rio.”
“Likewise, Miss Harleigh.” He runs around the car and holds his hand out to me. “I hope you have a good evening.”
I shake Rio’s hand and climb into the well-maintained car. It’s comfortable and cool, nothing that I expect from a local taxi. This is luxury at its finest.
One thing I’ve picked up from Bulgarians is the respect they show to tourists. I’ve not come across a horrible person yet. Back home in Scotland people wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire, especially if it didn’t have any gain for them. It isn’t until you come to foreign countries that you see the stark contrast. It upsets me, because Scotland is a lovely part of the world. The people leave a lot to be desired
We set off and I look out of the window, taking in the sights Bulgaria has to offer. People are milling around in their beach attire, laughing and joking. I’ve not really had a chance to get to know anyone else in Bulgaria. Once I met Gio and Lucca, anything I planned to do was forgotten about. Now, I’m quite happy to be chauffeured around and shown all the best places. I wouldn’t have done half of what I’ve done so far if I was on my own.
“You’ll love Khan’s tent. My mum and dad go every time they come out here. It never gets boring.”
“It sounds….” I pause and think about the best word. “Interesting.” I turn my attention to Gio and our knees brush, sending sparks straight to my core. “When was the last time your parents were out here?”
“Last year. They’re due their yearly visit, but they just turn up and surprise us. At first, when I didn’t have the house, I was never organised, and by luck, I always had a room spare in the hotel they could use. Now, with the house just around the corner, they can stay with me if they so desire, much to Lucca’s annoyance. He’d much rather I flung them in the hotel and forgot about them for their entire stay.”
“Lucca and your dad really don’t get along, huh?”
“They’re just so alike, but neither of them would admit that. I keep hoping that one day Lucca will settle down, find the one, have kids, and then realise my dad isn’t as bad as he thinks. Lucca just sees Dad as a nag, trying to control his life. And I’m not condoning what my dad is like around Lucca, because it’s wrong, but I see both of their sides. My mum just sits back and watches the fireworks, because she’s old school and doesn’t interfere with anything her husband says. It annoys Lucca, because he thinks Dad takes the piss because Mum is so laidback.”
“Let’s hope the right woman comes along one day and sets Lucca on the right path.”
“I’m not going to hold my breath on that one, sweetheart. Lucca is a free spirit.”
I look out of the window beside Gio and notice we’re climbing up a hill. The hustle and bustle of Sunny Beach has faded. It’s like another world… again. Every time I think nothing else will surprise me here, something comes along and changes my mind. Each thing I see is more beautiful than the last.
“I bet you wonder where on Earth I’m taking you now.”
“Just a little. But I trust you. I’m just enjoying the ride.” I smile.
I’m glad my face is caked in make-up to hide the blush that’s usually permanently stuck to my cheeks.
At that moment, we round a sharp bend and turn into what I assume is our destination.
“Enjoy the show, guys,” says Rio, as he pulls up to the side.
I follow Gio out of the taxi and he takes my hand. I look up to the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen. It’s actually set out like a tent, but it’s built with brick instead of fabric.
“Wow! It’s stunning.”
It’s breath taking. There isn’t a word good enough I can use to describe it, it’s that beautiful.
“Let me show you the magnificent view.”
Gio pulls me along behind him and I follow willingly. The night air is still humid and warm. Other tourists are walking around the area, getting ready to go inside to settle down to dinner. The whole atmosphere is something else.
We climb a few steps and Gio pulls me over to the wall. I look out over the whole area of Sunny Beach, the sand and sea below us. The views are magnificent. It’s like a scene from a postcard. It’s every photographer’s dream.
“It’s even better at about nine o’clock when dusk is setting in. If we’re not too carried away with the acts, I’ll bring you back out.”
I place both of my hands on the wall and throw my head back to take in a lungful of air. It’s amazing what clean air can do, not just for your lungs, but for your wellbeing too. I’ve only been here a short time and my skin and hair are so much healthier. My mental health isn’t on par just yet, but it’s better than it was back home. Everything feels so much better here.
“I’ve said this a lot lately, but I could so get used to this.”
“Me too.”
I look over at Gio and he’s staring right at me with a cheeky smile on his face. I don’t want to be too forward and ask if he’s talking about the same thing I am. My head and heart need to think that he means me, and not the sun, sea, and amazing views.
I take the proverbial bull by the horns, lean forward and kiss Gio a little harder than I planned. I’m relieved he doesn’t mind public displays and openly kisses me back with no hurry.
I pull back and his forehead rests down on mine. I feel his warm breath against mine.
“Maybe we should go inside,” I whisper against his lips.
He winks at me, takes my hand, and we walk slowly around the building, taking everything in. If what I’ve already seen is not the main thing then tonight is going to be a ten out of ten… and I don’t just mean the man.
What is this man doing to me?
Chapter 15
Giovani
Sitting beside Harleigh, watching her clap and cheer for the trapeze acts flying through the air, is the best thing I’ve heard and seen in what feels like forever. Her hair is down, her body is relaxed, and she’s enjoying herself. I’m glad I thought about bringing her to Khan’s tent now. Anyone that comes up here and doesn’t enjoy themselves needs a personality transplant. Kids from a young age, to grandmas at eighty-years old enjoy the atmosphere. The entertainment, the views, and the building alone are the main attractions. The food and drink are just a bonus.
“This is so much fun. Does it have to end?” Harleigh pouts and makes me smile at her innocence.
The lights come up and everyone cheers loudly. I can feel the applause vibrating through my body it’s that loud.
“I’m afraid it does. Did you enjoy it?”
“Absolutely amazing. It’s the best thing I’ve ever watched... ever.”
I’m over the moon that Harleigh enjoyed this little beauty spot. I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best nights out in Bulgaria. People come from all over the world just to experience what Khan’s tent has to offer. It’s the one place I tell all my hotel guests that they must visit.
Harleigh drinks the last of her glass of wine. Her eyes are sparkling from the alcohol; a look I’ve started to like on her. It’s the one time I get the true Harleigh. There’s no filter, no thinking about what she needs to say or do. She’s just pure and relaxed. I wish she didn’t need alcohol to fuel that side of her, but I won’t stop trying to break down her walls until I get this side of her all the time.
“Would you mind if I took a photo of us together? I promised my brother I’d take a picture, and it isn’t something I’d usually do, but I’m trying out this new me. I have social media, but I’ve not used it for a long time. It just seems fitting that I take a picture of us tonight when we’re all relaxed, dressed up, and having fun. It might show my brother that I got over my panic attack earlier and did actually have fun.”
I reach over and take her hand.
“I just rambled, didn’t I?” We both laugh. “It sounded okay in my head.”
“You never need to ask to take a photo. Let’s ask someone to take a full-length picture instead of a selfie.”
I stand up and ask the gentleman from the next table, who is English, if he’ll take a picture. He’s only too happy to oblige.
Harleigh stands up beside me, looking happy and merry. She hands her phone over to the man and he snaps a picture of us.
“Thank you,” we say in unison.
“One more.” I take out my phone, turn the camera around and snap a closer picture of us together.
I show Harleigh the picture and she pats my chest. “Anyone looking at that picture would think we’re a couple.”
I look at the photo carefully as she grabs her bag. It’s at that moment I don’t doubt what she says. I want everyone to see me with Harleigh. I want the whole world to know she’s mine. Only, I don’t know what we are. We’re enjoying each other’s company, having the best sex I’ve ever had in my life, and somehow, we’re riding the biggest wave of ecstasy.
“Ready?” Harleigh asks brightly.
I love the contagious glow she has about her tonight. Her smile that reaches her eyes. I’ll remember this night for as long as I live.
“Sure. Let’s get out of here. Rio will be waiting outside.”
I find it hard to believe that I’ve only known Harleigh for a short time, because life seems so natural with her; eating drinking, spending time together… the only thing that feels wrong is being away from her.
Is that a sign that we’re destined to be together? I don’t believe in guardian angels, but someone is looking out for us.
Chapter 16
Harleigh
When we walk into the hotel, music is playing in the bar, and laughter and chatter surround us. The heat from Giovani’s hand is making me hotter than the Sahara Desert. I have pools of sweat on my palms. Actually, I have sweat in places I didn’t know I could have sweat.
“I’ve had such a lovely evening.” I look over at Gio.
“Good. I’m glad. I did too. I’ll have to up my game for our next date night.”
My heart flutters in my chest at the thought of another night with Gio. He hasn’t got fed up with me just yet, and that thought alone excites me. No man has ever just wanted to spend time with me without it being for their own gain. It’s something I’ll need to get used to, because it’s a strange feeling. Foreign to me and my body. But I have to say, I like it. I like the feeling of being wanted. Needed.
“And you’ll be happy to know my bar stocks gin, and plenty of it.”
“Ah, that’s finished my night off perfectly. I’m not a big drinker, but I do like to taste test a lot of the different flavours. My brother brings me a different bottle back from every trip he takes. I have a funny collection back home.”
I don’t know what it is about Giovani, but I find it so easy to discuss things with him. I openly tell him about my life without even thinking about it. I’ve never done that before.
“I get a lot of British tourists staying here so I like to give them what they like back home,” Giovani explains.
We walk into the bar and it’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it.
“Karaoke is always busy.”
I smile at Giovani, because it’s like he read my mind. He seems to know what I’m thinking all the time. Either I’m easy to read, or he makes it his mission to be attentive.
It’s good to see people enjoying themselves with their loved ones. I was beginning to think this hotel held the hoity toity upper class citizen, but who can avoid karaoke? No one. I know I’m the worst singer out there but give me a few drinks and a singing partner and I’ll give it a go.
We spot a space at the bar and Gio pulls out a barstool for me. I hitch myself up, probably not ladylike, and sit patiently and wait for Lucca to spot us. He looks stressed and very unlike the guy I’ve come to know. What could have possibly happened since earlier this evening?
“Oh, shit,” says Gio, and I look over to where he’s looking in the corner.
A little elderly couple are sitting tapping their hands on the table, drinking their drink, enjoying the music.
“What’s wrong?” I ask curiously.
“That’s what has crawled up Lucca’s arse tonight.”
“What?”
“You wanted to meet my mum and dad, right?”
“Erm… Is that?” I point over to the corner.
“Give me two minutes, babe.” He leans down and kisses me softly on the lips.
It was the quickest kiss we’ve ever shared. I don’t like seeing Gio and Lucca worked up. It breaks my heart, because I’ve got used to their carefree nature.
I watch Giovani walk over to his parents. His mum spots him instantly and stands up to embrace her son. It’s a lovely moment I’m glad I witnessed. Gio really cares about his mother; that much is obvious, even from a distance.
“He spotted them, then.”
I look over at Lucca as he leans across the bar. He looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders and I wish I could take some of the weight off.
“He did. Are you okay?” I reach over and squeeze his arm.
“Yeah. What can I get you to drink, Harls?”
“Gio said you have gin. Just give me any flavour with lemonade, and whatever Gio usually drinks here.”
“Coming right up.”
I really wish I could jump into Lucca’s head and find out what his problem is with his parents. He looks terrible tonight, and I hate that look on him.
“Ice?”
Okay. So, we’re down to one-word questions.
“Please. Plenty of it. I need to cool down.”
Lucca places my drink down on the bar and a bottle of beer for Gio. I take out my purse and hand over the money, but Lucca just pushes my hand away.
“It’s on the house. Enjoy.”
“Thanks. Listen, do you fancy being my lunch buddy tomorrow? Maybe you can show me your idea of a good lunch. My treat, of course.”
Lucca leans over the bar with a drink of his own in his hand. “Why not? What do you fancy?”
“Anything. Surprise me.”
“McDonalds is out then.” He winks at me.
“Hey, I like McDonalds.” I laugh, just as a hand lands on my lower back.
I look up at Gio and smile warmly. “Hey.”
“Hey. I’ve got some people who want to meet you if you’re up to it?”
I look around Gio carefully and see a smiling man and woman looking at us carefully. It’s like they’re afraid to blink in case they miss anything.
“Okay," I say warily.
I’m not good with meeting strangers, but if they’re anything like Gio and Lucca then I know they’ll be absolutely fine. I hope.
“Good luck, Harls,” Lucca calls over to me as he walks away to serve some customers, which just puts me on edge even more.
“Ignore him. Honestly, the only person who has an issue with our parents is Lucca.” Gio lifts our drinks from the bar and carries them expertly in one hand while taking my hand in his. I’m glad of his hold on me because it gives me confidence.
“Harleigh, this is my mum, Margo, and my father, Alexandro.”
I shyly hold out my hand to the elderly couple, but Margo walks straight up to me and wraps her arms around me. I feel huge in her small frame.
“Bella.” She holds me out at arm’s length and studies every part of me. “It’s wonderful to see that someone beautiful has captured my son’s heart and soul.”
“Grazie.” I say in the only Italian I know.
“Nice to meet you, my dear. Please, call me Alex.” Alexandro holds his hand out to me and tenderly shakes mine.
It’s easy to see where Gio gets his soft, tender touch from. In fact, Gio looks extremely like his father in every way. His eyes, hair, and face shape are all Alexandro.
“Come and hav
e a drink with us.” Margo points to their table and Gio puts down our drinks. He pulls out a seat for me and I gratefully accept it. When I’m behind a table, I can hide my insecurities and play with my hands, fidget with my dress. Anything if it contains my nerves.
Only that doesn’t happen, because Gio reaches over and takes my hand and holds it tenderly between his. It’s as if he heard my thoughts and tries to break my tradition. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, because I hate my nerves and anxiety. I’d do anything to lose them.
“So, this is a nice surprise. What brings you out here?” asks Gio.
“We just wanted to see our sons. It has been a while, and it’s clear you’re not coming out to Italy any time soon.” Margo reaches over and squeezes Gio’s arm.
“We’ve just been so busy, Mum. We’re opening a new bar soon; the paperwork and planning is taking up all of our time. We won’t get home any time before the season ends.”
“Here?” asks Alex.
“What?”
“The new bar. Is it here?”
“Sunny Beach. It’s a good business decision. One we’ve seen coming for a while. When it did, Lucca and I jumped on it.”
I hear the uncertainty in Giovani’s voice. And for the first time since I’ve met him, I see a vulnerable side. I squeeze his hand and he gazes down at our joined hands and winks at me.
“And what about you, dear? Do you live out here?” asks Alex.
“I don’t. This is just a holiday. I’m a teacher, first and foremost. I’m also a freelance editor in my spare time, but it’s more of a hobby now, I love it so much, I couldn’t give it up when I went into teaching fulltime.”
“How did you meet?”
I feel like I’m on the spot and getting asked sixty questions. I just hope I don’t fail this interrogation. I’ve never had to meet the parents before. Martin’s mother died when he was a child and he didn’t speak to his father and stepmother. This is new territory for me.
