Page 61 of Something Old

Sitting at the bar with a smirk on his face as he stares at me.

Is it really him?

My heart is beating so fast the blood is pumping in my ears and I can’t even hear the music at this point.

I take a deep breath. Close my eyes and tilt my head back.

I know why he’s here.

It’s not like he rushed to Hawaii to save our marriage. No. He’s probably just pissed off that I used his credit card for my little escape - and maybe that I didn’t even tell him where I was going.

His ego is most likely bruised because his wife isn’t being obedient.

Well.

There is only one thing I can do.

I have to go there - and talk to him.

I gather up all my strength and courage and make my way towards him.

“Leora.” He smiles at me. Looking relaxed.

But I will not make this easy for him.

I lean up against the bar. Waving Patrick over.

“What can I get you Leora.” He asks.

“A gin for me and - whatever he’s having - um - another beer.”

Then, I take another breath, centering myself, before I turn to face him.

“Masaccio.” I say his name.

“Leora.” He says my name and my heart flips wildly. Why does it still do that?

Why does he still have the power to make me feel that way?

“What are you doing here, Mas?” I ask, deciding to get straight to the point.

“It’s Hawaii, people come here to relax and have a good time, right?” he says, laughing. A deep sound that resonates through my body.

“They do - yes - do you even know how to have a good time?” I say sarcastically, remembering how boring he was on our honeymoon.

He waves Patrick over to us again.

“Two tequilas’ please.”

Patrick glances at me, trying to gauge if this tall dark stranger is bothering me or not. I nod, I need a tequila.

Masaccio lifts his shot and holds it out towards me. “To relaxing and having a good time.”

“Ok.” I say, skeptically.

He downs it, then orders another one for each of us. Mm. What is he up to?

Mas leans against the bar, reaching and tracing his hand over my hip.

---