Page 17 of Stay Awhile
I shrugged, glancing at the crowd around us before meeting her death glare. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“You’re so focused on trying to entertain me that you’re missing everything happening around you.”
I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer to my side. Her attitude didn’t bother me—I wanted her to enjoy the moment without worrying about impressing anyone. I wasn’t the kind of man who needed to be entertained. Just being in her presence was giving me something I’d never experienced before.
“I’m not saying I don’t like to hear your voice. It’s damn near melodic, but you came to Fiji to explore and see what life hasoutside of where you’ve been. I just want you to breathe and take in the sights. Is that cool?” I asked.
I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings, but I recognized the type—she was the kind of person who put everyone else’s comfort before her own. I was the opposite. I’d learned to focus on myself because that’s all I could count on. After all, we enter and leave this world alone.
Skye released a sigh and released her arms from the tight cross she had them in against her chest, then snuggled closer to me while looking out at the seas. I watched her every moment as her shoulders dropped, her feet crossed at her ankles, and her body settled deeper into mine. I knew this wouldn’t be all it took to show her to choose herself, but it was a start, at least with the few hours we had left with each other. I couldn’t give her another day. Not with the dangers that were out there.
The boat was now pulling up to the dock of the island Viti Levu. The moment we stepped off the boat, a van was awaiting us, luxury of the resort. Once everyone was on, the drive into town wasn’t bad. It wasn’t long before rows of single story homes with tin or thatched roofs came into play.
Skye had been silent since the bus ride and was now staring intently out of the window at the many children running around and playing. The smiles on their little faces were ones I wished phased me, but with the things I had seen in life, I couldn’t look at them the same. Not without remembering.
I looked away and continued to watch what the new driver was doing. I had studied up on the direction they would take these tours the night before. I was not going to allow anything out of the ordinary to happen. The bus finally came to a stop at the town’s center.
It was a large patch of green grass with tons of people awaiting us. I looked over at Skye, and her eyes had gone widewith excitement. She couldn’t wait to be out in the open with everyone. I nudged her and gave her a smile.
“You ready to spend some money?” I asked.
She lifted a brow in my direction. “Let me find out you’re about to be like T.I. and start rapping you can have it all?” she questioned with a smile.
I laughed because I didn’t listen to music as much as I would like, but I did recognize the reference to that one.
“If you want it, then it’s on me. I just want to show you that you can have a selfish moment. I got you, even if it’s just for today,” I told her.
She did a little dance in her seat before standing up, since they were now allowing us to get off the bus. Music played, and the people were in their traditional garments dancing and singing. It was amazing. I had been around the world, but just like Skye, I had never taken a moment to smell the roses.
I helped her down the steps, this time making sure she didn’t trip. I pulled a pair of shades from my cargos and slipped them on. I knew there wasn’t too much I could do at this moment not to stand out, but I was at least going to try.
“Look at all of this!” Skye exclaimed.
I nodded with a smirk. I looked around at all the different crafts and displays happening here in this town. The roads were all unpaved.
It seemed as if the moment we got here, everyone came out of their homes. I stood beside Skye as I looked around at the different people approaching other travelers with coconuts filled with Kava. They offered us coconuts as well. I wanted to decline, but I knew that would be considered rude, but at this point I didn’t give a damn.
I took it but poured it out little by little. I made sure no one was watching me or Skye. She took a sip, then handed hers tome. I was sure she wanted to start shopping and experiencing what the town offered.
Our town guide took us to see weaving demonstrations, so Skye could get a few mats for her family and friends. I made sure to grab a few different fruits from the local farmers. They had Pomelo, which was kind of like grapefruit but sweeter, pineapples, and Vi Apple, which was also known as Tahitian apple.
By the time we finished, the sun was going down, and the music was going again, so everyone was dancing along with the villages people. Skye left me seated at one of the seats available and began dancing along with the other women. The natural sway of her hips left me hypnotized, almost making me forget that I needed to be alert.
Her smile and happiness were everything. She jogged over to me with her hand out to pull me out with her. I was not a dancer. Far from it.
“I don’t dance, Blue,” I told her.
“For me?” She pouted.
I dragged a hand down my face as I did a little two step that made me look even more stupid. I was sure of it, but I was willing to do anything for this woman, which was beginning to scare the fuck out of me. She wrapped her arms around me to give me a hug and laughed.
I knew that was her nice way of saying she believed me and I was off the hook.
“If you’re heading back to the resort, we’re heading out,” the attendant announced.
Skye placed her hand in mine, and then I led the way back to the van. Once we made our way back to our original seat. I watched as each person who was in the van earlier got back on. Except a man who seemed to slip on behind a woman and slide into the seat beside her.
My body went rigid as I watched his movements. I waited for just a moment for him to look back in my direction, but he never did. I looked down at his shoes and noticed a blade attached to his calf. I knew without needing to be told. He was there for me. How I hadn’t noticed him in the town was crazy to me. I knew it was because of my lack of attention, because of being wrapped up in Blue.
