Page 21 of Billionaire's Desire
She must have come in when I was still asleep and left these for me.
Despite how I acted, she was still nice to me, a total stranger.
Are we really strangers though?
I push the thoughts aside and pick up the glass of water.
I swallow the pills and then take a sip of the Gatorade. I feel so much better already.
Now that I am no longer knocking on heaven’s door, I can fully appreciate how terrible of a human being I actually am.
She was nice to me despite me being a constant pain and being unreasonably rude to her.
The guilt burrows deep in my chest.
I can hear the sound of the yacht’s engines and the waves gently lapping against the hull. I’m glad I’m feeling better, but I’m also a little apprehensive about facing her. I’m not sure how she’ll react after our argument yesterday.
I take a deep breath and make my way up to the deck. The sun is shining, and the sea is calm. I see her, standing at the helm, looking out over the water. She turns when she hears me approach and I can see the surprise in her eyes.
“Mr. Cole… I mean Max,” she says, her voice wary. “You’re up.”
I nod, not sure what to say. “Yeah,” I reply, my voice a little hoarse. “I’m feeling a lot better.”
She looks at me for a moment, then nods. “Good,” she says, her voice softening. “I’m glad.”
I can see the kindness in her eyes, and I realize that maybe she was trying to help, after all. I feel a wave of guilt wash over me, and I know that I owe her an apology.
“Listen,” I say, taking a step forward. “I’m sorry about yesterday. I was feeling terrible, and I wasn’t in the right state of mind. I’m grateful for your help.”
She smiles, looking relieved. “It’s okay,” she says. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”
“I really am sorry.”
For a moment, I think that she will ignore me completely, but she surprises me when she whispers, “You’re forgiven.”
We stand there for a moment, looking at each other, and I realize that maybe, just maybe, things could be different between us. Maybe we can start fresh, move past our past conflicts and be a little more cordial towards each other.
The sun rises higher in the sky, and I know that it’s a new day, a new start. And I’m ready to make the most of it.
***
Most of the people on the yacht are docile after the food poisoning incident including the Wheelers so I spend the majority of the day strolling around the yacht and experiencing what it has to offer. I go swimming in the afternoon then visit the casino right after.
I don’t remember the last time I had a moment to myself, so I enjoy my me-time.
I feel lighter and not just because I spent the whole of last evening with my head inside the toilet bowl, but also because my soul feels freer.
I am not busy.
The last time I wasn’t busy was over two decades ago, for sure.
I think I needed this trip for a lot more than business.
By the time the evening rolls in, I am languid and sore in such a blissful way. Like I have had a night of delicious sex.
Speaking of, I wonder what Mia is doing right now?
No. Not going there. I am going to focus on this one day I get to relax and rejuvenate.
