Free Before You Leave: A Romance Novel by Amelia Hunter Page B

thought of being in his company without any pressure or any reminder of Ryan is what I think I need today.
    This is meant to be the start of my new life.
    Even if I don’t really believe it.
    Sarah was already in the kitchen making her coffee when I arrive back in. As I walk through the sliding door, she comes out of the kitchen area and wraps her arms around pulling me close for a hug.
    “Thank you for the note.”
    “Sarah, I’m wet.”
    “I don’t care. How are you feeling? Would you like one of your teas?”
    “I would love one. Do we have any fruit? I am feeling a bit peckish.”
    “Sit I’ll bring you something.”
    “No Sarah, you’ve done more than enough. You sit outside on the patio and I’ll bring you breakfast. Just give me a minute to put on some clothes.”
    “Ok I’ll take my coffee outside. The bread is in the toaster ready to push down.” Sarah explains and takes her mug outside, leaving me to dress and prepare breakfast.
    It only takes me five minutes to join her with a dish of chopped fruit and a plate with Sarah’s toast on, balancing on my cup of herbal tea. Taking a seat after Sarah carefully removes the plate, I pop on the borrowed sunglasses.
    “Did you enjoy your swim this morning?” Sarah asks as soon as I take my first sip.
    “I did. It was beautiful before the sun came out.” Resting the fork on the side of the white dish, I swallow the piece of melon before continuing, “Look Sarah, I’m truly grateful for everything you have done for me, including bringing me here.”
    “I know sweetie, it hasn’t been easy on you.” Sarah pats my knee as she speaks. “I need to ask you something though?”
    “Go on, I’m do my best to answer.” I say, intrigued and trying to be as light hearted as I can.
    “You remember when we landed on Thursday?”
    “Yes, well briefly. I don’t actually remember much that day.”
    “Well you collapsed at the door just as we were leaving the plane. A gentleman caught you just in time.”
    “Oh, that was embarrassing. I couldn’t even look at him after that.”
    “He annoyed me, took over the whole situation like some kind of hero.”
    “Oh is that what you thought? I just thought he was being helpful.”
    “Not from where I was standing. Well he came here yesterday looking for you.”
    “Really. How did he know I was here? I know the island is small but here?”
    “I was thinking he was some kind of stalker but he said he was with you the evening you were missing.”
    “He what! I hope you told him where to go.”
    “Oh I told him more than that. Told him I would call the guards on him or whatever they are called here. He was very persistent. Were you with him Jules? It’s ok if you were, I won’t get all protective or anything. You’re beautiful, it’s going to happen.”
    “I don’t know Sarah, I mean I went out walking and found a serene spot on some rocks. The ocean was so clear. Next thing Kieran turned up and we went for a quick drink by the marina before the evening closed in.”
    “Hold up there, back track. Who the feck is Kieran?”
    “I met him on the first day you went shopping in the cafe I stayed in. He has been very chatty.”
    “Good god woman. Can we not leave you anywhere on your own?”
    “It wasn’t as if I wanted the company. One minute he was there then he was gone. I think he spends a lot of time here. Family or something like that.” I didn’t mean for my voice to go an octave higher and gulp my cooled tea down, not savouring the taste.
    “And why then on Friday did I find you in such a state.” I can hear Sarah’s annoyance reflective in her speech. As I am saying it I don’t like it either. Replacing my cup on the table I answer Sarah timidly. “It doesn’t sound good does it? I never wanted anyone to bump into me at these places. You know how much I love my own company at times. He just popped up.” Shrugging my shoulders I wait for her reaction.
    I didn’t want to tell Sarah about him