Three Thousand Miles(62)

“Katharine you are amazing and don’t ever forget that. Sure Michael is gorgeous but you are beautiful and smart he should feel lucky to have you.” I say proudly.

“I know Alanna but Michael is the best thing that I have ever had and I was in pieces when we were broken up. I have always loved him and I know that he doesn’t feel the same way but I hope that one day he will.” I immediately look down at the floor when I hear Katharine’s words. My heart is breaking and I hate that my friend is going through this. I know that I need Michael in my life and I am very aware of how selfish I am being.

“I am sorry if I have gotten in the way. It was never my intention and from now on I will keep my distance.” I feel instantly guilty as those words pass from my lips. I close my eyes and I can see Michael’s face. His thick black hair and his ice blue eyes are flashing in mind. I vaguely remember his kiss and then I quickly open my eyes.

“No Alanna don’t stay away from him, that will only make him want you more. It’s better if he is around you and I am hoping that if he sees that you are happy with Adrian then he will finally move on from you.” I am stunned at Katharine. I would have thought she would have been delighted that I offered to stay away from Michael - the guy that jumped in front of a bullet for me. Instead, she is telling me to be around him. I gently shake my head as I take in her words.

“Katharine I don’t know what to do for the best. I hate that Michael has feelings for me and I hate that I cannot be without him. I want you to know that I love Adrian and that there will only ever be friendship on offer to Michael.”

“I know that you love him and I know that you would never do anything with Michael. It is his actions that I fear.” Katharine looks sad and I feel awful I wish I could have a magic wand to wipe away all this mixed up feelings about Michael. However this is the real world and there is no magic, so I will just have to settle for reality. And the reality is, I am in love with Adrian but I need Michael too. My friend loves Michael and she cannot fully be with him because he loves me. My life is too complicated and I feel like crying every time that I think of this of situation.

After a long day of relaxing on the beach Katharine and I finally decide that, it is time we went back to the hotel. I quickly get up from the leather sun lounger and begin to pack up my stuff. As I throw my sun cream into my bag, I hear my white Blackberry buzzing.

“Hello baby, how is it going over there?” Adrian asks as I answer his call.

“The beach is stunning but it is getting colder now. We are just about to head back to the hotel. Are you still at the meeting?”

“No I am actually on Chris’s yacht, the meeting finished early and he invited everyone back for drinks. I shouldn’t be long as our flight is at eight.”

“Okay, Adrian I will let you get back to your colleagues.”

“Alanna,”

“Yes,”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes I am fine, why?”

“No reason, don’t talk to anyone strange, okay?” His words alert me and I loose grip on whatever I was holding in my hand. My heart is racing as I think back on the shooting.

“Adrian, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing baby, but you can never be too careful. Just be aware of anyone strange, do you understand?”

“Yes, but I thought all that was over?”

“Alanna, it will never be over as long as you are with me. I promise that I will keep you safe don’t worry but please, be aware.” I breathe a sigh of relief and I quickly compose myself around Katharine.

“Sweetie, I will talk to you soon, I love you Adrian.”

“I know that you do.”

Adrian hangs up and I quickly turn to Katharine.

“Was that Adrian?” Katharine asks and I feel that is a silly question but I answer her anyway.

“Yes, they aren’t back the hotel yet.”

“Where are they?” Katharine says rather nervously.

“You that know that guy Chris?”

“Yeah I met him briefly last night.”

“Adrian and Michael are having drinks with him on his yacht. Adrian said he won’t be long but I am not sure about Michael.” I say. Katharine immediately checks her phone and I can tell that she is disappointed that Michael has not called her. I shake off this concerned feeling and I quickly begin to pack up my things once again.

We arrive back at the hotel and as soon as I am in through the door, I rush to the shower. I quickly wash and then I begin to rummage through the closet for an outfit.

“Is this all your clothes?” Katharine says as he strides into the closet wearing a plush white bathrobe and a towel around her hair. I glance up at her as I sit amongst the piles of clothes - which is scattered all over the floor.