Chapter 17

I lean against the red, iron balcony, which is covered in rope hoya leaves. I'm admiring the view Naples has to offer when a soft wind blows around me, slightly giving movement to the leaves and my hair. I haven't felt this type of relaxation in weeks.

The hotel is almost half a mile away from the Aegean sea. A breathtaking view. Crystal, blue water that looks so inviting, so pure. Just beyond that stands Mount Vesuvius.

Ryder's inside going over some things with Missy.

Every time I walk by them, they'll stop talking or change the conversation. I have had enough of that, so I decide to leave the room. I already feel like I don't belong. They are just adding insult to injury.

Standing out on the balcony is fine. I don't want to be anywhere near him after what he told me. And he doesn't need to see me sulking.

I fell for a prick that wished he could've killed me the second he laid eyes on me.

Only to make himself feel better. Horrible, right?

I am enjoying the view of the street when my eyes fall on a small flower shop. It is down the road, sitting on a corner. I instantly get into a better mood.

How I miss my flower shop. Nothing better than a calming environment that always smells heavenly.

I wonder if Ryder will mind me taking a stroll?

I walk back into the living room. Ryder and Missy are sitting at the dining room table.

"All right, so I'll need these things." He is about to hand her a piece of paper when she motions to him that I am approaching.

He turns towards me. "Hey, is it time to eat? Are you hungry?" Ryder asks, standing from his chair and walking towards me. He grabs my hand.

I look at him, confused. God, this man is hot and cold!

"No. Is it okay if I go down the street? I'd like to buy some flowers," I say, pointing behind me towards the balcony.

Ryder's brows furrow. "I'd rather you not leave my side."

I give him a hearty laugh. "Why? Is someone going to kidnap me? Again?"

Ryder looks as if my words hurt him. I don't care, not one bit. I look away as he walks onto the balcony. He looks out for, what I assume, is the flower shop. He comes back in and nods, sighing sadly and taking a seat on the couch.

I quickly and excitedly grab my wig, lipstick, sunglasses, and go to the bathroom. I leave him sitting there quietly, hopefully drowning in his own thoughts.

While fixing my disguise, I hear Missy speak. "Sir, shall we continue?"

"No!" He yells back at her.

Once I walk out of the bathroom, he ushers me, walking out of the suite with me.

"Where are you going?" I stop him from closing the door.

"With you."

I am taken aback. "No, you're not! I want to go by myself. And you are very busy there. Being secretive and all." I point towards the door.

"That doesn't matter to me at the moment."

This man is full of jokes. "Oh, so all of a sudden, I matter?" I scoff as I cross my arms. "No, I don't want your company, Ryder! What I do want is some money. Just in case I see something I want." I put my hand out.

I am definitely acting bratty, but I deserve some time to myself.

I've never even asked anyone for any money in my life.

However, it is his fault that I am in this predicament. Let him foot the bill!

Ryder's eyes glaze over as he pulls out a phone. "Just in case," he says as he hands it to me and takes his wallet out with the room key. "And these are euros." He pulls out a ton of bills.

"Oh, so I'm not worth it, I should be dead, I can't be trusted, and now I'm stupid?" I give him a blank stare. "Now I completely understand why you want me away from you!"

He opens his mouth and closes it. I roll my eyes as I grab the money and key from his hand and make my way to the elevator.

"Please be careful, Sam."

I just ignore him as I walk toward the elevator down the hall. Once I reach it, I turn to see if he is still standing there.

He is. I smile inside.

Once the elevator door opens, I get in and hit the button to the first floor. A rush of excitement surges through my body when the doors close!

I can't wait to be surrounded by all different types of plants and flowers! I'm in a different country, so I may see different things that don't necessarily grow back at home!

Maybe I'll also find a store with little souvenirs of my time wasted in Italy.

That sounds like a plan!

I exit the hotel and begin my walk down the street when I feel someone burning holes right through me. I look up and try to find our balcony. It isn't that hard. Ryder is standing on it, staring right at me.

He is sporting the meanest face I have ever seen. He's bent over on the railing, and Missy is behind him holding a notepad, talking on the phone.

I fix my sunglasses and walk directly to the flower shop. Visiting any of the other stores will probably be out of the question since he's watching me. I may have to improvise.

Going back to that suite is also out of the question. I need some time away from him.

I slow my pace when the smell of primrose hits me. It's my favorite scent! It's a yellow flower that smells spicy, earthy, and comforting.

There's a stand right outside the store that has tons of flowers on it. I have to smell each one.

"Bella, no?"

I turn to my right and see a handsome guy picking up a pot that contains freesias. He has a thick Italian accent and is smiling at me.

"Excuse me?"

"The flowers! Beautiful, no?" He points to the primrose.

"Oh, yes! They are! I actually own a flower shop." I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear nervously.

"Ah, nice! You are an American, no?" His accent makes me want to laugh, but it's very sexy.

"Yes, I am," I say, smiling as I continue to look through the flowers.

He smiles back and puts the pot down, putting his hand out so I can shake it. "I'm Riccardo! Nice to meet you, American."

I laugh and hesitate as I look down at his hand.

He's friendly, Sam. Relax!

"Hello Riccardo, I'm Sam-Sanjay!" I have to be careful not to tell anyone my name. Especially when the world is looking for me. We shake hands.

He looks at me surprised. "Sanjay? Strange name for an American. Isn't that an Indian name?"

I have to think fast!

"My great-grandmother was born in India. I'm named after her."

"Oh!" Riccardo laughs and puts his hands up. "You got me! I'm sorry for being offensive."

"No, not at all! I get that all the time," I lie again.

Riccardo is about to ask me something else when my cell phone starts to ring in my pocket.

One guess as to who it can be!

I turn and see Ryder on his phone, glaring at me, from the balcony. I ignore him.

"So, are you here on vacation?" Riccardo asks as he rearranges some pots that are on the stand.

I look back at him. I don't know what to say until I see someone walk by us. The person has a camera dangling from their neck.

"No, it's for work! I'm a photographer."

Riccardo is impressed. "Wow, an American with an Indian name, who owns a flower shop and has a career in photography. I cannot compete with that. Very nice!"

He turns and walks into the flower shop. I fix my sunglasses as I follow him inside. I turn quickly and look for Ryder. He is still staring at me from the balcony.

I smile at him and walk-in.

The shop is small and full of people. I also can't believe the number of flowers and plants here. They cover the floor to the ceiling. It takes my breath away.

There is also music playing. I have no idea who it is or the language they are singing, but it's beautiful.

I remember Grandma telling me that all life thrives on music, especially plants and flowers. The music creates a stress-less environment.

It's something I've never believed.

"Riccardo! I need help getting those flowers down. And bill me for these petunias," an older woman says, pointing to an arrangement of petunias. It's in a refrigerator.

"You own this store?" I ask, surprised, stepping aside as a family exits the shop.

"Yes, I do!" He waves for me to follow him to the register. "I'm sure it's nothing like your store. And I am also a botanist. I live and breathe green."

I beam at him. Never would I have thought to find a man who loves plants and flowers as much as I do. I suddenly get depressed as I realize I haven't stepped foot in my flower shop in forever. I never went more than a day without checking on my babies.

I'm admiring some of the plants when my phone rings again. I hit the decline button and put the phone on silent.

"Boyfriend or husband?" Riccardo asks as he rings a customer up.

I feel embarrassed. Is Ryder my boyfriend? Even after his hurtful admission?

"It's actually complicated," I say, sighing.

Riccardo smiles. "Well, here! Give him these and uncomplicate it."

He turns around and grabs a red long stem rose, and a white long stem rose, handing it to me. "For a beautiful lady, such as yourself! May you find love, peace, and happiness with your complication."

I laugh as I grab the roses. The gesture is very nice of him. "How much do I owe you?"

Riccardo shakes his head and leans close to me. "I will be offended if you give me your money."

I smile at him as I smell the roses. "Thank you so much!"

He nods. "Come back soon, Sanjay!" Riccardo begins to help the next customer.

Once I exit the flower shop, I look towards the balcony and see that Ryder isn't there anymore.

Good, I tell myself. Now I can go in search of souvenirs and a snack.

I run across the street and stand at the corner. There are so many shops to choose from. Where should I begin?

I hold the roses to my face and smell them again, closing my eyes. The delicate aroma has me feeling nostalgic.

I open my eyes and see a store that sells slippers. From what I gather, they make them right there, and there are so many designs to choose from.

I look up and down as I run across the street. Such a busy street!

So many parents and children are walking and riding scooters. I smile as I cross the street, and a child waves at me. I happily wave back at him as his mother nods at me.

"Such friendly people!"

This would never be the case in California. So many stuck-up adults and their children's noses are always in their cellphones.

I approach the store. The store window has about ten or so slippers. Furry ones, plain ones. Some are covered in pearls, while others have flowers on them. The ones that stand out are bedazzled.

I walk in, wanting a pair.

Two hours later, I exit the store. It takes longer than expected, but it doesn't bother me.

The older woman in the shop wanted to design my slippers carefully. She bedazzled them in purple and silver sequins. A process I really enjoyed watching.

When she finished, she explained how every shoe she has ever made would be different from the next. She asked if there were anything special I'd like on it.

I thought about it for a moment. I could've been corny and had her write Ryder's name on the back of the slipper. But I thought against it. I then remembered how hot and cold Ryder could be.

I asked the shop owner if she could insert a small, blue diamond and a red diamond. She agreed and put the two diamonds on the back of the left shoe and took a picture of it.

She explained the photo was for her binder. It held pictures of every single pair she created. My photo would go in binder number 99. It was 1 of 49,448.

I even got Ryder a blue tie. It was designed with grey dots on it. The shop owner made them herself too. Dye and all. I thought it looked nice.

I had even tipped her an extra one hundred euros, which was one hundred sixteen dollars and fifty cents in American dollars. She was overjoyed and kept thanking me, especially since the slippers were one fourth that price.

I look up toward the sky and see it's gotten darker, and there aren't that many people out on the street.

It's definitely time to get back.

I look at my phone.

Sixty-four missed calls?! Is he serious?! For someone who doesn't care, this went past caring and into craziness!

I throw the phone into the plastic bag that's carrying my new slippers, Ryder's tie, and the roses.

I cross the street and walk up the block to the hotel. The doorman holds the door open for me as I walk in.

Waiting for the elevator in the lobby, I decided to stop this insane tension between us. I will enjoy the next couple of days and be grateful that I will see my family again.

Not that long ago, I was counting the days until my potential death. At least I know I'm not going to die.

The elevator dings, and the doors open. I get in and hit the button to our top floor. Before the door closes, a man, dressed in all black, gets in.

For a split second, I think it's Ryder. This man is very tall, with pale skin. He's also wearing a blonde mohawk that is spiked up.

I wonder what kind of gel he uses to make it so stiff?

The man turns and smiles at me.

I get off on my floor and walk down the hallway, pulling the room key out of my pocket. This has been a nice outing. It's just what I needed. Maybe I will do it again tomorrow.

I'm in front of our door when cold air blows in through the open window, a couple of doors away. It gives me goosebumps. I look up and down the hallway. There's no one around. I insert the key card.

"You said you were going to the flower shop."

I jump, turning around.

It's Ryder!

He has that stupid, calm facial expression.

"Where did you just come from?" I ask, looking up and down the hallway—my hand on my chest.

"Why did you ignore my calls?" Ryder says, looking at me angrily. He takes a step forward. "And who was that guy you were talking to?"

I look up at him and notice he wore a double gun holster this time. He doesn't have a jacket on either. Why is he walking around the hotel with his guns out like that?

Do I really have to explain myself to you, is what I want to ask? However, I just want some type of peace between us.

And I know I stepped on that peace since I lied and went elsewhere. In hindsight, I should've just told him where I was going.

"I just wanted to see the local stores. I even got you something. And the man I was talking to was the shop owner."

Ryder hesitates, but then his demeanor gets softer as I pull my slippers out of the bag.

I explain my outing and how the shop owner let me watch as she bedazzled my slippers. He even chuckles when I explain to him the significance of the blue and red diamonds.

I then pull the tie out of the bag. Ryder stretches his out hand out. As I hand the tie to him, a bullet goes right through it! I scream as we both immediately turn to the source.

The man that got on the elevator with me had a gun; he's pointing it right at us!