Conrad
We arrived on the island. Due to delays, it took longer than it should have, but we are here. We have booked into a hotel for the night.
“Check in, and then we can head out?” Chelsea asks.
“Yes. I want to head out as quickly as possible. You two don’t need to come straightaway if you are tired and want to chill.” I smile.
I appreciate them coming with me, but they didn’t have to. It is easy enough to find our way to the hotel. We head inside, and I get us checked in since the rooms are under my name. I don’t pay much attention to the place because I have other things on my mind. We had booked for two nights. If more is needed, we can work it out.
We head to our rooms, arranging to meet back in the lobby in ten minutes. I am anxious as hell. I need to find her. It shouldn’t be hard. I hope she isn’t too mad at me. She did email me last night and this morning, but I didn’t reply because I was too busy preparing to come here. At least I know she will still be on the island, especially since she has somewhere to stay and a job; she wouldn’t move on if she had settled in.
I want nothing more than to wrap her tightly in my arms, kiss her over and over, and tell her how much I love and miss her. I brought the engagement ring with me, hoping she would agree to put it back on her finger. If she isn’t ready to do it again, I would understand. I would love it if we could start where we left off a couple of months ago, but I need to find out her headspace first.
I quickly unpack my bag, freshen up, and change my clothes. I have no idea where to start. I know how much she loves her coffee, so maybe a café or somewhere similar would be the best place to ask questions. Someone must have seen her or spoken to her; there can’t be too many people who stay here full-time.
I take a moment to look out the window. The place is beautiful, like Maya told me. I am not surprised she chose somewhere so stunning and quiet. I hope she has been doing okay here and that people are treating her well. I smile and snap a couple of photos before I make sure I have everything and make my way back downstairs. Adrian and Chelsea are already waiting for me.
“There is a café not too far from here. We can start there.” Chelsea smiles.
“My thoughts exactly.” I smile.
The three of us left the hotel and walked to the café, which took ten minutes. We took in the views.
“Can we have food and a drink while we are here?” Chelsea asks.
I nod, “Sure.”
It has been a long day. A coffee sounds good. We find a table and take a look at the menu. I check in case she is here, but there is no sign of her. My leg starts to bounce up and down due to nerves and eagerness.
“Conrad, relax. We will find her.” Chelsea smiles.
Someone approaches the table to take our orders. We tell her what we want.
“I am wondering if you could possibly help me with something. We are looking for someone on the island, but I don’t know where she is,” I say.
“Do you have a name? I might be able to help, especially if she comes in here.” She smiles.
“Thank you. Her name is Maya. She moved here only a couple of months ago. She is American like us.” I reply.
I watch a smile grow on the woman’s face, “Conrad?”
The three of us look at one another, confused, before focusing back on her.
“Yes. That is me. How did you know?”
“I am Margaret. I own this place. I know Maya well; she is in here all the time. I know who you are because when she first arrives, she comes in and looks so sad and lost. I wanted to make sure she was okay, and she told me everything that happened and why she left to come here. She has missed you so much. I know for a fact she still feels guilty for leaving you, but she hasn’t forgotten you.” She smiles.
My heart breaks when she tells me how sad Maya was when she arrived.
“Is she okay? Has she been taking care of herself? Has everyone been nice to her?”
“Yes, she is doing her best in such a situation. She works hard, and everyone here has become fond of her. She is such a beautiful, kindhearted soul.”
I smile, “Yes, she is incredible. Do you know where I can find her? She has no idea I am here. I worried if I told her, she would disappear again, but I had to come to her. She shouldn’t be alone. I love and miss her. I need to see her. Please tell me if you know where I can find her.” I plead.
“Of course, sweetie. She has a job at the Rose Garden B&B, which isn’t too far from here. I am sure she will be thrilled to see you. She has settled in well, but I can sense something is missing, that something being you. I swear your love story should be turned into a book.” She gushes.
Before I can stop myself, I jump to my feet and hug her, “Thank you so much, Margaret. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
She laughs but hugs back, “You are welcome, son. I will get your order as quickly as I can, and then you can go to her. She will be busy working right now but will be done soon.”
I part from the hug and retake my seat. She disappears to get our order, but I can’t wait any longer.
“I'm sorry, but I can’t wait. I need to go to her now. Tell Margaret to cancel my order. I will call you once I have found her,” I say, rushing to my feet again.
“On you go, big brother. I hope it is everything you imagined. Go get your girl.” Chelsea encourages, and Adrian nods eagerly.
I smile and bolt out of the door. I need to get to her right now! I am nervous. I have never done anything like this before, but I have never been in love the way I am with Maya. I would do anything for her! I would let the entire world burn if it meant keeping her safe.