Chapter 9
“You’re kidding me.”
“I’m not kidding you.” He insisted.
“You came on a jet ski?”
“What?” Rio said a little defensively, “I can’t enjoy a little fun?”
“You’re in an expensive suit and you’re exposing it to sea spray.”
“Are you saying I can’t afford to wash my suits?”
“Jesus Christ.”
“Hah,” he chuckled, “That’s funny coming from a Lilith.”
I was immediately hit by a truckload of memories with Cristo, back when I was in NYC. The park, his parent’s party, the restaurant after he’d dragged me away from Emily.
“What in God’s name–”
“You can’t take God’s name, you’re Lilith.”
Strangely enough, I…I felt like I missed him. Shaking myself out of my trance, I sighed, “Fine, just don’t drop me into the water.”
He smiled and picked up a helmet, tossing it to me, “As long as you hold on tight, you’ll be just fine.”
I grabbed the helmet and put it on securely. I just hope the sea spray wouldn’t ruin my clothes. I was so glad I’d pulled on warm thermals under my dress. I walked closer to his jet ski as he got on, and he held his hand out to help me. Pulling my skirt up around my thighs, I grabbed his hand and let him hoist me onto the seat behind him.
“All set?” he asked. I wrapped my arms around his waist, surprised at how firm he was. Even with the strong cold breeze, I could feel myself warming up against his skin. Unconsciously, I placed my chin on his shoulder.
“I’m ready.”
With that, he revved the jet ski. As we started to move slowly, I began to realize it wasn’t so bad…until we shot ahead at full speed over the water.
“HOLY SHIT!” I screamed, but my voice was swallowed by the air and sea spray.
“I KNOW RIGHT?” He yelled back, laughing in glee. Having regained my composure over the initial shock, I laughed, too. The ride was surprisingly fun!
Rio took us around in circles and curves, swerving against the water to throw up the ocean. I squealed as he tilted the jet ski dangerously on its edge.
“RIO DON’T!” I laughed.
“But it’s fun, no?” he replied while slowing down. I chuckled and nodded, nestling my nose into his shoulder to warm it up. The sky had gotten a little dark, and I could feel a sneeze coming on and my nose getting runny. I pulled away from him to reach into my bag for tissues. “Are you catching a cold?”
“No, but it’s getting colder than before.” I explained, “Plus, it’s almost sunset.”
He looked around himself, “You’re right. And your wish is still left. Hold on.”
I clamped onto him and we sped off to the coast, reaching just in time to catch the last of the sunlight sinking behind the ocean. He helped me off, and I stumbled while trying to stand because the ride was so dizzying. I fell into him and he grabbed me. We laughed as I tried to regain my balance, and I wasn’t feeling so cold anymore. He was quite warm despite the weather.
“Did you have fun?” he asked. I looked up at him and couldn’t help the genuine smile on my face. I nodded. He looked down at me, lower lip caught in his teeth. Gentle fingers came up to my face, brushing stray strands of hair away from my face to tuck behind my ear.
“Come,” he said and grabbed my cold hand tenderly, “your wish awaits.”
We walked slowly up the pier and onto the steps to the plaza, heading out onto the familiar main street with its yellow lamps, bakery, and the gyro stall.
“You hungry?” I asked and tugged him to the stall. “Come on, I’ll pay.”
“Ah, no, let me.” He insisted.
“It’s just chicken, sheesh.” I rolled my eyes, “My treat for that fun ride back there. No, don’t say anything, hush.” I held up two fingers to the stall-owner and he nodded. I dug around in my purse for my wallet and handed him the cash. Rio only smiled at me, but stepped back and let do my thing. After getting our sandwiches, he led me through the mazes of the town slowly.
“So, do you think you’ve warmed up to me?” he nudged my arm. I only rolled my eyes and bit further into my chicken wrap. He nudged me again playfully so I pushed him off, but lightly.
“Just a little bit.”
“Well, I must say, you did pose quite a challenge.”
“Oh,” I teased him, “you’ve been thinking about me?”
“It’s not every day you save a pretty girl from drowning. Or see a wish come true.”
I looked at him dubiously, “So, like…you weren’t being serious last time I saw you?”
“Nah,” he scoffed and I punched his arm. He laughed softly, “I just thought it would be funny to leave a strange impression on you. I wasn’t counting on bumping into you again, really. And that too a week later. Quite a coincidence.”
“Then why do you still insist on taking me to the fountain.”
“Technically, my wish did come true.” He pointed out, and rubbed his chin, “Although I did surprise myself too with this one. Nevertheless, I’m glad I got to see you again. We should be friends!”
“Easy there, Romeo.” I patted his arm, but grabbed it when I noticed the familiar statue up ahead. “Oh, look, we’re here.” Letting go of him, I lightly jogged up to the fountain, stuffing my hand into my pocket for the coin. Feeling the cool surface against my fingers, I pulled it out and stared at it, then the water glinting under the beautiful warm lamp lights. I could see lots of other coins at the bottom, their image breaking from the waters ripples. I wondered how many of these wishes were granted.
Maybe I could take the coins. Not like anyone would notice.
I snapped myself out of the thought, scolding whatever part of me approved of such an idea. I played with the coin around my fingers, wondering what to wish for?
“You’re taking an awfully long time.” He commented.
“I’m not sure what to wish for, honestly.” I said, “Everything I want, I just worked to get it, you know?”
“Was there never a moment in your life where you were desperate for anything?” he asked softly, “Anything at all?”
I really wanted to think back on it, I really did but…it was risky to think of my childhood and not avoid a panic attack. Sighing, I pocketed the coin and turned away from it.
I thought Rio might be disappointed, but his face was cheery and bright, and full of hope, “Perhaps we’ll find out another day.”
“Perhaps.” I smiled back hopefully. With that, we proceeded to stroll through the place until Ariana brought the car around.