Chapter 27 My Swimsuit Shopping Companion

Elena Garcia's POV:

Santa Monica Beach was right at the end of the 10 Freeway.

The moment I saw the beach and the ocean, it felt like a jolt of electricity ran through me.

Sure, Chicago had beaches too, and I'd seen the sand, the ocean, and the sunshine there, but I never really enjoyed it. Those beautiful scenes were just like pictures to me.

When you're so caught up in life that you can barely breathe, you don't think about stopping to appreciate the world around you.

Living in a city with vast beaches but never enjoying them like everyone else? Yeah, that's pretty ironic.

I thought it would be amazing if Rosa could see this too.

With my feet sinking into the soft sand, I tucked my wind-blown hair behind my ear and carried my shoes as I walked.

Running freely on the beach was a dream Rosa and I had together.

Now, that dream had come true, but I was the only one here.

I felt a bit sad but also happy that I got to see this view. I could record all this for Rosa.

In some indigenous tribes in the South Pacific, memories are more precious than life. I took it to mean the human soul could detach from the body.

I once heard that seafarers believed the whispers of the dead were hidden in shells.

When you put a whole shell to your ear, you could hear your loved ones speaking softly to you.

As I picked up a small shell, I saw William's puzzled expression, so I told him the story.

When he heard "the whispers of the dead," his reaction was a bit strange, and his expression turned somewhat odd.

I realized he might be afraid of ghosts. "I'm sorry, William. I didn't mean to bring it up. It's just that my foster mother left me, and I hold a bit of hope in these sayings."

"Well, it's okay. I guess it's not your fault." William's expression changed from a bit scared to somewhat embarrassed. "Your foster mother must have been a wonderful person. It's clear how much she meant to you."

Sofia, standing beside us, teased, "If Isabella knew, she'd probably be jealous."

"Alright, stop chatting. What you should do first is put away your luggage, then put on your swimsuits before talking," Albert said, then turned to William. "If you're afraid of those ghosts, you can stay away from the beach."

It wasn't friendly, and it made me wonder why Albert suggested William come with us.

We moved into the beach villa provided by the Bianchi family. Besides accommodation, they also provided extra security services.

Marco said, "Don't be nervous. You can think of them as lifeguards. You can ask them for help with any problems."

These "lifeguards" seemed to respect Marco a lot, with guns on their waists, walking openly on the Bianchi family's private beach.

"That's so cool. Are those security company personnel?"

"Well, maybe you can think of it that way?" I worried that William might be more afraid of Marco. I invited him to join the trip, and I didn't want to leave a bad impression, so I lied.

Fortunately, Marco didn't show too much enthusiasm to introduce himself to everyone, which would have been awkward.

After putting down the luggage, the girls Albert brought had already changed into their bikinis. Even Sofia was wearing a beautiful and sexy white swimsuit, while I was still in my dress.

So I asked, "I need to go to a nearby store that sells swimsuits. In which direction can I find them?"

"Probably in the direction of the public beach, but those swimsuits might feel uncomfortable to wear."

"Why?"

William looked at me. "Because your skin looks so delicate? I don't want you to be like the princess in the pea story."

I was pretty sure Albert rolled his eyes at that moment. "Buddy, you really need to learn," he said, nudging Marco with his shoulder.

Marco chimed in, "I can have the family's bodyguards buy all the styles you like from downtown, or we can head to the downtown mall now if you prefer."

I looked at Marco warily.

Did he think I was too picky about swimsuits because of what William said? Was he annoyed?

Buying all the styles I liked and making a special trip to the downtown mall for swimsuits seemed a bit over the top. I didn't think Marco was serious.

William was just joking, but maybe Marco was being sarcastic.

So I said directly, "No need, I think the stores at the public beach are closer. You guys can go play at the beach first; I can handle everything myself."

I opened my phone map, ready to head to the marked location.

"No, letting a lady go out alone is too ungentlemanly. Maybe one of us guys should accompany her," Albert suggested. His intentions were good, but I didn't need it.

Especially after he suggested it, Marco nodded, indicating he could accompany me.

I wanted to refuse.

When there are enough people, you don't feel how weird it is to be around a somewhat dangerous guy, but when it's just the two of you, the danger and awkwardness multiply.

But Sofia spoke up at this moment, "Yes, what if Elena encounters some dangerous situation if she goes alone? Maybe I can go with Elena?"

Sofia probably noticed my awkwardness and thoughtfully made this suggestion.

"Can't I go alone?"

"No, Elena." Albert and Sofia's eyes were full of disapproval.

Oh God, why couldn't Marco's bodyguard go with me?

I really didn't want to go with Marco because his presence made me nervous, and Sofia, already in her swimsuit and eager for the sea, I didn't want to disturb her either.

As I was about to ask this question, William seemed to read my mind. Then he said, "Then the others can go to the beach first, and I'll accompany Elena to the store."

He saved me from not knowing how to refuse.

And after he answered, Sofia no longer insisted on accompanying me.

I said, "Yes, having William with me is enough."

The public beach was much livelier than the private one, with some people carrying kegs and selling beer.

Girls in bikinis lay on the beach while basking in the sun, laughing and joking with each other.

I found an orange swimsuit with ruffles at a seaside store. The owner said it would complement my skin tone, but I was worried it might look like a child's swimsuit.

"Then how about this one? A black one-piece with cutouts on the sides and a fully laced back." The store owner took out another swimsuit, telling me they also offered fitting services if I liked it.

She then looked at William, who was waiting not far away, and winked at me. "Your boyfriend might like you in this one."

"He's not my boyfriend; we're just friends."

"Then you must have a crush on him. Look at you, dear, your face is all red."

My face was indeed red, and it was burning.

I was glad William couldn't hear what we were saying.

Holding the two swimsuits, I turned to him.

William happened to turn his head towards me while walking over. "Do you need any help, Elena?"

Before I could answer, the store owner interjected, "Yes, this beautiful lady does need some help. She's having trouble choosing a swimsuit. Maybe you can give her some advice?"

William's gaze swept over the two swimsuits in my hand, then lingered on the second one. "Alright, dear, you should try the second one."

Holding the swimsuit, I entered the fitting room.