Author's note:

I've had to split chapter 5 into two parts because it was too big. The other part (chapter 6) is coming later today.

I'm not an expert for surfing so I've written what I think it's right. I gave my best.

Enjoy it and if anyone likes it, please click on the star under the chapter and vote for it or give it a comment or two. Again, it would make me so happy to read your opinions.

-

„Thanks for coming," Nikki said, hugging Marina tightly. Half an hour after Daniel's shocking confession in relation to Sofia, Nikki tried to persuade him to bring someone. She eventually had to give up, because he simply didn't want to cooperate. She dialed Marina's number, deciding that it's better to call Latina, as Daniel made it clear that he didn't want to see Brian.

Marina came to the beach, very concerned about her friend. After returning Nikki's hug, she saw Daniel, who looked like someone had run him over.

„Why are you doing this, Dan?" she asked, but there was no answer from the tall man. His head was lowered. Daniel was asleep.

„You shouldn't have stayed here. Naples is dangerous at night," the Latina explained, turning toward Nikki.

The woman just shrugged.

„I tried to persuade him to call someone but he didn't want to. There's a party down the beach anyway," she replied.

Marina ran her hand through Daniel's hair.

„He's only making problems."

Nikki shook her head.

„He hasn't done anything I couldn't handle. Apart from trying to punch Ronnie while they were fighting, he wanted to go for a night's swim in the sea. I stopped him."

She was silent about Daniel's confession about his ex-girlfriend. She thought it's for the best.

Marina sighed, putting her hand under Daniel's.

„My car is parked down the road. Can you help me move him down there? I'll get you straight to your hotel. It's not safe for you to walk on the streets or beach all alone."

Nikki nodded, grabbing Daniel from the other side. The girls raised him together, his legs instantly working again. Although he wasn't aware of his surroundings, the tall man started walking. Marina could bet that tomorrow he wouldn't even remember who brought him home. It took them a few minutes to reach Marina's Honda. They had put Daniel in the backseat and the man quickly lay down.

„His dad will be thrilled after I get him home in this state," Marina said, turning the car on.

„He's like that often?" Nikki asked.

The Latina was silent for a few seconds, before nodding firmly, confirming Nikki's suspicions, She had finally linked all pieces of the puzzle. Problems that Daniel had and which he was fighting all this time were obviously related to his break up. He himself said Sofia had left him. The man had obviously struggled with accepting this and, like many others, he had found a solution in alcohol.

„Daniel is currently in a very bad place. Let's put it that way. It's not my place to tell this story, so you'll have to settle with this answer," she explained dryly. „Still, I'm really grateful to you for taking care of him tonight. I know Dan isn't the humblest person in the world. He was...before. He's not anymore, but he's still one of my best friends. So, thank you."

Nikki gave her a smile. Marina seemed very honest.

Soon, they were on the other side of her hotel so Nikki came out of the car. She gently squeezed Marina's hand, thanking her for coming and then walked towards the main entrance. What a night. Nikki didn't even dream that her solitary night out would turn into something like this. She didn't think she would meet someone she knew, much less Daniel. However, the tall man managed to surprise her. Nikki hoped he would be fine. Given the way things turned out tonight, the woman was no longer having fun and decided to go to sleep. It took her a few minutes to remove clothes and make-up. After changing into something more comfortable, she had finally laid down, under the white sheets. It was time to rest.

At least she thought so. The truth was that she couldn't sleep. Her head was still full of all the information she learned today. The fact that behind Daniel's destructive behavior stems from some girl was still so unreal to Nikki. She couldn't understand why she was thinking so much about him. She certainly didn't want to. What Daniel had? As much as she tried to get him out, he somehow always found his way back to her mind. She knew he was rude, uninterested, and problematic, but no matter how hard she tried to resist him, there was something about him that attracted her. She remembered Sofia and instantly felt a small pang of jealousy. It was clear the tall man was depressed. He was still in pain because of whatever had happened between them.

„God, I'm too tired. I have to go to sleep," Nikki said, turning toward the window.

After a few more minutes of staring at her balcony, Nikki's eyes finally closed. She could finally rest. Good night sleep had brought her exactly that.

-

„Marina?" Brian called, looking up from the papers he was immersed in.

His ex-girlfriend just entered the store. Brian couldn't help but stare at her from head to toe. The shorter Latina looked insanely good in the dark jeans and white t-shirt she wore.

„You're early today. Is everything ok?" he asked.

It was weird. He simply knew she was bringing bad news.

„Yesterday, I picked up Daniel at the beach. He was completely destroyed by alcohol," she replied and Brian froze, dropping the pencil he held in his hand. „Nikki had called me. Apparently, he came to the party she was at, fought with Ronnie and then went on his own way. Nikki had followed him and prevented him from entering the sea."

At the mention of Ronnie's name, Brian gritted his teeth.

„Ronnie was provoking him again. I'm sure of that."

Marina just shrugged.

„It doesn't matter," she replied. „The only thing that matters is the state in which I found him. And these senseless conflicts with Ronnie. It's like none of them understands it's completely useless to fight."

Brian left papers and pen on the counter and approached Marina, standing in front of her.

„What do you want me to do?" he asked quietly.

„Talk to him."

The blond man rolled his eyes.

„I can't," he answered instantly. „I've already tried and it hasn't taken me anywhere. Dan will be like this until he himself decides it's enough."

Now it was Marina's turn to roll her eyes.

„You're his best friend. If you don't talk to him, who else will? Please, Brian. You know I'm right."

Brian shook his head. He knew Marina was concerned about the destructive behavior of their friend, but he also very much believed in his own words. Daniel was the only person who could help himself.

„I'm tired of all this," the Latina said suddenly, catching Brian off guard.

„Of what?"

„Of everything. Of Daniel, the fact that we're no longer together, of all this mess. Brian..." she tried to finish her thoughts but she was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. They both looked that way, only to see the „subject" of their conversation. Daniel stood at the entrance, looking very confused.

„Is this a bad time?" he asked, holding a stack of papers. Brian was slightly surprised to see his friend coming to work today. Marina and he drifted away from each other, the blond man nervously rubbing his wrist.

„Actually, no," he replied. „We need to prepare for the inventory so you can go to the stock room. I'll be there in a minute to review those accounts from the last order."

For a few more moments, Daniel looked at them suspiciously but decided against questioning what happened. He already had his doubts about their conversation being somewhat connected to his behavior last night. The man slowly went toward the stockroom. He sat on a box near the door, and gently rubbed his temple with his fingers. Hangover was killing him. Daniel still wondered how he got home last night? He knew one of his best friends certainly had the answer, but he again decided against questioning anything as long as both of them are in the same place.

Daniel was already worried about Brian not coming, but just when he wanted to check on his friend, Brian's blond hair peeked through the door.

„I'm just checking if you're awake," he said, which made Daniel roll his eyes.

„I came, didn't I?"

Brian just nodded, moving several boxes around the place. He tried to refrain from launching the subject of Daniel's behavior but he knew that the tall man would eventually ask some questions.

„Who brought me home yesterday?" Daniel asked just as Brian predicted, moving water slippers into the plastic crates that Brian was using for counting the goods.

„Marina and Nikki."

Daniel instantly froze, staring at his friend.

„Nikki? Nikki Hamilton?" he asked, surprised.

„No...Nicki Minaj had flown in on a private jet just to bring you home. Of course, it's Nikki Hamilton. You went to a party at her hotel and had a fight with Ronnie. She followed you to the beach and invited Marina."

Daniel rubbed his temple. His headache started again. He couldn't remember meeting with Nikki. But it seemed like Brian was telling the truth.

„I suppose I have to thank her for helping me," he muttered, returning to work. Brian looked at Daniel but didn't comment on his last statement.

Several hours had passed since they started reorganizing the stock room and counting the goods. Almost all the plastic crates were full. Daniel took the last box with several pairs of diving pads, then pulled out large plastic fins and put them in the crate.

„This is the last one," he said, rubbing his hands.

Brian smiled, pleased.

„I'm happy," he said. „There's not too much inventory. I think we'll have enough for a month. Unless someone buys half of a store.

„Nikki often buys here. Mostly clothes," Daniel replied. Brian was surprised that the man noticed Nikki at all. He always seemed somewhat cold towards her.

„Yeah, the first day I've met her, she bought almost everything I offered to her. She was dressed for Seattle's weather."

Daniel just smiled slightly. His smile was barely visible, but it was still there. He couldn't help it. Since Brian had told him that Nikki was the one who called Marina and took care of him yesterday, the image of her face was just racing through his head. Repeatedly. He didn't understand why she helped him. Not that he gave her many reasons to be nice to him. Daniel was well aware of his difficult persona, especially if he was drunk, but the woman didn't give up and decided to stay with him. Lost in his thoughts, he completely forgot about the time and slowly looked down at his wristwatch.

„Shit!" he suddenly yelled. „I had to be at the beach so so hours ago. Will you be able to finish by yourself?"

Brian just patted him on the shoulder.

„Go," he replied. „Diego is coming soon. He'll help me clean everything."

Daniel nodded grimly, already running toward the front door.

„Hey, Dan!" Brian called him again. The tall man looked at him with a questionable expression on his face. „Please, try to come home sober."

He nodded again, then grabbed a big black surfboard, leaning against the wall and ran away from the store. Brian just smiled. He actually had a good feeling about this day. Whenever Daniel was in the mood for surfing, it usually meant he wouldn't drink. There was a good chance that tonight, he really would come home sober. Brian shook his head several times and then returned to work. He hoped Diego would arrive soon.

During this time, Daniel was already at the entrance to the sandy beach area. He took off his flip-flops, feeling the soft sand breaking its way between his fingers. He smelled salt, which immediately made him smile. This was his territory.

„You know, the sea is in that direction."

Daniel opened his eyes and saw his friend, Zack, standing at his right. Zack was a lifeguard at the beach, which often gave him the opportunity to ride the waves with Daniel.

„Zack!" Daniel greeted his friend, shaking his hand. „Are you on duty or you're going to dip your pants?"

The dark-haired man shook his head.

„Not today. I have to go to the tower. You enjoy it. Waves are pretty big so you'll have to catch one for me, too."

„Got it!"

Daniel immediately started to walk toward the sea. His toes touched the water, warm enough for his taste. He could easily go in. He was really surprised that, given the summer's heat, there was no unpleasant temperature difference between water and air. The tall man dived under the water, completely soaking himself, while the surfboard floated next to him. After surfacing again, he smoothed his hair and jumped on his surfboard, which suddenly flew forward. He separated from the shallows sharply, heading toward deeper water and bigger waves.

„Only big waves," he repeated as he paddled toward a wave that was about form. „This one will be good."

The wave was about to break, as Daniel quickly stood up, wipeout over it.

„Not enough," he muttered. Daniel wanted a really big wave. Something that will keep him up longer. He wanted a real challenge. He lay flat on the board, just floating on the restless surface for a few seconds until he saw a new possibility. Water in the distance began to accumulate and Daniel immediately knew he had found what he was looking for. Once again, he found himself at the starting position and paddled towards the wave.

„That's it!" he said.

The wave was indeed enormous and Daniel was standing on his feet. He was passing through it lightly, having no problems with overcoming troubled parts. It seemed that all the training and efforts were now paying off. He remained on his feet for a few minutes, but then gave up and decided to take a break. As he slowly sat down on the board, Daniel sank his feet into the sea, watching people on the beach. He had a clear overview. The beach was crowded. It was like the whole of Naples was thrown in this small sandy area. Then, at the very entrance of the sea, he saw a familiar person.

„Nikki!" he pronounced the woman's name, immediately going to the shore. His hand lightly paddled, until he came to the shallow water, where he could stand. Apparently, Nikki was in her own world. She didn't notice him. Daniel stepped out of the water, slamming the board into the sand. The black fiberglass was standing straight. He turned his eyes toward Nikki, who was just lying on the chair, her eyes closed. He sat down on an empty lounger, right next to her.

„Hey..." Daniel called and Nikki suddenly jumped, taking off her sunglasses.

„Daniel. You scared the shit out of me."

He just shifted in place.

„Sorry...I just wanted to thank you for calling Marina yesterday. And...umm...for not letting me do something stupid."

For a moment, Nikki's face softened. She was thinking about whether to ask him about Sofia? But apparently, Daniel was going through a hard time, having a lot of problems with accepting the break-up, so she didn't want to be the one to add salt to the wound. She just smiled lightly.

„You're welcome. Have they told you what happened?"

Daniel nodded. There was an unpleasant silence again.

„Okay, so...enjoy your day. I have to go back to surfing." he said awkwardly and stood up, taking the black board under his arm.

Nikki was pleasantly surprised by Daniel's approach today. The tall man seemed to have lost his disinterest for a moment and became more accessible. Nikki wanted to talk some more, but there was nothing else to talk about. She barely knew him. So she mentioned the first thing she could remember.

„Hey, Daniel?"

At the mention of his name, he turned toward her, lowering the bottom of his surfboard down, into the sand again.

„I heard you are teaching surfing. Will you teach me?"

His eyes widened for a moment. There was no softness in them anymore. They became dark and mysterious again. This is the view Nikki knew very well.

„Who told you this?" he asked sternly, making Nikki feel uneasy.

„Marina."

Daniel coughed.

„Why do you want to learn surfing?"

„Why so many questions? I thought I was the one asking questions non-stop," Nikki said, smiling slightly, but the tall man wasn't impressed.

„I used to teach surfing. Not anymore. Sorry," he replied and then headed back to the sea, but the woman didn't intend to give up at first attempt.

„Please," she pleaded. „I think it would be a good way to spend my time in Naples. You know, learn something new and get something useful from leaving Seattle. I'll pay you 100 bucks per hour."

Daniel raised both eyebrows. He was more than surprised, but then he began to wonder why Nikki was ready to give him so much money. There were at least twenty other surfers in Naples who would teach her for much less. Daniel folded his arms over his chest, eyes narrowing and surfboard falling completely on the ground.

„Why did you come to Naples, Nikki?"

Nikki looked at him for a few moments, surprised by the chance of topic.

„Vacation," she answered briefly, shrugging.

„Without anyone? No one goes on a vacation alone," he replied, with a strange smile on the face, which Nikki couldn't quite define. „Something happened to you. I can read you. You ran away from something."

„Will you teach me or not?" she asked, irritated, but Daniel didn't give up. He laughed loudly and then fell completely silent and got into her face.

„People think I'm stupid, you know? But I'm aware of everything. You thought „I have to go and find peace." And you came here. But pain exists even here...in paradise, under the bright Florida sun. You can't run away from it."

Nikki was surprised, just staring at the man. Happy, screaming teenagers who were having fun near them snapped her out of the eyeing game Daniel had brought her in.

„Whatever," she said, giving up on trying to convince him to teach her how to surf. She was halfway back to her lounge when Daniel spoke again.

„100 bucks per hour, not one cent less." he said. „Later go to Brian and tell him to sell you a surfboard. He'll know which one's the best for you. Tomorrow morning, at eight o'clock in this place. Don't be late."

The tall man wasn't waiting for her answer. Nikki didn't even have time to open her mouth and he was already halfway down to the sea. She grinned, slowly shaking her head.

„You're so full of yourself, Daniel. You know I'll show up, though I didn't confirm it." she said to herself. For a few moments, she was looking at the sea, where Daniel was already chasing waves. He was really incredible, in every sense of the word. Nikki could hardly look away. Something had constantly dragged her to him. The woman swore she would find out everything she wanted to know about him, although she was unable to explain why Daniel's life was so fascinating.

-

Brian and Diego were putting the last stock boxes back in place. Both of them drew dust from their hands, exchanging pleased glances.

„I won't lie to you, I'm so glad it's over. Inventory is the only reason why I hate to work for you." Diego said, smiling at his friend.

Brian just patted him on the shoulder.

„Come on, I pay you well. Both you and Dan. Actually, I should find someone cheaper."

Diego glared at him instantly, in a playful manner.

„Don't even think about it."

Both of them returned to the front room. Brian re-ignited the big sign saying „OPEN".

„Really?" Diego asked sarcastically. „You're aware that we'll only work for four hours, right? Was it necessary to open the store for that?"

Brian laughed loudly.

„If I thought like that, I'd never sell or earn anything, Diego. Come on, let's go to work," he replied.

Diego rolled his eyes, already going to the back room to change his t-shirt and put the one with the store's logo. Brian kept revising the last details in the documentation, but he was interrupted by the front door's bell. He looked up, squeezing his eyes. Marina was standing at the door, somewhat confused.

„For the second time today" he said, instead of greeting the woman. „What do I owe the honor?"

Marina clasped her hands on her belly.

„We have to talk. ...I want to talk to you. We were interrupted before and I wasn't able to say everything I wanted."

Brian paused for a moment, coughing. He left pencil and papers aside, going in front of the counter and leaning back slightly. His arms were crossed over his chest.

„I'm listening," he uttered monotonously.

Marina bit her lip, trying to get rid of her nervousness, then took a deep breath.

„Not here. Can we go somewhere else?" she asked.

Brian relaxed his arms again and called Diego. The man pushed his head out of the stock room, softly smiling at a sight of Marina.

„Can you take over the store? Marina and I have something to talk about." Brian asked and his friend immediately nodded.

„Of course. You can go."

Brian thanked him, then opened the front door and held it open for Marina. The Latina came out on the street, while Brian stood next to her.

„Lowdermilk is nearby. We can go there."

Marina agreed with him, so they started to walk together. There were an unpleasant silence and discomfort that Brian and Marina both couldn't get rid of. The blond man had already known this conversation would change things in their „friendship". He laughed to himself. He called Marina a friend but at the same time he was completely aware of the fact that two of them would never be just friends. Their relationship would never fully reach that level. But Brian felt it was easier to believe they were just friends. He noticed they had already entered Lowdermilk. Marina sat down on a nearby bench and patted an empty place next to her, letting him know that she wanted him to sit down. Brian had decided to cooperate.

„All right," he said. „Here we are. Talk."

„I'm not going to beat about the bush," Marina started, twirling her thumbs nervously. „I want you back."

In that exact moment, Brian's eyes widened, the man suddenly getting up from the bench.

„What?" he asked loudly.

Marina was looking at him with concern. Maybe she was too straightforward, but she had been tortured by these feelings she had hidden in her heart for a long time, hiding them from Brian and the others. She had enough.

„Will you sit down?"

„No!" Brian barked. He was visibly upset. „Marina, explain!"

The Latina took a deep breath.

„I'm tired of everything. I think we made a mistake, Brian. You and I should've never broken up."

The blond man sneered.

„You dumped me, remember?" he asked angrily. „God, Marina, you can't play with other people's feelings like that."

„I'm not playing around," she defended herself. „I'm serious. I love you and I know you still feel something. Are you really not tired, Brian? From pretending and fighting? You and I are fighting alone, against everything."

Brian was shaking his head.

„Wrong. You're the only one fighting here. I've already given up."

It was Marina's turn to shook her head. She stood up, trying to get closer to him, but Brian raised both of his hands.

„Don't!" he answered with a frown. „I'll tell you something. When you left me, I was seriously thinking about joining Dan in day and night party. I don't like this sentimental nonsense, but at that time I really felt miserable and...crushed like never in my life. I loved you and wanted to give you everything but you decided to break up with me, because apparently, you needed time for yourself, space. I don't know, I don't remember how exactly you explained all this to me. Still, I drifted back to the surface and got my emotions in order. I've finally come to terms with us not having a future, only for you to come and tell me you want reconciliation? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but things don't work that way."

Marina was on the verge of tears. She ached to hug Brian but knew that right now, the blond man didn't want any kind of physical contact. He was too angry.

„So...you don't want me back?" she asked, her voice shaking. Brian squeezed his eyes shut.

„No," he replied, sure of himself. „I don't want you back. And if you'll excuse me, I have to go back to the store. I don't have time for this nonsense."

At that moment, Marina couldn't hold the tears anymore. They flowed freely down her cheeks, while Brian just turned around and started to leave Lowdermilk.

„Brian!" she called for him, crying desperately.

„See you, Marina!" he shouted, keep walking toward the exit and leaving her alone among the trees.