will…oh and thanks for nothing.’ He started to walk off.
‘Hey man. Just leave this one alone. Please.’ He begged.
Eugene turned towards his friend with his hands in his suit pockets, and pursed his lips.
‘Just leave her alone.’
‘I think I’ll let her make that decision,’ he said and walked away.
Myles shook his head, watched as his friend walked away and head for the balcony.
‘Some things never change,’ said Myles under his breath.
****
Sahara was looking out into the beautiful hotel garden when Eugene stepped out.
‘Hi,’ he said.
‘Oh, you scared me.’ She held onto her chest as she turned to see who had spoken.
The man was strikingly handsome! The first thing she noticed was his eyes. She smiled faintly then whirled back to the beautiful scene ahead.
‘It’s beautiful, isn’t it?’ He took a step closer to the edge of the balcony where she stood.
‘Yes it is,’ she replied.
‘Warm today isn’t it? I mean it’s qui te lucky Myles and Emily got this weather.’
‘Yes , very lucky.’ Sahara wasn’t really in the mood for small talk, she just wanted some fresh air, away from the crowd.
‘I’m Eugene by the way.’ He held out his hand and waited.
‘ Sahara.’ She turned and met his hand with hers.
‘Nice to meet you Sahara, nice name.’
‘ Thanks, it’s nice to meet you too.’ She turned back to the garden and tried to focus.
‘How do you know Emily and Myles?’
‘Emily and I have been friends for a long time.’
‘Strange how we’ve never crossed paths.’
‘Not really.’ Sahara understood why. ‘I don’t meet many people really. I guess this will be one of the biggest crowds I’ve been in. One of the reasons I need some air.’ She took in a deep breath.
Just then Felicity stepped out to check on Sahara.
‘Hey, Emily asked me to check and see if you’re – ’
‘Tell her I’m a seven now, there’s no need to worry.’ She waved her off. ‘I’ll be back in, in a second.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, of course I’m sure.’ She shooed her away.
Felicity took one look at the handsome stranger, and then left them.
‘What was that all about?’ He couldn’t help himself.
‘You’re a bit nosey Mister- ’
‘Gallagher, but please call me Eugene…I insist.’
She looked at the overly confident man and nodded.
‘I am a bit nosey, but for good reason.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes.’
‘What reason is that?’
‘Well, this might sound corny, but from the moment you stepped into the church, I just couldn’t stop looking at you.’
She giggled.
‘It’s true.’
‘Do you say that to all the women you chat up?’
‘No I don’t. I’m being honest. There was something about you that drew me to you.’
She watched him curiously.
‘It’s true, but for now, why don’t you tell me what you meant when you said you’re a seven.’
‘Oh that, that’s just something between us girls.’
‘Care to share? ’
‘No pe!’
‘Okay.’
Sahara was proving to be different. She wasn’t all opened and willing to give him everything, like most women did when he walked into their lives.
‘May I ask why not?’
‘Because it’s none of your business.’
‘Okay.’ He liked her already.
‘If you will excuse me, I’ll have to get back in before they call a search party.’
‘Could I at least get your number?’ he asked.
She stopped a moment and thought about it. It would be nice, the man was amazingly hot, how could any woman say no to him. But she knew she wasn’t ready to let a man in.
‘Nope.’ She turned.
‘Really?’ He followed.
‘Yes , really.’
‘At least tell me why, and then I won’t feel so rejected.’
She stopped and turned a moment. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t give out my number to strangers.’
‘I’m hardly a stranger. I’ve been friends with Myles for years.’
‘But you are a stranger to me.’
Music began to play inside and Emily and Myles stood up for