Nathan was a good friend, and a good employer, not just to her, but to everyone. He made everyone feel like they're in one big team, each person was equally important. Anybody can contribute their ideas to improve the restaurant, the food, the working environment, and he took everyone's opinion into consideration. He didn't get angry whenever there was a screw-up, he knew everyone was learning as they go just like he was. And that it would take years to build something substantial, Nathan wanted to bring the team to grow with him and the company. He learned to tackle everything that the team was lacking, he has this calmness about him in overcoming problems that made everyone felt secure. Julie was observing strong leadership from Nathan. Whenever they were short on staff, Nathan never hesitated to go down and dirty in the kitchen or serve food to the customers, always with a smile on his face. He chatted with everyone, his extroverted vibe

They parked the car at a five-minute walking distance parking lot. The streets were filled with parked vehicles and people getting ready for midnight. The Rockabillies entrance can be accessed from the narrow street where rows of bars, cafes, and restaurants lined from end to end. They were playing all kinds of music that were jumbled up as they walked up to The Rockabillies. Some people were too drunk to stand up and just sitting on the pavement or leaning against the street lights still in their party mood. It was a warm night with no breeze. A tropical December night, something she never experienced before. They walked over the long entrance over a wooden bridge. The jungle-themed bar had swimming pools and a large whirl pool filled with visitors in their bathing suits holding their drinks. There were bars in between the pools. They walk past huts for people to sit and gather around tables with their group. At the end

Later that day, Nathan came back from Ardor and took her out to a seaside restaurant for an early dinner. It was one of his favorite spots on the island where the sunset view was extraordinary and the coffee was excellent. They sat facing each other enjoying a plate of oysters in garlic and lime for appetizers, ordered a grilled red snapper with mash potatoes and salad on the side for the main course. The ocean breeze blew out her hair and her light summer dress. The sunset reflected on her skin. They talked about the night before, all smiles and laughter. "I feel like I could stay here for the long run," her eyes gazed at the ocean rolling its waves towards the shores. Nathan turned and looked at where she was looking. "It's beautiful, isn't it? That's why I chose this island for Ardor, I can see myself living here for good too ... it's like, you don't need a vacation to break away from your daily life." 

She closed her book right after they left. Poured some more wine into her glass. The silence was loud. It used to be comforting, that night, she felt alone. She stepped out of the balcony with her book still clutched between her arm and her waist, white wine in her left hand. Once in a while, in these kinds of nights, she felt there's something missing in her life. She didn't feel it very often, that empty space inside. Sometimes she filled it with books, sometimes with music. More often than not, Kelsey made her forget there was even a space to fill. Preston never failed to turn up whenever she needed him, and lately, there was Nathan who started to feel more and more like someone that fits the mold. Spending so much time with Nathan for the past month made her forget that he was Kelsey's boyfriend. The dozens of times their eyes met, she wished she didn't feel that tingle in her stomach, but she did. She looked away every time, but Nathan

When he saw her on the other side of his door, his heart fell. She was a sight for sore eyes, for sure, but her being there meant his night was taking an unexpected turn. He was enjoying his night too much for any altercation. A few drinks and three bars later, he still thought his night would've been better at home. His heart and his mind were saying one thing, but his body couldn't resist her. He knew she wasn't faithful to him, even though he hasn't got any proof yet, but her behavior was sending all the signs. He knew he didn't have half much fun being with her than being with Julie, but Kelsey was still his girlfriend. If he ended it with Kelsey for no apparent reason, he would've come out as a jerk, and lose his friendship with Julie as a result. So when they were back at his villa, in his bedroom, despite all the scenarios he had played in his head, he succumbed to his bodily weakness. It was easy, it was quick, and it was good. The r