Masturbation and a stunning sunrise did nothing to dissolve my humiliation, though both were refreshing enough to get a new day started in the right direction. After chatting with Dani and attempting to have a decent conversation with my husband, I decided to honor the reason I ditched home to focus on enjoying the time I had left in a little piece of heaven.

Biking into town, I felt like I belonged in a sitcom, even created my own theme music as I peddled along bits of gravel and sand with the salty ocean breeze tickling my scalp through tail crack length vacation 1B box braids. The entire experience renewed my faith in my purpose, this freedom resulting in nearly every vendor of the outdoor market receiving my business. 

Only at the end of my shopping spree did I come to the realization that I wouldn't make it back to the villa the same way I arrived at the edge of town. Weaving through the crowded market, I began to ask for a number for a cab. After nothing more than faint smiles from fellow patrons, I heard, "I can help."

The moment I pivoted to my left, his stature and presence stole the scant composure keeping me sane. As I stumbled backwards, the most firm, soft hands that had ever touched my body gripped my waist, and I practically melted faster than the vanilla ice cream running down my arm.

"Oh, thank you."

It was a sad moment when he let loose of my soul, forcing me to once again bear my own weight.

"I would appreciate any assistance at this point as I have clearly gone overboard today."

"Then allow me to ease your burden."

This man snapped his fingers, and little dusty boys began grabbing my boxes and bags from the around my feet. What the hell was happening?

Before I could scream with hopes of stopping the little thieves from getting away, my Black knight gripped my hand, pulling me towards an unmarked van idling on the corner.

"No worries," he crooned while obviously abducting my simple behind in broad damn daylight. "Those little guys are my best students."

Students of what?

Though my instinct to resist blared louder than a tsunami warning, I was no match for this guy's brute, yet gentle strength as he pulled me closer to the vehicle of my doom. A few steps from the entrance, he remotely opened the back door.

So, this is how it ends.

Grinning, he announced, "After you."

The super fine grim reaper released my sweaty palm, then waved me towards the backseat. I wanted to run, but couldn't convince my feet and legs to move. Nodding his head, he relinquished a weirdly intoxicating smile while shooing me closer to the door. My eyes scanned my peripheral, and no one seemed the least bit concerned about what was happening. Even worse, I didn't know a damn place to escape so, I accepted my fate and inched towards the serial killer ride. To my surprise, each and every package lay neatly on two rows with the handle of my rented bike visible in the background. He really was trying to help.

"Wow, um, thank you?" I uttered while easing onto the other side of  the opened passenger door.

"Again, beautiful, it's my pleasure."

Yes, I'm blushing

The same dusty little boys surrounded the seemingly gentle giant who took the time to hug each of them before requiring an affirmation of positivity before handing off folded bills of local currency. Saints can't be psychopaths, right?

The moment the final child departed, the stranger whose van I remained seated inside of despite multiple opportunities to escape, whistled while strolling to the driver side, then scooting next to me.

"Well, where to?"

Hopefully not the afterlife. 

"Pitralles Resort, please."

I swear he smirked before shifting into drive.

"Are you always this enthusiastic about helping strangers."

"I'm just a happy, helpful person." He replied while laying on the horn before grinning and waving at passerby's. "What's your story?"

"I don't have one." I lied with a straight face.

"A magnificent goddess such as yourself does not sport a wedding ring, yet travel alone unless your significant other on the resort is awaiting your return, yes?"

The morning conversation of Zy yelling, blaming me for our fucked up marriage yet again rung in my head.

"I'm sure he's occupied back at home." My response was meant to come across aloof, but stung as the words drifted between my driver and me.

"Ahh, the ole trouble in paradise."

A shrug was the only reply I offered.

"Let me tell you, there's nothing like a bit of turbulence to make one appreciate the mediocrity of a smooth flight and safe landing."

Tickled, I laughed out loud while fanning away the tropical heat.

He asked, "You don't think so?"

"I think marriage and a flight are the proverbial apples and oranges of comparison."

"Before my divorce, I would have believed the same. Yet, here I am, driving an attractive woman to the most romantic resort on this island, very much grateful a bit of turbulence landed her in my path."

Here I go all idiotic and blushing again. Damn, I was desperate for attention.

I remained silent for the remainder of the ride in hopes that I would only have the privilege of embarrassing myself once while on vacation. The stranger smiled and hummed while delivering me back to my home away from home. Once my packages were safely packed outside my door, he offered to return my bike to the rental office.

"Surely you've done enough for me today," I replied while searching for the last few bills I had.

He placed his hand over mine, halting my futile attempt to repay his kindness.

"Keep your money." He offered the command with a smile.

"No," I insisted. "You have gone above and beyond to help me today. This is the least I can do."

"Actually, it's not."

I reluctantly pulled my hand from beneath his, then asked, "Then what is?"

"You can join me for dinner tonight."

Yup... you guessed it. My cheeks were surely blazing fire engine red.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"And I have to begrudgingly challenge that position."

He leaned against the massive palm tree outside my door.

"You can challenge what you like. I said what I said."

"Eight o'clock then? I'll even make it simple and meet you at the North Shore Bar."

"So, you're kind, but deaf."

"I can hear yes loud and clear." He grinned before turning to walk away.

"I didn't agree to anything," I shouted as he trailed further down the path.

Without looking back, he waved the back of his hand in the air.

"I don't even know your name." I yelled as his frame grew smaller with distance.

"Find out tonight. See you then."

And just like that, he rounded the curved walkway, disappearing as swiftly and mysteriously as he entered my life.