After Rian had left the challenge area, the producers had sent her a text. “Come to the beach-hut.”

As she stepped into the beach-hut. There was a pitcher of cold fruit juice waiting for her and a question poised on the TV screen. How are you feeling?

“I’m angry and hurt,” Rian answered.

Are you alright to continue the show?

“Yes,” She answered.

Do you mind if we ask you your thoughts on the other Islanders?

“Go ahead. This is more fun than the challenge.” Rian smirked.

What do you think of the girls?

“Viv is a darling. I love her with Seb. I hope they both find happiness.” Rian said, smiling. “Iona is a firecracker, and I love it. Elladine is sweet, but if you push her, I think she has the capacity and tenacity of a bloodhound. She will have to hunt you down and make you sorry.” Rian giggled at the thought. “Yasmin is a free spirit. I hope she finds what she is looking for. AJ is a barrel of laughs. I love hanging out with her. I don’t know enough about Lily to decide yet, but it seems she’s trying to get under my skin about Harry.” Rian shrugged. “I have to wonder if Harry was a different person during the date. He was witty and fun. We couple up. He’s all serious talking about winning and making me feel like more of an object to help him achieve his goals than a person. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I feel like he’s different.”

What about the rest of the boys?

Camilo is sweet and can cook, which is always lovely. Seb is my best friend, and I want to see him happy. Nicky is like everyone’s older brother. Bill is super sweet, and I like his bants. Tai is a babe. He wants everyone to get along and gives the bests hugs. Rafi…” She blushed. “I don’t know him well enough to have an opinion yet. He seems nice.”

Thanks for your input, Rian. You may head back out and join the islanders again if you wish the challenge is over.

“Can I ask who won?”

Nicky and Elladine.

“Nice.” Rian grabbed the pitcher of juice and walked over to the kitchen. She was busy mixing a drink with the blender.

Camilo and Iona found her first. “Hey girl,” Iona sidled up to her. “You alright?”

“Yea, I just needed a break from some peoples’ ideas about me.” Rian rolled her eyes.

“I gotcha, girl,” Iona said, eyeing the blender. “Oh, by the way, you might find it amusing to know that Rafi wants to see you in nothing but chocolate.”

Rian smirked thoughtfully and chuckled. “I would not be opposed to that.”

“What are you making?” Camilo asked.

“Fruity cocktail with rum,” Rian said. “You want one?”

“Um, yes,” They said in unison. Rian poured three glasses and handed them out.

Iona took a sip.” Wow, this is great!”

Camilo tasted his and called out. “Hey guys, Rian’s making cocktails in the kitchen.” In less than 10 minutes, most of the islanders had crowded into the kitchen except for Harry and Lily.

Seb was at her side. “Look. if you need to talk.”

“I know, thanks, hun.” Rian gave him a smile before whispering. “I’ll tell you everything later.” She turned back to the blender, making more drinks.

Rafi moved to stand by Seb. “I think she’s amazing.”

“She is,” Seb said. “I don’t know what she’s looking for, but I hope she finds it.”

Rian held two more drinks and walked over to Nicky and Elladine. “For the winners of the challenge.”

“Aw, you’re so sweet, babes.” Elladine gushed.

“Thanks.” Nicky smiled, patting her on the shoulder. “You holding up, alright?”

“Yea, I’m good,” Rian answered, smiling at him.

“I don’t blame her for leaving, though,” Iona said.

AJ nodded, “But I am curious now. Who did you sleep with? I know it wasn’t me, and Tai and Camilo both admitted it wasn’t them. Unless you did bits with Harry last night…” Rian rolled her eyes. “OK, nope.” AJ’s gaze went over to Yasmin. “I heard you guys in the hot tub during the sleepover…” Yasmin shook her head. “But then I joined you, and then the three of us… didn’t go that far,” She grinned wickedly, “But that only leaves Bill.”

Rian knew her face was probably a fantastic crimson color, but she shrugged. “You’re right. But why was it so important?”

“I’m just nosy,” AJ answered teasingly before she turned to Bill.

Bill smiled. “Yea, it was me, and I’ll never forget it.” Then he did something that shocked them all. He shut up and didn’t say another word about it. No matter how many times AJ asked.

The drinks slowed, and the islanders thinned out. Soon it was only Tai, AJ, Rafi, and Rian in the kitchen. Rian was washing up when Tai stood, “I think I may have to carry her.”

Rian smiled at AJ, who have fallen asleep. “She’s so adorable.” Tai reached over, easily picking her up.

“Have a good night Rian,” he nodded, “you too, Rafi.”

Rian was just about to leave the kitchen when Harry walked in. “I’d like to speak to Rian for a few minutes. Alone.” He said, giving Rafi an odd look. Rafi nodded and headed toward the Villa.

“What’s on your mind?” Rian asked, making herself busy wiping down the table.

“Look, I’m sorry,” he said, “I assumed a lot of stuff that wasn’t true.”

“You did,” Rian said, turning to look at him. Her gaze wasn’t accusatory. “But I’m not mad about it. It’s apparent that this isn’t going to work with us.”

She cocked her head to look him in the face as he seemed to be hiding from her. “You had this whole guilty look about you when you showed up with Lily, and that tells me you like her,” Rian said. “Since they brought new islanders in, there is probably going to be one more recoupling.” She walked over to the sink and rinsed the cloth before absentmindedly washing the counter a second time. “It’s apparent she really likes you too. Or she wouldn’t be trying to make me jealous.”

“What makes you think I’m into her,” Harry asked.

Rian rolled her eyes, “Mate, seriously. You. Forgot. My. Name.” She annunciated each word. “You didn’t stop her from touching you all day long. If you were into me and not her, you wouldn’t feel comfortable with that. I’m not angry about it. I want you to be happy. So if you like her, go for it. I’ll couple up with Rafi.”

Harry chuckled wryly, “You are way too nice.” He walked back into the Villa without another word.