The following day they were docked in Barcelona. Reine got ready and met with the others. When her feet hit the solid ground, she wobbled. “I guess my sea legs are still with me.” She said, taking a deep breath and steadying herself.

“You’re like my chill role model,” Iona said, smiling. “Like an ice queen.”

Reine huffed in amusement. “It’s a scorcher today. This ice queen might melt.”

She felt an arm slip around her waist. “It would be a shame if you fell,” Rafi said. Reine looked at him gratefully as she got her bearings. Ciaran scowled at Rafi but then shook his head. A few moments later, Rafi asked, “you good now?” Reine nodded as he dropped his arm.

“Yeah, thanks,” Reine said as the group shuffled closer to hear what Elladine was going to say.

Elladine got out her itinerary while Nicky handed out guidebooks. “There’s an hour before meet up in Passeig de Gracia.” She mapped out the routes they could take. “There is another way that’s considered to be more romantic.”

Ciaran sighed as Elladine mapped out the route. “Can’t we just do our own thing?”

Reine paid him no mind and started walking away, guidebook in hand. A few minutes later, she heard someone walk up behind her. “I’ll walk with you,” Tai said.

“You’re more than welcome to join me,” Reine said. They had a moment yesterday when paddleboarding. She was curious about where it might lead.

The streets were lined with charming houses and vintage-looking shops. The sidewalks were manicured with lush foliage. “Wow, this route is beautiful.” Tai said, “I almost want to stay here.”

They walked side by side, enjoying the quaint scenery. Tai bent down to sniff a dark frilly flower. “It smells like chocolate.”

“Really?” Reine asked, leaning over to get a whiff. He was right. It did smell like chocolate. “wow, it really does.” As she stood up, Tai did too, and they almost collided. She giggled. “We’d better not get hurt, or Elladine will never let us hear the end of it.”

“I won’t tell if you won’t,” Tai teased.

“Deal,” She answered.

Tai took her hand. “This is nice. I almost wanted to take a flower to remember this by. But I don’t think that will be necessary.” His words brushed her lips as his gaze flitted to them. Reine knew he wanted to kiss her. The moment grew awkward.

“What’s wrong?” Reine asked.

“I like you, but I feel bad about Ciaran,” Tai replied.

“Why? His indecision was still a decision,” Reine stated, stepping away.

“What do you mean?” Tai asked.

“If you remain indecisive, it is a choice to do that. In actuality, you are making a decision.” Reine explained. “You are choosing to be indecisive.”

“I see what you mean,” Tai said, nodding.

“He kept our relationship in limbo.” Reine continued. “After a time, I made a decision that I was done. Just because he did things another way doesn’t mean I have no choice. I chose to be alone and take time to myself rather than be in a relationship that was up in the air. I’m ready to get out and date again.”

“But don’t you feel bad?” Tai asked.

“No, why would I?” She replied.

“Because he seems too unhappy,” Tai said.

Reine shrugged. “I’m sorry he’s unhappy. He made his choices. I’ve had weeks to process this. I only wish for him to have a happy life.”

Tai looked unhappy with her answer. “Isn’t kind of cold to think that way?” Reine didn’t want to argue, so she just started walking. They walked in silence the rest of the way to Passeig de Gràcia.