Once seated at the restaurant, everyone got a dish to share. Both Tai and Ciaran had beckoned Deya to sit with them, but she sat between Seb and Bill. She had no desire to rehash things with Ciaran. He just needed to move on, and Tai-she wasn’t sure, but after their chat. She felt that his worry about Ciaran’s feelings might be more than friendship-based.

“Not taking this opportunity to graft?” Seb teased as she sat down.

“There’s less drama over here,” Reine whispered. Seb nodded.

There seemed to be some confusion with Yasmin. She seemed more tired than ever. Camilo was trying to help her, and Yasmin snapped at him and refused to order any food. No one seemed to know what to say. Reine turned to Yasmin with a concerned look and asked. “Yas, do you need anything?”

“A glass of water would be great,” Yasmin said, giving her a grateful look as Reine poured her a large glass of water.

“Don’t worry about it. There should be plenty anyway the idea of Tapas is to share,” AJ said, taking Reine’s lead.

Yasmin smiled weakly, “Thanks.”

The food arrived, and everyone tucked in. “You know I’ve discovered some things about myself the last year,” AJ said.

“Oh, how so?” Viv asked.

“I’ve realized the way I feel toward women differs from men.” She replied. “I’m not bi. I’m a lesbian. After the Villa, I realized I spend a lot of time in just physical relationships. When I started thinking of what I wanted in someone for the long term, I realized I wanted to be with a woman.”

Reine smiled, “I’m happy for you.”

Miki’s phone started buzzing. She ignored it. This had been going on since Miki boarded, “Don’t you need to get that?” Bill asked.

She hit the phone, stopping the buzzing. “I would have turned off, but my manager is going to call. So many people are always trying to get me to pander their stuff.”

Iona chimed in, “I know I’m talking to girls in schools, and the first company that contacted wanted me to wear something inappropriate for the venue. Do they not look at what you are about? I mean, you know I love slinky and sexy as much as anyone, but in a room full of twelve-year-old girls, it’s not appropriate.”

“Much of what they offer to me isn’t a fit for my brand,” Miki said, nodding. “How’s it going for you, Reine?”

“Well, to be honest, I’ve been having a great time,” Reine said. “But I didn’t have a brand before I went to the Villa, so I go with what I would use. The lab is loving the publicity. Lately, I’ve been doing more modeling than research.”

“What do you mean?” Bill asked as the server came to refill their drinks.

“Well, most labs run off of donations. So I use the platform they have offered me for awareness.” Reine explained.

“Yea, I remember watching you on Who Wants To Be a Dancer?” Rafi said with a smile. “You won, and you used the show to make people aware that lesser-known diseases and smaller labs don’t get as many donations.”

“Yes,” Reine said. “Iona is a kind of ambassador of sorts for girls in trade jobs. I’m like that, but with science. The show helped me put out the plight of smaller labs everywhere.”

“Speaking of dancing,” Rafi smiled. “I’ll be right back.” He stepped over to the band that was playing and spoke with them for a moment before coming back.

He walked over to and held his hand out to Reine. “Tango?”

Reine chuckled, “You must be confident. But you are also a dancer if I remember correctly. All right then.” She took his hand.

He walked her to the small dance floor. He pulled her close as they moved. Reine had to admit he moved very well and led strongly. She barely had to pay attention. Rafi smiled at her. “I bet you kept dancing after the show.”

“I took some lessons on other types of dance too. How’d you know?” She asked as he spun her under his arm. He pulled her back to him, and she slid her leg up to his thigh. He caught it and placed a hand behind her back. She bent backward, her hands almost touching the ground.

As she came back up, he said.” I just had a feeling that it was an excellent de-stressor for you. I noticed that you actually seemed to relax once you started dancing, even for the competition. “

Reine smiled as she started embellishing her steps. “You’re right, it is.” She replied. She could predict where he was going to go next. He seemed to know what she was going to do as well. Even though they had never danced together before, it was as if they always had.

“We dance beautifully together,” Rafi said, giving her a smoldering glance. Reine’s stomach fluttered at his words. She blushed. What was wrong with her? “Dare to try a lift?” He asked.

Reine raised an eyebrow. “OK.”

“Do you trust me, Reine?” He asked.

She did oddly enough, and it perplexed her, so instead of answering, she nodded. Rafi turned her so that her back was pressed to his chest. He slid his hand down the back of her leg, which she lifted in response. Her arm automatically went around his neck as his other hand wrapped around her waist. He spun her a few times, and as her leg came to rest over his as he slowly lowered her.

At that moment, Reine felt like a thunderbolt hit her. She was lost in the verdant hues of his eyes as he looked back at her. He gently pulled her back to standing, his eyes never leaving hers. “Thanks for the dance.” He said.

She tore her gaze from his, not knowing exactly what to say. The islanders were cheering as they walked back to the table. Reine noticed Ciaran was noticeably absent. Seb turned to her. “Ciaran left already.”

Reine had to remind herself not to roll her eyes. He wasn’t thrilled with her being on the show either. They had fought a lot during that time. “I think I’m going to check on Ciaran,” Tai said as he stood up.

The others got ready to leave. “I think I want to walk back. Some fresh air would be nice.” Reine said, stepping away from the others.