Chapter 1: Getting to Know You

The doorbell rang and Rian looked up from the book she was reading. “It’s probably the supplies I ordered.” She muttered as she closed the book, setting it on a nearby table. Opening the door, her mouth dropped in surprise at who was on the other side. Seb and Rafi stood waiting impatiently. Rian’s face contorted from surprise to anger as looked from Rafi to Seb. She stepped back and started to shut the door. Rafi stopped her in one swift movement. “I need to know why Rian.”

7 Months Before…

Rian stepped out of the jeep. The Spanish sunshine was hot on her shoulders as her heels crunched on the gravel. She wondered if she was the first one here, but as she reached to grab the door handle, it swung open.

A girl stood behind the door and almost yelled in excitement. “Hey you made it! I’m Elladine.”

“I’m Rian. It’s nice to meet you too.” Rian said smiling. “Are we the only two?”

Elladine grinned, “Nope, there is one more she’s in the bedroom. We’ve been chatting. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” They walk to the bedroom where another girl is waiting. She stared unapologetically at Rian for a minute.

“Are you the new arrival?” She asked before answering her own question. “Man, I knew everyone was going to be gorgeous, but I wasn’t prepared…”

“Stop staring and introduce yourself,” Elladine teased.

Rian couldn’t help but blush under the girl’s scrutiny. “Sorry, sorry! My name is AJ. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Where are you from and what do you do?” Rian asked. She knew the best way to get the attention off herself was to get others talking about themselves. She didn’t mind the way AJ looked at her but it was a bit embarrassing.

“I’m from Cardiff and I’m a glassblower.” Elladine answered, smiling.

“I bet you’ve heard all the blowing jokes.” AJ giggled.

Elladine rolled her eyes. “And then some.”

“I’m from Bath and I’m a professional hockey player.” AJ said, “and before you ask I can handle a stick.”

Elladine chuckled guiltily. “How did you know?” Rian smiled in amusement. “So what about you Rian? Where are you from and what do you do?”

“I’m from London. I’m a research scientist.” Rian replied.

“Wow! That’s not exactly fair,” AJ pouted playfully. “You got beauty and brains.”

A beeping noise broke the brief silence. “What was that?” Rian asked.

“It sounded like text message,” Elladine answered. All three girls grabbed their phones.

“It’s me,” AJ smiled. “Hey guys. I got a text!”

“Well, hurry, read it!” Elladine said.

“Girls, It’s time to meet the boys. AJ, please make your way to the lawn and choose a boy to couple up with. Elladine and Rian, Stand by in the bedroom, you’ll be up next! #girlmeetsboy #getthepartystarted”

“ What? But the other girls aren’t here yet?” AJ said her forehead furrowed in confusion.

“I guess they’ll be coming later?” Elladine offered, just as perplexed.

“I’d better go then,” AJ said, “I’ll see you guys out there.”

“Good luck,” Elladine said as AJ raced out of the room. Elladine turned to look at Rian. “She has got a lot of energy. But I bet you can’t help but be excited to pick first.”

“I wonder what the boys will be like?” Rian mused.

“I want someone who’s been around the block a bit, you know? Someone who knows what he’s about and takes it seriously.” Elladine said, “What about you? What’s your type?”

Rian shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know. I haven’t dated in ages.”

“Well, I guess this is a good place to start as any,” She grinned, “I hope you find what you are looking for.”

“Either way, I’ll have a good time.” Rian said returning Elladine’s smile.

Elladine’s phone pinged. “Text! I think that means it’s my turn.” She shifted to give Rian a quick hug before heading to the door.

Rian walked into the bathroom to check her make-up. Her reflection stared back at her. It didn’t really matter what the boys or girls were like. She had a job to do and that was to win.

Her phone pinged and she glanced at it before touching up her lipstick. Turning on her heel, she took a deep breath and headed out to the lawn. Elladine and AJ were off to the side, having already paired up with their boys. Elladine shot Rian an encouraging smile as AJ gave her a thumbs up. Rian looked over at the three boys who were left. Which one should she couple up with?

Not that it really mattered this early in the game. Noone ever stayed with the first coupling, anyway. Drama always happened they split people… it was the way of Love Island.

The first boy stepped forward with a cheeky smile. “Alright, Beautiful? I’m Bill.”

“Where are you from and what do you do?” Rian asked, studying him.

Bill blushed slightly under her serious scrutiny. “I’m from Surrey and I’m a roofer. I’m just gonna come out and say that you like a bit of me.”

Rian nodded without another word, glancing at the next boy. He stepped forward. “Hola chica. Welcome to the Villa. Amazing, isn’t it?”

“Is it though?” Rian asked rhetorically, “Same question for you where are you from and what do you do?”

“Sorry, that was cheesy. It’s just, I think me and Bill had the same reaction… So I was trying to fancy it up a bit. Name is Camilo. I’m from Romford and run my family’s shop there.” He said.

The third boy stepped forward nervously but gave Rian a smile. “Hey, I’m Harry.” His demeanor becomes a bit more confident as he continues. “I guess I won’t make you ask a third time. I’m a business student from York. For what it’s worth, I’m just as gob-smacked as these other two. But I won’t try to sway you. You’ve got to listen to your gut or your heart. Or like whatever part of your body to you trust to make these decisions.”

The corners of Rian’s mouth quirked slightly, but she schooled herself. She’d decided. “The boy I want to couple up with is Camilo.”

“Nice,” Camilo walked over to Rian. Rian knew what the viewers expected, so she stood on tiptoe and gently placing a hand on his chest as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. They joined hands and went to wait with the others.

Elladine smiled. “You really bagged yourself a hottie there.”

“You didn’t do so bad yourself.” Rian smirked. Looking at the guy standing beside Elladine.

“Oh sorry,” He stepped forward “Name’s Nicky. Nice to meet you.”

“I’ve got a good feeling about this one,” Elladine said.

“Um yea, me too.” AJ said gesturing to the boy beside her.

“Alright? My name’s Seb.”

“Pleasure to meet you Seb.” Rian said giving him a nod.

“We’re still waiting on two more girls, right?” Nicky asked.

“I hope so for their sake.” Elladine said nodding toward Bill and Harry.

“We’re not a complete villa till everyone is here.” AJ stated.

“It was obvious they both wanted to get picked by Rian.” Elladine said with a giggle.

“Hell, I wanted to get picked by Rian.” AJ teased. Rian blushed. It wasn’t as though she didn’t know she was pretty. In fact, sometimes it opened doors for her within the science community because it disarmed people. But to hear them talk so candidly about it was a little embarrassing.

“Maybe their perfect soul-mates will walk out here any second.” Rian said quietly, trying to shift the attention for a bit.

“Let’s not kid ourselves. That kind of thing never happens.” Seb said.

“Alright, but this isn’t a normal situation is it?” Nicky replied. “This is Love Island after all the place where dreams can come true.”

“Wow, corny much?” Seb muttered.

“I would be impressed if they could make my dreams come true,” Rian deadpanned. “I don’t think they could fit a T-Rex in here.”

Surprised the others laugh even the boys still waiting for their couples. As they fall silent a new girl emerges from the Villa. She immediately introduces herself. “I’m Miki.” She turned to the two boys left. “What’s your name, honey?” she asked Bill.

“Bill.”
“Okay then,” Miki smiled, “I guess opposites attract. I pick you Bill.”

As they stood with the others, the last girl came out. “Hello, darlings. I’m Genevieve, but you can call me Viv. She looks over at Harry and smiles. Harry walks over to Viv and she gives him a hug.
The group moves over to the daybeds to chat. They spend some time getting to know each other until someone’s phone pings. “Oh, my days!” Viv jumped in surprise, “I’ve got a text.”

“Islanders, it’s time to get to know each other a little better. Please make your way to the challenge platform and get ready to unpack some secrets about your fellow Islanders! #excessbaggage #gettingtoknowyou”

“But isn’t that what we were just doing?” Seb complained. “It’s more comfortable here. I could even take a nap.”

Rian gave him an amused smile.

“I hate to sound like a stuck record, mate, but it’s Love Island.” Nicky said. “You have seen the show before, right? You didn’t just get off at the wrong bus stop and end up here by mistake? Because if that’s what happened, the sooner you admit it, the less awkward it’s gonna be.”

Rian could hear the others giggling behind her.

“Aw, stop teasing him. He just needs a bit of time to get used to it, that’s all.” Elladine said stepping to Seb’s rescue.

“The challenges are just a bit of fun! It’ll help us get closer as a group.” Camilo added.

“Or we’ll just find out everyone’s saucy secrets.” Bill said.

“Camilo is right. This sounds like a great way to get to know each other and a right laugh.” Rian said.

The others head toward the platform, but Camilo stays back. “Hey Rian, Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“I just want to thank you for choosing me. You really made my day. You are blatantly the best-looking girl here and I’m no expert, but probably the best dressed too.”

He was laying it on pretty thick, probably hoping to finesse a snog from her and she wouldn’t disappoint. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” Rian said batting her lashes and tilting her face toward his.

Camilo’s eyes dilated as his gaze flitted down to her lips and back up to her eyes. “Are you sure?”

Rian answered his question with a question.“I’m still here, aren’t I?

He bites his lip. “I can’t argue with that.” He placed his hands on her waist, drawing her closer as his lips met hers. Her hands went around his neck as she traced circles over his shoulders, giving him goosebumps. Finally, they both broke away.

“Blimey!” He pulled back. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

Rian gave him a curious look. “Did you like it?”

“Like it? Like it? Rian, I loved it.” He said. “In fact, I want to do it again. Like right now.”

“All in good time, big boy.” Rian teased. “We have a challenge to go do.”

“I’m actually more excited to get to know you now.” He admitted as they started walking. “Not only are you beautiful, but we have a spark and that is even more important.”

“I’m looking forward to it too.” She replied giving him a beaming smile.