Rian woke up to find the islanders resting on the daybeds. She sat up, wondering what was going on. “Oh, hey, you’re awake.” Elladine smiled, “Now we can get up.”

“You were waiting for me?” Rian asked.

“Yea,” AJ giggled, sitting beside her. “We didn’t want you to wake up by yourself after yesterday.” The other islanders nodded.

“That’s really sweet,” Rian gave them a grateful smile. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get some breakfast.”

“Music to my ears,” Bill said.

Some islanders headed to the kitchen while others made their way to get dressed. When Rian got to the kitchen, she saw Bill, Seb, and Nicky in the kitchen. Seb was rooting through the fridge as Bill looked to be making a fry up. “Where’s the bacon?” Nicky asked.

Bill shrugged, “There is none.”

“Morning,” Rian said cheerfully.

“Hey Rian,” Seb greeted as he patted her back awkwardly.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” Bill said, glancing over at her. “ Loving the outfit, Rian.”

“Thanks, Bill.” Rian smiled and looked over at the stove.

“I’m making a fry up. Would you like some?” Bill asked.

“Sounds lush,” Rian sat down at the table as Seb sat next to her.

“I think Bill likes you,” He mumbled.

“What makes you think that?” She whispered.

Seb turned to look at Bill, who was in a deep conversation with Nicky about what constituted a proper English fry-up. “He’s not making Miki breakfast this morning.”

Rian nodded, “ Point taken.”

Bill slid plates on the table for Nicky and Seb. “Bon happy, eat!”

“Um, mate, that’s not how it’s said,” Seb explained, “It’s bon appetite.”

Bill shrugged, “That’s what my mum used to say to me all the time. So bon happy eat.”

Seb rolled his eyes. “I think that’s sweet,” Rian said.

“Looks good, mate,” Nicky said, grabbing his plate. “Elladine wanted some of those yogurt things.” He snagged a few from the fridge and walked out of the kitchen.

“Hey Rian, you want to head to the terrace for breakfast?” Bill asked.
“Sounds lovely,” Rian said.

“Allow me,” Bill picked up her plate and walked.

Seb smiled at Rian and mouthed, “I told you so.”

Rian and Bill quickly settled on the roof with their breakfast. “Let’s tuck in, yeah?”

“Bon Happy Eat!” Rian said, smiling at Bill.

“You get me,” Bill said happily. “Food is always about making people happy.” There is silence for a few moments as they both eat. “This is great.”

Rian nodded in agreement. Her mouth was full. “Oops,” Bills said, looking at her face. “You’ve got a little mayo on your face.”

Rian swallowed. “You want to get it for me.”

He gently took a napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth.” There, perfect. There’s nothing better than a fry-up for breakfast. It’s my favorite kind of date. Especially if it’s the morning after the night before, this is kind of like a date, isn’t it?”

Rian looked up at him and smiled. “Sure, why not?”

“I wasn’t sure you would look at me like that. But it’s good to know.” Bill heaved a sigh of relief. He dipped the last of his sausage into ketchup. “Did you know, like two hundred years ago, they thought that ketchup was going to be a medicine?”

“That’s so cool, what else do you know?” Rian asked.

“Every banana you eat is a clone.” He answered. Rian raised her eyebrows. “Seriously, it is. We clone them now.”

Bill put his plate to the side as Rian finished the last of her breakfast. “Thanks for joining me on this fry-up date.” He ran his hand through his hair nervously. “I’ve been dying to get a moment alone with you.”

Rian smiled coyly. “So, what are you going to do with it?”

“I have a couple of ideas,” He replied, moving closer. “But right now, I can only think of one.” He leaned in and kissed her. Rian could feel his stubble against her skin. His hands were firm on her waist as he pulled her closer. He smiled against her mouth before pulling away. “This is way better than dating on the outside. No wasting so much effort chasing after people and not knowing what they are like until it’s too late.

“You’re so right.” Rian agreed.

“That’s why I’m here. Everything is sorted for you.” He continued, “Plus, everyone here’s guaranteed to be hot and interesting.”

“Am I hot and interesting?” Rian teased.

Bill flashed her grin and winked. “Is the Pope Catholic?”

Rian laughed. “Come on. We should go mingle with the others.”

The Islanders’ lazy time was soon interrupted by a text. “What does it say?” Iona asked.

“Islanders, get ready for some one-on-one time! This afternoon, each of the boys will choose someone to take out on a date. #comedatewithme #datesormate”
“Yes!” Harry pumped his fist. “We can date whoever we like.” Everyone rushed inside to get ready.

The girls’ dressing room was full of fruity perfumes and gossip. “ I really hope I get picked to go on a date,” Viv said as she touched up her lipstick.

“Me too,” Miki said. “I’d love to get some proper alone time with Bill.”

“It’s so annoying that the boys get to choose, and we’re stuck waiting around to see who gets picked,” Iona grumbled.

“I’m sure we’ll get the chance to do the choosing again soon,” Elladine replied calmly.

“I’m sure it will change soon, so don’t worry,” AJ said brightly.

“That’s easy for you to say,” Iona said bitterly. “You guys are dating the only two boys that don’t have their eyes on Rian.”

Rian raised her eyebrows at Iona and went back to putting on her makeup.
“It’s true, babes,” Miki said, trying to smooth things over. “With you being single, I guess it’s hard for us not to see you as a threat.”

“Interesting, considering that even after Iona told me what she was going to do, I didn’t get nasty,” Rian stated quietly.

Iona sighed. “You’re right, I’m sorry. You’re single because I stole your guy, and you can’t help it if the boys like you either.”

“It’s their turn to choose the dates, so there isn’t much we can do about it, anyway,” Rian said.

“Well said, Rian,” Elladine said, putting her arm around Rian. “Nobody is the villain here. We’re all just playing the cards we’ve been dealt.”

“True, any of us could end up single at the next recoupling, so let’s all try to show a little understanding,” Viv added. Her phone beeps. “I’ve got a text.”

“What does it say?” AJ asked.

“Girls, the boys have now made their decision. Each of the chose one of you to date, and their decisions were as follows… Nicky has chosen Elladine.”

Elladine fist pumped. “Yay.”

Rian smiled, “No, surprise there.”

“Seb has invited AJ.”

“Wait, really?” AJ looked a bit confused. “Well, that’s good, I guess.”

“So who did the rest of the boys choose?” Iona asked.

Viv looked at her phone and read. “Camilo has chosen… Rian.”

“Oh,” Iona sighed.

“Bill has also invited Rian,” Viv said.

“What?” Miki said in obvious shock.

“And Harry has invited… Rian.” Viv said, her voice lowering.

Elladine was the only one looking happy. “Woah! Three dates, Rian?”

“Leave some guys for us,” Iona said half-teasingly.

“Sorry, girls, I guess this is exactly what you were nervous about. It’s sweet but also a little embarrassing.” Rian said, lowering her head so they couldn’t see her red face. As disconcerting as the situation was, truth be told, this would give her a great opportunity to see what the boys were like and how that could factor into her plan.

“You go and have a good time,” Viv said, placing a comforting hand on Rian’s shoulder as she forced a smile to her face. Rian could tell she was trying through her disappointment.

She placed her hand over Viv’s. “I’ll remember your kindness, Viv. Thanks.” Viv smiled for real this time before she stepped away.

“So, who are you going to see first?” AJ asked.

Rian started looking like a deer in headlights. “I hadn’t thought about it.”