Rian stepped out onto the beach. Bill was already sitting at the table. He had poured a glass of champagne for each of them. His eyes lit up as she walked across the beach toward him.

“He pulled out the chair for her and shifted it back in so she could get settled. “You look amazing. That outfit is something else. You don’t need me to say it, but…. I’m sorry I’m rambling. I’m glad you agreed to see me.”

“I was looking forward to it,” Rian said.

“I know I joked about having a breakfast date, but this is like our first proper date, officially.”

“What’s the difference?”

“We talk about proper date things.” He put on a serious face. “Like, how are you finding the villa?”

Rian smirked. “Things better start getting romantic here or I’m off!”

“Noted,” Bill winked at her. “Give it another twenty minutes or so and if then things hadn’t heated up, I’ll build a raft to send you home. But I don’t think it will come to that.”

Rian dropped back against the chair, shaking with laughter as Bill joined her. “We’re proper funny together I think that’s a good sign.”

“Seriously though, if I’m single too long, I might just get kicked,” Rian replied.

“I’d be rather gutted if that happened. But I don’t think that will happen to you.” Bill said.

“I’ll drink to that,” Rian said raising her glass. Bill cheerfully clinked his against it.

He took a sip of the champagne and scrunched up his nose. “I’ll never understand why people pay so much for this stuff. It’s not even that nice.“

“Let me guess, you’re more of a beer and Sunday roast guy?” Rian teased.

“Obviously.” Bill snorted.

“You’re so wrong,” Rian said. “They both have bubbles, but I prefer my bubbles with grapes.”

“I can agree they both have bubbles but still think you’re wrong.” Bill smiled. “I love a good natter about nothing. You’re a good person to have pointless chats with along with Nicky and Camilo.”

“Well, you are wrong about the champagne. It’s fizzy, tasty, and makes me feel fancy.” Rian said.

Bill laughed. “That’s what I hate about it all the bubbles go up my nose and then I’m trying not to burp because I’m supposed to be fancy.” He looked over at his phone. “I’d love to debate this with you properly, but I think our time is up. We didn’t even have time to get into the sibling talk.”

“We can save something for the next date,” Rian said as Bill stood up.

He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Until next time then.”

Rian sat basking in the sun for a few moments until her phone beeped. “Your next date is on his way.”

A few minutes later she saw Camilo heading across the beach. “Can I sit here?” He asked.

“I’d get horribly lonely if you didn’t” Rian teased.

“Well, we can’t have that,” Camilo said playfully. He pours a glass of champagne. “This is proper swanky, isn’t it? I’ve been to nothing but beach parties before.”

“It’s fancier than what I’m used to,” Rian replied.

“Same, I usually take someone for a meal and then maybe cinema if there’s something we both want to see,” he explained. “It’s nice to get out of your comfort zone and it’s especially nice to get some quiet time with you.”

“Likewise,” Rian replied.

“How are the others treating you?” He asked worriedly.

“I think they are lovely,” Rian said. “Iona and Miki were feeling a little threatened, but I hope I could smooth it over with them.”

“I’m so used to having lots of people around me that I care about.” He sighed, “I just want everyone to get along.”

“That’s super sweet. Thanks.”

“Hey, I just want you to know I’m sorry for how things went down at the fire-pit,” Camilo said he reached for her hand, but it was obvious he wasn’t sure if he should take it or not.

Rian put her hand over his.” Look, Iona was in a position too. She had to decide. I’m not holding any grudges. It’s fine.”

“But I really do like you.” He squeezed her hand. “That said I’m not opposed to getting to know her better. I know she wasn’t trying to hurt anyone, but you are the one I really wanted. You still are.”

“Have you told her that?” Rian asked.

“Yes and no, I didn’t want to make any more awkward between us.” He ran his hand through his hair. “It’s just I’ve never in a situation like this before and I don’t know what to do.”

“Let it play out. We can’t control this.” Rian suggested. “I mean, the girls were disappointed because all of you except for Nicky and Seb asked me out for a date. We couldn’t control who you chose anymore than you can control how Iona feels. What you can do is be honest with her. It will be more awkward if you aren’t honest. Get to know her. Then decide if you feel the same. It’s Love Island the idea is to meet other people. It’s only day two after all.”

Camilo smiled. “You’re so wise. Thanks, babe.” He took a sip of champagne. “You mean you got three dates today?”

Rian blushed.

“Hot mommacia.” He said wiping his brow facetiously with a chuckle. His phone beeped. “I guess my time is up. “ He stood up to and cupped her jaw before pressing a chaste kiss to lips. “Don’t forget me.”

Rian sighed regretfully as he left. Her phone pinged a few minutes later. “Your last date of the day is on his way.” A few minutes later Harry walks across the sand. “Hey Rian, Thanks for sticking around.” Harry smiled.

“Can we walk and talk?” Rian asked, “I’ve been sitting so long my bum has gone numb. “

“Um Sure,” Harry replied as they walked side by side. “So… You’re a scientist, right?” Rian nodded. “That’s pretty sick.”

“It’s my dream job,” Rian said.

“When I was younger, I thought I’d become a scientist.” Harry said, “You know, discover something that would really a difference to the world. Go down in history. Then I found that science is hard. That’s the story of my life. I’m always picking up new ideas and then putting them down again when it gets hard. They don’t work out. But that’s alright! I’ll hit on the right thing, eventually. I’m destined for great things, I know it. I’m not sure what, but I’ll find it.“

“I’m sure you’ll find something,” Rian said. “I mean, look, you made it to Love Island. So how did you end up here?”

“Oh, I don’t just dream big with my career goals.” Harry smiled. “I want my romance to be the biggest and best it can be. So it just made sense to come and try to meet someone here.”

“You don’t want to win the game,” Rian asked curiously.

“Well, of course, I want to win. I love winning.” He said, “But I’m not here to play the game.“ He rubbed the back of his neck. “You could couple up with someone you don’t really like and win to fifty grand… but where’s that got you?”

“It’s got you a bunch of money,” Rian replied. Money that could be useful for research.

“Yea, but you wouldn’t have anyone to celebrate with,” Harry said. “I want to leave here with a girl who leaves an impression on the world. You know?” He glanced over at Rian hopefully. “What are you looking for in here?”

“I guess we’ll see,” Rian replied. She stopped walking and flicked the water playfully. “ I mean if I find Mr. Right that’s great if not I will not force it. Maybe I meet Mr. Right Now and that’s cool too. Maybe I make some great friends, have a few laughs, get a tan, and win. I’m alright with that too.”

“Just go with the flow, huh?” Harry asked, cupping some water. “ I’m not that relaxed. Sometimes I wish I was.” He looked up at her as he opened up his hand, letting the water flow out. “I have a question. Do you think you’ve already met that person since you got here, or are you still waiting for him?”

“I don’t know,” Rian said flicking him with water playfully. “I guess I must see. It’s the early days, but I am aware of my options.” He flicked water back at her. She looked at him coyly from the side and flicked water at him again.

“It’s on now,” Harry said. Taking off his shirt, he flung it up on the beach. He stepped further into the water and cupped his hands. Rian grinned as he soaked her.

She stepped out into her waist and dove in. She found Harry’s leg and grabbed it, pulling him into the water. “Hey, no fair.”

“What’s not fair?” Rian teased, running toward the shore. Harry lunged at her knocking them both over. Rian hit the ground and Harry landed on top of her.

“I’m sor….” Harry started to say, but Rian started shaking with laughter. His surprise was short-lived. He rolled off to the side and started laughing too. Once they were both silent again Harry turned toward Rian.

“That was…” His kiss interrupted her sentence. Harry moved over her pressing her body into the sand. He grabbed her wrists, pinning them over her head as he went for a second kiss. A phone pinged and he pulled away reluctantly. “I suppose we should check that.”

Harry stood up and held his hand out to assist Rian. She took it and smiled. “Thank you.”