The girls were bustling to get ready. Rian knew the recoupling was right around the corner, but no one knew precisely when it would occur. It was out of her hands, and she hoped that some connections she made would benefit her. There wasn’t much else she could do. The girls were uneasily discussing it when someone knocked on the door. “Hey girls,” Seb said, “I really like this eyeliner look, but I want to take it off now, and each time I tried, it just smeared.”

Viv smiled, “Yea, that stuff is waterproof, so hard to take off. You need a makeup remover. Come in, babes.”

Seb walked and looked over at Rian.”Wow, you look amazing.” She had slipped on a little silver dress with matching shoes.

Rian smiled, “Thanks, Seb.”

Viv had the remover and on a cotton pad ready to go. She motioned for Seb to sit as she gently wiped the eyeliner away. Once she’s finished, they look at each then looked away, blushing. Rian smiled to herself. It wouldn’t be long now they really liked each other, it was so cute. She sighed to herself. She didn’t have the luxury of looking for love. Not right now… it would be nice, but knowing what she needed to accomplish, it was better for her and her partner if she didn’t.

Rian was pulled from her thoughts as Seb called her name. “Rian, are you ready?”

Rian smiled up at him. “Yes, let’s go.”

Once at the fire-pit, Rian sat between Elladine and Bill, who laced his fingers between hers. “How do you feel about this?” Elladine asked.

“It’s out of my hands,” Rian replied. “I can only take things as they come.”

“I’m trying to not think about it too much,” Elladine replied.

A phone buzzed, and Ciaran jumped up.”I’m first.” He looked at the girls nervously. “So the one thing I wanted coming here was to meet someone who makes me feel different. My love life has been fine, but nothing exciting or special. This girl seems to fit both of those requirements. She’s got a kind heart, and I feel like I can be myself around her. Which is why the girl I want to couple up with is … Miki?”

Miki smiled and looked at Rian, who gave her a thumbs up. Miki walked over to Ciaran gave him a hug before they sat down. “They are too cute together,” Rian said to Elladine, who nodded.

A text message pinged. ” It looks like I’m next,” Tai said, beaming. “This girl has great ideas and banter, which is something I’m looking for. The fact that she’s smoking hot doesn’t hurt either. The girl I want to couple up with is Rian.”

Bills faced dropped. Rian squeezed his hand and kissed him on the cheek. “Everything will work out as it’s meant to.” She stood up and walked over to Tai, who welcomed her with a hug before slipping his large hand over her smaller one as they sat down.

The next phone beeped. Yasmin stepped forward. “To be honest, I find a couple of islanders to be fascinating. She glanced over at Rian and then at Seb. This boy is like finding that perfect song and listening to it on repeat. So the boy I want to couple up with is Seb.”

Rian gave Seb a huge smile. Of all the people here, she wished him happiness most of all.

Iona was next, and she recoupled with Camilo. Elladine picked Nicky, of course. Viv decided on Harry, and AJ picked Bill. “Is that everyone?” Elladine asked.

“Seems to be,” Rian said, looking around at the seven couples.

“I’m exhausted.” Elladine said, “playing secret agents and then having a recoupling has me knackered.”

The other Islanders nodded in agreement.

Tai took her hand. “I know you are tired, but I would chat for a bit, is that alright?”

Rian smiled at him. “Sure.” Tai led her to the roof terrace.

“It’s beautiful up here, isn’t it?” He asked, taking in the view out over the Villa.

“It is,” Rian agreed.

Tai seemed a bit nervous, so Rian waited patiently for him to talk. “I know we may have rushed things on our date, but I don’t want you to feel pressured by that. We can take it slow and learn from each other if that is what you want.”

“I like that idea,” Rian said quietly as she slipped an arm around Tai’s waist. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Rian yawned so hard it brought tears to her eyes. Tai smiled, “and on that note, I think we should get some rest.”