Rian woke to an empty bed. It was still dark. Sitting up, she looked around the room to see most of the Islanders were still sleeping. She slipped out of bed, heading toward the bathroom, but stopped short as she heard voices whispering. “You shouldn’t have picked her.”

“Look, I followed my heart.”

Bill and Tai were arguing… over her. Rian shook her head. She wasn’t surprised, but she didn’t want them fighting. Slipping back into the bed, she sighed. It probably would be better to keep this to herself. She didn’t want to make things worse by saying anything. A few minutes later, Tai slipped back into bed. Rian sighed and snuggled into him, pressing her back into his chest. His arms wrapped around her as they both fell back into sleep.

“Rian, Hey babe, wake up…” Rian opened her eyes. Tai stood in front of her holding a cup of tea. “I thought you’d like some.”

Rian smiled. “You’re a superstar.”

“Thanks,” Tai smiled, brushing a kiss over her forehead. “I’ll let you drink your tea and get ready.”

Rian quickly got ready and headed to the kitchen. Camilo was already whipping up some batter for pancakes. “Hey Rian, since I know you can cook, would you mind helping?”

“Sure,” Rian smiled, “what do you need?”

“Start whipping up the next batch as I cook these?” He asked.

“I’m on it.” She slipped an apron over her swimsuit and starting measuring the ingredients. They worked in silence for a bit.

Rian moved the batter over to Camilo as he poured another pancake before turning to her. “So how’d it go with Tai?”

She turned to face him enigmatic smile already planted on her face. “My lips are sealed.” She didn’t realize he was so close.

“Ooh mysterious,” Camilo’s sparkled with amusement. “Not gonna lie, you’re amazing. But… I was wondering, are you still into me?”

“Of course, I am. It doesn’t just disappear,” Rian said.

“That’s made my day. Even more than the pancakes.” Camilo said his attention moved back to the stove.

Rian started cutting up a variety of fruit for the pancakes. But the limes caught her eye. Grabbing the citrus, she started zesting. “What are you making?” Camilo asked curiously.

“I thought lime curd would be something different and tasty,” Rian said, pulling out a heat-proof bowl and a pan along with sugar, eggs, and butter. She put some water in the pan and gently placed the heatproof bowl on top of the pan.

Camilo leaned over to watch what she was doing. “You do know what you’re doing. I’m impressed.”

Rian smiled, looking up at him. “You’ve got a bit of flour.” She reached up, wiping it off his cheek.

“Oh, personal grooming,” He smirked, “I like it.”

Rian huffed in amusement and turned back to her pan. A short time later, they take the pancakes with fixings to the other Islanders. Everyone cheered as the pancakes were set on the table. “I couldn’t have done it without my beautiful assistant. Actually, she’s a brilliant chef in her own right. She made lime curd to go with the pancakes. ” Camilo said with a smile.

Tai raised his eyebrows, looking over at Rian. “Thanks, Camilo. I hope everyone enjoys it,” Rian said. The Islanders quickly scuffle with their plates to get food.

Tai patted the seat beside him. “Rian, come sit with me.” Bill caught her gaze, giving her a hopeful look. Rian smiled but sat with Tai. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it feels great spending it with you.” He took a bite of his pancakes with strawberries and lime curd.

“Wow, this delicious,” Tai said, smiling, “Camilo’s pancakes with your toppings is magic.” The other islanders nodded in agreement. Quiet fell over the group as they ate.

“I’ll do the dishes.” Ciaran offered.

“I can do it, mate, don’t worry about it,” Camilo said.

“That’s not fair! You and Rian did a load of working, making breakfast.” Ciaran argued.

“Fine, I’ll supervise.” Camilo agreed.

The islanders drifted off into different areas of the Villa. Seb sat down beside her. “How are you doing?”

Rian smiled. “I’m fine more importantly, how do you feel about Yasmin?”

“She seems nice, but…” Seb mumbled.

“You’ve got someone else on your mind, don’t you,” Rian whispered.

Seb smiled. “You see right through me. I do, but I think Yasmin is nice. Actually, I have a question for you. Were you single when you came on the show?”

Rian raised eyebrows curiously. “Obviously, or they wouldn’t have allowed me on the show.”

“But why were you single?” Seb asked.

“I’ve never been in a proper relationship. My career isn’t exactly conducive to relationships or friendships. The lab’s hours can get really crazy.” Rian replied.

“I see,” Seb said thoughtfully.

“So why all the questions?” Rian asked.

Seb sighed, “Sometimes, I still wonder what I’m doing here. I still feel like I don’t fit in. My dating life has been a disaster up to this point.”

“Everyone feels that way, Seb. I feel like that too.” Rian chuckled, “Do you think any of us would be here if we were happily in relationships?”

Seb laughed, “Good point.”

“What I’m saying is this. I feel that way too sometimes, and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.” Rian explained.

“Thanks, Rian, That helped a lot,” Seb said.

“You can always vent to me. That’s what friends are for.” Rian leaned back and closed her eyes, hoping to enjoy the rest of the day.

“Friends, huh?” He smiled at the thought, “So how did things go with Tai last night?”

“It was nice. We had a chat on the room terrace, but…” Rian looked worried. “I woke up early, and Bill and Tai were arguing in the bathroom… about me.”

“Yikes, how do you feel about that?” He asked, giving her a concerned look.

“I don’t really want guys fighting over me.” She said, “I didn’t say anything to Tai about it. Probably better that they don’t know I heard them.”

Seb nodded. “I can understand that.”

The Islanders’ relaxing day was short-lived. “I’ve got a text!” Miki called out. Everyone hurried over. “Islanders, the public has been voting to save the couples they deem most compatible. The couples with the least votes will be in danger of leaving the island tonight.”

“Oh, my god!” Iona gasped.

Tai looked a bit shocked, and for a moment, it was like he shrunk in size. “You what…”

Bill sighed, “It’s a dumping.”

“One of the couples could go home…” Tai said disbelievingly.

The couples drifted off to talk amongst themselves. Rian didn’t really have much to say. She knew it was part of the game. The thought was a sharp pain that went through her. She had made this far … she couldn’t stop now. Theo depended on her.

“You alright?” Tai asked, obviously worried that she had said nothing for a while.

Rian sighed, “It’s out of our hands. No sense in worrying about it, I suppose.” Rian stood up.

“Yea… But…” Tai started to say.

Rian turned to him, cupping his chin, “I’m not religious, but this thought has always helped me. Accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can, and cultivate the wisdom to know the difference.” Rian pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek before walking toward the Villa.