Rian woke to find Harry staring at her. “You’re so beautiful.”

She smiled, “Good Morning.”

He looked to see if anyone was around. “I’m just so happy that we get to wake next to each other in the morning.” He slipped his arms around Rian and cuddled her.

“Thanks,” Rian said with a smile. Perhaps he meant what he said last night about trying to forget about the contest.

“I did a great job picking you.” Harry smiled. “We’ll win this, and you adore me. It’s all falling together now.”

“I thought you weren’t going to concentrate on the finale.” She reminded gently.

“Oh, that,” Harry waved dismissively. “I’m not worried because it’s true.”

“I think I want to get some breakfast,” Rian said, standing.

A lump of blanket a few beds over stirred and Iona sat up looking at Rian. Rian went straight to the dressing room. Iona looked over at Harry, who was digging through his suitcase and shook her head before following Rian to the dressing room.

“Are you OK, babes?” Iona asked.

Rian forced a smile to her face. “Yea, I think that Harry’s ambition has gone on overload.”

Iona looked at her empathetically. “It seems that way. If you ever need to talk. Camilo and I are here for you.”

Rian ran a brush through her ginger waves. “Thanks. I appreciate it. I think what I need right now, though, is a cup of coffee.” She stepped out of the dressing room and headed for the kitchen.

Seb was in the kitchen when she got there. “Morning, Seb.”

“Morning Sleepyhead.” Seb teased. “What can I get you?”

“Coffee, please,” Rian said.

Viv walked into the kitchen as Seb handed Rian the mug. “Can I talk to you about something?”

Rian smiled at the couple. They really were cute, and she had never seen Seb so happy. “I’ll leave you two so you can chat.”

Rian walked up to the roof terrace and sat down. This was the best place for some quiet. Why was she getting upset with Harry when it was her intention the whole time to take the money? She knew that if it came down to it and she got the winning envelope, she would go through it. Harry would undoubtedly do the same thing. If motivations differed, did that make the difference? Or was she telling herself that to justify her actions?

Seb nudged her, disrupting her thoughts. “Hey, I just talked to Iona,” Seb looked at her worriedly, “Are you OK?”

“Yea, Harry is just getting worried about the finale,” Rian said evenly.

“OK, I can understand that he’s ambitious.” Seb nodded his head. “But I have to ask, do you think he’s loyal? Or do you think he’ll be loyal because he wants to win?”

Rian thought about his question. “I don’t know. I’m not forcing him into anything. He’s his own person.”

He nodded, “That isn’t necessarily a bad headspace to be in. It would help if you didn’t worry or anything. What about you? How do you feel about Harry? Could your head be turned?”

“Harry’s nice, but honestly, when we went on our date, there was a small spark, but now I don’t know…” Rian admitted. “Do you know something I don’t?”

“No, but …” He sighed, “I stepped in it … I have a funny feeling.” He looked over at Rian and smiled. “Let’s change the subject. What do you think of mixed tapes? I was thinking of making one for Viv once we are out of here.”

“I think they are a great way to flirt,” Rian said. “Such a cute idea.”

“It’s like a reflex,” Seb admitted, “when I like a girl, I just have to make a playlist for her. I know it’s too soon, but I can’t help it. I can’t stop thinking of things I could do to make her smile. Her smile is just… mate, it goes right through me.”

Rian grinned, “Have you told her you’re in love with her?”

“I…” Seb opened and shut his mouth like a fish.

“It might not be obvious to you, but it seems like you are at least halfway there.” Rian continued. “You told me a few days ago you ‘never fall for girls like her.’ And now you’re wearing your heart on your sleeve and talking about playlists.”

Seb frowned, looking like he wanted to object, but then broke into a smile. “You’re right. I mean, deep down, I always wanted to be with a girl like Viv. And now I’ve done it. I’ve fallen for someone nice who actually really likes me for me.”

“I’m thrilled for you,” Rian said, hugging Seb. “I think you and Viv are good for each other.”

Rian finished her coffee. “I think we should get back to the others,” Seb said as his phone buzzed. He glanced at it and looked at Rian worriedly, “Now I know we need to get back to the others.”
They hurried down to the lawn. “Rian, if you could?” Seb asked.

“Hey, guys! Seb’s got a text.” Rian called out.

The Islanders hurried to gather around once everyone was there. Seb read, “Islanders, put your best foot forward because two new islanders will arrive sometime today.”

“New Islanders?” Seb asked. His face eyebrows went up in shock as he turned to Rian.

“That means more friends,” Rian said, smiling.

“I wonder how they are gonna arrive,” Camilo said, looking at Iona with a grin.

“In suitcases?” Elladine asked with a laugh before adding. “Actually, the real question is when?”