Zio was the first to speak. “What are our plans for today?”
“I was thinking we could stay here a little longer, then head back to the hotel for breakfast. We could go for another walk on the beach before you take some time to rehearse your presentation. After you finish, we can get dinner together.”
He moved so he could look at me. “How did you know I wanted to practice?”
It took an effort not to grin at his surprise. “You seem to be the type of person who would find comfort in being well rehearsed.”
“I’m terrified of public speaking.” He looked down in embarrassment. “Like, have panic attacks over talking to an audience.”
“Then how do you teach?”
“Um, I’m petrified for the first two weeks, and then I get okay with it once I’m friendly with the students,” he replied with a laugh. “It’s hell on my anxiety, which sucks, because Iloveteaching. I’m good at it, and it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. But standing in front of strangers who need answers from me is more than I can take.”
It was important for me to reassure him. “Ah, but it won’t be a crowd of complete strangers. You’ll have me in the audience.”
“I can’t tell if that makes it more or less scary.” He fidgeted with his hands. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
Tilting his chin up to hold his gaze, I did my best to comfort him. “You could never do that. Consider me your student who is eager to learn more. Perhaps then it won’t be as frightening, eh?”
“I’ll try.” His long eyelashes fluttered against his cheeks as he looked at me. “You don’t mind if I work on my speech?”
“Non, I think it will help you to do that instead of spending our time together worrying about how much you need to do later.” I brushed his cheek with my thumb in a gentle caress. “That way, you can look forward to dinner with me as a pleasant reprieve. Your dessert will be well-earned.”
That brought a smile to his face. “I can never resist a good dessert.”
His sweet tooth made him even cuter. “When your practice becomes too stressful, focus on that.” I laughed when his stomach rumbled with hunger. “Perhaps now is a good time for breakfast.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s nothing to apologize about.” I gave him two lingering kisses, since I had noticed his preference for things in even numbers. Standing up, I held my hand out to him to help him. “Come, let’s eat.”
He accepted my assistance, surprising me when he used our interlocked hands to pull me in for a hug. I embraced him, loving having his body pressed against mine. On such a beautiful day, everything felt right with the world when he was in my arms.
