Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

MARIGOLD

I walked away from the crowd of travelers. People that had been on my flight were all scrambling to figure out what they were going to do. My issue was more than just a delay. I was going to be letting down my best friend.

I hated to think I couldn't get this one thing right. I should have booked an earlier flight, but because of her chosen destination at one of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, my options were limited. There was only a flight once a week and I couldn't afford to sit on a beach for a week.

And now I was paying for it.

My stomach was in knots as I tapped Elaine's contact. The phone rang twice before she picked up, her cheerful voice making me feel even worse. I was about to rain on her parade.

"Marigold, where are you?" she asked with the sound of laughter filtering through the background. "You're missing all the fun."

"Hey, Elaine," I said, trying to keep my tone light despite the nervous energy coursing through me. "I'm so sorry, but I'm not going to make it to the rehearsal dinner tonight."

"What? Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"

"My flight had an issue and we had to land in Lisbon," I explained, the frustration creeping into my voice despite my best efforts to stay calm. "I'm really sorry, but there's nothing I can do. I'll still be there in time for the wedding, though. I promise. Even if I have to walk there."

"Sweetie, we're on an island."

"Fine, I'll swim then."

Elaine was quiet for a moment, and I braced myself for her disappointment. "Marigold, that's awful. But don't worry, okay? These things happen, and it's not your fault. We'll miss you tonight, but you'll be here for the big day, and that's what matters most. I know you would be here if you could."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Thanks, Elaine. I really wish I could be there. I'm so sorry."

"What happened?" she asked.

"Engine trouble."

"Yikes," she said, followed by a laugh. "I know you're not exactly a confident flier. That had to be terrifying."

"More than you know," I said with a groan.

"Are you okay?"

Elaine was a good friend. This was her big day, and she was asking if I was okay. "I'm fine. I'm on solid ground. I can't say I'm looking forward to getting on another plane, but I'll do it. I will be there. Nothing will stop me. I hate that I'm not there right now."

"You'll be with us in spirit," she said with a smile in her voice. "And I'll make sure to save you a piece of cake."

I laughed, the tension in my chest easing just a little. "You'd better. I've been looking forward to that cake for weeks."

Elaine giggled, and I heard someone else's voice in the background. "Who's that?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"Courtney," Elaine replied, and just like that, the anxiety was back, clawing its way up my throat.

Courtney Mirkwood.

The name sent a shiver down my spine, and a rush of memories I'd rather forget flashed through my mind. Courtney had been a fixture in my life back in high school, but not in a good way. She had made it her mission to make my life miserable, spreading rumors, sabotaging friendships, and generally making me feel like I was worthless. Even now, years later, the thought of her still made my palms sweat.

"Oh," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "That's… nice."

Elaine, ever oblivious, continued. "Yeah, she just got in a few hours ago. She's been catching up with everyone. It's like a little high school reunion."

I forced a laugh, but it sounded hollow even to my own ears. "Sounds fun."

I was jealous. Courtney was a bitch. I knew I shouldn't think that, but it was true. I knew she didn't really like me either. We were frenemies because we shared Elaine as a friend. And I loved Elaine.

"Don't worry, Marigold," Elaine said, her voice softening. "We're going to have such a great time tomorrow, and you're going to look so beautiful. I can't wait to see you."

"Thanks, Elaine," I said, my heart swelling with gratitude. "I've got the earrings, by the way. They're packed safely in my carry-on."

"Oh, that's great! I'm so excited to see them."

I glanced over my shoulder at Zayn, who was standing out of the way and on his phone as well. "I'll be there for all the wedding activities tomorrow. I won't miss a thing."

"I know you won't," Elaine said, her voice warm and comforting. "Do you need anything? My dad could call and book you a hotel if you need one."

I hesitated, my eyes meeting Zayn's. This was probably the most impulsive thing I'd ever done, agreeing to spend the night in Lisbon with a man I'd just met. But something about Zayn made me want to take a chance, to see where this unexpected detour might lead.

"I think I'm good," I said, my voice steady. "But could your dad help book my flight in the morning? I want to make sure I get to Mallorca as early as possible."

"Of course!" Elaine said, sounding relieved that there was something she could do to help. "I'll have him call you in a bit to confirm everything."

"Thanks, Elaine," I said, feeling a little more at ease. "I'll see you tomorrow. Be safe and have fun tonight."

"You too, Marigold. We'll be thinking of you! And don't worry about Courtney, okay? We're all going to get ready together. We'll get primped and pampered and come out looking amazing."

"Yeah," I said, though I wasn't entirely sure if I was reassuring her or myself. "See you tomorrow."

We said our goodbyes, and as I hung up, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. The relief of having Elaine's understanding, the anxiety about seeing Courtney again, and the uncertainty of me actually getting there made my head spin. I looked over at him. He was watching me with that easy smile of his.

I took a deep breath and started back toward him.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said, nodding. "Elaine's going to have her dad book my flight in the morning."

"Good," Zayn said with a smile. "Now, how about we go grab some dinner? You've had a long day, and you could use a good meal."

I smiled, grateful for his calm presence. "That sounds perfect. Although I did have a pretty amazing meal earlier."

"Ah, that wasn't bad but I think we can do better."

We gathered our things and headed out into the Lisbon night. Zayn seemed to know the city well, leading me to a charming little restaurant tucked away in a side street. It was the kind of place you'd never find unless you knew exactly where to look, with flickering candlelight and the sound of soft music drifting through the air.

"This place is amazing," I said as we sat down, our bags safely stored by the manager at Zayn's request.

"I'm glad you like it," Zayn said, his eyes twinkling in the candlelight. "I thought you might appreciate something a little different."

"Different is definitely good," I said, feeling more relaxed as the evening wore on. The fear from the rough landing had dissipated and I was able to enjoy the beauty of Lisbon. I had to remind myself I was in Portugal. I was officially a world traveler. The wine helped, of course, and by the time I was two glasses in, I found myself feeling lighter.

"You know," I said, swirling the wine in my glass before taking a drink.

"Yes?" Zayn prompted when I got distracted with my wine.

"Stuff like this never happens to me. I mean, this whole day has been insane."

Zayn chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I find that hard to believe. A beautiful woman like you, surely you've gotten under a man's skin before."

I giggled, a hiccup escaping my lips. I could feel the blush creep up my cheeks. "Hardly. I'm just a little nobody from a small town."

"I don't believe that for a second," he said, his eyes fixed on mine.

"No, really," I insisted, laughing at myself. "I'm an only child with a boring job and a boring life. I work as a bank teller, and I live alone in a small loft apartment I can barely afford. I've even been looking at taking on another part-time job just to make ends meet."

"What kind of job?" Zayn asked, his expression serious now, as if he was genuinely interested.

"Waiting tables," I said with a sigh. "I did it all through high school, so I figured I might as well circle back to it."

Zayn leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "That's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I know," I said, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. "I just… I don't know. I feel like I've been complaining when we're in this beautiful city, having this incredible meal. I'm sorry."

"Don't be," he said softly. "I asked, didn't I? I wanted to know more about you."

"Well, I think it's time we talked about you now. That's pretty much me in a nutshell. You've gotten my whole life story. Tell me more about you."

Zayn smiled, his gaze never leaving mine. "You're more interesting than you think, Marigold."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the wine. "Thanks, but it's your turn," I said, eager to turn the conversation away from myself.

"There's not much to tell," Zayn said, his tone casual.

I let out an unladylike snort. "I find that hard to believe. I can tell there is a story just looking at you. No one gets to be…" I waved my hand trying to come up with the right word. "You. Like you. All rich and suave with no history."

He chuckled again, that deep rumbling sound that made my heart beat a little faster. "Suave?"

"You know you are."

"Well, I'm in business with my brothers. I come from a big family. I'm an entrepreneur, and I like meeting new people and having impromptu adventures. I guess my suaveness comes from meeting a lot of people and knowing how to talk to them."

I nodded as he talked. "And? What else do you do?"

"I guess I like getting into trouble." He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I felt my heart skip a beat. I did pick up on an air of danger coming from him, but it was the good kind of danger. The exciting kind.

"I've never been one for trouble," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "It's never too late to try something new."

I looked down at my glass, feeling a flutter of nerves. There was something about Zayn that made me want to take risks, to step out of my comfort zone and see where the night might take us. But at the same time, I couldn't ignore the little voice in the back of my head telling me to be careful, to not get too caught up in the moment.

"I don't know," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I'm not sure I'm cut out for that."

"You'd be surprised what you're capable of, Marigold." His voice had dropped an octave, and the husky tone sent chills down my spine.

I looked up at him, my heart racing. There was something in his eyes, a challenge, a promise of something more, and I found myself wanting to take that leap, to see where this unexpected encounter might lead.

"Maybe," I said, my voice soft, almost unsure.

He smiled. "Let's just enjoy tonight, see where it takes us."

I nodded. This was so far outside of my usual routine, so different from the careful, predictable life I'd built for myself. But maybe that was exactly what I needed—a break from the ordinary, a chance to experience something new, something exciting. And if I humiliated myself, big deal.

It wasn't like I was ever going to see him again.