Break to Love

Chapter 6 - Photographed

"Where's everybody?"

Izabella flinched when somebody wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. "Gone," she said. "Denis made sure Nick and Kokk got back alright. Beli's in the cabin, sleeping."

Stefanos sat beside her on the deck. "I'm sorry, Iza."

"You've said that a thousand times already."

"I mean it. I didn't mean to drag you into all of this but you were the first person who didn't immediately take Tal's side. It was nice to have someone believe in me for a change."

"Were you able to talk to her?" Izabella pulled the blanket around her tighter.

"Yeah. It was enlightening," Stefanos began. "I asked her why she was here and Tal is moving here. She and Naomi-Naomi Osaka-are getting an apartment here."

"Wow."

"At least it's not with Zverev, right?"

"Yeah."

"I was getting over her, you know, then Wimbledon happened. Tal showed up at my place one night and I thought she still needed me-I think she and Zverev got into a fight. That's why when I got that call from Naomi, I dropped everything. I figured it was my chance to show her I was still there for her."

Izabella didn't say anything.

Stefanos looked over at her curiously. "Why are you being so quiet?"

She pursed her lips. "I learned my lesson. From now on, I'm keeping my mouth shut about her. Talia's scared me into silence, I think."

"From now on, we're probably never speaking about her again," he laughed. It was a real one, it didn't sound bitter at all.

"What else did you guys talk about?"

"We didn't have a lot of time. Tal wanted to get back here fast but she did say something about you. She told me not to lead you on." Stefanos paused. "Did I lead you on, Iza?"

"Look, I don't want you to get too cocky but I just really liked your hair."

Stefanos smiled. "We're back to that again."

"Seriously, though, as long as we're friends, I'm okay with that."

"Are we? Still friends?"

"Of course. I don't hold grudges, Stef. I get why you did what you did."

"That's good to hear. I wouldn't want to leave knowing you were angry at me."

"You're leaving?" Izabella asked.

"I booked a flight back to Athens tonight. I just came back to get my stuff."

"You can stay another day, Stef. I don't mind."

"I have to go, Iza, and figure things out."

Izabella frowned. "If you're sure."

Stefanos stood. "I am. I'll see you in a few weeks, Iza. Maybe sooner. Where's your next tournament?" he asked, extending a hand to help her up.

Izabella took his hand. She stumbled a little but Stefanos tightened his grip on her hand. "Washington."

"Me, too."

"Well, um, have a safe flight." Izabella withdrew her hand and stepped away from Stefanos.

He cleared his throat. "Thank you, Iza. I'll see you in Washington." Stefanos went around the boat to grab his things. He hesitated before taking his camera out and taking the memory stick. He held it up for Izabella then put it in her hand. "I debated over giving you this but I think you'd like it." Then with one last wave, he left for the airport.