Being back in England was definitely a shock to the system. Especially as my first week back it rained. The whole time. In May. On Monday 18th May, my video for Made in the USA was released worldwide, whilst I was sat in a meeting with my usual crew, including my band, Jamie-Lee, Darren and of course, Eric. The video was good and the actors had chemistry for sure. And then the storyline was fantastic; he was in the army and thankfully, he returned safely. Eric of course was taking full responsibility for this, although I was sure it hadn't been his idea. The single had been released the day before and so far it was doing pretty well in the charts. Everyone was happy. And then Eric dropped a bombshell.
'I'm sending you to Ibiza.' He announced and I glanced at my bandmates, our eyes wide.
'Uhm... okay.' I replied, unsure what else I was supposed to say. Off again? I'd only been back just over a week. And besides, Ibiza, really? I'd never been but didn't people just go to get drunk and to get laid?
'You could be more enthusiastic.' Eric rolled his eyes.
'Yeah, it's Ibiza! Sun and parties!' Jamie-Lee beamed and I simply just blinked at her.
'And what am I going to be doing in Ibiza?' I asked, worried about the answer.
'Well you're performing at Ibiza Rocks and you're also going to be doing a swimwear photoshoot.' Eric explained.
'A swimswear photoshoot?' I choked out. Ibiza Rocks would be fine, performing to a bunch of drunk pool party goers. No problem. But a swimwear photoshoot?
'The brand loved your Victoria's Secret performance and they think you'd be great publicity for their new line. It would do you some good too.'
'When am I going?' I asked, biting my lip nervously.
'Three weeks today.'
'Ibiza will be cool.' Nathan said, shooting me a reassuring smile that evening when we were sat in front of the television together.
'It's the photoshoot that I'm worried about.' I sighed, still feeling nervous. I'd even renewed my gym membership just incase. I was going to need to go at least twice a day. At least. But I wasn't going to tell Nathan that.
'It'll be fine.' He kissed my forehead. 'My best mate is off out there next month actually. When are you going?'
'June 6th.'
'Oh sweet, they're going out on the 4th.' He paused for a moment, as if contemplating something.
'What?' I eyeballed him, feeling confused.
'I could take some time off recording and come out with you.' He grinned. 'Not to bug you the whole time of course, but I could catch up with my friends and then see you too.'
My phone buzzed and I pulled it out, quickly.
Can't wait to see you! Twelve days to go! Willz xxx
'Oh crap.' I cursed.
'What?'
'Willow's coming over on the 4th and I completely forgot.'
'So invite her to Ibiza.' He grinned. 'Party central. The more the merrier.'
I puffed out the breath I didn't realise I'd been holding. Did music artists ever get time off? I was wondering if it was even possible.
On the 4th June, I fainted. Everything had been going fine. I'd been looking forward to seeing Willow and my aunt and uncle, and I'd been packing for spending the night with my family at my parent's house. But then I turned on the television and the sight made me dizzy. A burning street. One which was too familiar. One which I hadn't seen for a very long time. In Budapest, Hungary, a bomb had been set off in a bank. Supposedly savants were to blame. The shop names were familiar, the language I couldn't decipher displayed everywhere. The thought made me feel sick. Should I have done my research? Possibly. Guilt consumed me as the death count appeared on screen; 8 dead, 3 with life-threatening injuries. Then I passed out.
When I made it to my parent's house that evening, an hour and a half late, they knew something was wrong, but I couldn't tell them. I spent the evening locking it up deep inside me, determined not to let anyone know what happened. Even my cousin, who watched me with worried eyes, couldn't know.
'So do you think I've got everything?' Willow asked as she repacked her suitcase for Ibiza in my living room the next day. She added another bikini to the mix and I rolled my eyes.
'Are you planning on just wearing biknis? Because I think three would be fine.'
'This is Ibiza, cuz. You have to be fashionable. It's not like Magaluf. Ibiza is the real deal. Cocktails, sunsets, parties and fashion. Some of us haven't got a designer wardrobe like you.'
'I'm happy to share, honestly.' I laughed. I'd received a lot of clothes when labels and brands had heard I was going to Ibiza. Everyone wanted a bit of publicity and that was fine by me.
'Eric's not added anymore work, has he? Is it still just Ibiza Rocks and the photoshoot?'
'Yep.' I nodded. 'He promised I'd have some time off. Though Nate's playing at the Hard Rock Hotel tomorrow night and I promised we'd go to that.'
'Sure.' She smiled. 'I'll help fight off the fan girls.'
We met the band at the airport the next day and Daisy was already in shorts and a vest top, despite the cold, rainy UK weather. I was glad they were joining me. I'd felt lost without them when performing in California and I didn't want them to miss out again as they'd been gutted they weren't seeing Hollywood. We sat together on the plane, sadly not in first class, and a couple hours of later, we had landed.
'Welcome to the Santos Suites.' A gentleman behind the reception desk said in a Spanish accent, a warm smile on his face. 'It is a pleasure to have you here Miss May.' He turned to my friends. 'Welcome all of you.'
'Thank you.' I smiled, chewing my sunglasses.
'Now your manager made me ensure that you had the best rooms.' He said, typing something into his database. 'You have seaviews and balconies.' He passed me a key and then Jesse. I hoped Daisy wouldn't mind that we'd been split into our sexes, as she and Jake had become pretty joined at the hip, but then the rooms were pricey. 'You're on the third floor, just take the elevator and turn left. Would you like help with your bags?'
I pulled my guitar strap over my shoulder and grabbed my floral suitcase. 'No we'll be fine thank you.'
The rooms were decorated with white walls and white flooring, a turquoise sofa bed in the living/diner along with a fridge and a hob. The living/diner led to our balcony which gave us a view of the pool and the beautiful sea. My friends squealed with excitement and I retreated to the bedroom with them, where there were three single beds spaced out by the large closet. It was perfect.
We didn't hesitate to get changed. We'd had lunch at the airport and it was only 2pm, so we all changed into summer gear and headed out to explore. in my denim hotpants, black bikini and white kimono, I felt Ibiza cool as we walked down to explore the pool area. The hotel was pretty small, so the pool area wasn't giant but it was chic. There was an oval pool overlooking the ocean and it was surrounded by double sunbeds, which ressembled beds, and white sofas around tables, decorated with bright blue, pink and yellow cushions. I recognised a familiar chest lying on a double sunbed and I waved at him. He grinned and stood up, as the girls and I walked over to him.
'Hey princess.' He said softly, pulling me in for a quick kiss. Willow cleared her throat behind me and I laughed as I pulled back.
'Nate, this is my wonderful cousin-'
'And practically sister.' Willow interrupted.
'And practically sister, Willow.' I continued, rolling my eyes at Willow as she ran a hand through her perfectly-straight brunette hair.
'Great to meet you at last.' Nathan smiled, holding his hand out for her. She shook it and Daisy giggled at the formality. 'And hey dais, you alright?'
'Yeah thanks.' My red-headed band mate nodded, high-fiving my boyfriend. Daisy and Willow put their towels down on a sunbed and then headed over to the bar, leaving Nathan and I alone.
'So how come you're sunning yourself solo?' I asked with a grin, lying down on my stomach on the comfy double sunbed beside him so that we were facing the sparkling blue ocean.
'All day boat party.' He replied, rolling his eyes. 'They left at 10am and they're back at 4pm. They wanted me to go but I had soundcheck at lunchtime ready for the gig later.' He planted a kiss on my shoulder. 'Why? Looking forward to meeting them?'
'More like nervous.' I bit my lip, looking out at the private hotel beach, where a few people were sunbathing. A couple girls glanced our way, gawping, and I realised they probably recognised my boyfriend. And probably fancied him too. I didn't blame them.
'They'll love you.' He smiled, tucking my hair behind my ear, probably so that he could actually see my face. 'As long as I'm happy then so are they.'
We didn't stay by the pool for that long. Nathan headed off to get ready for his gig and to get over to the Hard Rock hotel, as his gig started at 6pm, and we grabbed an early dinner with Jesse and Jake by the poolside before heading upstairs to get changed. Daisy had decided on high-waisted denim shorts, coverse and a white vest top tucked in, with a plaid shirt tied around her waist, her make-up retro with bright red lips. Willow had gone for a black playsuit and flip-flops, her make-up a little sparkly for the evening and her hair pin-straight. I was still stood there, staring at my clothes at 5.30 and we were running out of time. My hair was curly, that was fine. My make-up consisted of smokey eye shadow and a natural-looking lipstick. That was fine. But what was I going to wear? Nathan's friends were going to be there and I needed to impress them. I also needed to look cooler than the load of fangirls who would be attending the concert.
'You're such a pain.' Daisy joked, finishing the braid at the side of her head. The doorbell rang. 'The guys must be ready.' She disappeared out of the bedroom and I sighed dramatically.
Willow rummaged around in the wardrobe and pulled out a pair of blue denim high-waisted shorts, a thin black belt and my black, strapless lace bralet. 'Here. I've made the decision for you. Now get a move on.'
I paired the outfit with a pair of sparkly sandals with a small wedge heel, threw on a dangly necklace and then we were ready to go back out into the warm evening air.
The Hard Rock Hotel was only a ten minute walk away and the queue was awful when we arrived. Luckily, the benefits of going out with the star meant that with a few words spoken to the security guard and a quick check of ID and the guestlist, we were handed 'Access all areas' lanyards and then we were sent straight inside.
'Well I think it's clear to say we're the minority.' Jake said to Jesse after we grabbed our drinks at the bar, grabbing a spot to stand in away from the crowd. He was right. There were hundreds of girls, dressed in bikinis and skimpy outfits.
'Can't complain.' Jesse grinned and Daisy and I rolled our eyes as Willow looked at Jesse, warily. Of course he wouldn't complain. He loved women. Too much some might say.
'So I might be feeling a little self-conscious right now.' I said to Willow and Daisy, looking around warily at the girls with tiny waists and larger breasts than me. How was that possible? I'd lost weight, but it had gone from both my stomach and a little from my breasts, which was damn irritating.
'Wasn't it like this when you were with Ed?' Daisy replied, looking disgusted at a girl whose bikini was disappearing into her backside. Gross.
'Oh yes, but Nate is really, really good-looking.' I sighed and Daisy nodded.
'Yep, your taste has improved. Before it was the voice and the personality that attracted fans more I think. Nate's got everything. The voice, the personality, the looks, the kindness...' Willow winked.
'Thanks, you're totally making me feel better about the situation.' I said, drily.
'Oh hush, he could have any girl here and he's chosen you.' Daisy said with a reassuring smile. 'He's totally besotted with you.'
The crowd squealed and screamed, excitedly and very high-pitch and I suddenly felt like I was at one of the McBusted gigs I had attended every year. Except all of these girls were at least eighteen. And they were screaming for my boyfriend. The familiar intro of 'Listen to the Man' started to play and then the lights were on, revealing Nathan in his stone-coloured shorts and a grey tank top, showing his muscles and the corner of his tattoo.
'I feel your head resting heavy on your single bed
I want to hear all about it, get it all off your chest
I feel the tears and you're not alone
When I hold you well I won't let go
Why should we care for what they're selling us anyway
We're so young girl and you know
You don't have to be there babe
You don't have to be scared babe
You don't need a plan, of what you want to do
Won't you listen to the man that's loving you.'
The crowd loved it, dancing together to the first song, although then the songs slowed down as Nathan moved into 'Budapest' and 'Blame it on me', swaying to the music instead as they drank the drinks they'd bought at the bar. Willow and I moved onto bottles of beer as Jake and Daisy held each other as they sang along, sotfly, Jesse already lost in the crowd of women.
'You know, I've always wanted to see Nathan Jones in concert.' Willow said from beside me, a playful grin on her face. 'I just didn't realise that my cousin was going to end up dating him.'
'Believe me, I didn't either.'
'You were so against having another relationship. What happened, huh?'
'I don't know.' I replied with a shrug. I took a swig of my beer. 'It doesn't mean I'm not worried though. You know, that he's going to hurt me like Ed did.'
'And Ed was your soulfinder.' She commented and I sucked in a deep breath. I hadn't told her that part.
'Erm well here's the thing...'
I filled her in on the soulfinder thing and her eyebrows raised as she looked at me in surprise. Eventually, she said something. 'Damn girl, you have two soulfinders and I've not got a clue where mine is. Though I'm pretty glad. I'm happy with Scott and I don't want anything to ruin that.' She looked off dreamily and I smiled, happy for her.
'Wow Ibiza, you are great and you're looking fantastic tonight.' Nathan said into the microphone, causing a group of girls near us to scream. Willow screamed from beside me and I elbowed her in the ribs, embarassed by my family member. 'Okay this next song is something new that I started writing on tour. I hope you like it.'
He strummed on his guitar and closed his eyes as he started to sing,
'The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came.'
His eyes locked with mine over the crowd and he winked at me before continuing the song.
'You cast a spell on me, spell on me
You hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me
And I decided you look well on me, well on me
So let's go somewhere no one else can see, you and me
Turn the lights out now
Now I'll take you by the hand
Hand you another drink
Drink it if you can
Can you spend a little time,
Time is slipping away,
Away from us so stay,
Stay with me I can make,
Make you glad you came
The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came.'
It was quicker, more upbeat than most of his other stuff but it was good and the crowd thought so too, as they danced together and cheered although as Nathan's sexy voice echoed around the hotel grounds. Willow and I danced together, freezing when two guys in baggy shorts and plain t-shirts approached us.
'Hey girls.' The brunette guy said, a cocky grin on his face.
'Uhm, hi.' My cousin replied and the blonde raised an eyebrow, grinning.
'American? Sweet!' He commented.
'Would you like to dance?' The brunette asked Willow.
'I have a boyfriend.' She shook her head, folding her arms around her chest.
Nathan's cover of 'Uptown Funk' soon started up and the crowd cheered, dancing around as wildly as they could to his acoustic performance.
The brunette guy turned to face me as I tapped my foot in time to the music. 'You'll dance with me won't you gorgeous?'
'I have a boyfriend too.' I replied with a frown. His breath smelt of alcohol and I was sure he'd probably had too much.
'So where is he?' He asked, reaching for my hand, so I folded my arms across my chest, mirroring my cousin, who looked plain irritated.
'Uhm, there.' I pointed at Nathan on the stage, where he was singing and strumming his guitar.
The guys both laughed a lot, shaking their heads in disbelief. 'You and all the other girls in here darlin'.' The blonde said, rolling his eyes.
'She's telling the truth.' Willow replied. 'She's Lucy May.'
The brunette guy raised his eyebrow. 'You're not Lucy May.' I rolled my eyes. They had beer goggles on, clearly.
'Uhm, actually I am.' I frowned.
'Miss May, everything okay?' One of the security guards asked from behind me. Clearly Eric had told them to keep an eye on me or something as Matt was having some much-deserved time off with his family. The two guys bugging us glanced at each other, their eyes wide as they realised that Willow and I had not been lying.
'Yes it's fine.' I replied to the security guard with a smile and he nodded before heading back to where he had been stood.
'Dude, you totally tried to chat up Lucy May and got burned.' The blonde guy said as he let off his drunk friend, walking into the crowd to find another girl to prey on. Willow turned to me and laughed, a proper, giggly laugh and then she set me off too.
Nathan's performance finished at 8pm, just as the sun was getting ready to set. The crowd screamed and applauded, some girls throwing themselves at the stage as he said 'goodnight' and threw his water bottle into the crowd. I laughed as girls fought over it, desperate for some of my boyfriend's DNA.
'You laugh but we were both like that when it came to the Jonas Brothers.' Willow elbowed me in the ribs.
'Now that I've met Nick Jonas, that just seems weird.' I said, shaking my head in disbelief. 'Besides we were young and naive.'
'Well I guess your boyfriend shouldn't be so good-looking, huh? I'm glad your taste has improved. You've been out with some right weirdos and then a few that were nice but not the least bit attractive.'
'It's about personality.'
'Now I know that's not what first attracted you to Nate.' She teased. 'Now come on, let's get away from the crowd before they start moving and kill you so that they can steal your boyfriend.'
We headed backstage with Daisy and Jake, using our access all areas lanyards. My heart hammered in my chest, wildly. I was going to meet Nathan's best friends. The thought scared me. A lot. What if they didn't like me? Or didn't think I was good enough? Or something equally bad?
'Hey princess.' Nathan grinned as he spotted me. He picked me up and spun me around, making me laugh, before planting a soft kiss on my lips.
'You were great!' I told him with a smile as the kiss ended and Willow nodded from my side.
'You really were, although there were times I thought girls were going to climb onto the stage and attack you.' My cousin laughed and Nathan smiled cheekily.
'Mate, nice work.' A guy with shaggy blonde hair and brown eyes, reminding me of Jesse McCartney, said as he appeared with a guy with styled brunette hair and brown eyes and a petite girl with ash blonde curly shoulder-length hair and very dark, pretty eyes (AN: Lily James).
'Thanks, mate.' Nathan grinned, high-fiving and hugging his blonde friend. He stepped back from the hug. 'Guys, this is Daisy, Jake, Willow and of course, Lucy.' He shot me an adorable smile that made my heart jump a little. 'Lucy, this is Aidan.' He signalled to the blonde. 'Kyle.' He signalled to the brunette. 'And Lily.' He signalled to the pretty girl. When he said his mates were in Ibiza, I hadn't imagined one of them would be a girl. It made me nervous. Was she an ex? Had there ever been anything between them? I wouldn't have been surprised if there had. Nathan's friends shook all of our hands and smiled at me.
'It's about bloody time he let us meet you.' Kyle said, rolling his eyes. 'It's like he's embarassed of us or something.'
'He talks about you all the time.' Lily smiled and I relaxed a bit. That was a good sign, wasn't it?
'Right come on, let's head on out.' Aidan said. 'I think drinks are in order.'
'I think I've only just sobered up from the boat.' Lily sighed.
'A few drinks won't hurt.' Nathan smiled, reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze. 'Just not too many as don't want to be sick on the boat tomorrow.' I looked up at him in confusion and he grinned. What boat? I turned to Willow and noticed her eyes were wide as she looked at Kyle. Had I missed something?
We ended up at a bar called Dunes, which was a bar and diner along the main road. Nathan and his friends had been before, so it seemed, as they were greeted personally by the owner, who led us to a 'VIP' area, a smile on his face. The VIP area was on a raised platform, with large grey sofas, and it was in front of a wall with the words 'Music is the answer' written on it in glow-in-the-dark 3D letters. I couldn't help but smile at the irony of it all. We ordered our drinks and then I dragged my mute cousin off to the ladies, trying to work out what the hell was going on with her.
'Blimey Willow, I know it's not been sunny in Michigan lately but you look like a ghost.' I told her as I inspected her under the toilet lights. She looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes sad. 'What's wrong?' I asked her, really starting to feel concerned.
'Kyle.' She whispered and I looked at her, confused.
'Do you know him?'
'He's.. he's... my... soul...finder.' She stuttered, running a hand through her hair, something she did when she was nervous.
'What?!' I gasped, my eyes wide. I turned her so that she was looking at me. 'Are you sure?'
'What do you mean am I sure? He was in my head and no one has ever done that before and oh my god, what am I going to do? I love Scott.' Her eyes filled with tears and I pulled her in for a hug.
'You don't have to be with your soulfinder, Wills. You have to do whatever makes you happy.'
'But aren't soulfinders supposed to be together?' She pulled back from the hug, having pulled herself together a little.
'I don't know, who am I to say anything when I have two.' I frowned. 'But you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Just be his friend, maybe? I'm sure being friends with your soulfinder is okay.'
She gave a half-smile. 'I think I need a drink.'
'You and me both.' I replied as a group of girls walked into the toilets. They glanced over at me, their eyes wide. 'Come on, let's go and drink some cocktails. Apparently they're pretty strong here.'
Willow had relaxed half an hour later, when we were on our second cocktail, although I couldn't help but notice that Kyle could hardly take his eyes off of her. That was nothing new; my cousin always had eyes on her, wherever she went. Guys loved her. But there was something more intense about the way he was watching her and any normal person would find it creepy, any person who knew nothing about savants and soulfinders.
'So what was all this about a boat?' I asked Nathan as Willow chatted to Lily about America.
'We've hired a boat for the day tomorrow. I was hoping you might join us.' He smiled, squeezing my hand.
'I'm in and I'm sure Willow will be too. Daisy? Jake?'
'We're actually going to head to the North of the island and go horse-riding.' Daisy replied with a smile. 'It's a date day.'
'No problem.' Nathan replied with a nod. 'That sounds fun.' He turned to me. 'Maybe we should do that.'
'Not with my clumsiness.' I replied, my eyebrows high on my forehead.
'Hmm maybe not.' He chuckled, planting a kiss on my cheek.
The next day, we had breakfast altogether in the hotel restaurant and then we headed to the dock, where the yacht was waiting for us. When Nathan had said he'd hired a boat, I was thinking it was going to be small, but I was wrong. The white ketch was huge with navy blue sails stretching into the sky. Nathan greeted the captain and we climbed on board, the boat gently rocking in the water as a couple of jetskis passed. I hoped I wasn't going to be seasick. Willow walked onto the boat, making herself comfy on the padded ground at the front that had been designed for sunbathing. She pulled off her black swing dress, revealing the designer black bikini I had donated to her as I was not impressed with how much of my curvy bum it showed. I watched as Kyle walked over to her, sitting down beside her.
'Who'd have thought it, huh?' Nathan said, wrapping his arms around my waist. I'd opted for a cobalt blue bikini and I was wearing my denim shorts and a turquoise floral kimono with it.
'She's got a boyfriend back home.' I replied.
'I know and so does he.' Nathan said. He tucked my hair behind my ear so that he could plant a gentle kiss on my cheek. 'But they can be friends.'
'That's what I told her.' I smiled, turning in his arms to face him. 'So splashing out the cash again are we?'
'I thought it would be a nice chilled day.' He smiled. 'I heard you were up early this morning. Writing songs? Ibiza can be pretty inspirational.'
I looked out at the blue sea, crystal clear, as we headed out of the port and into the open. 'It is pretty inspirational, but I was actually making use of the gym.'
Nathan frowned. 'I wish you'd realise you're perfect just the way you are.' He caressed my cheek with his hand and rested his forehead against mine. 'You don't need to lose weight, you're beautiful and sexy.'
'Okay, I'll go to the photoshoot tomorrow and then no more gym.' I gave him a small smile and he smiled back, pulling me in for a kiss as he rested against the railings of the boat. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he pulled me closer, kissing me with more passion than he ever had before.
'Ick, get a room!' Aidan called out and we pulled away from each other laughing.
Willow and I spent the morning sunbathing as we headed along the Ibiza coastline, taking in the beautiful views of the crystal water, the dolphins swimming past us occasionally and the caves in the cliffs. Lily soon came to join us, armed with cocktails the boat staff had made for us. She passed us each a drink and we sat up, looking at the horizon in front of us and enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin.
'I've never seen Nate this happy.' Lily told me with a friendly smile, pulling the umbrella out of her cocktail and tucking it into the bun in her hair. 'He's completely crazy about you.'
'I'm sure he's not.' I laughed, looking over my shoulder at where the guys were drinking their beers and playing a card game of some sort. I looked at my boyfriend's muscles, perfectly toned and tanned and I sucked in my breath as his eyes met mine. He was so damn gorgeous. The boat stopped and we heard the anchor go down. I looked over at the cove we'd stopped in; no buildings, no roads, nobody. Just turquoise waters and cliff faces and rocks covered with vegetation. Our own kind of paradise.
'Trust me, he is.' Lily grinned. 'He's like a brother to me, always has been, and I've seen him with loads of girls. But with you, it's totally different.'
'Told you so.' Willow said from beside me, glancing at me from under her shades. I adjusted the hat on my head, nervously, as the guys came over to join us, sitting down on the padded ground.
'So who's up for a game?' Aidan said, grinning from ear to ear.
'It depends what the game is.' Lily replied, looking at him warily. 'I know what you're like.'
'Who can get in the water the quickest?' Aidan grinned.
'We're not thirteen anymore.' Lily rolled her eyes.
'I'm in.' I replied with a smirk. I had a plan.
'Sweet. Everyone up.' Aidan said. Everyone stood up looking confused and I quickly took off my hat, tucking it under my bag. '1...2...3... go!'
Almost everyone ran for the stairs at the back of the boat, but Nathan and I had the same idea. We ran for the railings, tucking ourselves under them and then we leapt into the water. Nathan's jump was more of a flip, but I jumped in, holding onto my bikini tightly as I hit the cool water. My head came to the surface and I gasped at the coolness of the water on my skin. I looked over at Nathan, irritated that he'd surfaced just before me. He'd won.
'Nice try.' He said with a cocky grin and I splashed him as our friends hit the water from the back of the boat.
'Cheaters!' Aidan bellowed out.
'You didn't lay any rules on the table!' Nathan called back as they swam towards us. He turned towards me as we both treaded water to keep afloat. 'We're not dressed up to the nines this time.'
'Makes a change.' I smiled. I looked up at the boat next to us. 'We did just do something pretty crazy though.'
'True. You were worried about horse-riding but willing to leap off the front of a boat? You're some crazy adrenaline junkie, aren't you?'
I thought back to the time I'd ran into the alleyway the night I'd met Ed, throwing the attacker off of Sky. 'Yeah, I guess you could say that.'
We spent the rest of the day in the water, tucking into lunch, chatting and chilling in the sunshine and, as the sun started to set, we headed back to Playa d'en Bossa, where we all decided to have an early night. Nathan and his friends were planning on getting some watersports done the next day before we all headed across the island to Saint Antonio, where we'd be spending the rest of the holiday.
My alarm went off at 7.30am the next day and Willow and I got up without waking Daisy, getting dressed into vest tops and shorts and heading downstairs for breakfast. A car picked us up at 8.30am and I was surprised and annoyed to find that Eric was in it. He greeted us both, awkwardly.
'I'm glad you've been working out. I saw that in the photos posted this morning.' Eric said as he flicked through something on his iPad.
'Pictures?' I looked at him, puzzled. I'd not uploaded any pictures from the day before. Not yet, anyway.
'Yes, the ones the press took of you and Nathan on the boat.' He raised his iPad so I could see it, revealing a picture of Nathan and I on the boat, his arms around my waist just as we left. Then there was one of us kissing, which irritated me. What an invasion of privacy. It was true, though, about it being clear I'd been in the gym. My stomach was flat and toned and my thighs looked toned too.
'Eugh they must have followed us.' I said, irritated.
'It's good press.' Eric replied and Willow rolled her eyes. As long as Eric got his good press, he was always going to be happy.
The drive to the location was only about twenty minutes, but it couldn't be any further away from the town we'd spent the last few days in. We found ourselves in a dirt-track carpark, alongside two other cars. A woman dressed in black greeted me with a shake of the hand and a smile and she led us down the rocky path and into the secluded cove. The location was beautiful. The small beach was sandy, despite being surrounded by rocky plant-covered cliffs and the water was different shades of blue. A small, old, wooden jetty stretched out from the sand and into the sea, adding some character to the minature paradise.
I was whisked straight into hair and make-up, a small marquee on the sand, where my hair was scrunched using seasalt spray until it ressembled almost a mermaid. My make-up was kept minimal and natural, almost looking like I wasn't wearing any at all. Then it was time to change in the 'dressing room' (or private tent) into my first bikini. Nerves flitted through my stomach like butterflies as I looked in the propped-up full-length mirror at the white bikini. I'd always had something against white bikinis, mainly because I knew white went see-through easily. I gulped at the thought, looking at the tiny straps of the bikini bottoms. At least the bikini top was padded. It made my breasts look bigger which was good, wasn't it?
'How are you doing in there, Lucy?' The stylist called from outside the tent. 'Can I come in?'
'Yes.' I replied, nervously.
The stylist, Cady, walked in. 'That fits perfectly.' She commented, before walking over to the dress rail. 'Here, can you put this on.' She passed me a turquoise lace kimono and I slipped it on, grateful for anything that would cover me up. 'Great, come on out.'
Swimwear photoshoots were weird, I decided later that day. I'd posed on the sand, sat on my knees with a kimono hanging off myself. I'd posed in the water, lying on my front. I'd posted in a tied up t-shirt and skimpy bikini bottoms, laughing. I'd even posed on a rock, my legs in the water, wearing a polka-dot bikini and a tied, open denim shirt. Some of the shots had been sexy, but others had been fun. I decided that Elzbieta hadn't decided what look they wanted their new range of swimwear to have. Either way, I was thankful to be back at that hotel that night, even if I'd been given everything I'd worn as a gift.
The next day, we checked out and shared out our luggage between Jake's, Lily's and Nathan's hire cars before checking out of our hotel and heading off for San Antonio. Because I was performing at Ibiza Rocks, we'd been given discount when booking at the Ibiza Rocks House, not that we needed the discount as Nathan and I could have paid for our guests between us. Originally, Nathan's friends were going to be staying in San Antonio in a cheap hotel, but they were more than happy with the upgrade. The Ibiza Rocks House was far away enough from the business that it was chilled, but close enough to the action for when we wanted it. It was made up of 25 rooms and had been stayed in by so many cool famous people including Freddi Mercury and Paolo Nutini. I'd managed to persuade Willow to share a twin room with Lily, as they were getting on so well, and Jake and Daisy were ecstatic to be sharing so it meant that I had a room with Nathan, which meant we'd have some alone time.
'Holy crap.' I gasped as I opened the door to our room. The floor was covered with a material similar to marble and there was a large television sat opposite a modern-looking sofa with 'Ibiza Rocks' cushions. Through an archway was the bedroom, with a mahoghany king-sized bed and a walk-in wardrobe. Then there was a mahoghany door leading to the biggest bathroom I'd ever been in, with it's shower tucked into a mosaic-covered alcove, a large jet bath and a fancy-looking sink.
'Okay, this is sweet.' Nathan grinned as he followed me around the apartment. It was pretty spacious and even had a balcony over-looking the pool area, which had circular double sunbeds around the reasonable-sized pool. 'I don't know why I've never been here before.'
'This is pretty far from the hostels I've stayed in.' I laughed, turning on the aircon to stop the place feeling sticky. 'And I thought our last hotel was nice.'
Another pro about our hotel was the recording studio, which the band and I spent a few hours rehearsing in, preparing for the performance at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel the following week. That night, Nathan decided that he wanted to take me on a date, leaving our friends to a wild night out in San Antonio.
'You look beautiful.' Nathan told me when I emerged from the bathroom in a light turquoise maxi dress with v-neck and cut out sides and a slit up the thigh. It was classy and sexy and I'd teamed the look with some small silver wedges and silver bangles on my wrist.
I blushed at the compliment as he took my hand in his. 'You don't look too bad yourself.' I said with a shy smile. He looked hot, as always, in his stone-coloured chinos and tight white shirt, which was unbuttoned just enough to show some of his chest. I wanted to run my hand over his chest. Desperately. And then maybe down the small snail trail under his belly button. I felt like one of the fangirls from his concert.
'Shall we go?'
'Sure.' I said, returning the smile and feeling butterflies in my stomach.
Nathan had booked us a table at a restaurant overlooking the marina. The restaurant was a converted villa, and was beautiful with mood lighting inside and out, fairylights and candles. There was a bar area with comfy sofas and then there was a dining area with tables overlooking the marina. The waitress showed us to the 'best' table, which was in a slightly quieter part of the restaurant but it still had a lovely view of the marina and the orangey sky.
'I'm Clara and I'll be your waitress today.' She said in a British accent and I realised she was probably only working here for the summer. Her eyes wandered over Nathan, looking at his muscles and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous. 'Can I get you any drinks?'
'I'll have one of your local beers.' Nathan replied.
'I'll have the same.' I smiled and with one last glance at my good-looking boyfriend, she disappeared. 'This place is lovely.' I told Nathan as he reached over the table, interlocking our fingers. 'The food smells delicious. I have no idea what to order.'
'Me neither.' Nathan said with a small smile.
'Is something up?' I asked him, suddenly feeling hot and worried. He wouldn't bring me here to break up would he? The thought made me feel sad and my heart ached, which surprised me. Had I fallen for him after promising myself I wouldn't fall in love again?
'Not at all.' He told me, his eyes sincere. 'Just wondering what I did right to deserve you.' His thumb ran over my knuckles as he spoke, sending volts of electricity through me like he somehow did with every touch. I wondered if it was a soulfinder thing but then I didn't remember every feeling that sensation when I'd been with Ed. 'Who'd have thought it, huh? It all started a dare.' He gave me a cheeky smile.
I thought back to when we'd first met, just over four months ago. I'd been upset about the photos of Ed cheating on me and I'd been dragged on a girl's night out, one which had changed my life in a big way. I had a dare to thank for the guy sat opposite me, with his bluey green eyes staring into mine. 'You waved at me first.' I pointed out, giving him a playful smile.
'I couldn't not wave at the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. I do recall you telling me to go t Specsavers, though.' He replied as the waitress we replied. She placed down our drinks and took our orders before leaving us to our romantic dinner again.
'You still need that visit to the opticians.' I replied shyly and he shook his head.
'Nope and you know you won't win this argument. I'm too damn stubborn.'
'Tell me about it. Couldn't get you to leave me alone Valentines Day or after The Weeknd's show you crazy stalker.'
'It worked though, didn't it?' He said, cheekily.
'Oh it sure did.'
Dinner was delicious and we even shared our desserts with each other as the sun completely disappeared. Despite my arguments, Nathan paid the bill and tipped the waitress, who seemed disappointed we were leaving. Probably because it meant that her evening of drooling over Nathan Jones was over.
'Shall we go for a walk?' Nathan suggested, holding his hand out to me. I took it and he pulled me to my feet, ever the gentleman.
'Sure.' I smiled as he led me out of the restaurant.
The harbour was filled with couples and friends, heading to their pre-drink destination ready for their night out in San Antonio. A few girls, in their short shorts or tiny skirts, glanced our way in recognition, but Nathan and I just smiled as we continued walking hand-in-hand along the promenade. We reached the bay and Nathan jumped off of the promenade onto the sand, before lifting me down. We both slipped off our shoes as we walked across the sandy beach, the sand still warm from the sun. Nathan paused along the beach and I looked up at him, curiously. A breeze caught my hair and he reached out, brushing it away from my face and sending a tingling sensation across my cheek. His eyes met mine, making me feel weak and the knees.
'I love you.' He said softly, his eyes locked with mine. He looked nervous as he said it but somehow I believed him.
'I love you too.' I replied, realising that I really did. His lips turned upwards into a smile and he crushed them against mine, kissing me on the beach like our lives depended on it. I was sure people passing by could see us but in that moment I didn't care.
He pulled away after a minute or so, resting his forehead against mine. 'You told me you'd never fall in love again.'
I smiled, biting my lip as I thought of the newest song I'd written, the one about him. The one he didn't know anything about. 'I guess I decided I'd give my heart a break.'
After our walk along the beach, we headed back to the hotel and enjoyed some drinks at the bar by the pool, whilst other hotel guests danced to the DJ. Everything was wonderful until the familiar dizzy feeling came on, the one that I hadn't experienced in a long time.
'I need to get back to the room.' I told Nathan quickly and he looked at me with concern. As I walked quickly to the room I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and I felt hot and nauseous. Nathan closed the door behind us and I sat down on the sofa just as everything went dark.
I looked up and found myself at a pool party. I looked around at the girls in bikinis and glittery make-up. We were clearly still in Ibiza. I glanced up at the 'Ocean Beach' sign as Nathan wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me on the lips.
'I love you.'
'I love you too.' I replied, feeling giddy at the thought. I looked around for Willow and was surprised to see her joking around with Kyle by the pool bar.
Then the familiar bad feeling hit me as I saw a guy trying to touch a girl in a skimpy bikini. Irritated, she pulled away and walked off quickly, but then he followed her.
I found myself back in the living room with Nathan watching me, a mixture of love and concern etched onto his face.
He reached out, gently stroking my cheek. 'A vision?'
I nodded. 'When is there next a pool party at Ocean Beach?'
'Saturday I think.'
'Can we go?' I asked him. It was only two days away and I knew we'd have to get tickets.
'You in a bikini all day?' He gave me a cheeky smile. 'Absolutely.'
