Whatever issue they had then they still had now. The tension in the air was thick and I could feel Stone next to me start to tense.

The red-headed male ignored Stone completely as he smiled warmly at me "Hey Ella."

"Hi." I replied before trying to fill in the awkward silence "How have you been?"

"I have been great. Just really busy at the tattoo shop." He answered but I could tell that the reason for him running over here was not to make small conversation with me

"You are very talented. I am always admiring your handiwork on my leg." I said as I motioned to the ink on my thigh.

"Your dragon might have been my best freehand work. That or Stone's tattoo." He then added while looking at the giant "I can see that you have shown her it."

Stone did not speak. He gave a glare of warning to the guy opposite us.

"I bet you thought he was crazy when you seen it." Reed laughed.

"Yeah, crazy is an understatement." I responded, "It was just last night he showed it to me."

"So, you two are together now?" The tattooist smiled and he looked hopeful.

The silent one of us finally decided to speak up "Yes."

All went silent again and I could feel Stone's hand twitch in mine. That is why I let go of him and pulled back slightly.

"I am going to leave you both to it." I voiced as I looked between the two of them "It seems like you two have something to work out."

"Ella—" Stone began.

I cut him off "It is fine. I will just walk ahead, and you can catch up."

He nodded once and I waved goodbye to Reed before I walked away from them, wondering what could have them so mad at each other.

My steps were a lot slower than normal because I tried to catch part of their conversation.

Their voices were fast and quiet. I could differentiate between the two of them because Stone's voice was a lot deeper, and his answers were only a couple of syllables.

That seemed to be annoying Reed because he started talking louder.

From about twenty metres away from them, I could hear Reed shouting clearly "Where the fuck were you?"

Stone's reply was too low to be heard.

"I get it." Reed said, "She is your priority and the only thing that matters to you but—"

Their voices faded as I walked on further along the beach. I started to get closer to the waves until I could no longer feel the grains of sand between my toes.

When I got as far as the sea up to my ankles, I sat down and rested back on my hands.