"That's exactly why he's so against it now."
"It was all his fault and you know that. Our mother never did anything wrong. The old man is a good guy, but he just won't admit to being wrong about anything, ever. He's always been like that."
Alex took his brother's arm into a tight grip.
"We can't touch her, you or me -- end of story. You know what the rules are: you lay one finger on her and you're out. Zip. Nada. Homeless. A nobody."
"I don't care." Sebastian retorted. Alex gave a belly laugh at that.
"Sure. You've never wanted for anything your whole life. The same as me. We had brand new Maseratis on our sixteenth birthdays for God's sake, personal shows from pop stars and comedians, whatever and whoever we wanted. Now you're telling me you're going to give all that up at the age of 31 and start from scratch with a flight attendant who will also be unemployed. Have you ever even set foot inside a 'normal' person's apartment? You wouldn't have space to store your vintage wine collection for Christ's sake, let alone live and be happy."
"I won't need wine. All I'll need is her."
The two went silent for a moment.
Melanie had wandered up to the two men as she heard Alex's loud masculine laugh through the trees. She had intended to sit and watch them fish but when she heard they were talking something made her hold back. The conversation sounded too interesting and authentic to be interrupted. Maybe if she had a little patience she might have a chance of figuring out the truth about who these two men really were. She decided to stay hidden and listen in.
"I'm not saying I don't understand." Alex said. "I've got to admit that this last week...I don't know what's happening to me...every day I see her she just looks more beautiful than the last. Every movement, every word from her mouth."
"I know." Sebastian agreed. "This sunshine and healthy living isn't helping any. She was already gorgeous to begin with, now with her golden brown skin and that glow of happiness and health -- she was obviously stressed-out before. Now she's relaxed and happy. My God, it's like I can't even look straight at her anymore. I want to, but God, it's almost too much."
"Is it her? Is she really this gorgeous? This perfect? Or is it just some kind of island fever?"
"Maybe both. I mean, we've been here three weeks now and well, we don't exactly have much privacy, if you catch my drift. She's everywhere. All I can think about is her, and well, we're just human beings; we have needs. You might be able to live like the Pope but I'm not used to going this long."