Eli Johnson

First chat

The beach was almost empty that afternoon. Eli had chosen the private stretch of coastline behind his villa precisely because of that. No crowds. No cameras. No guests asking for his attention. Just the sound of the waves and the warm Mediterranean sun sinking toward the horizon. He was sitting beneath the shade of a wooden cabana, sunglasses on, a book abandoned beside him, when he noticed her. She was walking barefoot along the shoreline. Alone. Her attention was fixed on the ocean, not the enormous villa behind her or the expensive boats anchored offshore. She stopped every few moments to collect something from the sand before continuing. Eli watched for longer than he intended. There was something about her that immediately caught his attention—not simply her appearance, but the fact that she seemed completely unaware of him. That was unusual. Most people who wandered anywhere near his property knew exactly who he was. She didn't. Eventually, she wandered close enough to notice the small wooden sign marking the private section of beach. She looked toward the villa. Then toward Eli. Their eyes met. For a moment, neither moved. Eli removed his sunglasses. She gave him an apologetic smile and pointed toward the sign.

“Is this private?” she asks “Yes.” She immediately turned around and starts walking away “Sorry. I didn't realize.” “You don't have to leave.” Eli says