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Tin-Tin made her way up to the lounge balcony, intent on watching the waves rolling in, and exchanging a quick, love-filled greeting to her father on the way there.
Looking out to sea always had a way of granting the watcher some peace of mind, no matter how furious a mistress she may be at times. In that peace she could think many things over. The people she cared for, her sorry excuse for an uncle. Her one true love.
Eddie was… nice. And she had known him for a long time. But she liked him much better as a friend. Alan was the only man who had her heart, which was why, out on that balcony, the distant chatter of Jeff and his eldest son adding to all the sounds that made her feel at ease, she was all the more annoyed when Eddie made himself known as a potential suitor. For the third time that day alone.
“I think you’re an amazing woman, Tin-Tin.” Eddie bit into her thoughts. An unwelcome intrusion to be sure, but not one she couldn’t handle.
She levelled her gaze with him. “Really? How so?”
“Well, you’re surrounded on all sides by men and you’re quite outnumbered by them, even if you do count Mrs Tracy.”
“I do count Mrs Tracy, Eddie. Anyone would be a fool not to.” Sensing a rising protest, she held up a finger, immediately shushing the man. “I have no intention of leaving the island. Alone, or with you.”
“Not now, perhaps, but-“
“How many times must we go through this whole song and dance, Eddie? I am quite happy. I have friends, a family, and a man who already has me, heart, mind, and soul.”
Eddie’s lips curled, though in what kind of expression, she couldn’t tell. And neither could the two men inside who had stopped their conversation, although the man and woman on the balcony couldn’t tell they were there. Behind the brewing storm, Jeff and Scott silently winced, exchanging glances. They knew how this would end. And it would not end well for Eddie Houseman.
Even still, they knew better than to interfere. Tin-Tin, her father and Brains may not be related by blood, but they were still family. And the famous Tracy Stubbornness was a trait shared by all.
“It’s Alan isn’t it? That brat?! What could you possibly see in him?” Jeff had to physically hold both Scott and himself back at that comment. Tin-Tin’s words echoed their thoughts. She was furious.
“Do not. Call him. A brat.” Her voice was practically a growl, and Eddie faltered at the sudden change in tone, with the two unseen men silently cheering for her. “Alan is a Tracy. And all of the Tracy’s are very honourable people.” She stopped leaning against the railing, standing to her full height and meeting Eddie’s eyes. “As for what I see in him; he’s kind, brave. He’s good at expressing his emotions.” Her eyes gained a lovestruck look as she recounted all the things she loved about Alan Shepard Tracy. “Most of all, he shows it in the best possible way. He doesn’t make me cry.”
“What do you mean?”
Tin-Tin sighed. “I’ve been in a few relationships, Eddie. You know that. And all of them have made me wish I was anywhere other than beside them. Most of them were nice, but we just weren’t compatible. Some barely gave me the time of day unless they wanted something, and a few were even the worst kinds of people.” She shuddered, thinking of her most recent ex.
“But Alan is different. He makes me feel special. Like I’m my own person and not something to be gained. To be owned. That’s what I mean when I say he doesn’t make me cry.” Eddie nodded in understanding, letting her continue. “Eddie. I know how you feel about me, and I really like you. But more as a friend than anything. And I want to stay friends.” She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for what she said next. “But if you can’t respect my relationship with Alan, I don’t see how we can.”
Eddie smiled sadly. Rejection was never easy, but if Tin-Tin was happy, so was he. “I understand. And I do respect that you like Alan. It’s just… you’ve had so many disappointments with relationships, one where you were even in danger.” He looked her in the eyes, her orbs still had that spark of argument in them. “I wanted to make sure you were in a safe one. A loving one. If with no-one else, then with me…” He glanced out at the waves before turning back toward the house; Jeff and Scott immediately covered their tracks. “I’m glad you’ve found one at last, and I’m sorry I hurt you by suggesting otherwise.”
Tin-Tin smiled at his retreating back, happy she had been able to get him to open up regarding her ex-boyfriend. And happy she could still trust him as a friend. He was always looking out for her. “It’s alright. I forgive you.” Her voice was a whisper, but the way Eddie paused and walked away smiling told her he had heard it.
She stayed out for just a few moments more, breathing in the salty sea air. Then, she too turned her back to the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and headed back inside.
Jeff and Scott were now talking to John via video link, and it appeared to the untrained eye as though they were all business, discussing a hurricane that was rearing its head just off the coast of Florida. But Tin-Tin Kyrano saw the way the two Earth-bound men eyed her with pride and love as she reentered the villa. She knew them a bit better than to believe they hadn’t heard anything.
She smiled, knowing that she would always have family here to support her, blood or otherwise.