Oceans Apart (Ocean Dreams Book 1) Read Free

relayed the message to the taxi driver.
    ‘Why not?’ she thought, ‘You only live once and I’m here for a good time.’
    The cab ride was slow as it was peak hour traffic, but she was able to look around and soak in the sights and sounds of this new city. She was excited beyond belief and had butterflies fluttering about in her stomach. Before she knew it, someone had opened the door for her. She stepped out and looked about. Yes, she was right where she wanted to be. Situated right next to Sydney Harbour. You couldn’t find more perfect than that.
    Annie walked into the hotel and up to the reception desk. She was crossing all her fingers and toes that they would have a room for her, especially as she didn’t know how long she would stay. The receptionist welcomed her but said the only available room they had for an extended period was the Opera Suite, which was a last minute cancelation. Annie couldn’t believe her luck. A suite that looked upon the famous Opera House. Now that she had to see. She filled in the details on the check in card. A young man was called over to the desk to help her with her bags. Annie smiled and thanked him. She followed him to the elevators. With no wait at all, they stepped into the carriage and were whisked to her floor. After they stepped out, she followed him to her room door, which he had already opened for her. She entered and saw the most magnificent room she had even seen. The tastefully decorated furnishings were nothing in comparison to the breathtaking view. She hurried out onto the balcony and looked out across the harbor’s water where her eyes froze on the unique building before her. Annie squealed with delight and realized that she was happy. Her life was her own. She was in a beautiful city, and new opportunities were at her feet. The place, the view, the solitude, the freedom…
    For the first time in a very long time, she was happy.
     

 
    The waves rolled in and crashed against the sand, back and forth, just touching Annie’s toes each time they hit the shore. Annie took a deep breath in and inhaled all the smells of the beach. The fresh but salty air filled her lungs. She let the breath out slowly, as if she was expelling all the negative from her life. No more being second. More of what I want. She told herself.
    It was early in the evening of day three in Sydney. The first two days were written off with jet lag and exhaustion. Annie never left her suite the entire time. Today, Annie wanted to get out and the first thing on her list to do was go to the beach. She wore her black bikini top with brightly colored board shorts and threw on a sheer white beach cover up top, too. She donned the only pair of flip-flops she had and headed out. Will, the young concierge at the hotel, had told her about Bronte Beach when she asked where to go for her first look at the ocean. Bondi was the popular tourist attraction, but was always busy with locals and tourists alike. Bronte was still popular, but had fewer tourists and was just as delightful. Annie took the young man’s suggestion and headed off on her own adventure. Finding her own way by bus, she made it to the beach.
    She walked back from the water and sat on her beach towel lying on the dry sand. She looked around and took in her surrounds. There were a few people about but nowhere near as many as when she had arrived a couple of hours before. The lifeguards had packed up and gone home for the night. Did she dare go for a swim? She knew how; however, she had never been in the open water before. The sun was just starting to set, but the weather was still warm and the water looked most inviting.
    “I can do this,” Annie said to herself. I know how to swim. I’m going to be fine. She kept reassuring herself. She waded out into knee-deep water. Gaining confidence as she moved out further, she dived into the water. The refreshing temperature made her feel alive. She came up and continued to swim without a care in the