“Okay, I’ll meet you up front.” She pecks my lips. “Let’s continue this back at the villa.”
Once Basil’s gone, I remove my phone from my pocket and check the notification.
Juliette:I need an update.
Caroline:I will call this evening.
Juliette:Today. Two hours.
I gripmy phone in frustration. There’s no more war inside my heart. I know what I want now: Basil. Without further contemplation, I fire off another message.
Caroline:It will be our last meeting. I quit.
CHAPTER 23
BASIL
I wakeup to the island rays peeking through the sheer curtains and the sounds of the ocean colliding into the deck. I reach for Caroline on her side of the bed, but feel nothing but the coolness of empty sheets. She must have gone for a run. Sitting up, I glance at the pile of pillows in the corner, the ones used for the pillow wall I put up what feels like years ago. Now, I appreciate being engulfed in Caroline’s warmth during mornings and nights. With no more scheduled events to attend, we have the remaining days on the island all to ourselves. Maybe with enough kisses for encouragement, we can spend them in bed. Then again, the romantic scavenger hunt Lynn told me was happening today seems like an event Caroline would enjoy.
My phone dings, and without looking, I grab it from the nightstand to read the notification. The airline’s reminder for check-in is looming. Days on Sapphire Isle have gone somehow quickly and slowly at the same time. The thought of returning to Seattle rejuvenated yet alone isn’t as appealing or empowering as I had hoped. Not that I believe in magic spells, but a part of me wished I could return home—Riley and Hazel’s place for now—feeling like my old self. Deep down, I know that’s impossible after the type of breakup I’ve had, but more so since meeting Caroline.
Two days have passed since we talked inside the photo booth. I don’t agree that she’s a rebound, but I do believe I’ve found it quite easy to circumvent my emotions. To be fair, I’ve been avoiding most parts of my life—Mother, being left at the altar, and countless work emails. Continuing this behavior forever won’t end well. One thing I’ve learned is if I ever go on a honeymoon again, I’m not bringinganythingrelating to the office. Even though I succeeded at making the wine deal with the Blakemans, interacting with Lynn and Mae doesn’t feel like work. Observing how they approach business and marriage happily as a team makes me wonder if that’s something I could obtain one day. Certainly not underneath my mother’s shadow.
A smile tugs at my lips picturing Caroline and myself on the championship podium, silver medals wrapped around our necks. We make a great team.
When I return my phone to the nightstand, I discover a note.
Went for a run.Will bring breakfast. XO -Caroline
Rereadingher scribbled words on the mini notepad, I realize, it’s the little things about her that I love—how she makes me laugh without trying and the sense of ease I feel in her presence, in her arms. How the weight of her gaze makes my body tingle with salacious desire. I’ve rarely experienced letting someone into my heart in such a short time, something I vowed toneverdo again, but here I am. I don’t need a therapist to tell me my parents projected their failed marriage onto their children or that I’m naturally suspicious of others. But someonecouldhelp explain the way my heart sings for Caroline.
I slip into a robe and walk to the sliding door, but I only stand in front of it, peering out at the endless ocean. For the next ten minutes, I ponder how I'm going to prove to Caroline how much I still want her in my life when we arrive back in Seattle. What do people do? Movies, museums, cooking together—I have no idea how modern-day dating fits in my busy schedule. Then again, spending quality time together with people I care about wasn’t a priority for me in the past, which I will change moving forward. Looking back on how I showed up in my last relationship, there’s so much I’d change.
Yes, Riley was right. I know time heals wounds, allowing people to process, forgive, and trust, but being with Caroline is so…effortless. Or am I naive to think jumping from one relationship to the next—no matter how strong my feelings are—is a wise decision?
There’s a knock on the front door. I shake my head with a smile, recalling opening the door earlier this week. Caroline’s hands were full with enough pastries to feed a small village, and she’d almost spilled a latte when handing me my order. That could've happened in Seattle if I hadn’t ghosted her. The gesture was kind, and I didn’twantto leave, but I had no choice. Have I ever made my own decisions about what I want?
On the second knock, I force the thoughts away and pace to the foyer, yelling, “Coming, Caroline!”
There’s a third knock, and my smile widens. I’m giddy like a teenager. I swing the door open. The blood drains from my face.
“Mother!?”
CHAPTER 24
CAROLINE
After sprinting my final stretch,I rest my hands on top of my head and steady my breathing from slugging each footstep through the sand. I’m getting better at running on the beach—this is resistance training with a gorgeous view. The task has proved more difficult than it looked, but being exposed to the cool morning air and nature does more for my mind and heart than a treadmill any day.
I pass the resort’s front desk and pause to retrieve my phone vibrating in my shorts pocket. It’s a text message from the café notifying me that my order is ready. I’ve learned my lesson on impulse ordering. Only four items this time.
“Speaking of Mrs. Jones.” I hear someone behind me and turn. Sunny hangs up her desk phone and taps her keyboard a few times. She looks at me with a kind smile. “Your arranged transportation will be here shortly.”
I tilt my head, a grin painted across my lips. “What’s my wife up to now?” Our romantic beach lunch date was a nice surprise. Minus the jellyfish interruption.
Sunny cracks a laugh, like I’m the funniest person in the world, but I don’t get the joke. “I’m going to miss you two when you leave. Let me know if you need any further assistance with your departure.”
Okay…I guess I’ll ask Basil when I get back to the villa. “Sure. Thanks, Sunny.” I turn to walk away.
