Kai:
Checking in to see if you made it there safely.
Grinning, I write him back. He didn’t have to text me, but it’s sweet he did.
Faith:
Hey! Yes, we arrived at the resort and now at the bar enjoying some drinks and food.
I snap a photo and send it to Kai.
He texts back immediately, and my chest flutters at his quick response.
Kai:
All that food. Sign me up! I’ll be there.
Faith:
I think we might have been starving and ordered too much.
Kai:
Well, it all looks delicious. Totally making me jealous. I’m sitting here watching the snow fall. They are saying six to twelve inches, so you aren’t missing much back here.
I decide to send another photo. This time I take a shot of the ocean and text it to him.
Faith:
It’s even better than the pictures. I highly recommend visiting. Ugh, snow?
Kai:
It’s beautiful from inside. If I close my eyes for a minute, I can imagine myself on the beach…except it’s snow. What are you most looking forward to while you are there?
Faith:
Snorkeling!!!!
Kai:
Take lots of pics and send them along. I’m taking you away from your friends, so I’ll let you get back to them.
Faith:
You bet. Enjoy the snow! ;)
Kai:
*snowflake* :(
I lock my phone and set it down on the bar. I take a big sip of my drink, complete with a salted rim and lime wedges dangling off the side. A brain freeze hits me. Once it passes, my focus shifts to the couple again. The way this man runs his fingers through his hair and stands so confidently catches my attention—again. It seems impossible, but then he turns in our direction. I have to wipe the drool from my mouth when I see the chest of this guy, more tattoos on his other arm, and one that spreads down his side and continues under his white-and-blue board shorts. At some point, my mouth falls open, so I close it tightly. I’m definitely gawking at him. I finally glance up at his face, and my world is rocked off its axis.
"Is that…? No. N-no," I mutter, eyes wide as if I’ve suddenly seen a ghost from my past. I don't realize I've spoken aloud until my friends look at me with puzzled expressions.
"Is that what?" Addison asks, leaning in closer waiting for what’s about to come out of my mouth.
"Not w-what," I stammer, "but who?” I continue to stare at him. Is that seriously Jude?
