"Actually, it's the wedding weekend," he says as his face lights up with excitement. He gestures toward the other side of the room where a large table is surrounded by a lively group of people.
“Oh, we are here for our girls’ trip and doubling it by checking this place out as a potential destination wedding. It’s gorgeous here. What day is the wedding?”
She didn’t just go there—yep she sure did. Part of me wants to crawl under the table, but I remain seated, curiosity getting the best of me.
“Saturday. This resort is a top-notch wedding destination. You’ll enjoy all the amenities they offer to the bride, groom, and their wedding party. Charlie is the best wedding planner at the resort. Do you have a planning meeting set up yet? If not, you should request her.”
Staring at him while he talks, I notice he’s still charming, laid back, and as gorgeous as ever. Ugh. My heart races. He’s getting married, and it’s clear he knows the wedding planner quite well.
“Thanks for the insider info; we do have a meeting with Charlie. It’s good to know we’re in good hands.”
“Well, I better get back over there,” he says, but his gaze lingers on my face as if he’s searching for something. He gives me a genuine smile as he holds my eye contact for a few seconds too long—enough to spread heat over my cheeks.
He struts away, and I can’t help but watch him. Seriously, that man’s body is perfect. How can I not stare? I mean, out of respect, I should look away…and I do after a few more seconds. My own smile is hard to contain as I throw my hands to my face and let out a sigh.
"Girl, that look!" Kendall wiggles her eyebrows with a sly grin as she gives a playful shake of her head. Her eyes sparkle with amusement, clearly catching the change in my expression.
“He’s getting married, so it doesn’t matter now does it?” I whisper. A sinking sensation spreads through my chest; it’s as if a heavy rock has settled there.
Kendall points at me. “One day, you’ll have your prince charming. He’s out there waiting for you.”
Right on cue, my phone vibrates with a text, and I welcome the distraction. I slide my phone out of my bag and glance at it. Once I read Kai’s text, there’s a lightness in my chest that surprises me.
Kai:
Hope your trip is going well. Share your favorite pic so far.
I smile as I search for the perfect picture to send him. The excitement spreads when I find the picture of the gecko that was at my feet earlier.
Faith:
Finishing breakfast. Beach is next on the list…Stay Tuned. :)
Lane leans over to sneak a peek at my phone. “What’s that smile for? Who are you texting?”
“Kai.”
“Wait, what?” Kendall looks at me with curiosity.
Kai seems like a genuinely wonderful guy based on the text messages we've exchanged over the past couple days. His interest in what’s happening in my life is a refreshing change that brings a smile to my face. I’m glad to escape from my own thoughts, especially the ones centered around Jude’s wedding. I’m looking forward to meeting Kai in person. He seems so thoughtful and considerate.
I roll my eyes at her. “Yes, don't act so surprised. I told you guys yesterday that we were texting.”
Kendall’s eyes narrow with seriousness. "You better keep us posted abouteverytext you get."
She’s totally not kidding. We sip the last drops of our coffee and agree it's time to head to the beach. I grab my tote bag, which holds a book, a blue towel, and my tube of sunscreen. Rising from our table, I lead the way as my friends trail behind. The bustling waitstaff clearing tables and the clanging of the plates surrounds us as we leave and make our way outside. As we walk out the door, we are hit with the sun blasting down on us and warming our skin. There are a few people splashing around in the pool already—drinks in their hands.
Just around the corner, the sandy path to the beach invites us down. Before stepping onto the sand, we remove our flip-flops. Suddenly, my friends gather close, throwing their arms around me in a group hug. An unexpected hug, one I didn't know Ineeded, wraps me in a cocoon of safety. My entire body relaxes in their arms as the waves splash onto the shore.
I reach out and gently tap their shoulders with my fingertips, lean back, and look into their eyes. "I love you guys." I smile, my voice warm and sincere.
After letting each other go, we trudge through the sand to our chairs for our afternoon of lunch and relaxation. It’s just what I need. The weather is perfect for a beach day. In Aruba, it seems like every day is a beach day. No clouds in the sky, the sun is hot, and there’s a slight breeze, just enough to keep me from sweating too much. The ocean is calm with small waves rolling in. The smell of the ocean floats in the air, and the salt sticks to my skin. This is a very different beach experience then back home. We live a couple hours away from the beach, where the waves can be hard enough to push you down under the water and the color of the ocean is murky with brown seaweed, versus here which has a blue tint to it.
Of course, my mind goes to the summer days when Jude and I would go to our favorite beach to body surf. No we weren’t good, but it was fun to ride the small waves. Once they came close, we’d kick our feet like crazy and glide on the top of the wave, riding it as far into the shore as possible. Then we’d do it all over again. It’s a happy memory that brings a genuine smile to my face. I close my eyes and replay it. My chest feels warm, and butterflies go crazy in my belly.
I end up having a nice morning lounging on the beach, reading, chatting, and there wasn’t any more talk about Jude. I didn't share my memory; it’s best to compartmentalize right now, there’s too much emotion wrapped around him. I want to enjoy the beach. Later, I’ll sort through some of these feelings. They are all over the place—one minute I’m happy. The next minute, my body is convulsing from the hurt. The whiplash is ridiculous.
There are other people around us, but most of them are quietly lounging in their chairs. We see people in the clear water with their drinks in hand. One guy is swimming a bit out from the shore. A group of guys a little farther down the beach are playing football. A family with little kids is near the water. They are playing in the sand and splashing water at each other. Vacation mode is engaged for everyone here.
