She takes a couple of minutes to text her friends. What for? I don’t know, but if it allows us more time together, then I’ll wait.
I decide to take her hand in mine as we walk onto the sand. It’s uneven until we get to the packed sand, but neither of us lets go. As we stroll down the beach, the waves are splashing over our feet. The ocean breeze brings the salty air through our hair as the light of the moon glows on her as I stare at her beauty.
“All these years, Jude. The breakup devastated me, and the unplanned pregnancy made it worse. In retrospect, I’m amazed I survived my first year of college. Well, therapy helped, hence the reason I changed my major.” She takes a deep breath then continues, “But I’m not sure if I would have gotten through day-to-day life if it weren’t for my girlfriends. The ones that are here are the ones who helped me through. They distracted me, held me, and listened when I needed it.”
I bring her hand to my lips as I kiss her hand and say, “Changing your major sounds like you followed your passion. I suspect you’re a great therapist.” I pause for a second. “Your friends sound supportive and loving. I’m glad you had people in your life when I wasn’t there for you.”
“I did what I had to do to survive and build a better life for myself without you. The experience was hard, and it shattered my heart all over the floor. I never could pick up all the pieces.” She tightens her grip on my hand.
I reciprocate the gesture and say, “My heart hasn’t been the same since you were in my life, Faith.” The intense need to look her in the eyes is taking over, so I turn to her and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and take her other hand. “No one has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. Even after all this time, when I’m close to you, my heart beats faster and I don’t want to leave you.” I want to kiss her, but I reluctantly let go of her hands, deciding to leave it at that. We are already at the resort entrance. “Let me walk you to your room.”
“I would like that,” she says, sliding her hand into mine.
It’s clear that we both feel relaxed and at ease with each other, so I choose not to overthink things. It doesn’t mean we’re getting back together. I’d be lying if I didn’t hope for a second chance now that we’ve talked a bit. I’ve said some of what I wanted. If I don’t get to it all tonight, I sense she will continue to listen to what I have to say. I’m allowing her space to processand think about everything as we walk through the resort. We head past the packed tiki bar and people with drinks in the pool. It’s loud in comparison to our silence as we make our way to her room.
For the duration of our walk, she doesn’t release my hand. The quietness between us spurs all the feelings within my body as we reach her door. She faces me, and I brush her cheek with my thumb. “I’m sorry, Faith.” I bring her in for an embrace tight against my body.
She hugs me back and says, “And I said I forgive you; no more apologizing. It’s time for us to move on from all of it. We’ve wasted enough time.”
“Okay, you’re right.” We stand together, holding each other as I whisper in her hair, “Can I see you again?”
She finally says, “I’d like that a lot.”
TWENTY-ONE
FAITH
The sun shines through the French doors as I slowly open my eyes. Vivid flashes of the previous night flicker through my mind. Jude had been unexpectedly vulnerable, and his words caught me off guard. As I roll out of bed and stand, a lightness fills my body and a smile spreads across my face.
I reach for my phone on the nightstand and reread the text messages from the girls. Today is the ATV excursion, an adventure we’ve all been eagerly awaiting to do together. We’re meeting in the hotel lobby to catch the tour bus that will drive us to the excursion meetup point. Excitement builds as I hurry to the bathroom, dressing quickly into my bathing suit under my shorts, tank top, and sneakers. I snag the bandana I need to bring—it’s tucked in the front pocket of my luggage. Before heading out, I stuff it into the small backpack slung over my shoulder, ready for today’s adventure.
I jog to the lobby thinking I’ll be late, but I make it in plenty of time. My friends are waiting for me. “I’m here! I’m here,” I say, as I catch my breath.
“With minutes to spare.” Lane winks at me. She was probably the first one here—always needing to be early.
“I’m so excited for today. I thought I was going to be late, but I wasn’t,” I say with a smirk. I’m actually pretty proud of myself.
“Enough about that. You have a lot of talking to do today,” Kendall says as she nudges me on the arm.
As usual, I didn’t update them in too much detail with my text last night before falling asleep. I’ll be hoarse by the time this day is done.
“Did you get the closure you were looking for?” Lane asks with genuine concern.
“Surprisingly, I did. Well, partly. Last night was enough for me to know we care about each other, and hurt and regret plagued us for too long. I have more to say to him, but it was a good start.”
“Oh, it sounds like your night went well. And...” Kendall says, urging me to go on.
I’m saved by the bell as the concierge announces, “The ATV excursion departs in ten minutes, so we can begin boarding the bus now.”
“This conversation isn’t over,” Kendall says, playfully nudging my shoulder.
We all file onto the bus and find four seats next to each other. The rest of the passengers hop on, too. As promised, the bus departs the resort and drives to the North side of the island. It takes about twenty minutes, and the ride brought us through a couple of different neighborhoods before arriving in what looks like a desert.
As Kendall files off the bus, she taps my shoulder and says, “Girl, you owe us the rest of the story.”
“Kendall, she’ll tell us. Stop being so pushy!” Addison hip checks her. I love it when Addison sticks up for me.
“Thanks for having my back.”
