But I want to know a secret, dammit.
“Maybe later,” Theo says.
His uncle rocks back on his heels and flashes that Monroe grin. “It’s agoodone.”
“Bet it is. Gives me joy to think you get to hang on to it a while longer.”
“You don’t want to know at all?”
“I have to wear nice clothes tonight. Need something else to look forward to at dinner.”
“You can tell me,” I interject.
Uncle Owen doesn’t even look at me. Just cackles and walks away. “Your loss,” he tosses over his shoulder to Theo.
No, my loss.My loss.
As if I’d ever admit that out loud.
Kingstons don’t gossip.
The number of times I’ve heard my mother say that…
Theo heads deeper into the resort. Much like yesterday, I tag along.
All the way down the walkway to his bungalow.
Our bungalow? His bungalow?
The place my luggage currently calls home. That place.
I suck in a deep breath through my nose.
Time for a perspective check.
I’m in paradise. I can hear the ocean. I can smell the salty breeze. The flowers here are brightly colored, smell amazing, they’re gorgeous, and there areso many types. There was an adorable bouquet of knitted hearts in one of the glasses on the sink in the bathroom this morning. Emma’s happy. I’m off work andnotchecking email, which is hard but also amazing. Theo didn’t go blind. I have a bed to sleep in and I can order room service, since I’m not sure I’ve eaten anything yet today.
Have I?
Have I eaten?
Did I have a protein bar today, or was that yesterday?
Theo keys into the bungalow and holds the door for me.
“Thank you,” I say automatically.
He eyes me.
And then he sighs likeIusually do,again, which is the last sound I ever hear Theo make aroundanyone else.
It’s just me.
I make even thefunnestof fun peoplesigh.
He mutters something to himself, and crosses the living area to the closed bedroom door.
The hide-a-bed is still sticking out of the couch at an odd angle. The gauzy curtains on either side of the balcony door sway in the breeze since I forgot to close the main door when I left. And Theo’s looking at me like I’m once again holding him back.
