"Cici, that'snextmonth's book!"Marta howled, clutching her side.
"Well, look at that," Marta teased between giggles."Cici is officially ahead of book club.A first in history."
As the women laughed, Cici blushed but wore her triumph proudly.
"Can I ask you ladies something?"Riley hesitated, not making eye contact.
"You just did," Cici quipped, earning a playful nudge from Riley."You want to ask another?"
"Okay, smartass!Gray and I were out yesterday, and he..."she trailed off, feeling her cheeks heat.
"He...drove on the wrong side of the road?"Cici offered innocently.
"He stared at you like a love-struck puppy, and you told him you loved him?"Marta added with a wink.
"Hey!I only drove on the wrong side of the road once!"Riley shot back, though she had to admit she still hesitated at intersections, trying to figure out which lane was hers."And for the record, why do we have to drive North American cars on the wrong side of the road?I know the island was a British colony, but seriously..."
"Yes, but that one time was right in front of the cops!"Cici delighted in reminding Riley of the infamous moment.
"And I waved politely and kept driving!"Riley shrugged as the women burst into laughter, recalling the day Riley had waved at a police officer while driving on the wrong side of the road, completely missing his attempt to flag her down.
"So, what about you and Gray?"Marta pressed, grinning."Did you declare your undying love?"
Riley sighed."Not that, but I will give you both front-row seats to that show.Right after I watch 'Cici and Declan: The Will-They-Won't-They Saga.'
Cici clammed up and nervously twisted her ring, while Marta, who was also hiding her feelings for Daniel, wisely kept quiet.
Riley took a deep breath."He kissed me...well, I kissed him first and, well, things got a bit more intense.But I asked if he could ever see himself living on the island, and he said yes.It feels like a dream, but I don't want to get my heart broken if he won't stay.Should I just...see where this goes?"
Marta and Cici shared a look before Marta spoke."Riley, how long have we known you?Three years?You've never let your guard down like this with anyone."
"And don't even mention Paolo!Italian or not, that guy was a complete waste of space," Marta shuddered at the memory.
"Girl, we all know Bear is your best friend and the love of your life.No one's taking that spot," Cici teased, reaching down to scratch behind Bear's ears as he stirred in his dog bed, half-asleep."But Gray?He's the total package; smart, handsome, kind, and he does research.Nerds unite, Riley, you two are perfect for each other!"
Riley wondered, but doubt crept into her voice."Living here is hard, though.People leave all the time.Could he trade his California life for this?"
Cici leaned forward, locking eyes with her friend."I had lunch with Gray the other day, and you know what he has back home?A job.A J O B!That's it.He works, he goes home, and then sometimes he works overtime.Gray told me he's done more on this island in a few weeks, with you, than he's done in five years in California.He even said he'd see his family more if he lived here because they'd want to visit him."
All three women nodded at that.Living on the island brought more visitors than their life on the mainland ever had.
"And no, he didn't mention anyone back home," Cici grinned."There's a weird chick at his lab who's got a thing for him, but trust me, he's not interested.The man is smitten.As a—what rhymes with smitten?Kitten?No, that's weird, but you get the point."
"Smitten as a kitten," Marta shook her head."That's officially the worst rhyme I've ever heard."
"More like, you're the kitten he wants to snuggle with!"Cici chimed in, scratching Bear as he nudged her, signalling that she'd stopped petting him."Sorry, Bear, but you might have to share your bed with Gray."
"Does Gray know Bear starfishes on the bed?"Marta laughed."That dog takes up more space than a full-grown human!"She'd dog-sat Bear once and without invitation he'd jumped up on her bed and staked his claim.When she tried to move him over to at least one half of the bed, he went limp and she gave in, sleeping on the sliver she'd been given.In the morning, she found herself wrapped around him and momentarily believed a human was in bed with her.Their running joke was that Bear was just like a regular human.She smiled at him, and he came over to get some cuddles from her.
"You two know you're missing out on having Bear for sleepovers!He's the perfect guest!"Riley knew this was partially true, but now she was thinking of sleepovers with Gray.Bear would need to go hang out with his Aunty Marta.
"Look," Marta sounded serious."I rarely trust people who show up here saying they're never leaving.But Gray?If he said he could stay, I believe him.Now, what are you going to do to nudge him in that direction?"
Riley wrapped herself in her fuzzy blanket."I could invite him to book club; our in-depth discussions might seal the deal."
Cici raised her glass."Here's to getting a token guy in our club!"
The women clinked their glasses, laughing together, solidly supportive, and each knowing they'd be there for one another, no matter what.
