“That was—” Sarah started.
“Yeah.”
They lay there recovering. Outside, the storm had calmed some. Music filtered in from down the hall. Someone was singing “Wonderwall” badly.
“We should get back,” Sarah said eventually. “Before they send a search party.”
“Or we could stay here forever.”
“Tempting. But I think Carlos might notice eventually that we’re missing.”
They sat up slowly. Started gathering scattered clothes. Lizzie found her bra hanging from a shelf. Sarah’s blouse was inside-out.
As they dressed, stealing glances at each other, Lizzie felt lighter than she had in days. The hurt was still there but it was fading and it was being replaced by something better.
Sarah pulled Lizzie in for one more kiss before they left. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”
“Thank you for not wasting it.”
They straightened each other’s clothes. Sarah tried to fix Lizzie’s sex hair, but it was hopeless.
“You look thoroughly ravished.”
“So do you. People are going to know.”
“Let them.” Sarah picked up the boxes of snacks they’d originally come for. “I’m done hiding. I meant what I said. I love you and I’m not ashamed of that.”
Lizzie grabbed her own armful of supplies. Sarah unlocked the door and they stepped back into the hallway.
Music drifted from the den. Someone was still playing guitar. Everything was exactly as they’d left it.
But between them, everything had changed.
Sarah squeezed Lizzie’s hand once before letting go. They walked back to the party together, carrying chocolate and chips for eighty spring breakers who had no idea what had just happened in the storage room.
And for now, that was exactly how it should be.
Chapter 18
Sarah
The party was still going when they returned with arms full of snacks. Spring breakers grabbed at the chocolate and chips like they hadn’t eaten in days. Someone had started a new round of Cards Against Humanity. The spa room was full of people doing each other’s nails because Rita and Esty hadn’t been able to keep up.
Carlos appeared at Sarah’s elbow. “We need to talk.”
She handed the rest of her supplies to Maria and followed him to a quiet corner. Lizzie trailed behind.
“I just got an alert on my phone. Storm’s passing faster than expected. Should be clear in the next few hours.”
Sarah let out a long breath. “The ferries?”
“I called the harbor. They can come as soon as it’s safe. Probably early morning. Six or seven.”
Sarah pulled out her phone and checked the radar. The worst was over.
“I should tell everyone.” She walked to the center of the main room and raised her voice. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”
People looked up from their games.
