Lizzie crawled up and kissed her. Sarah could taste herself mixed with peanut butter on Lizzie’s lips.
They lay tangled together. Sarah pulled the sheet over them even though the room was warm. Outside, the music had stopped. The party must be winding down.
“We should talk about this,” Lizzie said. “About us. What happens when we get back to Key West?”
Sarah had been dreading this conversation. “I want to be with you. Really be with you. But the lawsuit—”
“I know. We have to keep it secret.”
“Just until it’s settled. Once I have control of the company and the board can’t touch me, I’ll tell everyone. I’ll hold your hand in public. I’ll take you on actual dates. I’ll introduce you to everyone as my girlfriend.”
“Your girlfriend. I like the sound of that.”
“Me too.” Sarah kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry it has to be like this. Secret. Hidden. You deserve better.”
“I deserve you. However I can have you.” Lizzie snuggled closer. “We’ll figure it out. Take it one day at a time.”
“What about after your internship ends? You’ll go back to New York.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I’ll find reasons to visit Key West. A lot.” Lizzie grinned. “I hear it’s beautiful this time of year.”
“It’s beautiful every time of year.”
“Then I guess I’ll just have to keep coming back.”
They fell quiet. Sarah listened to Lizzie’s breathing even out. Felt her body relax into sleep.
For the first time in fifteen years, Sarah felt truly happy. Not content. Not satisfied. Actually happy.
She had Lizzie in her arms. The storm had passed. Tomorrow they’d go back to Key West and reality. But tonight, right now, this was enough.
Sarah closed her eyes and let herself drift off. The mansion was quiet around them. Everyone else asleep in their assigned rooms. Just Sarah and Lizzie in the maid’s quarters behind the kitchen.
Finally together.
Finally honest.
And whatever came next, they’d face it together.
Chapter 19
Sarah
The ferry horn blasted at eight in the morning. Sarah stood on the dock watching the boat approach, doing mental calculations. The damage wasn’t catastrophic, but it was enough to make her stomach tight with worry.
The outdoor stage had partially collapsed. The dock itself had sustained damage where debris had crashed against it during the worst of the storm. What would the resort look like? Derek had been in charge, but he hadn’t replied to even one of her messages. Carlos’ assistant, Ivan, had kept them updated and at least at the Carlson, things had passed quietly. At last until cell service cut out.
Carlos appeared at her elbow. “Everyone accounted for?”
“Rita did a final count. We’re good.” Sarah checked her phone. “I’ve already called the insurance company. They’ll send someone out tomorrow.”
“Could’ve been worse.”
“Could’ve been better if the board had listened to me about postponing.”
The ferry docked. Spring breakers filed on board, quieter than usual. Too tired to be loud. But Sarah caught snippets of conversation as they passed.
“That was insane.”
