She looked nothing like herself.
But this was the uniform. Billy had built the Carlson’s brand on a specific aesthetic: sophisticated casual, tropical professional, whatever marketing term they were using this quarter. Every manager dressed the part. Beige and florals and bright smiles.
She headed downstairs. The lobby was getting busy, guests checking in, families claiming pool chairs. A group of college kids clustered near the elevators, talking over each other about TikTok and Instagram and some influencer Sarah had never heard of.
She was thirty-five. Not old. But sometimes, especially in moments like this, she felt ancient. Being married to a man thirty plus years older than her for over a decade had left their mark in more ways than one. She wasn’t the sort to enjoyclubbing for one. She preferred a good glass of wine and a good book.
A wave of nostalgia overcame her as she thought of the life she’d lived and how it would never be the same again.
“Sarah!” Chrisla waved from the reception desk. She was in her twenties, bright and energetic, with perfect skin and the kind of effortless beauty Sarah vaguely remembered having once. “Your intern’s here.”
Sarah turned.
The girl was standing by the front desk, backpack slung over one shoulder, looking around the lobby with wide eyes. Tight jean shorts. Even tighter t-shirt with some band logo Sarah didn’t recognize. Auburn hair in a messy ponytail. Long legs, freckles, a smile that lit up her whole face as she took in the resort.
Oh no.
It had been a long time since a woman had caught her eye. Even longer since she’d given in to that desire that had burned in her since she was young. It had been too risky to do so. Not when you were married to a high-profile man who needed you to play your part.
Not that Billy would have minded if she’d indulged every now and again. Still, she hadn’t. The risk of being found out had always been too big. She couldn’t do that to the man who’d lifted her out of poverty. He’d made her who she was today.
Aside from Billy, the only people who knew she was a lesbian were Carlos, Esme, and her lawyer. There might be others who suspected, but she’d never given anyone any real evidence.
And she wasn’t going to.
Still. As she looked at the girl who’d just wandered into her life, Sarah knew she was in trouble.
Because that girl? All curves and casual confidence? That girl was exactly the kind Sarah had the hardest time saying no to.
Chapter 3
Lizzie
The Carlson Seaside Resort was even more beautiful than the photos on the website. Located on the north side of the island, right on the shores of the Atlantic ocean, it had taken her breath away the second the bus had come around the corner.
In fact, a lot had taken her breath away over the last few hours. The bus ride from Miami had taken almost four hours, crossing bridge after bridge after bridge. They’d passed islands, abandoned railroad tracks and quaint little towns. A stark difference to the hustle and bustle of Miami.
Jasper had met her at the airport in Miami yesterday and driven her to his place, where she’d spent the afternoon and evening. It had been nice to hang out with him again properly, just two of them without her mom and brothers.
This morning he’d driven her to the bus stop where she’d boarded, along with a bunch of other spring breakers who weren’t flying directly into Key West. She’d wanted to see the island from up top, sure, but now she was glad she’d taken the bus. The view alone had been worth it.
Key West itself was like nowhere she’d ever been. The hotel driver who’d picked her up from the tiny airport after she’d called to let them know she was already there had given her a quick tour through town.
Pastel houses with tin roofs. Chickens wandering the streets like they owned the place. Tourists on bikes weavingthrough traffic. Everything felt tropical and slightly chaotic, like the island had its own rules and didn’t care what anyone else thought.
The hotel itself was at the northern end of the island, a little away from the hectic downtown. She’d already learned that a shuttle was on call 24/7 for customers. A shuttle she’d apparently drive eventually, if the driver was correct.
That had sent her stomach into knots. Still she was determined to stay positive. The lobby was large, the walls made of glass so you could see the pool deck up ahead.
“She’ll be right here. She thought you weren’t coming till this evening,” the girl at the front desk, young, with neatly braided hair, a bright smile, and a name tag that read Chrisla, said.
“Oh, I don’t know why she would think that. I think there’s just one bus down.”
Chrisla shrugged. “A mix up, I’m sure. How was your trip down?”
“Long. The bus ride was almost four hours. So many bridges.”
“The Overseas Highway is like nothing else you’ll ever experience. First time?”
