Bristling and feeling a little defensive, I say, “I am having fun. And I’m not stuck on the ‘friends’ thing. It’s just that that is what we agreed to.” Deciding to come clean, I add softly, “Truthfully, I don’t know how he feels, Shay. I’m not going to make a move and look like a fool. That could ruin everything.”
“Aha,” she states victoriously. “So youdolike him in that way. You’re just holding back.”
“Yes,” I admit. “I have a crush. I mean, how could I not?”
Finally understanding, she says kindly, “I get you. Too bad you don’t have more time there. Things could maybe unfold naturally.”
Here’s my chance.
“Umm, about that…”
“What?” she asks. “What’s going on?”
Wincing, I ask her, “How would you feel about me hanging out down here for a while longer? Earlier today, Shane asked me to stay.”
“What?” she cries out. “No way! This is perfect. You have to stay now.”
I sigh. “Yeah, but what about our business? I feel awful putting it all on you during our busiest season. Three weeks of me being gone is bad enough.”
“It’s not bad at all,” she replies. “In fact, I’ve been doing just fine. Besides, if you recall, I was the one who insisted you go.”
“I know,” I say. “But not for practically the whole summer. Shane has this place till the beginning of August.”
“Wow!” Shay exclaims. “Nice.”
I’m quick to clarify, “I can always come back much earlier than that, though.”
But she insists, “No, no. Stay as long as you like, hon. I have an idea anyway.”
“What’s that?”
“You have your laptop with you, right?”
“I do,” I confirm.
“Okay, so how about if I send you all of our end-of-the-week reports each Saturday? That way, you can stay up-to-date on the business and give me your input on things.”
Excited, and loving this idea, I say, “I think that sounds great.”
“See? This is all going to work out perfectly.”
I know she means more than just our new business arrangement. Shay is such a romantic.
“We’ll see,” I say softly.
“Yes, we will,” she replies. “Now, Willa, go get your guy.”
Ha!
If only it were that easy.
Though now I have something on my side that I didn’t before—time.
I’m so happy Willa is staying. I hope she doesn’t leave until I do in August. Though how long she stays is completely up to her. I’d never pressure her in any way.
Speaking of the beautiful Willa, she’s sitting next to me over in the passenger seat as we make our way to the other side of the island to check out the lighthouse. Just as the weather app predicted, it’s a gorgeous day. Even though evening is now approaching, there’s been nothing but sun and vivid blue skies all around. Not a cloud in sight.
Not that I’ve been focusing on how nice the weather is at the moment. Nope, I’ve been too busy sneaking peeks over at Willa’s tanned and toned legs. They look great in the khaki shorts she’s wearing today. Not to mention, the tight olive tee she has on shows off her perky and full breasts to perfection.
