A few seconds later, Faye padded into the kitchen in another tiny romper, with a towel twisted around her hair. Her skin was flushed from the shower’s steam, and she smelled like the coconut body wash she used.
She stopped when she saw our faces. “Okay, those are either ‘we broke something expensive’ looks or ‘we won the lottery’ looks. Which is it?”
“Definitely closer to the second option,” I said, barely containing my grin.
Her eyes narrowed. “Explain.”
Jase couldn’t hold it in. He stepped forward, hands landing on her waist. “We both got non-roster invites to spring training.”
She stared at him, then at me. “What exactly does that mean?”
We explained how we’d be with the Crushers and Red Sox for spring training instead of with the minor league teams on the backfields.
Her mouth fell open in an O. Then she let out a sound that was basically a squeal and launched herself at us, arms thrown around both of our necks.
“Oh my God! That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you guys!” She pulled back enough to look between us. “We have to celebrate.”
“You won’t get an argument from us,” Jase replied.
I looked at Faye, the woman who’d somehow become the center of our world, then at Jase, the guy I’d finally let myself admit I wanted as more than just a brother and best friend.
We had today and the next day before we had to leave paradise, and I was determined to fill them with more unforgettable memories.
19
Faye
Our last fullday of vacation arrived far too quickly, and I hated to think that we’d be boarding separate planes the next day and heading to opposite coasts.
We spent the entire morning swimming and soaking up every last bit of sun we could get while pretending our time on the island wasn’t coming to an end. After lunch, the guys suggested we head into town to pick up souvenirs, and I jumped at the chance. I wanted something to remember the trip by other than photos and selfies.
The shops along the main street offered a wide variety of things like handmade jewelry, carved wooden animals, and candles infused with coconut and lime. I must have stopped at every one of them, checking out little trinkets I absolutely didn’t need.
Inside a small jewelry shop, I spotted a display table with bracelets and dozens of tiny charms in the shapes of flowers, shells, and suns.
“Oh,” I breathed. “These are so cute.”
Jase stepped up beside me. “You like that?”
I nodded.
“Well then, we’ll get it for you,” Dylan stated.
I shook my head. “You two don’t have to buy me anything.”
“Shh.” Jase winked. “Let us be romantic, woman.”
Dylan laughed and reached for a gold bracelet chain. “This one matches your necklace.”
My heart did a little flutter as he held it out to me.
“We should each pick a charm,” Jase suggested, and they started shifting through the trays.
Dylan held up a tiny, gold wave curling over on itself. “Anytime we were on the beach, you didn’t stop smiling.”
My throat tightened as I realized just how much they paid attention.
A moment later, Jase showed off a small star charm. “This can remind you of our nights sitting out by the fire with the stars overhead.”
