“Okay!”
We stare at each other.
“This is going to be awkward for a while, isn’t it?” I ask.
“Yeah. I’m going to go for that run.”
“Good plan.”
I’m going to take a cold shower.
• • •
I head tothe dining room to sip on a cappuccino while George runs. Like the rest of the resort, the space is magnificent, framed in timber with cozy armchairs, a stone fireplace, and windows onto the forest and bay. I’m shown to a table with a view, and after I give my villa number, I’m immediately addressed as Mrs.Gardiner.
It is one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve ever sat in, but the atmosphere is relaxed. Out on the ocean, only a few surfers wait patiently for a wave. The tide is low, and it’s a long way to walk from the forest to the sea, but a pair is making the journey, carrying their boards between them. The sun is high and bright already, and the water is so blue. There’s a yoga group doing sun salutations at the northern end of the beach and a baby crawling as fast as it can toward its older brother and father, who are wading through a nearby tide pool.
I could sit here all day watching. But I’m interrupted by a text from my oldest brother. It’s a photo of Birdie putting bows in Dad’s beard. Our father is quiet and stoic seeming, but he’s a softie. Mom was the disciplinarian. I don’t think Dad punished any of us while she was gone.
Me:Weird how much those ribbons suit him.
Darwin:He thinks so, too. He hasn’t taken them out. How’s George?
I roll my eyes. Everyone in my family keeps asking me about George, as if we’re on his honeymoon, not mine.
Me:George is George.
I press send, but then I realize that’s not accurate. George isn’t George. He has a therapist, a protein goal, and excellent cologne. He’s meticulously planned this vacation.
Me:Actually, he’s been amazing. We spent yesterday on a floating sauna in the middle of the wilderness. And he’s been cool about the breakup.
Darwin:You mean, he hasn’t said “I told you so” yet?
Me:Not even once.
Darwin:So he seems fine?
I frown. Aside from this morning’s debacle, whywouldn’tGeorge be fine? I scroll through the photos I took yesterday. I send Darwin the one of George diving into the water as an answer to his question. He responds with a thumbs-up.
Aurora has been clamoring for more photos, so I send her a good one of George and me that Derek took when he picked us up. She replies right away.
Aurora:Why are you both soooo adorable?
Aurora:Did George get hotter???
Aurora:I think I need to change my official position.
Me:And what position is that?
Aurora:I thought the professor was perfect for you, but I’m coming around to the boy next door. I never thought I’d be team Laurie, but here we are.
I look at the photo more closely. I’m on George’s back, grinning down at him, my wet hair falling over my shoulders. He’s smiling up at me, his arms locked around my legs.
Me:You’re changing your opinion based on a cute photo?
Aurora:I’m changing my opinion based on the look on both of your faces. YOU GUYS ARE IN LOVE!
Me:Oh no. Not you, too.
