I squared my shoulders. “No! Besides, Sunset Siesta has a rule against workplace romances, so there’s another reason we need to keep our hands off each other. I can handle this. It’s just a matter of compartmentalizing. I’m good at that.”
Lacey shook her head, a sad smile on her face. “If you say so, honey. But remember, relationships have a way offorming whether you want them to or not. And no amount of logic can change that.”
“It’s not that complicated. We’re adults. We can be professional.”
Lacey’s gentle laugh made me raise my head. “Oh, sweetie. When has anything involving the heart ever been simple?”
I opened my mouth to retort, but she cut me off with a sheepish smile.
“And speaking of complications… I have some news.”
My stomach dropped and I stopped pacing. I knew that look. “What did you do?”
She twirled a strand of blonde hair around her finger. “So Daniel and I were talking, and we decided we don’t want an underwater wedding anymore.”
“What?” I blinked, processing. “But the dive lessons, the planning?—”
“I know, I know,” Lacey rushed to say. “We’re thinking of a nice park ceremony instead. More practical, you know?”
“So are you guys finishing the class with me?”
Lacey shook her head. “No. Sorry, Jules.”
I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Lace, do you have any idea how much time we’ve already invested in this?”And what I had to go through to make it happen?I added silently.
“I know, and I feel terrible.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me down to sit next to her on the couch. “But isn’t it better to change plans now rather than later?”
I wanted to be mad, but one look at her earnest face and my irritation melted. This was classic Lacey—impulsive but always well-meaning.
“I suppose,” I conceded. “But we’re so close to finishing.The open water dives will be incredible, Lace. Are you sure you don’t want to continue?”
She shook her head firmly. “Nah, even after extra practice in the pool, I don’t feel like I’ve got the hang of it at all. I keep having nightmares about panicking during my wedding, and that’s not the vibe I’m going for at all. But hey, you should totally finish! You’ve worked so hard.”
I bit my lip, unable to deny that she had struggled with many skills. I was torn between practical concerns and the traitorous flutter in my chest at the thought of solo checkout dives with Eli. “I don’t know…”
“Come on.” Lacey nudged me. “It’s obvious you love diving, and unlike me, you’re good at it! When’s the last time you did something just for you?”
I couldn’t remember, and that realization hit harder than I expected. “You’re right. I’m not even sure.”
“Daniel and I just have too much going on right now, and Randy only signed up because he had to. This is fate stepping in, Jules. You need to stay in the class.”
I nodded firmly, decision made. “You know what? You’re right. I’m going to finish the certification.”
Lacey clapped her hands. “Yes! That’s my girl!”
“It’s only logical,” I explained, ticking off reasons on my fingers. “I’ve already invested the time. And the class is nearly over—it’d be wasteful not to see it through. Plus, it’s a valuable skill.”
Lacey’s smile turned knowing. “Absolutely. And the fact that the class is only you and Eli now?”
“Please,” I scoffed, hoping my voice didn’t betray me. “This is about finishing what I start.”
“Sure, sure,” Lacey said, clearly unconvinced. “Eli isn’t quite the guy you thought he was, is he?”
I sighed, unable to deny it. “No, he’s not. He’s skilled.Rescued a guest in trouble today. And he’s passionate about diving.”
“And hot,” Lacey added helpfully.
I rolled my eyes. “That’s irrelevant.”
