I force my feet to stay put, casually lifting my head to peer over Ren’s shoulder. Bodin flanks Ren, effectively blocking my view, before I reluctantly join them so I can also watch Viggo steer his boat toward the dock, instantly spotting Eleanor’s bright hair among the others.
My heart pounds a rapid staccato in my chest and I force long, slow breaths through my nose in an effort to disguise the nerves coursing through my body, feeling woefully underprepared to see Eleanor again after she’s occupied most of my thoughts for months.
“Is that Eleanor with Juniper and Audrey?” Bodin asks.
“Yes.” My voice is even. Controlled. Unaffected.
“She’s pretty,” Bodin says, stating the obvious.
“You’re married,” I remind him, my dragon now fully awake and narrowing his eyes at Bodin.
Ren shifts his focus away from the window and turns toward me. “Do you know Eleanor, or did she justmake that much of an impression on you? It seems like there’s something more there than a simple ride to the island.” There’s a depth of compassion in his tone as he tries to coax a real answer from me, effectively lowering my walls.
Feeling safe between my friends, I stare longingly at Eleanor as she disembarks, her long vibrant hair dancing with little flames from the rays of the setting sun behind her. “Growing up, she was my best friend, my absolute favorite person. But we were children then, and I’ve not seen her until that day I brought her here for Maisie.”
“Go talk to her!” Ren encourages, excitement trickling into his voice.
“I’m scared,” I admit softly, admiring how beautiful she looks in a soft blue shirt that highlights her best features. She’s even more stunning than the images I conjured in my head late at night.
“Of what?” Bodin asks, laying a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll never know anything unless you try.”
“I’m scared we’ve changed too much since then and maybe she wouldn’t like who I am now.”Or maybe she won’t forgive me for how I left, I add silently.
“Bullshit,” Bodin says with a laugh. “Never assume anything. Pull on your big boy pants and go have a conversation with her. But first, let her go enjoy her time with the girls while we get some liquid courage in you.”
“Okay. I can do that.” I don’t know if I’m convincing them or myself, but my dragon echoes the sentiment, both of us adamant to at least try this time.
