“Emotionally. Unfortunately.”
The tension inside me loosened.
Ellie’s shoulder touched mine.
This time, it was deliberate.
“Are you happier here?” she asked.
The answer was dangerous because it had her name all over it.
“Yes.”
Her expression softened.
“Good.”
“That’s all?”
“That’s all.”
“You’re not going to offer life advice?”
“I teach scuba. My advice is mostly breathe and don’t touch that.”
“Useful across many situations.”
“Exactly.”
She looked at my mouth.
Just briefly.
Then back at my eyes.
“Annie?”
“Yes?”
“I’m going to ask another question.”
“That sounds risky.”
“It might be.”
The breeze lifted a strand of hair across my cheek.
Ellie reached up and tucked it back.
Her fingers lingered near my jaw.
“Can I kiss you?”
There were at least twelve sensible reasons to say no.
Rachel could have produced a presentation.
I did not consider a single one.
