The trip back passed far faster than I wanted.
We pulled up outside the resort near the marina and sat in silence for a few seconds before turning to each other.
“Karson, I’ve had an amazing time today. I mean, the walk was great… but being there with you? That was special.” Her expression softened. “I hope we can do it again. It’s too bad you don’t live closer.” The spark in her eyes dimmed.
“I still have one more day,” I said quietly. “I’d love to spend it with you, Ivy.”
The spark was back. “How’s ten? I’ll pick you up.”
“I’ll be right here waiting. Don’t stand me up,” I said lightly, my pulse quickening at the thought of sharing another day with this woman.
She flung open the door and stepped onto the sidewalk.
I followed.
After giving me a quick hug, she climbed back in. “See you in the morning!” she called through the open window.
The golden ring around the full moon glowed above me as I watched her taillights disappear into the warm Gold Coast night.
How can there be only one more day?
***
Humming our song, I strode back toward the marina. Ivy flooded my mind.
I punched in the gate code and headed back to the boat. Clearing the gap between the dock and the boat, I landed lightly on the deck.
“Bro, where the fuck have you been?” Dyson asked. “I was about to call the Coast Guard. Been entertaining yourself with that Aussie beauty queen, hey?” He grinned cheekily.
“Yeah, we’ve been together the whole time. Everything about today with her just felt right. I think it did for her too.”
I ran a hand through my hair as Dyson stared at me, surprise flashing across his face.
“I’m seeing her again tomorrow… I just wish we weren’t leaving so soon.”
“Shit.” His expression blanked. “I’ve never known you to even go on a second date before. Bro, you’re making me proud. I knew I’d have a positive influence on you eventually.” He slapped me on the shoulder.
“I’ve never met anyone I really wanted to see again. Until now.” I leaned back against the railing. “It was so good getting to know her as just me, without all the hype. You know what I mean?”
“Nice,” Dyson said, pulling out his phone. “But you look like you could do with a feed. I know I could. I’m ordering pizza. You in?”
“You know me too well.” I laughed. “I’m starving. Get me a margherita and throw in some garlic bread. You’re paying.”
He hurled his sneaker at me. I dodged it and ran toward the bow of the boat as we howled with laughter. “I’ll grab some drinks while we wait for the pizzas. You can tell me what you’ve been up to since you left the club with your new friend. Keep it PG though.” I tossed the sneaker back at him. It skimmed past his ear as I slid into the cabin.
He chuckled as I disappeared inside.
After I got back with the drinks, we settled into our seats, chatting until the pizzas arrived. Dyson filled me in on everything I’d missed as we tore through the pizzas.
When I got back to my cabin, I spread out across the bed and imagined Ivy receiving the delivery I’d secretly arranged earlier.
I hope she likes them…
I could already picture her smile.
6
WATER WORLD
