Page 25 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

“As you should. And for the record, I’ve thought a lot about what Isaac said, and I kind of don’t disagree. Ever since I have known you, you’ve had a purpose, something that drove you. You’ve always been go go go, but now that seems to have shifted to stalling. And I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. I know that you ultimately want to get back to Minneapolis, but I feel like we need to channel some energy into something new. A new project. A new hobby. Something. You have always liked to be busy. When was the last time you took a vacation?”

I laugh. “A vacation. What’s a vacation?”

I don’t even bother telling her that I agree with her. I agree with her and Isaac. I do feel like I’m at a standstill, waiting for the next chapter of my life to start. But I do understand what she’s saying.

“Exactly. You need a trip where you go somewhere and do nothing but maybe formulate a more streamlined plan for what you want to do next. You’re the smartest person I know. You are brilliant at what you do, and we need to channel this more. Meanwhile, breathe in the fresh air, feel the sunshine on your skin, and relax.”

“So you’re saying you think I’m capable of world domination?” I ask as I slip the watermelon into my mouth, and my tongue rejoices.

She laughs. “Most definitely.”

I chew and think about what she’s said. Could I go on vacation? I’d be by myself, not that I mind. I just don’t know what I would do. “It’s not really in my nature to relax.”

“But maybe it should be. You’ve spent so many years working toward this one goal, which you crushed, but maybe you need to figure out some new ones.”

She’s not wrong. I’ve floated in this in-between space long enough. Am I moving back to Minneapolis or am I staying? If I stay, for how long and do I want to continue working for this practice or go somewhere else? If it’s somewhere else, the big question is where? And then why?

“Assuming I could even get the time off work, where do you suggest I go?”

“Wherever you want. But you could go to the beach house if you don’t want to go far. We’re not using it anytime soon, and if you go over Memorial Day weekend, you can take the long weekend and not take time off work or take the whole week. It makes no difference to me. Kiddie camps don’t start that week anyway. How many injuries could there actually be?”

“You’d be surprised.”

I do love their beach house. Last year, Camille decided to have a girls’ weekend, and several of us went. The house sits directly on the beach on Anna Maria Island. It’s not an overly large house, but they don’t need it to be.

And now that she’s planted the seed, excitement courses through me.

I’ve been in Florida for over six years and haven’t spent nearly enough time at the beach.

“I suppose I could, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

She smiles, and it’s so genuine. “I don’t mind at all. No one is using it, and it’s just sitting there begging for visitors.”

“Memorial Day weekend isn’t a bad idea either.”

“Exactly, and it’s after the shower.” She winks. “But anytime after that works for us. You just tell me when, and I’ll make sure the kitchen is stocked.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ll bring my own food.”

“You know I don’t mind.”

“But I do! You’re letting me stay there. You don’t need to feed me too. And yes, I find that ironic as you’re feeding me now.”

She laughs.

There’s a knocking on the front door, followed by the doorbell and then Izzy barking. Camille and I both look toward the foyer, which we can see through the entrance to the sitting room. My guess is they don’t get a lot of unplanned visitors, but when the door automatically opens and Vivi runs in with her puppy on a leash trailing close behind, Camille’s face lights up.

“Hi, gorgeous girl,” Camille says, as she slowly rises out of her chair and then squats down to give the little girl a hug. She’s wearing a supercute romper that’s pink with white polka dots and I can’t help but to wish they made it in my size.

“Hi, Ms. Camille.” She gives her a small smile in return and then a big smile to Izzy who’s jumped into the middle of the greeting. It’s then she notices me and the excitement on her face slips a little at the sight of seeing someone she kind of knows, but really doesn’t. “Hi, Ms. Sophie,” she says, politely, but a little more quietly.

“Hi, Vivi.” I smile back at her.

Will the resemblance to Jonah ever stop being so alarming that my breath catches. I can’t even pinpoint exactly what it is, but it’s there. And with that thought, my stomach drops as I realize where Vivi is, he’s probably close behind.

And sure enough, he steps in and the front door closes.

Is it possible for my mouth to water and go dry at the same time?