Someone Else's Ocean

“I shouldn’t… we shouldn’t give her the wrong impression. We discussed this.”

He glanced at the front door. “I know, I just thought tonight you would hang out with us.”

“Ian Kemp, are you pouting?”

“I might be.?

?

“Get your ass in there and spend time with your kid.”

“Fine. But are you coming to the beach tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

“And tonight, when she goes to bed, I’m going to sneak into your room and lick—”

“You will do no such thing. There will be no licking of anything.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“I’m locking my door.”

“Don’t threaten me or every door in this house will be without locks within the hour.”

“Behave yourself.” I shooed him away as he glanced back at me from the front door.

“Koti, I don’t mind you spending time with us.”

But I mind, Ian, I’m falling for both of you.

“She already suspects foul play. Do you want to be the one to explain friends with benefits to her?”

“No.”

“There you go.”

“But that doesn’t mean I can’t discreetly lick things.”

“Go lick a banana pop.”

MAGENS BAY WAS A BEAUTIFUL horseshoe shaped beach with white sand and turquoise water. It was the most bustling tourist attraction of St. Thomas and one of the best spots for water play in the Virgin Islands. Ella had Disco clutched to her as she raced toward the sand while Ian and I set up a camp that consisted of an umbrella and a few foldable beach chairs we’d purchased from the store on the way over.

“Do you come here much?” Ian asked, tossing a towel on his chair.

“Not really. I mean, what’s the point? We do have a beach in our backyard.”

“True, but you hardly leave home. Don’t you get out at all?” His question was innocent, with an edge of curiosity mixed in.

“My first six months here I went hermit, but Jasmine helped me snap out of it a little. I went out a few times and will on occasion, but I’m to the point it doesn’t appeal to me.”

“Sign of old age, huh?”

“I turn thirty in a few weeks.”

“That would be what, twenty-four years ago that we met?”

His sentiment took me by surprise. “Wow, I didn’t think of that. That makes you the oldest friend I’ve ever had,” I teased before cowering under his glare. “I mean the longest friendship. Jasmine’s the oldest friend I have anyway.”