Until I Met You

‘I just want to be sure she knows what she’s doing.’

‘I’m going to let Anthony take the plunge. If he crashes and burns, so be it. It is what it is.’

‘Some friend you are.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll be there to help pick up the pieces.’

‘It’s the least you can do.’

‘The way I understand it, it’s Anthony’s fault. It was love at first sight for him. After their third date, he went shopping for the ring.’

‘The ring isn’t enchanted. Naomi could’ve said yes, but not yet.’

‘There’s something about Anthony that makes you think you can walk on water. That’s why he’s so successful.’

Samantha plucked the paper umbrella out of her drink and gave it a twirl. ‘I could use that energy.’

‘Enough about them,’ he said. ‘Want to tell me why you’re single?’

‘I don’t.’ She took one last sip from her glass, set it down, and stood. ‘Want to walk me back now? I need sleep.’

He sunk his teeth into his lower lip. ‘Touchy subject?’

She took a step toward the exit. ‘I can go it alone.’

‘You’d wander in circles all night.’ He set his glass next to hers, untouched. ‘Let’s go.’

This time Roman didn’t leave anything to chance. He asked around for directions to her bungalow. They wandered along the winding path. The resort was quiet; the laughter and music had died down.

‘Was it a bad break-up?’

‘Let it go, Roman.’

‘For the sake of transparency, I should tell you that I know some things.’

Her voice took a sharp tilt. ‘What things?’

‘Nothing specific. One of the wedding guests cancelled last minute. If I had to guess, he was your guy. Am I wrong?’

‘Not anymore. He’s off backpacking in Italy and I never want to hear from him again.’

‘Let’s hope he falls off a cliff.’

‘Now that’s just mean!’ she cried. ‘I’ll be mean so you don’t have to.’

‘I appreciate that. Honestly, I don’t want to talk about my ex.’

‘That works. I don’t want to talk about mine. Let’s seal the Ex Files shut.’ He nudged her forward. ‘Have you noticed we’re the only single people here?’

‘Us and Maya,’ Samantha replied. ‘Seems like people are pairing up and falling in love left and right.’

‘We don’t want to be one of those people.’

‘We don’t? Why not?’

‘You’re heartbroken, and I don’t have the time.’

‘Is that why you don’t have a date? You didn’t have time to find one? Sorry, I don’t buy it.’