Until I Met You

‘That makes sense.’

A manta ray swirled around Samantha’s legs and skimmed her calves. She screeched in surprise, lost balance, and very nearly toppled over in the water. Roman caught her just in time. He circled his arms around her waist and drew her to him.

‘Come here, you,’ he said. ‘Let me hold you steady.’

That was how she found herself nestled against Roman’s hard chest, with the sun on her back, the sea breeze in her hair, and manta rays circling around her legs. Life couldn’t be more perfect.

A peaceful silence prevailed among them. Anthony rubbed sand on Naomi’s back. Hugo and Adrian were snapping photos with Adrian’s state-of-the-art camera. Jen and Chris were following a school of tropical fish. Roman held her close, she relaxed in his arms. He smelled like sunscreen and sea salt.

Out of the corner of her eye Samantha spotted Jasmine and Jason in the distance. He sank down to one knee in the water and held up a ring. The diamond caught the sunlight and twinkled. Samantha leaned into Roman and held her breath.

Jasmine never looked more beautiful in a white bikini. Her long braids were tossed over one shoulder. She pressed her hands to her cheeks and stared down at Jason. The universe was more than kind. Jasmine nodded yes and let Jason slip the ring on her finger. They embraced and together slipped under the water’s surface in a kiss that would seal their happiness for all time.

Naomi gasped, drawing everyone’s attention to the couple. At first, no one made a move. Then, abruptly, everyone cheered. Adrian rushed forward with his camera. Samantha couldn’t move. She was busy wiping away the tears that kept springing to her eyes. Roman tucked a finger under her chin and turned her face to his. ‘Sam … don’t cry.’

‘I can’t help it. Don’t tease me.’

‘I wouldn’t.’

Maybe the waters were enchanted. There was no other way to explain the miracle unfolding. Roman raised her chin with a finger. She arched forward, wind in her hair, wanting, eager, open to whatever this was or turned out to be. Samantha circled her arms around his neck and drew him to her. While no one was watching, he kissed her and she, longingly, kissed him back.

That night, they were a rowdy crowd at dinner. To celebrate Jasmine and Jason’s engagement, they left the hotel and went out for seafood. Jasmine wore cut flowers in her hair. Over dessert Naomi proposed a toast. ‘To J and J who found magic in T and T! We wish you a lifetime of happiness.’

They raised beer bottles and various rum cocktails.

‘Hear! Hear!’

‘Cheers!’

‘I’ll drink to that!’

Samantha clinked glasses with Roman. When their eyes met and a current raced through her, she reminded herself that they didn’t have a lifetime of happiness ahead. Their paths would split at the end of the week. No matter how good their kiss had been, how magical the moment, she couldn’t let it go to her head. Frustrated, she rose from the table and excused herself. ‘Just popping into the ladies’ room.’

Jen grabbed her handbag. ‘I’ll come with.’

Samantha’s heart sank. She had hoped to lock herself in a bathroom stall and wallow for a bit. Now she would have to be nice, keep up the chitchat, and keep on pretending to be a girl out with a gorgeous guy, having the time of her life.

Jen proved her wrong. She was quiet on their way to the restroom, quiet while they entered the stalls, and quieter still while they washed and dried their hands. Samantha studied her reflection in the mirror and fluffed her curls. Jen rummaged through her handbag and produced a tube of lipstick. The silence dragged on. Samantha felt compelled to say something.

‘Everything all right, Jen?’

‘I’m fine,’ she said. ‘It’s just … we’re here for a wedding and now there’s this beyond-romantic proposal … I’m going to lose it. You know?’

‘I know! Right?’

Samantha couldn’t hold back. She burst out laughing. Jen laughed, too. At last, they’d found common ground!

‘I don’t mean to be a bitch about it.’ Jen leaned on the vanity, struggling to regain her composure. ‘I’m happy for them. I swear I am. They’re such a cute couple—’

‘Jen, I get it,’ Samantha said. ‘They’re a wonderful couple and I couldn’t be happier for them. But I think I’ve reached my limit.’

‘At least you have Roman,’ Jen said. ‘I saw you two steal a kiss at the pool. I’m pretty sure we all did. You’ll probably get roasted in the morning. Tonight we’re celebrating the happy couple.’

The teasing didn’t bother her; that was inevitable. ‘We’re just having fun. There’s nothing much to it.’

That was the problem, she realized. There wasn’t much to what she and Roman were doing. A fling, that was all. She wanted more from life, work that mattered and relationships that offered more than just fun.

‘I wouldn’t be so sure. I see the way he looks at you when you slip and fall, when you laugh, when you’re pissed, when you’re seasick, or when you’re just existing.’