Until I Met You

If he couldn’t forgive her, there was nothing left to talk about. He should just move on.

‘Oh, yeah …’ he said. ‘I don’t think there’s anything to forgive. We were all little shits back then. Keep in mind, we were the offspring of CEOs and the products of new money. It was a horror show.’

That certainly painted Jen in a different light. Was everyone filthy rich? ‘So, what’s the problem?’

‘I don’t think I’d let anyone in. I’ve been in lockdown mode my whole adult life. I can build a great company, but I can’t establish lasting relationships.’

‘I think you’re selling yourself short. How long have you known Jen?’

‘On and off, eighteen years. We went our separate ways for college and reconnected in Los Angeles.’

Samantha relaxed. They were now in her area of expertise. ‘That sounds like a sturdy, long-term friendship to me. You’ve weathered a few storms and are still together.’

He blinked, deep in thought. She noticed his lashes were blond and nearly invisible. ‘That’s why I’m scared of messing up and losing her.’

Samantha’s heart ached. How could she tell him that if he didn’t make a move, he risked losing her, anyway?

She tugged his arm and got them moving again. ‘Talk to her. Share all your fears.’

‘I did.’

‘Try again. I don’t think she quite understood.’

Jen’s takeaway was that Chris didn’t trust her when in fact he didn’t trust himself. Roman was the same, taking unnecessary precautions, weary of rocking the boat. Who were they trying to protect?

Chris brought his straw to his lips and took a long sip. ‘This is nothing like the crap we buy in cans.’

Samantha took a long refreshing sip. ‘It’s the real deal.’

‘Jen is the real deal,’ he said. ‘The time is right. I just thought it would get easier, you know?’

‘It gets harder, I think.’

‘Shit,’ he murmured. ‘Why does it have to feel like … I don’t know—’

‘Leaping off a cliff?’ she offered.

‘Exactly.’

‘I can tell you about the first and only time I jumped off a cliff,’ Samantha said.

He nudged her in the ribs with a pointy elbow. ‘I think I was there and witnessed the whole thing.’

She grinned, remembering the day she’d slipped on the wet stone steps, landed on her bum and made a scene. ‘I can tell you this: it wasn’t as scary as I thought.’

‘I could use a good thrill right about now. It’s been a long time. Too long.’

Samantha mimed clobbering him over the head with her coconut. Who knew Chris could be so cheeky?

‘Race you back?’ he said.

He had to be kidding. ‘Not on your life. I’m drained.’

They talked freely to the end. The fun and games were over the moment they returned to the cabana. Naomi was in full drill sergeant mode. ‘What took you guys so long? It’s going to rain. Gather your things. Let’s go!’

There was no trace of rain anywhere, but Samantha knew better than to contradict Naomi. She collected her beach towel and the trendy basket bag she’d bought for the trip. She was ready. ‘I’m going to ride back with Roman, keep him company.’

Naomi was distracted, too busy packing the coolers. ‘If you’re looking for Roman, he’s giving Anthony a hand loading the bus.’