Page 82 of Rum Sips and Salty Lips

Carina shrugs. “I’ve been practicing for years.” It’s the closest she’ll come to self-praise.

We paddle back with enough time to catch the mermaid show in the underwater theater, and Brooklynn is absolutely amazed.

“I clearly missed my calling,” she says. “I should have moved here and become a mermaid.”

I look to Carina. There’s one siren I’m completely mesmerized by.

The day passes slowly and lazily. We stop at the park’s tiki restaurant for lunch. Carina is tired, and I’m sure that’s why her chair rubs against mine.

“I should send pictures to Alex and Haley,” Carina says, her mind always on work.

I was the one to suggest pictures earlier, but I wish I had her to myself. She shifts closer to me for a selfie, her head temporarily resting on my shoulder, and my breath stops.

In one second, everything in my life feels utterly perfect.

“You really putting that on the internet?” I ask. She’s never posted a similar selfie in the time I’ve followed her Instagram.

“It’s for me,” she says, her head tilting as she considers the framing. I want to kiss her temple and ask her to send it to me but I see Brooklynn watching us.

We head to the swimming area, where I want to have Carina in my arms. I want to hold her as we float and find some spot to hide. She’s all I can focus on.

Instead, we take advantage of the cool water to get a break from the heat. I’m amazed Carina is the first to suggest we go down the water slides.

Hours later, when we pack up the car, she hands me the keys.

“Really?” I ask.

She nods. “I might fall asleep.”

“You sleeping okay?” I ask with a smirk.

“Yes. It’s been a long day.” Her lips press together as she suppresses a smile.

We stop for coffee on the drive back. I hate that my sister is here because I want to reach across the center console and take Carina’s hand in mine.

Once we’re back in Wendell Beach, I pull into Carina’s driveway and help her unload the car. “You two go in,” I call to Spencer and Brooklynn. “I’ll put some burgers on the grill later so we can relax in the pool.” They nod and go inside. “You want to join us?”

I want her to so much.

“I’ll pass. I need to wind down on my own for a bit,” she says.

I nod because I understand the feeling. But I’m also realizing that being with her is as restful as being alone.

“Have a good night,” I respond. “I’ll text you if we go to Paradise or something.”

I take a leap and step in close to kiss her forehead. She doesn’t object. She closes her eyes. It’s affection for the sake of affection. It’s not the deep kiss I want. With Carina, I’ll take anything I can get.

“I’ll see you soon,” she says.

Much later that night,after dinner and beers, while Spencer watches college football, Brooklynn helps me with the dishes.

“I’m glad you’re settling in so well,” she says.

“I don’t know why you were worried,” I answer.

“Honestly, Orion, we thought you would set up the new business and move on.”

I grind my teeth. “Is it so hard to believe I’ve changed?”

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