Page 7 of Always Another Sunset

“Bella,” JC said. “I know it wasn’t luck. You were an amazing writer in school, and I am sure that hasn’t changed. I’m not surprised for a second people love what you create for them to read.”

Bella gave her a small smile before looking up the trail, clearly not comfortable with the conversation. “We should probably get going, don’t you think?” she asked. “To meet the others?”

JC fought back a sigh even though it was hard not to be a little disappointed Bella wouldn’t talk to her. Although the woman was right, and they did need to start moving, her suggestion was clearly a way to deflect more questions and change the subject.

With a nod, JC prepared to go uphill again. “Yes,” she agreed, but stayed in place until Bella moved. “We should move on, but that doesn’t mean I want to stop talking.” The pair started on the trail, and JC decided to take a little different approach to get her to open up. “So, tell me more about the process. You always wanted to be a writer. What is it like?” With the woman following behind her, JC couldn’t see her face. Bella was quiet while they kept going another twenty feet and JC began to worry she pressed too hard.

She opened her mouth to apologize, but Bella beat her. “It’s harder than I thought it would be,” she finally said. “There’s a lot more pressure.”

“Pressure?” JC frowned. “Why?”

“Because I don’t want to disappoint my readers,” she answered with a wry laugh. “I worry about it so much that I can’t seem to write anything else.” JC heard her let out a long sigh. “I have such horrible writer’s block, and like I said, I hope a change will snap me out of it.”

JC processed what Bella said, thinking back over her earlier comments.Is that why she’s so down on herself?she wondered.Because she’s worried and can’t write?JC glanced back, smiling at Bella. “Well, this place is magical,” she said, wishing there was a way to help Bella remember how she once was. “You’ll find your words here. I promise.”

“Do you?”

“I do. And I’m sorry I can’t help with ideas,” she said with a laugh. “If you recall, I totally suck at creative stuff.”

Bella surprised her with a sincere laugh in return. “Yes, actually I do recall,” she said. “But you excelled at so many other things.” She shook her head but kept smiling. “You were always so full of energy. You never seemed to stop moving.”

“Still the case,” JC admitted. Sitting still was never her strong suit. Even now, staying in one place doing the same thing for hours didn’t appeal to her. “I think that’s why I wanted to start the kayaking business. You know, to keep myself occupied.” They rounded a bend in the trail, and the trees thinned, letting them enjoy a view of blue ocean. “Let’s stop for another minute. This is a pretty spot.”

Bella came to stand beside her. “You’re right,” she said. “This is a great view.” JC barely heard what she said. Her eyes focused on the waves, and they were rougher than she liked. Even from where she and Bella stood, semi-protected by the trees, a warm, steady breeze blew in her face.The ride back is going to be rough, she thought, wanting to move faster to the island’s crest and look further west out to sea.I need to know what is on the horizon and see how far away the storm is.

She realized Bella had asked her a question. “I’m sorry. What did you say? I was thinking about the waves.”

A look of concern crossed Bella’s face. “Is there a problem?” she asked, scanning the water herself. “You look worried.”

JC kicked herself for not keeping a better poker face. The last thing she wanted to do was concern Bella, but she wouldn’t lie to her. “It’s getting a little rougher than normal. But nothing we can’t handle,” she answered, ready to steer the subject back to Bella. “Now, what was your question?”

Bella tilted her head as if not sure she was ready to let the conversation about the waves go but then repeated what she said. “I asked you if your girlfriend is as active as you are?”

JC’s eyebrows shot up. “My girlfriend?” she said, completely confused. “What girlfriend?”

Bella didn’t knowwhat to make of the look on JC’s face. Her friend was clearly puzzled by her question, which in turn confused Bella. While they were still on the kayak, she clearly heard JC say she started Oahu Paddle Adventures with her girlfriend. “Your girlfriend,” Bella said. “Did you not say she helped you start your business?”

“Ohhh,” JC said with a nod. “I see what happened there. And to answer your question—yes, I did start it with Chris, but we’re not together anymore.”

Letting the words sink in, Bella focused on keeping the excitement she felt over the new information off her face.JC might be single?she wondered.Although, even if she broke up with that girlfriend doesn’t mean she is alone.

Gathering her nerve, something she rarely did anymore, Bella squared her shoulders. “I see. So, does that mean you’re not in a relationship now?”

“With Chris?” JC asked with raised eyebrows, looking like she still wasn’t tracking the conversation entirely. “No. I bought her out five years ago, when she moved back to the mainland.” She shrugged. “We’re still friends but don’t do much more than email once or twice a year.”

Bella shook her head, rushing her words before losing all her nerve. “That’s not quite what I was asking…” she said, but then her confidence stalled.There’s no sense in making a complete ass of myself over this,she thought and decided to change the subject, but JC spoke up first.

She met Bella’s eyes. “What are you asking me, Bella?”

Unable to keep from glancing away, Bella looked at the ocean, and saw that whitecaps lined the rich blue color. “Well,” she said with a bit of laugh at her situation. Amazingly, she found herself asking an old friend who was basically a stranger if she was alone and maybe available to consider a relationship.And if she is?Bella thought.Then what? She hasn’t asked about my status or anything either.Knowing it was too late to turn back, Bella forged ahead. “I guess I was asking if you were, um… maybe single?” There was a pause, and after a beat, Bella stole a glance at JC, not sure what to expect.Please don’t let her laugh at me.Bella feared being embarrassed most of all.

Instead, JC stepped closer. “Hey,” she said. “Stop and look at me. Youguessyou’re asking?” Letting her eyes roam JC’s face, Bella saw no sign that her friend was about to laugh at her. Instead, there was a tenderness in her eyes.Oh God,she thought.Not pity. That’s worst of all.

Looking away again, she waved her hands. “Never mind,” she said. “Let’s get going again.”

JC reached for her, grasping one of her hands. “Don’t do that,” she said. “Let’s talk about this.” The physical contact was such a pleasant surprise, Bella froze. Heat radiated through her from where their hands clasped. “To answer your question, I’m not seeing anyone.”

Trying to keep her voice steady while her heart raced, Bella could barely believe her ears. “But you’re so amazing… why not?” she asked softly, and JC shook her head.

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