Page 36 of Meet Me in Tahiti

Tessa smiled. “You’re telling me…” She took a seat next to Marin after claiming one of the cool drinks Jules had prepared. The citrusy tang of mango hit her tongue, and she let out a contented sigh.

“Now, this,” Jenna said, raising her glass, “is the kind of afternoon I signed up for.”

By the time Russ and Malik returned from tidying the gear, everyone was refreshed and ready. Jules waved them off with a grin. “Hey, everyone, behave over there!”

They laughed. “We will!” called Marin.

A few minutes later, Tessa climbed out of the dinghy last. It was time for another land excursion—a vanilla plantation and rum distillery nestled against the coast on the island of Taha’a. Snorkeling had been amazing this morning, but these types of outings were quickly becoming her favorite.

Because, although she might be learning to love and not fear the water, there was nothing like firm ground under her feet to ease her nerves.

Her sandals slapped against the wooden dock, and Russ reached out to steady her with one hand. He gaveher fingers a small squeeze before letting go, and her pulse jumped at the warmth of it. Too bad he couldn’t come with them.

She gave a quick wave before following the others, trying to act casual. No one seemed to notice. Or if they did, they didn’t say.

“Where’ve you been, Tess’?” Avery asked, glancing over her shoulder as she caught up.

“Sorry, rock in my shoe,” Tessa lied.

Avery smirked. “You sure about that?”

Tessa just smiled.

The path wound beneath flowering trees and along a fence made from branches. At the gate, they were met by a cheerful guide wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

“Welcome to our little corner of paradise,” she said. “Let’s take a walk.”

They entered the plantation and followed her into a sea of leafy green. Wooden poles held up hundreds of vines, their glossy leaves twisting toward the sky.

“These are vanilla orchids,” the guide explained. “Each vine must be pollinated by hand, and each bean takes nine months to mature.”

Kyle leaned toward Marin. “As long as a baby.”

Marin elbowed him, laughing softly. Tessa gave them a groan.

Jenna gasped softly as the guide plucked a dried pod from the vine and split it open with a small knife. “Smell this,” she said, passing it around. The scent was warm and heady, earthy and comforting. “This will be used to create some of the best vanilla products in the world.”

Tessa inhaled deeply before she passed it to Nate, who stood next to her. “Incredible,” she murmured.

They continued down the path, stopping at a small shaded structure where beans were drying on wooden racks.

“This is where the magic happens,” the guide said. “With sunlight, patience, and time.”

After the tour, they stepped into a breezy pavilion shaded by palm fronds. A long table waited with small glasses and bottles.

“Now,” the guide said, “we sample.”

They tasted rums infused with vanilla, coconut, and even one with a chili kick. Avery coughed after her first sip. Kyle asked if he could buy the spicy one. Marin declared the coconut version “basically, a vacation in a bottle.” Tessa laughed and agreed.

Someone turned on music from a portable speaker, and the mood lightened. They sipped, laughed, and drifted into small groups.

Tessa felt warm—not just from the rum. From something stronger.Island time.This is what Marin had been talking about. Relaxing, forgetting about work and bills and traffic and deadlines. Just enjoying life, stepping outside her comfort zone, trying new things. It was soothing, and it brought peace. She inhaled deeply and let it out.

Jenna grinned at her. “You are glowing, girl. Is it the nectar of the gods,” she held up a shot glass, “or is there something you’re not telling us?”

“You meansomeone…?” said Marin.

“Exactly,” said Jenna. “Someonewith wide shoulders and a nice tan and drives a white catamaran?”

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