Page 31 of Blame It on the Bikini
"They were, but barely. The time we had was shorter than I'd anticipated. Luckily, Grayson was keeping track of the time."
"Yes, Grayson." Her aunt's eyes took on a new light. "I was surprised when you texted me last night and said you were going with him. How on earth did that happen?"
"I ran into him in town a few days ago and mentioned the caves, and he offered to come along."
"That seems out of character. I thought he was all business all the time."
"So did I. It turns out he has an adventurous side. I was very glad he was there, because it would have been terrifying to go in alone. But you probably know that, since you've been there."
"I remember it being thrilling, but I also remember the tide being out for a couple of hours, so it felt exciting but not that dangerous. I guess the tides have changed over the years. Did you get some good photos?"
"Tons." She walked over to her dining room table to turn on her computer. "Here are a few of the digital shots. I'm developing the film now."
Josie settled into the chair in front of the computer as the digital images filled the screen. The cave shots were stunning even on the monitor—the otherworldly beauty of the hidden chamber, the interplay of natural light and shadow, the sense of ancient mystery. And for a few minutes, they were both quiet as she scrolled from one shot to the next.
"Oh, my," Josie breathed. "Lexie, these are extraordinary."
"I know," she said, unable to hide her excitement. "This is the kind of photography I've always wanted to do." She clicked through several more images, pausing on the shot of Grayson silhouetted in the entrance to the cave. "He didn't like it when I took his picture, but the way he looked—it was impossible to resist. He looks like he's one with nature, don't you think? It's not the way I thought of him before."
"He's a very handsome man," Josie observed. "It sounds like you may have changed your mind about him."
"Not completely. I know he still wants to sell the building, but that wasn't on my mind when I was taking his picture. He didn't feel like my enemy, more like my friend. Which is not even true. I mean, we're not friends."
"What are you then?" Josie asked with a mischievous smile. "More than friends?"
"I didn't mean it like that," she said, feeling her cheeks warm.
"Something happened."
"Nothing happened," she lied. "We explored the caves. He made sure we got out before the ocean swallowed us up, and it was nice to have him there. That's all."
"Okay, well, I'm glad."
"Why are you glad?" she asked, feeling a bit confused. "Do you want me to like Grayson? Because it doesn't seem like you should want that when he's threatening to take away our homes, and you've lived here for more than thirty years."
"I understand his position, and I'm still hoping he changes his mind. But I don't need you to hate him. What will be will be. I'm just happy you had fun and that you got a chance to do what you've been wanting to do for a while. I was beginning to worry you were getting too entrenched in your wedding photos."
She started at the word wedding. "Speaking of which…" She checked her watch, relieved she still had two hours before she had to leave. "I have a wedding to do this afternoon. I need to finish developing my film."
"I'll let you go then."
She closed her computer, and as Josie stood up, her gaze caught on the locket that was lying on the table. It had been hidden from view when the monitor was open.
Josie sucked in a quick gulp of air. "Where did you get that?"
"It's the most amazing story. I found it in the cave, tucked in between some rocks." She picked up the locket and opened it. "The picture is too faded to see who it is, unfortunately. I looked for an inscription, but I didn't see one. I wish I could return it to its owner, but I have no idea how to find that person. It could have been in the cave for years."
"That's exactly where it's been," Josie murmured, extending her hand, her eyes suddenly bright and a little watery.
"Aunt Josie?" she asked as she put the locket in her hand. "Have you seen this before?"
"Yes, I have," she said, her voice soft and breathy, filled with emotion. "It's mine, Lexie."
"No way," she breathed. "It's yours? How is that possible?"
"I thought I'd lost it in my apartment or that it had fallen off at some point as I was walking around town. But, of course, it was in the cave."
"The picture inside the locket is you?"
