Page 20 of 7 Miles High
“What about you? Ever married?”
“No. I’ve had a few long-term relationships. But I’m not really sure marriage is even for me.”
A weird thing is happening. We’re both smiling.
“What’re you smiling at?” I say, chuckling.
“I think it has something to do with the fact we know almost nothing about each other. We purposely skipped all the steps that usually come before you have sex. It’s very freeing, isn’t it?”
I’m about to mention I think we should plan on including all the steps. But she adds another thought.
“Sometimes the details ruin everything. What we’ve had the last few days couldn’t have been better,” she says happily.
Well, shit. I don’t want to disagree. She might take it the wrong way. So I keep my opinion to myself.
“Do you live in Los Angeles?” she says.
“San Juan Capistrano. I’m trying to save up a down payment on a house.”
“Southern California property is nearly unreachable for most people.”
“True.”
“When the time comes if you need any help navigating the market let me know. I can at least offer long-distance advice.”
“That would be great. Thanks.” I pause for a couple seconds before jumping in with the most important question. “What about boyfriends? You have one?”
“No boyfriend. I’m surprised you hadn’t already come to that conclusion,” she says chuckling.
“Not everyone behaves when they’re away from home. Boyfriend or not.”
“But I would. Speaking of, why didn’t you tell me you were on a bachelor party trip?”
“Because I respect my brother. It’s his fucked-up story to tell. Not mine.”
Looks like we’re both satisfied with the answers to our questions. It’s about character. Sounds like she’s got a good one. Hope she thinks I do too.
We walk in silence for a while, absorbing what we’ve learned. Letting it settle alongside the other pieces of the puzzle.
I angle toward the water, not letting go of her hand and we slowly walk into the sea. With an arm around her back we fall back into the gently rolling waves. The cool sensation washes over me as I pull Natalie on top of my floating body. She rests beautifully, our faces only inches away.
“Girlfriend?” She says just the one word over thewooshsound of ocean hitting sand.
“Nope. I’m dating. Nothing serious.”
The way she’s looking at me is full of meaning. Without words she’s asking if I’m telling the truth, and if the girl in question knows it’s “just dating”. And she’s doing it all with a raised eyebrow and tilted head.
“Hand to heart,” I say, paddling the water to keep us afloat.
Then the corners of her mouth softly lift.
Friends don’t smile like that. Think she’s feeling what I am. She rolls off and we swim side by side in silence.
Tonight’s it. We can’t even be alone like we want to. She wouldn’t do that to the bride who only has the one night with her friends.
So instead, dinner, the club, and what will follow for her and I will all be jammed into a handful of hours.
Fuck me.
* * *
Midnight.
Our time together is running low. Not sure how much longer we need to stay here. Holly and Elliott never even showed. Just a text saying they’d see us tomorrow. No one is mad at them. Maybe I should bring that up as proof we wouldn’t be complete dicks for cutting out.
It’s obvious to everyone we’re drunk. Not off the margaritas or the tequila shots. We’re drunk off each other. The woman makes me high. It sure feels like more than a good time.
The song playing is an old Usher ballad. Silky sensual sounds. Slipping an arm around her waist I bring her close. Our bodies moving as one, swaying to the music. Wish I could tell her how I feel. But I’m afraid of saying too much. If I ruin these last hours, I’d never forgive myself.
So I put the words away and rest my forehead against hers. And of all the places I could be, I’m content to slow dance with her.
