Page 51 of That Birthday in Barbados
“It’s been wonderful,” I say, skimming a hand through the refreshing water.
“Been?”
“Is, I mean.”
She gives me a long look, as if she knows I’m leaving something out. “Have you met anyone?”
“Everyone’s been really nice,” I say, avoiding the question.
She laughs lightly, on to me. “Anyone special?” she persists.
“Out of my league, I’m afraid,” I finally admit.
“Who could be out of your league?” she asks, sounding truly surprised.
“Ah, he is,” I say, unwavering.
“Why ever?”
“Younger, gorgeous, taken.”
“The first two, no. The last? Hm.”
“Yeah.”
“At least you’re putting yourself out there.”
“I didn’t mean to. It just kind of happened.”
“How do you know there’s someone else?”
“I met her, actually.”
Madeline’s expression falls, and I can see she’s truly sorry for me.
“It’s okay,” I say. “Holiday romances only happen in novels and movies.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I’m proof that’s not true, but I’m sorry yours didn’t work out. I have an idea. Why don’t we askif there’s availability for a massage? My treat.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to,” she says, standing to step out of the pool and grab the white robe on a chair behind her. “I’ll be right back.”
I watch her walk inside the spa, certain she’ll have success with the appointments. Madeline approaches life as if it can’t possibly tell her no.
And it doesn’t. She’s back in less than five minutes, smiling. “They can take us in half an hour. Want to make use of the sauna before then?”
“Why not?” I get out of the pool, towel off long enough that I’m not dripping water as we make our way into the inviting spa, stopping at the front desk to confirm our appointments and taking the elevator down to the first floor where we make use of the changing area. The white robe is fluffy and comfortable. We follow the hallway to a door that leads outside to the dry sauna and an outdoor hot tub.
We try the sauna first, and in less than five minutes, Madeline opts for the hot tub. I sit on the wooden bench, not minding the sweat that tricklesdown the back of my neck. Through the glass front of the sauna, I watch Madeline step into the water and paddle out of sight.
I lean back and close my eyes, startled a few seconds later when the door opens. I look up to see a very tall, very familiar figure stepping inside.
It can’t be.
But it is.
She realizes it’s me in the same moment I recognize her.
