Page 65 of One Night in Hawaii

Penelope beamed, her eyes sparkling. “I wanted to make sure we had everything we needed for a perfect day on the water. Good food makes everything better.”

Ryder carried down a few more bags. “We’re going to be as big as the whales Shiloh loves to follow.”

I was thrilled with Penelope’s thoughtfulness. She seemed different. She was always kind and fun, but I noticed the absence of the hat and the makeup she wore despite knowing she was going in the water. For lack of a better word, she looked normal. She looked like someone I would normally hang out with. Seeing them together made my heart swell with joy. It was evident how much they liked each other, and their happiness was infectious.

We put away the groceries and filled the ice chest with soda, beer, and bottles of water. Penelope had brought a couple bottles of wine as well. The food she bought was all the stuff that was premade and cost a small fortune. That was one thing her money could buy—food.

“Are we ready?” I asked my giddy passengers.

“So ready!” Penelope exclaimed.

As we set sail, the wind gently tugged at our hair, and the boat glided smoothly across the azure waters. I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty that we were setting out for a day of fun and relaxation while Archer was in New York doing whatever he had to. If he came back, I promised myself I would make sure he was kept busy with lots of days on the boat.

I was thrilled for Penelope and Ryder but I couldn’t deny I felt a tinge of jealousy that they got to spend time together while I longed to be with Archer. Nevertheless, I pushed those feelings aside, determined not to let them dampen the day’s spirit. I wasn’t even certain Archer was miserable back home. He might very well be in bed with her at that very moment. They might be planning their new wedding. I had to accept there was a chance I would never see him again.

As the hours passed, the sun reached its peak, and we decided to anchor the boat near a secluded cove. The water was crystal clear, inviting us to take a refreshing swim. I plunged into the cool embrace of the ocean, feeling a rush of exhilaration as I resurfaced.

Penelope and Ryder splashed around, their laughter blending with the lapping of the waves against the boat. I joined in the fun, grateful for the momentary distraction from my thoughts.

As we swam, I felt Penelope’s eyes on me, and I turned to see her gazing at me with a knowing look. My heart sank, realizing that she could sense my inner turmoil. I swam over to her, hoping to change the subject.

“Did you ask Ryder about surfing?” I asked.

She laughed and shook her head. “I’m easing into it.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look different,” I said. “Happier. You look like you’ve lost a hundred pounds and I don’t mean that in a literal sense.”

“I feel like I’ve lost that kind of weight. I don’t have to be Penelope, the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country. I can just be Penelope, a twenty-five-year-old woman that doesn’t have her shit together and just wants to figure life out without everyone watching and judging.”

I couldn’t help but admire Penelope’s newfound sense of freedom. Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the weight that came with money. I needed to consider the money when I thought about being with Archer. I didn’t want to find myself carrying the same burden.

Ryder reappeared on the deck after taking a break to get a drink and something to snack on. He jumped off the side, creating a big splash and soaking me and Penelope. She burst into laughter and splashed him as he swam toward her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. I suddenly felt a little like a third wheel. “My turn,” I said. “I’m going to raid the kitchen.”

“I think we’re going to swim to shore,” Ryder said.

“I’ll be here,” I said, smiling.

I understood they wanted some privacy. I swam to the ladder and climbed up. Despite the fleeting moments of jealousy, I was happy for them. I wanted them to be happy even if it wasn’t in the cards for me.

I went downstairs and made myself a plate of fresh fruit, some veggies and a few of the little cucumber sandwiches. I sat down at the table and enjoyed my meal while I thought about my future. Archer and I had one night together. I was getting a little too caught up in the idea of falling in love. I did believe he liked me and I did believe we might date or whatever, but I didn’t know where it went after that. I didn’t know if I wanted to be seriously involved with someone that had the kinds of demands on their lives that Archer did. I didn’t want to be like Penelope. I didn’t want to be like him. I loved my freedom.

I went back up on deck to make sure all was well with Ryder and Penelope. I spotted them bent over and staring at something on the beach. They were safe, which meant I could relax. As I lounged on the deck of my boat, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Penelope and Ryder playfully splash around in the water. Penelope’s laughter echoed across the waves as Ryder teased her, grabbing her around the waist. It was heartwarming to see the two of them so carefree and happy together.

The sun kissed my skin, and a gentle breeze rustled through my hair, creating the perfect backdrop for this idyllic moment. I had always cherished my time on the boat, and having my friends here made it all the more special. It could only be better if I had someone to frolic in the water with.

Penelope resurfaced, her laughter contagious. “Come in!” She waved her hand at me when she spotted me lounging.

“You guys go ahead,” I said. “You’re having plenty of fun.”

“Get your ass in here!” Ryder shouted.

I didn’t want to be a party pooper, so I dove in. Ryder immediately went for me, dunking me under the water. I came back up and attacked him. We continued our playful water fight, forgetting any worries or responsibilities for the moment. To outsiders, they probably thought it was silly for three grown adults to act like children, but those outsiders didn’t know how good it felt to be carefree.

As we swam and laughed, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friendship we shared. Penelope had always been like a sister to me, and Ryder had become an inseparable part of our group. His genuine nature and infectious enthusiasm were impossible to resist. I understood why Penelope left her New York life behind to be with him.

After a while, we climbed back onto the boat, our bodies glistening with water and our spirits light with joy. Penelope and Ryder exchanged playful banter, their eyes sparkling with mischief. I settled back on the deck, basking in the warmth of the sun and the company of my friends. In that moment, I knew what I wanted. I needed to fight for it.

“I’ll be back,” I said and got up. “Anybody want a snack?”

---