Page 23 of See You Next Month

“Listen to us planning our time like we’re experienced travelers,” Kelsey said.

Isabella laughed. “I don’t know about you, but I haven’t really traveled that much.”

“Me either. We took vacations, but they were during the summer and not that far away,” Kelsey said.

They stepped onto the beach and walked along in silence. Kelsey didn’t feel the need to say anything and she guessed Isabella didn’t either.

“The breeze feels lovely,” Isabella said as they neared their bungalows.

“It does,” Kelsey agreed.

“I wonder if Luis will miss us tomorrow?” Isabella quipped.

Kelsey laughed. “Of course he will. How many different drinks did we sample? I can’t imagine anyone being more fun than you and I.”

As they stopped at Kelsey’s back deck, Isabella turned to her. “Thank you for such a nice day, Kels.” She surprised Kelsey by hugging her tightly.

“I don’t have anyone that I can do this with back home” Isabella said after she pulled away. “The divorce made it awkward for our friends and most of them are busy with their own families anyway.”

“I understand. I get together with my friends, but we usually end up talking about our kids. We don’t laugh like we did today, that’s for sure.”

Isabella smiled. “I told you that you have a nice laugh. And I like hearing it.”

“Isabella Burns, I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. I only know a little about you so far, but what I know is wonderful. There is so much more to you that I get to find out in the coming days and months.”

Isabella started to say something and Kelsey put her finger over her lips. “Don’t do that. You’re going to say something like, I hope you’re not disappointed.”

Isabella giggled. “You know me so well already.”

Kelsey smiled. “Good night, Bella. See you in the morning.”

“Night, Kels,” Isabella said, walking the few steps to her back door.

Kelsey watched her close her back door and wondered how much laughter they’d share tomorrow.

A little later as Kelsey got ready for bed, her phone pinged with a text. It was a link and when she clicked on it, she saw that Isabella had written up a little summary of their day. Kelsey thought maybe she was getting ready for the daily blogs they would do on their monthly visits.

The post was titled “Our Day at Sapphire Beach.” Isabella had included photos. Kelsey thought back and remembered them taking a few pictures of their drinks, the water, and each other, along with a few selfies.

But one photo caught her attention. It was a picture of her sitting in her lounge chair, gazing out over the water. Her face was relaxed and she looked pensive. Kelsey studied the photo. She didn’t remember Isabella taking any pictures of her. As she stared at the photo, she was surprised because she realized she looked beautiful, just as Isabella had said.

Kelsey smiled because she knew what she’d been thinking when the photo was taken. She was thinking about Bella and how glad she was that they were on the beach together.

The next morning Isabella decided to wear her two-piece swimsuit and slipped on a pair of shorts with a long sleeve button down shirt over it. She would be comfortable hiking to the beach and could easily take them off for swimming and snorkeling. Next, she gathered her sunscreen, phone, and a towel. She paused, contemplating taking her laptop. Once they were at the bar they might want to add a few notes about their adventure.

She sighed as she looked at what all she wanted to take and thought that maybe she and Kelsey could take one bag packed with all of their stuff. They’d have to carry snorkeling gear as well as their lunch to the beach and she didn’t want to add to their load.

Isabella grabbed her phone to text Kelsey and saw the pictures from yesterday still opened in a window. She scrolled through the selfies they’d taken and their happy faces made her smile. Then she stopped at the picture of Kelsey gazing at the water.

How could Kelsey not have a partner? They had so much fun yesterday and to be honest, Isabella thought Kelsey was interesting. She wondered if Kelsey didn’t have time to date or maybe she wouldn’t let herself. From their conversations Isabella could tell Kelsey was devoted to her daughters. Maybe this was Kelsey’s chance to let go and enjoy herself for a change.

Isabella smiled and couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather have fun with. She texted Kelsey and a few moments later there was a knock on her door.

“How much stuff do you want to take with you today? Please don’t tell me you're taking one of your suitcases,” Kelsey teased when Isabella opened the door.

“Good morning to you, too.” Isabella grinned.

Kelsey chuckled. “Good morning, Bella. I’m ready for adventure, are you?”

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