Page 24 of See You Next Month

Isabella laughed. “I am, but I’m thinking ahead about all the stuff we have to carry today.”

“Look at you learning to travel light,” Kelsey teased.

“We’ll see about that,” Isabella mumbled.

They were able to combine their items into one bag and agreed to take turns carrying it along with the other things they’d have once they made it to St. John.

“I was afraid we’d lost this new job on the same day we got it after Carmen showed up on the beach yesterday,” Kelsey said. “You wouldn’t stop making me laugh.”

“Me?” Isabella exclaimed. “You were the one with the giggles.”

Kelsey chuckled. “Oh, God! I know. I haven’t had that much fun in…”

“In?”

“I don’t know! It’s been a long time,” Kelsey admitted.

“Hey,” Isabella said, putting her hand on Kelsey’s arm. “I want to apologize again for telling Carmen you’re gay. I am so sorry.”

“It’s okay. I told you yesterday not to worry about it,” Kelsey said.

“I know you did and I know you’re proud of who you are, but I shouldn’t have said anything. That’s your story to tell,” Isabella said.

“I’m not necessarily proud, Bella. It’s who I am. It’s just me.” Kelsey shrugged.

“There’s nothing ‘just’ about you, Kelsey Kenny.” Isabella smiled at her. “I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

Kelsey smiled. “You are good for my self-worth. Now, let’s go have breakfast and please don’t give what you said another thought. I’m not.”

Isabella let out a relieved breath. “Oh wait,” she said, widening her eyes. “What if you find someone at Peaches? Does that mean we’re not a couple anymore?”

“Oh my God,” Kelsey said under her breath. She put both her hands on Isabella’s upper arms and stared into her eyes. “You are my ride or die on this trip, Bella. We’re a couple.”

Isabella smiled. “Good to know.”

“For two people who came on this trip solo we have certainly latched onto each other,” Kelsey said.

“I’m glad,” Isabella replied.

“Me, too.” Kelsey winked. “Now let’s go eat breakfast. I’m starving.”

“One more thing,” Isabella said. “This isn’t a job, Kelsey.”

Kelsey grinned. “I know.”

They stood on the top deck of the ferry, their arms resting on the railing as they gazed at their surroundings.

“My God, it is beautiful here. Everywhere I look it’s just gorgeous,” Isabella said with amazement in her voice.

“Do you ever think it gets old? I mean, do the people who live here ever think it’s ordinary?” Kelsey mused.

“We’ll find out. Ask me again in December,” Isabella said. “Oh wait, it’s December now. Ask me next December.”

“It’s still hard for me to believe we’ll be coming back here every month or so for the next year,” Kelsey said.

Isabella linked her arm through Kelsey’s and looked into her eyes. “Oh wow, your eyes are green today.”

Kelsey smiled.

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