Page 27 of See You Next Month

Isabella looked back at Kelsey and smiled. “Let’s see, there’s physical touch, saying nice things, and I forget… Oh, gifts.”

“Like giving gifts?” Kelsey asked.

“Or receiving. You know how it makes you feel when you receive a gift.”

Kelsey leaned back on her elbows. “Well, I may like to do things for others, but there’s nothing wrong with nice words and touching.”

Isabella looked at her and chuckled. “You’re not wrong.”

“You say nice words to me, Bella. Quality time isn’t your only love language.”

“It’s easy to say nice things to you. I love to see the surprise on your face then the shyness that usually follows,” Isabella said.

Kelsey chuckled. “I guess I’m not used to it.” She paused. “And it’s nice. It feels nice.”

Isabella nodded. “I know. It feels nice when you do things for me.”

They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the breeze and listening to the gentle waves.

“Were you in love with Spencer?” Kelsey asked quietly.

Isabella let out a deep breath. “I loved Spencer and I still do as a friend, but you know, I’m not sure I was ever in love with him. I suppose I thought I was or I wouldn’t have married him.” Isabella turned to Kelsey. “What is being in love like to you?”

Kelsey took a moment to ponder Isabella’s question. “I think she would be the last person I thought of at night and the first person I thought of each morning. You know, not having to consciously think of them. Thoughts of them would always be there, in my head and in my heart,” Kelsey said softly. A smile crossed her face just thinking about ever feeling that way about someone. “What about you?”

“It would be feeling the other person’s heartbeat. Not just with your hand over their chest, but you could feel their love beating inside of you and your love beating inside of them. You could feel their love in a look, a touch, or even a thought. Not so much knowing what they’re thinking, but I would hope they could feel the love in my heart for them. I know that sounds dumb, but I think when I fall in love, my heart will know their heart.”

“That’s not dumb at all!” Kelsey exclaimed. “I get it. My heart knew my girlfriend didn’t want the same things I did and those other women were not forever for me. I could feel it in my heart, just as you explained.” She reached over and squeezed Isabella’s hand. “Honeymoon Beach has turned us introspective, I think.”

Isabella chuckled. “Yeah, what’s wrong with us? We should be snorkeling and laughing.”

“Let’s go,” Kelsey said, getting up and holding out her hand to Isabella.

“Wait, Kelsey, look at me,” Isabella said, holding onto her hand.

“What?”

Isabella smiled. “Your eyes are blue now.”

“They aren’t as blue as yours.”

Isabella furrowed her brow. “What?”

“Yours are as pretty as the water. Mine aren’t the only ones that change. Yours get brighter blue and then other times they’re a little darker.”

“Damn, we are beautiful women,” Isabella said.

Kelsey laughed. “Own it!”

They got their snorkels and fins then waded into the water. Kelsey held Isabella’s mask and snorkel while she put her fins on then Isabella did the same for Kelsey.

“I’m not sure about this, but let’s see what it’s like,” Kelsey said.

They put their faces in the water and off they paddled. From time to time they’d stop and excitedly talk about what they’d seen.

“Let’s turn around and go back,” Isabella said after a while.

It didn’t take them long to get back to where they’d started and they traipsed back to their towel, both breathing hard.

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