Page 48 of See You Next Month

Isabella laughed. “It’s no secret we have become friends and we are the perfect people to pull off this grand adventure for Carmen, Sylvie, and our new friends in the Virgin Islands.”

“Do you have a busy month ahead before our next trip?” Kelsey asked.

“I don’t think so, but you never know what opportunities will come up.” Isabella raised her brows. “If you would’ve told me when I landed here a week ago that we would be coming back every month…”

“Or that I would make a new friend whom I can’t imagine not seeing tomorrow,” Kelsey said.

“I know. Won’t it be strange?” Isabella said. “What do we do this month while we’re at home? I mean, are you going to call me or text me? Email, maybe?”

Kelsey chuckled. “You’re asking me? I’ve never done anything like this either, Bella. We get to make the rules.”

Isabella giggled. “I like that idea. Okay, texts, calls, emails—all forms of communication are open and accepted.”

Kelsey smiled. “Look, Bella, you call or text me anytime. We’re friends. There’s no reason not to.”

Isabella sighed with relief. “We’ll need to talk about our next trip. We have to plan.”

“I agree. When I fly into Charlotte next month and pick you up, I want us to know what we’re doing each day,” Kelsey said.

“That sounded so funny.” Isabella laughed. “When I pick you up next month,” she said, mimicking Kelsey.

Kelsey laughed as well. “We’ll be flying together just like we did last week. Only this time we’ll know it.”

“I had a great time, but I’m ready to see my kids,” Isabella said.

“Me, too,” Kelsey replied. “I’m looking forward to when we’ll have them all here together.”

“That will be fun, but we get Dana and Emma with their friends first,” Isabella said.

“They are going to love you,” Kelsey said. “You’re the impromptu kind of fun they wish I was at times.”

“Oh, I doubt that. If they’re anything like you, we’ll be fast friends, just like you and me,” Isabella said.

Kelsey smiled and looked out the window.

“You look happy,” Isabella said. “When I saw you looking out the window of the bus that day we met, you looked sad. Not anymore.”

“I wonder why.” Kelsey winked at her.

Isabella chuckled. “Hey, I just realized that I never saw you repeat outfits.”

“Were you paying attention?”

“Yes I was!”

“We did so many things in our swimsuits that I was able to mix and match without you noticing,” Kelsey explained.

Isabella narrowed her eyes. “I may have to try bringing one bag on our next trip.”

“Bella,” Kelsey said, reaching over and squeezing her hand. “You bring as many bags as you want. I will help you with your luggage. You have to be comfortable.”

“Thanks, Kels,” Isabella said. “That’s sweet of you, but believe me, I’ll bring what I need.”

“I know you will.” Kelsey grinned.

They talked, gazed out the window, and planned their next trip during the flight. Once they’d landed, Isabella helped Kelsey get her bag from the overhead bin and they deplaned.

“I’m glad our flight was on time. You shouldn’t have to wait long to board your plane to Denver,” Isabella said.

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