Page 74 of See You Next Month

“This isn’t the ideal place to talk, and honestly, Kels,” Isabella began, “I’m not ready.”

“Okay,” Kelsey said quietly, taking a sip of her coffee.

“I want to say one thing though.”

Kelsey raised her eyebrows and listened.

“I’ve never danced with any of my friends and I’ve never been attracted to another woman.”

Kelsey winced. “But you are now?” she asked tentatively.

Isabella playfully smacked Kelsey on the arm. “Yes! To you! I wouldn’t have been kissing you like that last night if I wasn’t.”

Kelsey sighed in relief.

“My mom pointed out something to me when I got home from our Christmas trip,” Isabella said. “I’ve always done what was expected of me. I did all the activities in school, went to college, and made good grades. I married a man and had kids.” Isabella took a deep breath. “She said it was time for me to do what makes me happy.”

“That’s good advice,” Kelsey said.

“I know I have complicated everything, Kels.”

“You said that last night and no, you haven’t,” Kelsey said. “You do remember that I kissed you.”

“Yeah you did,” she said, a little breathless. Isabella smiled. “I don’t know if this is our vacation life and our everyday life coming together. I want to go home and think all this through.”

“Okay,” Kelsey said. “But it’s my turn to say one thing. Since I got home from our trip at Christmas I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. I look forward to our trips each month and can’t wait for the family trip this summer.”

“You do?”

Kelsey nodded. “Will you do something for me?”

“Of course,” Isabella replied.

“Don’t make your mind up about anything until we get to talk again.”

“I won’t,” Isabella said.

The gate attendant announced it was their turn to board and as they got in line Isabella put her arm through Kelsey’s.

On the flight home they discussed the trip and took notes as they’d done before.

The melancholic cloud descended the closer they got to Charlotte, but Kelsey reached for Isabella’s hand, holding onto the last minutes of their island time until the plane landed.

“I’m walking you to your gate,” Isabella said as they deplaned.

“I’ll send you a picture when I’m seated and call you when I get home,” Kelsey replied.

As they stopped at Kelsey’s gate, she noticed her group was already boarding. She led Isabella away from the line of travelers and next to a wall. No one bothered to give them a look.

“Some things stay the same,” Kelsey said. She opened her arms and Isabella walked into them.

“I’ll miss you,” Isabella said softly. She pulled away and kissed Kelsey on the cheek.

This time Kelsey kissed Isabella. It wasn’t their usual brief airport kiss. She pressed her lips to Isabella’s and gave their hearts time to whisper goodbye. When she pulled away she watched Isabella open her eyes then smile.

“See you next month,” Isabella said.

“See you next month,” Kelsey replied.

---