Page 83 of Resorting to Romance

Kala giggles.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“You. You’re so intense.”

Bodhi gives Kalaine a look that causes her to relax into him. It’s an effect only he has on her.

I think of how Mila relaxes into my arms. Only that’s not real, and what these two have has been forged by fire. It doesn’t get much more real than Bodhi and Kalaine.

“So … while you were gone?” I start.

They nod.

I talk faster than I’ve ever spoken in my life. The words come out like one continuous stream. Or, more like confetti from a cannon, a colorful shredded burst that leaves a mess in its wake. Every thought and emotion I’ve been bottling up, explodes out of me at my sister and my best friend in one strong blast.

“I … well … you see … Brad showed up. I was just checking the pipes. Brad, Mila’s ex, you know? The one you met today. So, I was fixing things. And he was there and I just said, ‘I’m the boyfriend.’ And then Mila said, ‘Yes. He is.’ Well, she didn’t say it but she didn’t not say it. So we agreed we’d go through with it. And Brad backed off when he saw me. So I was thinking this was good for Mila. But not Noah. We can’t tell Noah. You guys can’t tell Noah either. He’d be rattled. And after Brad showed up and wanted Noah back in his life, well, we had to do something. So that’s what we did. But we didn’t intend for it to get so out of hand. Now the whole island thinks it’s real, which complicates everything. And then I started feeling things. I never thought I’d feel like this for anyone. But I do. I’m consumed with these feelings. And thoughts. All the thoughts all the time: Mila, Mila, Mila. She’s all I think about. Her and Noah.

“And I don’t know if she feels the same way. Sometimes I think she does. And other times I think I’m alone in this. And we had to tell Chloe. But we didn’t tell Mila’s aunts. So that’s why I had to kiss her at the party. And, that kiss. It was nothing as far as kisses go, but then again, it was everything. It’s all I think about now. A simple kiss. One I don’t even know if I should have given her in front of everyone. And touching her knee. I think of that too. But then we talked most of the night. I’ve never felt so comfortable on a phone call. Just a phone call. But it was a long call. Hours. And we never ran out of things to say. Neither of us wanted to hang up. That’s why I’m so twisted up over her. One minute I think she’s right there with me. And another I know it doesn’t matter what she feels.

“And now I’m telling you, but you can’t tell Brad. Not that you’ll see him. And of course you wouldn’t tell him. But you alsocan’t tell Ben. Absolutely not Ben. Or anyone, really. Talk about a disaster. I really didn’t want to dump any of this on you before the wedding. We should all be thinking about your wedding. And we will be. I promise. I’ll set all this aside to focus on you and the wedding.”

I point at each of them. “I won’t mess up your wedding. It means everything to me to see you two get married.”

They nod, their faces look … stunned. But, apparently, I’m not finished expelling every last thought in my head, because I start in again. I still need to figure out what Mila needs. That’s what matters right now, not my feelings or what we’re doing to keep Brad at bay.

“So here I am, pacing at ten at night, after a long day on the beach, trying to figure out if I should try to call her or leave her alone. I mean, would she want to hear from me after a day like today? You know? Or does she need space? Today was the first day Brad ever met Noah—his own son. Mila might need me. But then again, she might not want me. What do you think?”

I stare at Bodhi and Kalaine.

They stare back.

I’m waiting for an answer, but they just stare.

And stare.

And stare.

Finally, Bodhi looks at Kalaine. “Did you understand any of that?”

“My brother’s in love,” she answers him.

“Obviously.” Bodhi chuckles lightly. “But he may also need emergency medical attention.”

She giggles softly.

“I don’t need medical attention.”

“Are you sure? Did you bump your head?” Bodhi seems sincere.

“No. I didn’t bump my head. I’m just trying to discern whether I should call Mila or give her space. My gut says call. But I always jump headlong. I’m trying not to be overbearing.”

“Hallelujah!” my sister shouts, throwing both arms up in the air.

I roll my eyes at her outburst.

“Seriously, though, Kai,” Bodhi says. “I missed the gist of what you were saying. Can you repeat it, but a little less Alvin the Chipmunk on an energy drink and a lot more actual facts we can track with?”

So, I do. I slow down, take a breath, and then I tell them everything, even though my mind keeps traveling up the island to the North Shore where Mila is dealing with the aftermath of today’s events alone.

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