Page 64 of Lust in Translation

EPILOGUE

KENDALL

THE SKY IS BLUEand the air is crisp. Nantucket is beautiful this time of year. Sometimes it feels like one of the only unspoiled places on Earth. This sleepy little town that seems segregated from the rest of the world. An ideal day would involve grabbing lunch while taking in the quaint scenery and watching all the bicycles ride by. We’re doing that right now, even if the mood is a little less than ideal.

Juliet grabs me by the hand as we pay our bill. “We’re going to be late for the boat,” she says. “I want to grab a croissant for later. I’ll get you one, too. Wait for me outside.” Nodding, I wrap my scarf around my neck and step into the saltwater air. Inhaling deeply, I think about what’s happening today and the magnitude of it. It’s been a long time coming.

Juliet bounds out the door and the tinkling bell sounds as it slams. “Okay. I checked the map app and we need to meet them on the east dock. We should follow this sidewalk all the way down.” Linking my arm in hers, she asks, “How are you holding up?”

“I’m okay. Thank you for being with me today. I know how busy your schedule is these days.”

“You’re kidding, right? Don’t thank me for being your friend. I would be here no matter what. This is an important day.” We see each other once a month. I’ll either drive into Boston for a wild night out, or she’ll come have a slumber party at my house with movies and wine. Our friendship means so much more now that it’s evolved over time. The people who will stand next to me today are the ones who have seen me through my life’s journey.

“I know. I know.” I lean my head on her shoulder. “I love you.”

“Aw. I love you, too, lady.” Juliet rubs my head like she’s stroking a cat. Coal is back at our little bed and breakfast. The old lady who runs the place was more than happy to welcome a cat into her home. Coal might even like her more than he likes me. He was sitting on her lap in the parlor when we left early this morning.

I don’t know what to expect even though I have a detailed itinerary in my email. I’ve read it dozens of times. Even a phone call didn’t help wrap my brain around how it would play out. Maybe because it’s something so personal, something that has so many different factors involved, I can’t accept a schedule for something like this.

The water in the distance gets closer, and all the yachts from the small harbor come into view. There’s no way I’ll be able to pick out which one is our ride for today from this far. I can pick out a wide back though. “I see Leo,” I say, breathing out a huge sigh of relief. He came down here early to make sure everything would be perfect. Two years into our marriage and he’s still so thoughtful that he leaves me feeling like a gremlin for not reciprocating in the likes. He says it’s just the way he is and I shouldn’t change myself for his benefit. Gremlin, see?

I pick up my pace, to get to him faster. He’s my safe place—my harbor in the stormy seas. The dock entrance comes into view and we step off the cobblestone sidewalk and hit the dark wooden dock. Leo has a navy-colored ball cap on and throws his hand in the air when he turns and sees us. I pretend I didn’t see him first. Like two-hundred steps ago. And wave both of my arms.

“You act like you haven’t seen the man in a month,” Juliet laughs, releasing her arm from mine. “Calm down.”

My heart pounds and my stomach flips. “I haven’t seen him since this morning. I’m really nervous, and not that you aren’t a comforting jerk, but he calms me down a little more efficiently. Especially with you know who being here.” I glance around and I don’t see him yet, and I’m glad I have this moment with Leo. He welcomes my embrace and takes me into his arms. I pull back to look at him after I give him a long kiss.

“I like you in a hat,” I say.

He lowers me down so my feet touch the ground. “All this love because you like me in a hat?”

“I’m an emotional disaster today. Let me love on the hat.”

“I’ll wear it tonight,” he says. “It might stink by then, but you will probably like that, too.”

Playfully, I swat him on the arm. “Whatever.”

“I’m right.” Leo’s smile falls, and he looks down at his shoes. “Everything is set. We’re on schedule. I told the captain everything. Again. They’re ready when you are.”

My stomach knots. “He’s here?”

Leo nods. “Already on the boat.” He hikes his thumb over his shoulder to the large white craft with the colorful flags. “Your parents and Weston, too.”

Juliet walks up, taking my hand. “Ready, then?”

Leo nods. “We’re set if Kendall is.”

“Yeah,” I say, smiling. “I’m ready.” I take Leo’s hand in my free one and we finish walking the distance to where the boat is tied off. I step on, releasing their hands and grabbing Aidan’s shoulder to steady myself. Juliet gets on next and then Leo last, taking me by the waist as he ushers me to a seat on the side next to my mother. I see Adam’s head on the other side. He throws up a hand when I catch his eye.

I sign to Leo. “I’m going to go sit next to Adam for a second, okay?”

He looks happy I’ve said it. It’s odd. I laugh. “That’s a yes?”

He nods. “Go. Yes. That’s a good idea.”

Mom kisses my cheek, squeezes my hand, and I balance precariously as I find my way back to Adam. I plop down next to him. The captain has already untied the ropes and we’ve set off for predetermined coordinates not terribly far from the shore. I didn’t want it to be an all-day evolution. Just far enough out to be private.

“Thank you for coming. You didn’t have to,” I say, clearing my throat.

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