Page 151 of Sharkbait
“I’m staying. If you’ll have me.”
“Cold Brew, I will have you until the end of time.” I kiss her again. “But what about Corbin and your scholarship and—”
“On pause. They said they’ll hold it for me while I explore the ‘exciting entrepreneurial opportunity’ I have in front of me. They’re even interested in investing.”
“What exciting entrepreneurial opportunity is that?” I ask.
She reaches down and grabs a binder.
“I took your brainstorm for my potential contribution to The Highs and Lows and built on it. You, sir…” She shoves the binder against my chest. “Have some reading to do tonight.”
“That’s not the only thing I have to do tonight.” I wrap my arm around her and pull her close.
“You can do both.” Her sweet breath cascades over my skin.
I nuzzle into her neck. “Can I?”
She responds with a soft moan.
“Sure can. A wise man once told me we don’t always have to pick and choose. Sometimes? You really can have it all.”
Epilogue
Louise
I’m floating in the middle of crystal clear blue Pacific Ocean.
This time it’s not scary.
This time it’s not a dream.
When life is this wonderful though, I do sometimes worry I’ll wake up any minute to find it was all in my imagination.
But so far, so good.
We’re six months into life on the Big Island and I’ve never felt so free. So… on purpose.
I’ve been “doing the work” as Gail would say, and tackling the emotional stuff that still rears its head from time to time.
Going to AA meetings with James has been a big part of that. I’m constantly amazed at how open and honest the people are there. I go to support him, but every single time, I walk out feeling like their stories have supported and inspiredme.
And I’m working on healing things with my parents. It’s baby steps for sure. But in an astounding plot twist I certainly didn’t see coming, they are still together and seem happier than ever. We’re even talking about them flying to visit us here in Hawaii this year. I don’t kid myself into thinking things will ever be perfect with them, but moving the relationship into a healthier place is doing wonders for my head and my heart.
I snorkel my way toward the boat just as a school of Redfin Butterflyfish create a burst of colorful movement in my periphery. That’s right, I’m snorkeling. James may have literally pushed meto confront my fear of the water, but since then I’ve been dipping my toes in every chance I get and allowing myself to go deeper every day.
To my left, a manta ray flutters past me. Below me, a green sea turtle soars over the coral. I’ve been studying these creatures for years in textbooks and watching them through fish tanks, but to actually be swimming among them now, without fear and whenever I want?
It truly feels like magic.
Today is our test run for our big grand opening bash happening next week and all our most important people traveled here to help us celebrate.
When I reach the ladder of the boat, James is already onboard and reaching out a hand to pull me up.
“Last one on board again,” he chuckles and draws me in for a kiss.
“Really?” I look back to the water and see that he’s right.
Once again, it was just me and the sea.
