Page 29 of Better Than the Beach
Etana is right about a few things.
The Christmas feast is delicious, and the kalua pig is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. When Kaia’s dad tells us a story about Kanakaloka, the Hawaiian Santa with his outrigger canoe pulled by dolphins, I’m smiling so big, my cheeks hurt. The idea of Santa all decked out in swim trunks and flip flops is something I find adorably charming. Pair that with the ukulele music and the palm trees decorated with Christmas lights, and it’s definitely a holiday I’ll remember fondly.
But Etana was also wrong, because as charmed as I am with my tropical Christmas vacation, I still find myself dreaming of snowcapped mountains and hot cocoa.
* * *
I spend the rest of the week doing exactly as I’d originally planned.
I drink fruity cocktails and spend the majority of my days on the beach soaking up the sun with my sorority sisters. I live in bathing suits and sundresses. Etana and Kaia attempt to teach me how to surf, and I almost get the hang of it, but I’m definitely not buying my own surfboard anytime soon. The island is gorgeous and having a Kaia as a tour guide makes the experience that much better. She knows all the best local attractions, and she and Etana make sure that my visit is one that I’ll never forget. All things considered, I have the vacation of a lifetime.
But when my group chat with Bailey and Ivy chimes with a text notification a few days after Christmas, I can’t help but let myself be honest with them.
Ivy
How’s the beach?
Me
It’s fine.
Nice.
It’s nice.
Bailey
Let me guess. You’re missing a certain mountain town and a certain sexy professor?
Me
I can’t help it.
I’m having fun. This place is beautiful. Am I a complete idiot for wishing that I never had to leave Colorado?
Ivy
You’re not an idiot.
Bailey
Have you heard anything?
Me
Nope. Not a peep.
Bailey
Sorry, C. That sucks.
Ivy
Maybe he’ll contact you after the holidays.
Me
Yeah, maybe.
