“But he's not leaving,” I justified. There was a thrill in my stomach at saying the words out loud. “He's not leaving.”
Confusion twisted Brooke's pretty features. “What? But he's a tourist.”
“He's staying longer on the island.” I couldn't keep the grin off my face. “He's extending his trip.”
“Iz,” she said softly. Her shoulders sagged slightly. Her mouth slanted, and I could see her brain trying to come up with a gentle way to bring me back to reality. “It's still just a trip. He's going to have to leave eventually. I mean, that's awesome that he's staying for you, but...” She shrugged.
“I like him, Brooke,” I answered quietly. I knew she was only trying to keep me from getting hurt. “I really tried not to. I really, really did. But he's different.”
“If I had a dollar for every guy who was 'different,'” Brooke said, grabbing an avocado to slice, “Well, I'd have that Prada bag I want.”
“I'm serious, Brooke. He makes me happy.” I shrugged and flipped the fish in the frying pan. The room smelled delicious. Brooke silently finished her avocado and put it in a bowl. She set her knife down and wiped her hands on a kitchen towel.
“If he makes you happy, then that's what matters,” she said finally, wrapping her arms around my shoulders giving me a good hug. “You know I'll be here for you if you need me. I'll buy the ice cream when he has to leave. Just don't tell the whole island your going with him this time.”
A wry chuckle found its way out of my mouth. “Don't worry. I learned that one the hard way.” I turned to face her. “Thanks, Brooke.”
“For what?” she asked, washing her hands in the sink again. She had a smear of avocado on her cheek.
“For telling me I'm an idiot in the nicest way possible,” I explained, “and being my friend.”
Her hazel eyes misted for a moment as she smiled. “Well, if I don't tell you you're being an idiot, those meanie-head boys will. Only they'll be...” She thought for a second and shrugged. “They'll be meanie-heads about it.”
“Meanie-heads?” I asked. She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at me.
“Shut up.”
I laughed and checked the fish. The first batch was done. I set the next batch to go and mixed the mango salsa ingredients Brooke and I had been chopping. All I had to do now was finish the fish and get the tortillas ready.
I turned to see Lucas standing in the doorway. “Um... Brooke?”
Brooke startled and dropped the red pepper in her hands. It landed on the floor, but she scooped it up and quickly went to the sink to rinse it off. I giggled at the two of them trying so hard to pretend to be normal.
“Hi, Lucas. You here to chop some peppers?” I asked, knowing full well that he was there to see Brooke.
“No,” he answered, shaking his head. He looked directly at Brooke, his dark eyes nervous. “I was actually going to go check on the shark pups. You want to help?”
I tried really hard not to snort at the blatant excuse. “Hey, girl, come out and look at the beautiful ocean and moon with me!” was really what he should have said.
“Yeah,” Brooke answered quickly, nodding and grinning. “I mean, Izzy, do you still need me?”
Brooke begged me with her eyes and bit her lip. I rolled my eyes at her.
“Sorry, Brooke. I'm helpless in the kitchen without you.” I stuck my tongue out at her and shooed her with my hands. “Go. I am actually pretty good at making this by myself.”
Brooke's face split into a grin about a mile wide as she mouthed the words “Thank you!” I shook my head at the two of them as they hurried through the kitchen and out the back door. Their excitement was contagious. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the two of them flirting in the dark. It was just too cute. They went well together.
I picked up the newly washed pepper and began to dice it. It was going to go in the salsa. Outside I could hear Lucas’s deep baritones punctuated by Brooke’s soprano giggling. It was a happy sound. I wondered if I sounded that happy with Noah.
Actually, I thought to myself, I think I sound even happier.
Chapter 14
I woke up with the dawn, for once welcoming the warm sunshine instead of hiding beneath my covers and trying for five more minutes of sleep. It was a new day; one that I got to spend with Noah. I climbed out of bed and threw on a bikini that would make Brooke proud and a cute little orange print sundress. Without waking Brooke, who was snoring peacefully with her hair tangled around her head like a halo, I snuck out into the morning sunshine.
I walked along the beach path toward the mansion, humming slightly. I hadn't felt this happy in a long time. I didn't know it was possible to feel this happy. Not only was I off to see the man of my dreams, but he was still on the island. We had a chance.
The sky was a beautiful blue with the only clouds being dark gray, but far on the horizon. The world was made of blue, green, and sand. It was almost too gorgeous of a day to be real. I came to the entrance of the Grove and sent some good vibes toward it. Hopefully that would turn out all right too. I had thrown my four thousand dollars of tip/bet money into the fund to buy it. Four thousand dollars wasn't much toward the overall price of the property, but I hoped it was enough to help tip the scales in our balance. I had already done so much work and had so many wonderful ideas to research there.
Passing the last little bit of the Grove, I came to the beach where Noah and I had built the sandcastle. I almost didn't want to look, afraid that the beautiful castle would be washed into the sea, but I did. And it was still there.
I stepped off the path and into the beach, heading to inspect the sand structure. The moat, and the lack of rain the past few days, had saved it. The edges were starting to wear away, and several of the shells I had placed had fallen into the moat, but it was still standing. Despite the worn edges, I still thought it was the most beautiful castle I had ever seen. It stood on the beach like a glorious sentinel, waiting for its occupants to return from the sea. I wished that it could stay standing like this forever. For a moment, I even thought it had a chance.
I replaced one of the shells and deepened a section of the moat before continuing on my way. I gave it one last look as I got back on the path and hurried on my way to see Noah.
***
I knocked on the door to Noah's villa, my heart speeding up with every knock. I could hear his footsteps as he came to the door, and I smoothed my hair one last time. I loved how just thinking about him made my insides shiver. I couldn't have removed the grin on my face if someone had paid me.