by Jamey Moody
“I guess there’s always a possibility, but I’ve never seen anyone else and I come here every week.”
“Good to know. Because if someone comes up now they’re about to get quite a show,” Riley said. She reached down and took Alex’s swimsuit bottoms off. “I intend to make you mine here and now.” She leaned down and kissed Alex possessively. A light breeze rustled the trees, the water lapped gently to the shore, and Riley thought this was the best moment of her life.
Riley and Alex spent the afternoon lazing on the blanket and swimming in the cove. No one came down the trail, and it truly felt like their own secluded beach. They were ravenous from lovemaking and swimming and ate the rest of their picnic. After one last swim they lay down on the blanket to let the sun dry them and get ready for the bike ride back to town.
They were lying there holding hands when Alex said, “This has been the best day.”
“Mm, it sure has.”
“I would like to ask you for a favor,” said Alex.
“Anything, babe.”
Alex smiled at the term of endearment. “A lot has happened today. I know we still have a lot to talk about, but could we soak this up for a while? We don’t have to try and cram everything into a few days like before. We have time now.” She looked over at Riley and pulled her hand to her mouth, kissing the back of it. “I don’t know what movies you like or what kind of books you like to read? I don’t even know your favorite color!”
Riley said chuckling, “Is it strange we haven’t talked about all of this? I mean does it matter?”
“I don’t think it’s strange because we’ve been trying to do so many things before you left that had nothing to do with movies, books and the like. But I want to know everything about you.”
“Okay then, I like most movies, but I’m not too keen on horror. Let’s see, books. I’m into lesfic, and I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a lesbian romance, but I do read bestsellers, too. My favorite color is blue, more like a greenish blue, like the color of the beautiful water from your rooftop deck when afternoon begins to turn into evening. How’s that? Now it’s your turn.”
“Lesbian romance?” Alex giggled. “I feel like I’m living a lesbian romance!” I so hope it has a happily-ever-after ending, she thought to herself.
“Come on, movies, music, and books. Now go,” Riley said.
“Okay. I like all movies including horror. I’ll hold you close so you don’t have to be scared when we watch them. I don’t listen to much country, but I’m a sap for a good love song. I read mysteries and thrillers and love a good detective story. I try to figure it out before the hero does. I have recently found a new favorite color.”
Riley looked at her questioningly. “You have?”
“It would be green that sometimes changes to hazel or turns a little blue.”
“Where did you see that?”
“I’m looking right at it,” Alex said, drinking in Riley’s eyes. “It’s a sparkling shade of green.”
Riley blushed. “Oh my god, you are such a charmer.”
“Evidently you bring it out in me.”
Riley rolled closer to Alex and pecked her lips.
“Let’s go back to Peaches and celebrate our newfound courage and love,” Alex said.
“That’s a great idea. I’ll call Kara and tell her to bring Mandy along.”
“I’ll make Liz sneak away long enough for dinner, and we’ll share our good news with them.”
“Sounds like a plan. I think I have enough energy left to ride back to town.”
“You’d better, darlin’. We have celebrating to do!” She gave Riley a kiss on the lips before jumping up. They put their clothes on, cleaned up the area, and packed what was left of their picnic.
Before getting on the bikes, Riley took Alex in her arms and said, “I’m going to remember this day for the rest of my life. This is our place. Okay?”
“Our place,” Alex said, testing it on her tongue. “I love it, and I love you.” She pulled Riley close and kissed her tenderly.
“Stop doing that or we’ll never leave,” Riley said.
She let Alex go, winked at her, and got on her bike. The ride back was full of more questions from Riley and more beautiful vistas at every turn. Alex loved answering her questions, pointing out boats on the water, and explaining parts of the park. She wanted to share all of the islands with Riley and show her why they were important to her and why she loved them.
There was a hint of foreboding coming in and out of Alex’s mind. Despite how much they’d discussed, how far their relationship was going, she still hadn’t told Riley why she stayed here and didn’t go back to the States. There was also relief because now she had time. She would find the right moment to tell Riley the whole story. Then they could talk about the future. Alex so hoped they had a future. She looked over at Riley, her hair blowing in the breeze, her happy face smiling, pedaling away. About that time Riley looked over and blew Alex a kiss. That story would have to wait, she decided. It was the furthest thing from her mind now.
When they made it back to Alex’s, Riley called Kara and Alex talked with Liz. They all agreed to meet on the patio of Peaches in an hour. While Alex was in the shower, Riley wandered up to the roof. This had quickly turned into one of her favorite places. She looked out at the boats bobbing in the beautiful blue water. Alex loved her. She had said it, and Riley said it right back. To say they were both surprised would be true. Riley had been thinking this but afraid to say it out loud. Now that she had, what would happen next?
She had a lot to contemplate. This was big. Her whole life was back in Florida, but there was no Alex in Florida. Maybe she should try this love on for a while, let it soak all the way through her. It might be new, but in some ways it felt comfortable like an old, soft T-shirt. She’d always been a romantic at heart, and this had been some kind of whirlwind. Now that she’d told Alex she loved her, she felt like the whirlwind had set her down right where she was meant to be. She felt arms softly close around her from behind. She leaned back and smiled.
“You’re a million miles away,” Alex said softly.
“No, I’m not. I’m right here, letting all this sink in. I feel like I’m living again. My life before had become mundane. And now, I haven’t only fallen in love, I’m living this love,” she said turning in Alex’s arms. “When I came on this trip I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, but now, there’s you.”
Alex stared into Riley’s eyes and softly said, “Live this love, that’s us, isn’t it?”
Riley laughed and threw her head back, “I love Alex Adams, and I’m telling the world!”
“Whoa,” it was Alex’s turn to laugh. “Slow down, it’s just our little world.”
“And I love our little world. We’d better get down there to welcome our guests since we invited them,” she said giving Alex a quick kiss.
They headed to the patio through the bar and noticed it wasn’t crowded at all. Liz would be able to join them without worrying. Alex couldn’t help but wonder what everyone would think about Riley’s decision to stay.
She had told Riley that she had stopped worrying about what everyone would think, but this was still moving so fast. However, to Alex it seemed like she’d been waiting all these years to feel like this, not to be scared of her past but to look forward to a future. When she really thought about it, she realized that after settling on the island and at the bar her life was simply work. For all those years she never dreamed that someone would want to share her life with her, that someone would care when she came home or want to ride bikes or hear what she thought until Riley James walked into Peaches
Seven
“Hey, lovebirds,” Kara said with a twinkle in her eye. “Mandy will be here shortly, she’s finishing up on the boat.”
“Hey, yourself,” Riley said.
“What can I get you ladies to drink? I’m heading for the bar,” Alex asked.
“Beer for me, babe.”
Kara chu
ckled and said playfully, “I’ll take a beer, too, babe.”
Alex shook her head and walked off smiling.
“So how was the big date today?”
Riley sighed. “It was perfect, Kara.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, we had the best day. Alex has a little secluded place with its own cove. It felt like we were on our own private island. We didn’t see or hear another person the entire time.”
“Uh-huh, so what in the world did you two find to do?”
“Well, we…” Riley’s cheeks began to redden, but she didn’t finish her sentence as Alex walked in with their beers along with Liz and Mandy.
“Hi, everybody!”
“How nice of you two to have us all over for dinner,” Liz said. “But I have an idea there’s a little more to this, so spill.”
“Have a seat, what makes you think there’s more to a group of friends finding time to share a meal together?” said Alex.
“Share a meal together, when have you ever said that in your life?” Liz teased.
“I just did,” Alex said laughing.
“Come on, I’m with Liz. What’s going on, lovebirds?” Kara said.
“Lovebirds! Do you have to keep calling us that, Kara?” Riley asked.
“If the flip flop fits,” she replied. Everybody laughed.
“Actually, I do have something to share with you all,” Riley confessed, feeling nervous as she looked to Alex for support. Alex grabbed her hand under the table and gave it a little squeeze for encouragement.
“I’ve decided to stay on the island,” she announced.
“Stay? That’s awesome!” exclaimed Liz.
“For how long?” asked Kara.
“I’m not really sure because I just made up my mind and told Alex today,” she said smiling at Alex. “Actually, you gave me the idea, Kara.”
“I did?”
“Yes, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You said, ‘You know, Riley, you don’t have anything you have to be home to do.’”
“Of course I remember saying that. I just didn’t think you listened to me,” she said with a laugh.
“I listened and thought it over and realized you’re right. There’s nothing I can’t do from here, so why not stay in paradise?”
“It is paradise, but I don’t think that’s why you’re staying,” Kara teased. “What about clothes?”
“Clothes? She doesn’t need clothes,” Liz said. Kara and Mandy laughed as Riley and Alex both turned red.
“Oh, come on, get your minds out of the gutter. She doesn’t need clothes because all you wear here are shorts, T-shirts, and swim suits,” Liz said.
Everyone joined in laughing, and Mandy said, “That’s great, Riley. It’ll be nice having you here. I’ve never seen Alex smile so much.” She turned to Alex. “I’ve known you since I was a kid, and you really look happy.”
“You’re right,” Alex said, “I don’t know when I’ve been this happy.”
“Okay, so we’re all happy you’re staying. Let’s celebrate! I’m hungry!” said Liz.
They ate, drank, and shared stories until it was time for Peaches to close. As Alex and Mandy cleared the table Riley pulled Kara aside.
“I want to stay with Alex tonight if you don’t mind.”
“No problem, I have plans with Mandy anyway. But we’ll talk tomorrow because I don’t think you’re telling me everything,” Kara said, hugging Riley.
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Deal. Mandy, we have the place to ourselves tonight. Let’s go,” Kara said grabbing Mandy’s hand. Mandy blushed but said goodbye to everyone.
“Welcome, Riley. I’m so glad you’ll be staying on with us,” Liz said pulling her into a hug. To Alex she winked and said, “I’ll see you in the morning, not early.”
“See you in the morning,” Alex said putting her arm around Riley. “That went well. Everyone is really glad you’re staying, but…”
“But what?” Riley said nervously.
“But I’m the happiest of all. This may be the best summer ever,” Alex said holding Riley tight.
Riley walked to the hotel in such a happy mood. The heady scent of tropical flowers wafted on the light cool breeze. People on the street smiled at her as she nodded or returned their hellos. She didn’t think anything could take the smile off her face. When she got to Kara’s door, she knocked.
“Why are you knocking? This is your room, too,” Kara said as she answered the door.
“I didn’t want to interrupt anything.”
“Ha, ha. Mandy and I have fun together, but we’re not lovebirds like you and Alex.”
“Very funny. Speaking of love…” Riley hinted.
“Yes?” Kara said, dragging the word out.
“Yesterday while we were at the park, I was telling Alex that I wanted to stay here. She said if I stayed it would be like having Christmas in July.”
“Uh-huh? Come on, Riley. You’re killing me here.”
“She said she was in love with me and wants me to move in with her!” Riley said, the words spilling out.
Kara hugged her. “That’s great. What did you say?”
“I told her I’m in love with her, too. I know this is fast, Kara, but before you give me a lecture,” Riley said.
Kara held her hand up. “I’m not going to give you a lecture. I think it’s great! It’s just a little strange because you’re the one that plans everything out and is so responsible and I’m usually the one jumping right in.”
“I know, but when I was trying to think all of this through, I couldn’t come up with one reason to go home. I realized that I’ve just been going through the motions, not really living. When I’m with Alex, we have fun and I’m so happy. I can’t tell you what a difference it made when I told her I was staying. It was like we didn’t have to cram everything into two weeks. Now we have time to get to know one another better and not have to hurry and worry about me leaving and what we’re going to do.”
“What about your family? They should be all right with this, right?”
“Yeah, Mom and Dad are off traveling again. My brothers have their own lives. The kids don’t really need their Aunt Riley anymore.”
Kara folded her arms. “I know that’s not true. You’re their Super Aunt.”
“I am, but they’re busy with college and friends, and really the only time I see them anymore is at the holidays.”
“Imagine how fun it will be when they come visit!”
“Come visit?” Riley asked.
“Sure. You’re not going to be running back and forth between here and Florida. Maybe they can come here for the holidays.”
“Kara, you sound like I’m staying permanently.”
“Why not? Do you really think it’s going to be any easier leaving Alex in two months? Because she’s not going anywhere. She has a business here.”
“Yeah, but I have a house and a life back in Florida.”
“You just said you were going through the motions, and it’s just a house, Riley. You can sell a house.”
“I know, but this is already moving so fast and I don’t want to get that far ahead of myself. Besides, what if Alex doesn’t feel the same way? You’re talking about me moving here, Alex and me making a life together.”
“Believe me, she feels the same way,” Kara said. “Mandy has told me about Alex. She never dates. Her family comes to visit, but she’s never seen her with another woman.”
“I know. That does seem a little odd because I’m telling you she’s wonderful. But then again you don’t see me with anybody either.”
“Maybe she’s scared of commitment.”
“I don’t know, I don’t think that’s it. But there is something,” Riley said. “She told me once that she’d tell me the whole story on how she got here and why she stayed. I mean she told me that she and her friend came here for vacation and that she decided to stay after meeting Liz.”
“Yeah, Mandy said that there
’s something back where Alex came from that made her stay here. She said that’s what people say, but no one knows for sure. They’re just stories.”
“We haven’t talked about her past much. I know she was a financial advisor in Dallas but didn’t like her job when she came here, so that’s why she took the chance and stayed. As the years went by, she became Liz’s partner. When she talks about it there’s a sadness in her eyes that’s not there otherwise. There’s something she’s not telling me, but I’m sure with time she will.”
“I don’t think it could be that bad. Everyone here loves her, and she’s partners with Liz, who seems like a person to trust. How bad could it be?”
“I don’t know. I hope she realizes she can trust me and tell me anything.” She smiled. “That’s why I’m staying. We’re going to get to know one another better and see what we have here.”
“So, what are you going to do while she’s working? Soak up the sun, walk the beach, be a bum?”
“No way. When I left school this year, I decided I was going to find something else to do. I have helped at the bar and loved it, so I’m going to tell Alex I’ll fill in when needed. Surely, I can find something to do.”
“You will.” Kara’s eyes popped open as she got an idea. “Why don’t you write that book you’ve always wanted to. You have the talent, and you‘ve never failed at anything you set out to do.”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking about that. This would be the perfect time to see if I have an author living inside me. What I want to know is how am I going to get by without my best friend right around the corner.”
“You have a phone; we’ll be fine. Besides, I’m planning to come back. I’ve made a few connections that would be a perfect reason to come visit.”
“That makes me feel better,” Riley said, hugging Kara.
Alex was stocking the bar and doing other chores to get ready to open. She thought about how nice it was last night after their little celebration to relax. It had been a big day filled with changes—good changes, full of hope. It seemed like she and Riley were always in a hurry to get everything in before Riley had to leave. Now they could relax a bit and soak up one another without a deadline looming. She thought again how happy this summer was going to be. Sometimes she wanted to pinch herself to make sure this was real. Riley James loved her and was staying here with her. A big smile was on her face when Liz walked in. She looked around like she was expecting someone.