“We got this.” I dip my head to kiss her. Her lips cling to mine in the sweetest, warmest kiss. I’ll make sure things are okay. I’ll take care of her. She knows that Cat needs someone to look after her. But who’s looking after Emerie?
I want to look after her.
What is that about? I want to make sure she’s always okay. I’m not sure if I can even do that. I’m not sure I have room in my life for someone else. This might be a huge mistake. But I want to try.
Today we’re going on a snorkeling excursion.
We meet the crew on the beach in front of the resort. Carmen and Maria are friendly and helpful, welcoming us aboard the catamaran. The bar has free cocktails and lunch will be included. There’s even a slide and a rope swing.
We settle in, and soon we’re skimming over the turquoise waters, a delicious breeze keeping us cool. Nonetheless, I make sure Emerie is well-coated in sunscreen, assisting where needed. Completely unselfishly, of course. Today’s teeny bikini is a bright yellow that contrasts the aquamarine water and blue sky. I take a bunch of pictures of her with my camera, including a few fun selfies of the two of us.
Brando is stretched out, nearly comatose.
“What’s with him?” I ask Jammer.
“He stayed out all night. Seems a little tired.”
“Was she good?” Barbie asks Brando with a grin.
Brando lowers his sunglasses. “Jesus. It was porn star sex.”
The guys all make low noises.
“Tell us more,” Jammer says.
“No.” He slides his sunglasses back in front of his eyes. “Let’s just say some of the best moments in life are the ones you can’t tell anyone about.”
“So where is she?” Nadia asks.
“Gone.” Brando pouts. “It was her last day here.”
“Damn. That’s too bad,” Jammer says.
“I don’t think I could survive another night with her,” Brando says with a happy sigh.
I meet Emerie’s eyes, lit up with laughter.
We sail in silence for a while. Then Emerie nudges me. “I’ve never snorkeled before.”
“I have a couple of times. It’ll be fine.” I pause. “You know how to swim, right?”
“Oh yeah. I mean, I’m not an athlete like you…” She pokes my abs. “But I can swim.” She leans in closer. “What about sharks?”
Jesus. “I’m sure there are no sharks.”
The guides set us up with snorkel equipment and a brief lesson. We get our masks and fins on, clip in the snorkels, and hop into the water.
“Slowly put your face under,” Carmen advises us. “Look around and start breathing. Keep looking down, to keep your snorkel nice and straight up. Kick with your feet.”
I keep an eye on Emerie right next to me since she was nervous.
After we try this for a few minutes and get a few more pointers, Carmen gives us tips on how to unfog our masks and clear water out of the snorkel. We practice that, too.
Emerie’s doing fine, although I do see her eyes darting around.
“What about sharks?” I ask the guide, prepared for laughter.
“Not here.” He shakes his head. “Farther out in the ocean there are sharks.”
I catch Emerie’s eye, and she smiles gratefully.
We buddy up and are told to keep an eye on our buddies, but nobody has to tell me that. I’ll be watching Emerie like a hawk watching a mouse.
We venture away from the boat, kicking our way along, watching colorful fish and sea life. Then Emerie frantically pushes her way to the surface, bubbles flowing from her snorkel. My heart jumps and I swim after her.
With her head out of the water she screams, “Snake!”
“Where? Where?” I’m splashing around, my head turning.
“I saw it! It was black and swimming around me! Aaaaaah!” She splashes frantically.
“This?” I grab the floating strap of her life jacket and hold it up.
She stares, panting, water running down her face.
The others all surface, too. “What’s going on?” Millsy asks.
“What’s wrong?” Sara says.
“It’s all good.” I bite my lip.
“Oh my God.” Emerie starts giggling. “I’m such an idiot.”
My lips twitch.
“What?” Lilly asks.
“I thought I saw a s…sn….” Emerie is now laughing so hard she can’t talk. “A snake. In the w-water.”
“What?” The girls all bolt up higher.
“No, it’s fine.” Emerie giggles again. “It was this.” She holds up the belt.
I’m laughing now too, and the others start. Emerie’s laughing so hard I’m afraid she’s going to drown, so I wrap my arms around her.
“I’m sorry,” she chuckles.
“It’s okay. Ready to go back?”
“Yes. It’s amazing!”
We spend a while enjoying the scenery in the clear blue water, then climb back aboard the catamaran. We sail to a different spot and stop for lunch—sandwiches and cold beers.
It’s a blast sliding into the sea and swinging from the rope to drop into the water. Emerie’s hesitant about the rope, but she does it, bobbing to the surface laughing with delight. Her joyful smiles and bright eyes make me feel something. Again. Maybe…happiness? And despite my disappointment about the All Star Game, I also feel a deep gratitude that I’m here, with her, giving her these new experiences and sharing this with her.
17
Emerie
What. The. Fuck.
I stand on Park Avenue shivering, looking around. What am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go?
I just got home from Aruba and discovered my key wouldn’t work in the door of the apartment. I rode the elevator back down to the lobby and approached Anthony. With an uncomfortable look on his face, he handed me a letter from Vince.
He’s kicked me out.
I crumple the paper in my hand.
I’m not really sure what I’m feeling. Actually, I can’t believe this is happening. And yet…I can’t get into the apartment. And nobody’s coming to help me.
What the fuck?
The February air feels especially frigid after just getting off a plane from Aruba, where the air was soft and balmy. My suntan isn’t keeping me warm.
“You look cold.”
My head snaps around to see Roman standing on the sidewalk. He’s wearing a leather jacket and a scarf, his hands in his pockets. He smiles at me.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“I thought you might need some help.”
My jaw falls slack. He knows? What the hell? Is that what this is about? Vince’s note says I can’t move home until I break up with Owen. Is this still about me and Roman? For fuck’s sake.
“I don’t need any help.” I set off down the street, my suitcase rolling along beside me. I don’t know where I’m going, but I need to get away from Roman.
“Where are you going, Emerie?” He catches up and strides along beside me.
My teeth grind together. “I’ll find somewhere.”