“I lost the baby and then the man. Some would say I got careless.”
“Tash, things will get better. I promise.”
“I couldn’t even get you on the rebound.”
“No disrespect, you are sexy as all hell, and gorgeous on the inside. You are smart, funny, and I know how much Liv loves you as a friend.”
“How is that disrespecting me?” At least Tash stops looking like she’s either going to hump me or burst into tears. She’s survived two years of hell, and I’m probably the only person who understands how impossible it is to smile as the person you love is about to get married—to someone else.
“The no disrespect is because no matter how insanely perfect you are, there is only one woman I want in my bed and life.”
“What happens after tomorrow?”
“Depends on her. She either decides to take it day-by-day with Mitch, or I’m never letting her go again.”
“I’m sorry for throwing myself at you, I can’t imagine what you must think of me.”
Tash’s body shakes with two years of tears. I have no fucking idea how she’s been able to survive her grief, but here she is, trying to get through another day. I shuffle closer and pull her head to my shoulder, patting her until the sobbing eases.
“Tash, you girls are all like the sisters I never had. I mean, not Olivia—nothing I feel for her is sisterly. I don’t think any less of you. I’m even flattered you can even think of me like that.”
“I hurt so bad. Will it ever go away?”
“Wish I could say yes. But I’m not your best example. I fucked up when I broke up with Olivia, and now look at me.”
“Nathan broke up with me, but now he’s happy with someone else.”
“You need to move on.”
“I tried, but the best man I could find just knocked me back!” At least Tash can laugh, and I try to join in. “Maybe I should look for second best.”
“Tash, you deserve the best man for you.”
We catch up with Jess, who is laughing at the scene below. If only I could find a way to laugh when Mitch has his hands all over my girl. From our vantage point, we watch Mitchel and Olivia as they try to stand up on the paddleboard. Even though the length can fit two, it’s a smart play by Mitch. The only way they can stay upright is by holding onto each other. Their hands, hands on hips. Each time they fall off, even from up here I can imagine hearing her laugh.
Something she hasn’t done in years, with Mitch.
I’ve worked to extract each smile, giggle, and laugh since we arrived here. I’ve been the one to dry her tears and coax the laugh. How dare he turn up and become her hero again.
“What’s happening?” I try to stay chill and let Jess tell the story, but my fists burn with the urge to curl around Mitch’s neck and shove him into the water, laden with a couple of cement rocks.
“It’s so cute. Mitch is trying to get Olivia to stand on the board, but she keeps falling off and taking him with her.” Jess can’t contain her laughter, which only becomes contagious when Tash joins in.
“Traitor,” I hiss at Tash, who shrugs.
“It is funny. But if this is his A-game, I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about.”
We watch as Mitch takes care of Olivia, covering and then recovering her with what I assume is sunblock, offering her the tube to do the same for him. Island staff delivers a second hamper late in the afternoon, and I sit helpless as Mitch uncorks the champagne and offers toast after toast.
I’m losing her.
One Day
Olivia
It’s a perfect day,even if it isn’t with the perfect man. Lizard Island is everything I hoped it would be with sun, surf, more sun, and even more romance. Mitchel has outdone himself, cramming a lifetime of promises and romance into the one day I’ve given him. We avoid the restaurant and bar, but at my insistence, we also avoid both villas. I’m not even tempted to be intimate with him, but I don’t want to give Mitch false hope or Hunter any more reason for concern.
I assume we had an audience on and off during the day, but I try to focus on what matters: tomorrow. Will tomorrow be the start of a new beginning with Mitchel, or Hunter, or do I want a fresh slate untainted by any ex-lovers? I wanted space to think or a sign that Hunter would fight for us. Without either, I’m likelyto head home to Sydney alone, but at least Mitch can’t say I didn’t hear him out.
