I nod, but I’m quiet the rest of the ten-minute walk to Saint Helena Academy.
While I have no doubt Stella is right, I also can’t help but feel like I need to explore my relationship with Kai by myself a bit. I can tell he has feelings for me, but when we’re all together, it’s hard to separate the fact that I’m Sophie versusjustJulian’s wife.
I hadn’t really spoken to him since last weekend, but I’d taken initiative and added us all to a group chat. I figured it would allow us to plan anything in the future, and it would makehim feel included. We’d all briefly chatted this week via text, but with everything happening with the shop, I’d been too swamped to really open the conversation to anything further, or making plans to see him again.
Still, I can’t help but be excited to tell him about filling out the application for the space. He knew this meeting was important, and both he and Julian had sent me good luck texts earlier.
Once we arrive at Saint Helena Academy, the front desk receptionist ushers Stella into admissions, and I’m given a visitor’s pass and directions to Kai’s office down the hall. It’s nearly empty, and Stella mentions it’s a half day for the students, so they’re all gone. I say goodbye and walk through the office to find Kai.
The school is stunning, set within white stucco walls, terracotta accents, and arched windows. Palm trees dot the front entrance as well as the courtyard I pass by down the hallway. There are vibrant flower beds of jasmine and different kinds of succulents, as well as bougainvillea draped over most of the exterior.
As I walk, I take in the crosses and religious artwork—biting my lower lip when I think of the last time Kai and I used the Bible. I pass the chapel, which has rows of wooden pews and an altar adorned with fresh flowers. Even empty, I can see what drew Kai here. It’s serene but it feels almost alive, and despite the fact that I’m not religious anymore, I can see the appeal.
Standing in front of a wooden door that says ‘Headmaster Malakai Ravage,’ I knock gently three times.
No answer.
I knock harder this time, but there’s still no answer.
“He’s at the pool,” an older woman walking down the hall says. “It’s his Friday afternoon ritual.”
My lips part. “Oh. Okay, thank you.”
Her eyes quickly take me in. “Are you a family member?”
Pressing my lips together, I shake my head. “No. Just a friend.” Turning around, I’m about to walk away when she speaks again.
“He keeps the door to the pool locked, but I can open it for you if you’d like to say hi?”
“Sure, that’d be great. Thank you.”
She gestures for me to follow her, leading me farther down the hallway. “How do you know Headmaster Ravage?”
“He’s, um, friends with my husband.”
She nods. “That’s wonderful. Between you and me, I think he needs more friends.Qualityfriends, you know what I mean?”
On your knees, little dove.
My chest flushes when I think of last weekend. “I understand completely.”
As we stop in front of a pair of double doors, she pulls out a set of keys, carefully inspecting each one until she finds the one she needs. Quickly unlocking the door, she holds it open for me.
“Here you are. I’m headed home for the day. Please tell the headmaster that Susie says hello,” she says warmly, turning and walking away.
Stepping into the large indoor pool area, I let the door close behind me. The click of the lock reverberates through the large, warm space. The space is massive, tall ceilings with coffered designs and an open, airy feel while still retaining the warmth. The pool itself is a shimmering, turquoise expanse, tiled in deep blue. The concrete is clean and new-looking, and I admire the way the space feels functional while still being elegant.
Very apt for a private school.
My eyes find Kai instantly. He’s doing freestyle, facing away from me, and I can’t help but watch the way his muscles bunch and contract with each movement. Slowly walking closer, I attempt to keep my heeled boots quiet so as not to startlehim. He moves so smoothly through the water, each sweep of his arms propels him forward. The pool ripples around him, mirroring the quiet power in his strokes. Watching him is almost hypnotic, and as I stop on the other side of the pool, I tilt my head slightly as he comes to the edge nearest to me.
He flips and pushes off the wall, turning his head to breathe. For half a second, I see his profile—sharp jawline, damp strands of hair clinging to his forehead, his expression one of pure focus. My traitorous heart pounds as I scramble for something—anything—to say when he notices me.
And then he stops.
Still facing away from me, there’s a shift in his rhythm. Straightening mid-stroke, he treads water for a second, and I freeze. Biting my lower lip, I wait.
He turns, his gaze finding mine instantly, as if he knew I was there all along.
