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“Let’s not make it public knowledge, you know?”
“Our little secret.”
“For a while, at least,” I say. It feels really good to be making this plan finally—and to let myself even think about moving forward with Jack.
Maybe it doesn’t have to end.
This magic—it can keep going.
At the same time, I know our ‘plan’ isn’t perfect. Far from it. It’s a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
And even as a temporary measure, it has faults.
There’s a chance that our relationship isn’t a secret at all. There’s a chance too many people know already.
I think back to that ‘happy couple’ photograph of us that Jack posted online.
Who saw it?
Did anyone from work see it?
My frantic mind skitters over Jack’s followers on Insta. I’ve already been paranoid enough to check the handles and recognized a few Buzzy Digital Marketing people in the mix—including Devina.
“What if the secret’s already out?” I fret aloud.
He smooths his fingertips lovingly down my cheek. “You’re thinking about Devina, aren’t you?”
“Can’t help it.”
“I guess we deal with that if it comes up.”
“Okay… yeah. Maybe it won’t.”
“I’m starving. What do you say, ready for our last meal at the Tiki Grille?”
“Wait. One more thing.”
He hitches an eyebrow to ask me what it is.
I pull him closer. “This,” I say, just before placing my lips on his. This kiss is amazing, as usual. It almost makes me forget the problems lurking. Almost.
But as we get up and gather our things, my fears return.
Devina follows him on Instagram.
She might already know what we’ve been up to here in Hawaii.
What will happen when I get back to New Hampshire?
Chapter 20
Hazel
I swipe through the photo album on my phone. The screen fills with a close-up of Chester the Sea Turtle, buggy eyes, saggy neck, bald head, and all.
“Remember how I told you there were turtles at the resort?” I ask my mom, who’s seated on the couch beside me.
It’s Sunday night, and I’m still jet-lagged from my flight. My mother picked me up from the airport hours ago and brought me here, to the house I grew up in, so I could visit and pick up my car. I haven’t made it to my apartment yet.
