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“I’d love one. Thanks.”
Twisting in my seat, I checked the cooler. The ice had melted, but the bottles were still cool. I handed one to her and took one for myself.
She sat up straight, waving her bottle at the surf. “Hey, I think the dolphins are back!” she cried, shielding her eyes as she scanned the water. “They must have a routine.”
“I guess,” I said. “Or maybe it’s a different pod. The ocean’s pretty big, you know.”
“Technically, I believe this is a gulf, not an ocean.”
“What’s the difference?”
“I honestly have no idea,” she admitted, and it was my turn to laugh. Settling into a comfortable silence, we watched the dolphins riding the breakers. I still wasn’t sure why she’d approached me in the first place, as she was pretty enough to have her pick of guys. Between sips of water, I stole glances at her profile with its slightly upturned nose and full lips, as delicate as a line drawing.
By then, the sky had begun to pale slightly. The crowds were finally beginning to pack up, shaking towels and collecting plastic toys, folding chairs, and stuffing items into beach bags. Yesterday, I’d seen Morgan and her friends for the first time; I marveled at the fact that I was sitting beside her the very next day. Things like this didn’t happen to me, but perhaps Morgan was used to winning over strangers in an instant. She certainly didn’t lack confidence.
The dolphins moved slowly down the beach, and from the corner of my eye, I saw a melancholy smile cross Morgan’s lips. She sighed.
“I should probably check in with my friends before they start to get worried.”
I nodded. “It’s probably time for me to head back, too.”
“What about all that talk about watching the sunset?”
“I’ll catch it later.”
She smiled, rising from her spot and brushing the sand from her legs. I picked up the towel and shook it out before draping it over my shoulder.
“Are you going to be playing tonight?” she asked, meeting my eyes.
“No, but I’ll be there tomorrow at five.”
“Enjoy your night off, then.” Her gaze flickered toward the pool area before seeking out my own again. For the first time, I had the strange sense she was nervous. “It was nice meeting you, Colby.”
“You, too.”
She’d taken a step away when she suddenly turned back. “Do you have plans tonight?” She hesitated. “I mean, later in the evening.”
“Not really.”
She hugged her arms to her chest. “We’re planning to go to MacDinton’s. Do you know it? In St. Petersburg? I think it’s an Irish pub.”
“I’ve never heard of it, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“You should meet us there,” she urged. “Since it’s your night off, I mean.”
“Okay. Maybe.” I nodded, already knowing I’d be there. She seemed to know it, too, and gave me a brilliant smile before starting back toward the hotel. When she was a few steps away, I called after her.
“Hey, Morgan?”
She turned but kept walking slowly backward. “Yes?”
“Why did you come out to the beach to meet me?”
She tilted her head, amusement lighting up her face. “Why do you think?”
“I don’t have the slightest idea.”
“Isn’t it obvious?” she shouted over the wind. “I love your voice, and I wanted to meet you in person.”
