Chapter 9

"Did you see Anika's text?" Taylor eyes me as we change into our beach attire in my room upstairs. "Told you she had no service."

"Ha-ha. Very funny." I roll my eyes at Taylor, laughing.

I hadn't looked at my phone since yesterday afternoon. It had been quite the birthday weekend. I pick up my phone to see a flood of Happy Birthday texts roll in from yesterday. One from Anika replying to the group chat. A few texts from old volleyball teammates. And when I click on the third text, I almost drop my phone.

It was a text from Jeremiah.

I stare at it and suck in a deep breath before opening the text to read it.

Jere:

I know I'm the last person you want to hear from right now but I can't let today pass without wishing you a Happy Birthday. I hope this year is good to you, Bells. Maybe one day we can talk about that weekend. I'm sorry.

- J

"Hello? Earth to Belly?" Taylor laughs as she admires her outfit in the mirror. She had been saying something but I hadn't heard any of it. All I could focus on was trying to breathe.

When I don't answer for the second time, Taylor turns around to look at me but I stay frozen. I don't look up from my phone as she says my name again.

"You look like you just saw a ghost," Taylor says as she walks over to me.

She takes my phone and I watch her face change as she reads the text. When she is done reading it, she looks up at me then back down at my phone.

"Oh wow…" She says.

For the first time in her life, Taylor Jewel is speechless.

We both stand there unsure what to say. After all, what was there to say about Jeremiah? I wasn't planning on replying to him anytime soon. It was my birthday weekend and I wasn't going to spend it this way. I wasn't going to do this today.

I snap out of my frozen state and stuff my Whale Of A Tale tote with my favorite beach towel and sunglasses. I feel Taylor's eyes on me as I move around my room in a haste. I hadn't noticed my hands were shaking until I take my phone back from her and she looks at me. I could tell she felt sorry for me. I quickly toss my phone into my tote. Out of sight, out of mind.

"We should go." I say, throwing my tote over my shoulders and avoiding her eyes.

"Belly, maybe we should-" Taylor starts but I shake my head at her and she stops. I couldn't do this right now. I wouldn't. I refuse to talk about him.

"Come on." I say as I walk out of my room. "We're already late."

Conrad:

For the first time in a long time, I felt hope.

I felt lighter after talking to Cleveland. As if his words had breathed new life into me. Maybe he was right about how everything happens for a reason. I had never been one to believe in things like that. I'd always been a logical and science-based person but then again, love is never logical.

I had spent so many years ruminating over the past and lamenting over my mistakes with Belly that I had never once stopped to think maybe it was all meant to happen this way. Maybe this was just a chapter in our story. And you know what? I was ready to turn the damn page. I was ready to start a new chapter in our story. I was so tired of wasting time. I was tired of my old ways. I was tired of not being the man my mom raised me up to be. All I knew was our surprise encounters on Cousins Beach were living proof that there was something left between us. Belly and I's story remained unwritten and I was determined to see where the rest of the story goes.

Everyone meets downstairs in exactly ten minutes. I pick up on a weird energy between Belly and Taylor as they walk downstairs. Belly wears a crochet summer top with denim shorts and it takes everything in me to not stare at how beautiful she is. I fix my eyes on Laurel and Cleveland in the kitchen.

Cleveland kisses Laurel's cheek goodbye. "You sure you can't come?"

"They're hounding me for pages. I'll catch up with everyone later." Laurel smiles up at him. "Have fun."

"Alright, you're off the hook. For now." Cleveland smiles as they kiss on the lips. Laurel laughs under his kiss. We all pretend to look away when they look at us but we all had been looking.

"Let's roll!" Cleveland says as he joins us in the hallway and everyone follows him outside.

I walk into the kitchen to grab a beach cooler my mom used to take everywhere. It was colorful and bright. Just like my mom. I pack some extra water bottles for everyone. It was going to be a hot day.

"Don't work too hard." I say to Laurel as I pack the beach cooler. "Or your fingers will fall off."

Laurel laughs and eyes me. "You sound like Beck."

I had always strived to be more like my mom. Those compliments meant the world to me.

"You don't have to worry about me, kid." Laurel sighs. "That's Cleveland job now."

"I can see that. You two are great together." I smile.

Laurel smiles back. She knew I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it.

"Thanks, Connie…" She leans forward in the barstool. "But be honest. How are the kids taking it? Is it too much?"

"Not at all." I shake my head. "They're just happy that you're happy."

Laurel smiles to herself. "Well, it's certainly nice to have everyone together like old times. Well, almost everyone..."

I knew she was referring to Jere. I change the subject.

"Thank you for flying me out here." I nod. "I meant to say something to you last night. It's good to see everyone."

Laurel nods. "Of course."

"Let me know if I can do anything for you while I'm here." I toss the beach cooler strap over my shoulder about to walk away but Laurel wasn't going to let me off the hook that easy.

"You can start by telling me what's going on with Jere." Laurel raises a brow.

There was no lying to Laurel. She was like a walking lie detector.

"You know Jere," I shrug. "He's just busy living his life."

"He never misses Belly's birthday, not even after they..." Laurel shakes her head, not finishing the sentence. "It's just so unlike Jere to not even respond to my texts… I just worry about you boys." She sighs, looking down at her laptop. "I wonder what Beck would think…"

I felt like shit to stand there and know I was the reason my brother wasn't here. I was the one who had uninvited him to Cousin's after all. One day I would tell Laurel everything but I knew Belly's birthday weekend wasn't the right time or place. We didn't need a repeat of her graduation weekend.

I knew Laurel worried about Jere and I more than she let on. After my mom passed, she took us on as if we were her own kids. She felt responsible for us. It was nice to have her around in the beginning. She knew Adam wasn't capable of being the parent we needed. Laurel always made sure we were going to classes. Made sure we were eating. She checked in on us with texts which eventually turned into weekly phone calls. Laurel and I had always been close but we grew even closer after the funeral. Because we mourned for my mom in the same way: alone. And Laurel also saw Adam for who he was. Something Jeremiah and I never saw eye to eye on to this day. But as good as Laurel had been to us during our early college years after losing our mom, I knew the stress of it all wasn't fair to her. She didn't sign up for this. She had her own kids to worry about and besides, none of us were actual kids anymore. Jere and I were adults responsible for our own lives. I wanted to relieve Laurel of that guilt. I knew a thing or two about carrying guilt around. If you're not careful, it'll consume you.

"You don't have to worry about us, Laur." I look at her. "Jere and I are adults. It's not all on you. It never was."

Laurel smiles faintly. I could tell my words had meant a lot to her. She needed to hear them.

"You remind me so much of Beck." She looks down. "God, I miss your mom..."

My mom may have said goodbye to this life but she was everywhere here. In the flowers. In the breeze. In the kitchen. I look out the window at the pier where she used to paint, feeling her memory and missing her all at once. Laurel and I remained silent for a few moments.

Laurel is the first one to speak. "So… I hear Steven invited you to Spain."

My eyes flash to hers. I nod, pursing my lips. Where was this going?

"I guess you and Jere aren't the only ones growing up." Laurel sighs, holding her mug in her hands. "Steven told me everything the night of the hospital. He told me he wanted to propose in the next few months. I can't believe one of my kids will be married next year."

"You'll be a grandma before you know it." I tease her.

"Oh, God." Laurel laughs. "Don't tell me it's a shotgun wedding."

"Sorry to dissapoint." I laugh. "But it's not. It's the real deal."

Laurel laughs then sets down her mug. "So, what's it going to take for you to come with us?"

She looks at me and I look at her. I wasn't expecting that. I wasn't sure what to say.

"How about plane tickets as an early birthday present?" Laurel suggests. "Steven really wants you there, Connie. It's a big moment for our family and you're family. Please come."

"I want to." I nod. "I just need to figure some things out first."

"Things as in medical school?" Laurel raises a brow, sipping her mug. "Or my daughter?"

Like I said, there was no hiding when it came to Laurel. She knew me better than anyone.

"Laur, I can't have you pay for another flight." I shake my head. "You flying me out here was already too generous. If I come, let me pay my way."

"Actually, Cleveland offered to pay. He's coming too. Consider it a present from both of us."

I shake my head. "You Conklins are impossible."

"True." Laurel laughs. "But you know you love us."

I laugh. "You sound like Steven."

"Well, we do share blood after all." Laurel smiles as she sips her coffee.

"I better get going." I smile and turn to walk away.

When I reach the door handle Laurel says, "Hey, Connie?"

I stop and turn to look at her with my hand on the doorhandle.

"I've sure missed you, kid." Laurel smiles. "This house doesn't feel the same without you… And I know my daughter. We've all missed you. See you soon, Connie."

"See you later, Laur."

I walk out of the door with a smile on my face no one can take away from me.

There was nothing but blue skies and an open ocean stretching for miles and miles around us. Steven and Taylor jump off the yacht together, holding hands. I know the exact moment they hit the water when Taylor's screams fade. They laugh together as they emerge from the water.

"Your turn, Belly!" Steven yells from the water.

I shake my head at them. I wasn't in the mood.

"Oh come on, scaredy cat!" Steven laughs. "Just jump in!"

Taylor splashes Steven to defend me. It makes me laugh as I hear them splash each other. My eyes are closed as I soak in the sun with my sunglasses on. I was sure I was going to be burnt but I didn't care. I just wanted to have fun in the sun today. No stress. Just fun.

"I'll jump with you."

I open my eyes under my sunglasses and turn my head to see Conrad standing above me.

"Oh, you don't have to…" I say.

"I want to." Conrad says, extending out his hand. "Come on."

I look at him then look at his hand. I take his hand and he helps me stand up. I take off my crochet top and shorts revealing my bikini underneath. Conrad turns away to be polite as I change. When I'm ready, we walk over to the edge of the yacht.

"Okay." I nod, my hair dancing in the breeze.

"Okay." Conrad smirks at me. Was he checking me out? I stand up tall in my bikini.

"On the count of three!" Steven yells from the water. "One…"

I feel nervous as I look out at the water. I was used to diving into swimming pools, not the open ocean.

"Hey," Conrad whispers, his hand finding mine and I look at him. "I got you."

"Two…" Steven continues.

Conrad and I both take one final look at each other. I felt more of a thrill from holding his hand than standing on the edge of a yacht about to jump. Only Conrad Fisher had that effect on me.

"Just don't let go." I plead, searching his eyes.

"Never." Conrad smirks, squeezing my hand tighter.

"Three!" Steven yells as Taylor and him swim out of the way.

Conrad and I both jump overboard, holding hands. Steven and Taylor cheer us on. Our bodies plunge deep into the water and when I open my eyes, a school of fish swims away. I point at them to show Conrad but he is already looking at them. I feel my nerves wash away as he smiles at me and his hand doesn't leave mine as we swim towards all of the colorful fish.

Suddenly I spot a sea turtle a foot behind Conrad and point towards it. Conrad admires the sea turtle then turns back to me. I can feel his eyes on me as I watch it swim away. When I look back at him, the way he is looking at me scares me. I knew that look.

Conrad closes the distance between us underwater. I look down at our hands then back at him. He leans in to kiss me and I don't stop him. It was my girlhood dream a thousand times over to have an underwater kiss like this but it was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. It was a soft kiss. A kiss so sweet and tender you remember it forever. A kiss that whispers "I miss you."

We rise to the surface, unable to hold our breaths for much longer. I rub my eyes and open them to find Conrad watching me as we bob in the water. We were the only ones in the water now. I could hear Taylor and Steven talking with Cleveland on the boat. They hadn't seen the kiss.

Conrad and I look at each other in a familiar way. My eyes flash to his lips.

"Belly!" Taylor giggles, leaning over the edge. "Get your ass up here! We finally get our post-graduation Mimosas!"

I laugh and do a thumbs up under the hot sun then look back at Conrad unable to stop laughing. I felt giddy after our kiss. It was a kindergartner kiss. An innocent, short peck. But that short kiss made me feel more in years than I thought was possible.

"After you." Conrad nods towards the boat with a smirk. He was flirting with me.

I swim towards the ladder of the yacht. As I climb up, my wet feet slip and Conrad's arms catch me by my waist to steady me. I turn to look at him and our faces are inches apart. He helps me steady myself and his hands stay on my waist as I climb up the rest of the way. When we reach the top and I step on to the deck, his hands let me go leaving my skin aching from the loss of his touch.

Steven smiles as we both take a seat. To my surprise, Conrad sits right next to me.

"Well. How was the water?" Steven teases us.

"We saw some fish." I smile, pressing my lips together then I look at Conrad.

Conrad smiles at me. "And a sea turtle."

"Like Finding Nemo?" Steven jokes. Taylor elbows him.

"Did you know sea turtles are a sign of good luck?" Cleveland grins.

"No, I didn't know that." I smile as Cleveland hands me a Mimosa.

"Feeling lucky?" Cleveland winks at Conrad.

Steven laughs, admiring Taylor. "I sure do."

Taylor and Steven exchange a kiss. Conrad just laughs. Our eyes meet then we both look away.

Cleveland hands Conrad a Mimosa next. "If we're lucky then hopefully, we'll see more."

"I swear you know all of the best spots." I smile, putting my sunglasses back on as I sip on my Mimosa. "Thank you for taking us out here."

"No need to thank me." Cleveland smiles. "Conrad showed me this place."

I look at Conrad. It was a beautiful spot. I should have known it was his idea. I smile at him.

"Adam used to take us fishing out here." Conrad nods. "It's one of the best spots in Cousin's."

"Remember when the fishing net broke?" Steven laughs. "Adam was pissed that fishing trip."

Conrad laughs then everyone goes quiet. Adam's visits to Cousin's had always been short and sweet. Susannah and Laurel liked it best that way and as I got older, I begin to understand why.

"Who's hungry?" Cleveland starts taking out snacks from a beach cooler. "We have fruit. We have chips. Candy. Sandwiches. Soda. The American diet, ladies and gentlemen."

For the next hour, we all soak up the sun as we enjoy some food. As the day goes on, I find it easier and easier to forget about the text from Jeremiah. There was nothing like a day in Cousin's to make you forget all of your problems. And the company wasn't so bad either. Conrad was the happiest I had seen him in a long time. I kept sneaking looks at him as he talked to Cleveland and Steven. I could get used to this I thought as I laughed with everyone.

Eventually, Cleveland goes back to steering the yacht. The rest of us lay out on the deck in our swimsuits as the yacht glides across the water. Taylor keeps getting sprayed with sea water.

"Oh my god!" She groans. "I'm getting soaked."

"Don't you get seasick?" Steven jokes. "Maybe it's mother nature's way of cooling you off."

Taylor flips him off, rolling her eyes. Under her sunglasses, she taps at her phone.

"You know what we need?" She sighs. "Music."

When she spots the perfect song, she gasps and clicks on it. She waits for our reactions.

The song that starts to play is Doin' Time by Sublime: Summertime, and the livin's easy…

Steven laughs and winks at her under the hot sun. "This song brings back memories."

It was the song that played the night we decided to throw a party after thinking we lost the house forever. It was also the night Steven and Taylor had admitted their feelings for each other. But for me, it was a painful memory. The night Jeremiah told Conrad off. The night Conrad and I fought on the beach. The night I drunk dialed my mom to fix the mess we were in.

"That was a crazy night." Steven shakes his head. "Jere hasn't changed a bit, has he?"

I look at Conrad but he doesn't have a reaction.

"Speaking of Jere…" Taylor starts. "Guess who texted Belly Happy Birthday last night?"

I was grateful I was wearing sunglasses because I could feel Steven's eyes land on me.

"What?" Steven sits up on his elbows.

Taylor nods and waits for me to say something.

Steven looks at me. "What did he say to you, Belly?"

I fetch my phone from my tote and hand it to my brother. Conrad doesn't sit up to read it. He stays laying down. His eyes are closed under the hot sun but his eyebrows are knit together. I could tell he was listening. He was starting to get some color to him. A golden tan I knew well.

"Unbelievable." Steven shakes his head as he reads Jeremiah's text then hands me my phone. I could tell he wanted to launch my phone into the ocean. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I could get a new number. Start fresh with zero contacts that started with J.

"Are you going to reply?" Steven asks me.

I put my phone back in my tote and sigh. "I don't think there is anything left to say..."

Steven lays back down and everyone is quiet as we listen to music and soak up the sun.

"I still can't believe Jere is getting married." Steven whispers, shaking his head. "And we're all uninvited. Not that I would go… but that's a big step to take in life without your family… I wonder what Sussannah would say about all of this."

We all lay on our beach towels, looking at the blue sky all wondering the same thing.

"Jeremiah's getting married?!" Cleveland stands above us with hands on his hips, short of breath. He wipes sweat off of his forehead with a towel.

We all freeze. We didn't think Cleveland could hear us from the cockpit. We hadn't heard him coming. We all look at each other. Cleveland picks up on our collective body language.

"... Why do I get the feeling I wasn't supposed to overhear that?" He says, lowering the towel.

Steven sits up. "Cleveland, Laurel can't know."

Cleveland looks at us with questions. All of us sit up to look at him. Cleveland looks at me and I look away. It was a long story and I didn't want to get into it. Not on my birthday weekend.

"You just have to trust us on this." Steven says. "Promise us you won't tell Laurel. Please."

Cleveland looks at all of us. "Should I be… worried?"

We shake our heads and Cleveland slowly lets out a breath, looking down.

"Alright… You have my word." Cleveland nods then looks at all of us again. "But I don't know how I feel about keeping secrets from your mom. Let's not make this a habit, okay?"

We all nod in agreement. Cleveland nods back before turning to walk away.

"Thank you, Cleveland." I say to his back.

"Of course." Cleveland turns to smile at us. "We're family now."

For dinner, my mom orders pizza for everyone to share.

"Beck was the cook. Not me." She laughs over a glass of wine at the kitchen table.

Steven laughs. "You're not a bad cook when you try."

She rolls her eyes as she sips her wine and everyone laughs.

Steven laughs. "I'm serious. Come on, someone back me up here!"

Conrad smirks, "My mom did envy your spaghetti."

"Hers was better." Laurel laughs at Conrad. "But I hear you're quite the cook. Belly says so."

I blush. I was surprised she had remembered me telling her that. I look down to take a bite.

Conrad shrugs. "It's just a hobby. It takes my mind off of my studies."

Cleveland chimes in, "What's your favorite dish to make?"

"Any of my mom's favorite recipes. I use her recipe book all the time."

"Belly said you made baked penne for her graduation weekend." Laurel sips her wine, smiling. "One of Beck's favorites."

I didn't know that. I look at Conrad and he smiles at me. My eyes flash to his lips. My head was still reeling from our kiss underwater. I snap myself out of it when I catch Taylor and Steven looking at us.

After dinner, Cleveland rents a new movie for all of us to watch. Some new action-adventure. It feels weird to not watch a classic film but it was also a nice change. Maybe it could be our new tradition. Classic films always reminded me of Susannah but they also made me sad. She was everywhere here. It was nice to make new memories. Not that I ever wanted to replace my memories with her but I knew it would make Susannah happy to see all of us happy.

I watch my mom rest her head on Cleveland's shoulder as they laugh at the movie. I'd never seen my mom so happy. I look at Steven and Taylor next as they whisper into each other's ears. Lastly, my eyes fall on him. Conrad's face is relaxed as he laughs with Cleveland at the movie. It was a birthday wish come true to see everyone so happy. There was just one person missing.

Later that night, I toss and turn thinking about Jeremiah's text. I type out a few replies in my phone notes. Part of me wanted to confront him but what good would come from it? The other part of me knew I would never get closure. It was times like these I wished Susannah was still here. What would she say? What would she think? What would she do?

I head downstairs for a late night swim once I can't take it anymore. The water invites me in and I close my eyes as I float in the still water. I could lay here like this forever. It occurs to me that I can – at least for this summer. I open my eyes and turn my head to look at the spot where Conrad always sits. It was empty. I think about the kiss we shared in the ocean as I touch my lips remembering. Eventually, I swim more laps to ban both the Fisher brothers from my mind.

After I tire myself out, I wrap my beach towel around me and lay down in one of the lounge chairs. I look up at the sky of glittering stars with a heaviness behind my eyes. I was tired.

"Venus is still an evening star." I whisper to the sky. It gave me hope for new beginnings while also holding onto old ones.

As I fall asleep that night looking at the sky, I cling onto the hope that Susannah was right. That the three of us will find our way back to each other. To this house. As hurt as I was by Jere, I still hoped for that. I just wanted him to be happy. I knew that's all Susannah ever wanted for us too. For all of us to be happy. I'd like to believe she was watching over us, making sure it would happen. She may be gone but there was still some magic left at Cousin's. I just had to believe in it. I just had to trust in it. After all, everything happens for a reason.

Conrad:

The next morning, I wake up to the sound of birds chirping right outside my window. I sit up in my bed to look at them. They were my mom's favorite bird. I'd like to believe it was her way of saying hello.

"Morning, mom." I whisper.

I run a hand through my hair as my mind wanders to Belly. Our kiss underwater. The looks she had given me all night. Her looking at me the way she used to made it hard to leave. But the weekend was over. It was Sunday. Reality hits.

A bird makes a loud noise near my window and pulls me out of my thoughts. I stretch and walk over to the window to take one last look at the view. One day, I would make it my full-time home and start a life here. Start a family.

"Good things come to those who wait Connie" my mom's words echoed inside my head.

I rest my hands on both sides of the window as I admire the waves crashing on the shore and early morning sunrise. The birds chirp and swan dive which draws my attention to the backyard. Then I see her. Belly asleep in a lounge chair. What was she doing out there this early?

When I approach her, Belly's hair is sprawled on the lounge chair. Her towel is wrapped around her. She looks so peaceful laying there. I didn't want to wake her. I didn't want to wake this sleeping beauty right in front of me but I knew it was too chilly for her to be out here with wet hair. I could tell she had been swimming the night before. I lightly trace her hair then decide to wake her.

"Belly." I gently shake her shoulder.

She moans in her sleep. The way she shakes her head is adorable and makes me laugh.

"Belly." I laugh softly as I continue to shake her. "Wake up."

She rubs her eyes then she sits up to look at me. When she sees me, she rubs her eyes again.

"Conrad?"

I laugh and nod. "What are you doing out here?"

She looks around disoriented. She brings her towel back up to her body as she shivers. She was just in a swimsuit and it was chilly in the mornings.

"I-I guess I fell asleep out here."

"Let's get you warm." I laugh.

Once we're back inside, I walk over to start the coffee maker. She slips onto a barstool and messes with her hair. I could tell she felt self-conscious around me this early in the morning.

"You look fine." I say as I start the coffee maker. "Don't worry about it."

I could feel her eyes on me and I turn to look at her. She blushes. I turn my attention back to the brewing of the coffee maker.

"You're in a good mood this morning." Belly notes out loud.

I turn to face her and lean against the counter, "What can I say? I love a good beach day."

Belly laughs. "Yeah, me too."

"Are you sad it's all over?" I look at her. "Your birthday weekend?"

Belly shrugs. "I guess."

I laugh. "You guess?"

Belly rolls her eyes. "If you remember right, I'm not a fan of being the center of attention."

"I remember." I say as I find her mug. "I remember everything."

I start to pour her a cup of coffee into her favorite mug.

"Can I ask you something?" She ask me after a few moments of silence.

I walk to the fridge to grab a creamer. "Sure."

"Why'd you kiss me?"

I turn around to look at her, holding the creamer in my hands. I wasn't expecting that question. I fight the impulse to look away.

"Because I wanted to." I say, keeping my eyes locked on hers.

Belly breaks eye contact first. Her expression is hard to read. I mix some creamer into the coffee and stir in a spoonful or two of sugar in it just for her. Then I slide the mug across the counter to her.

"There. That should warm you up in no time." I smirk.

Belly looks down at the mug then up at me.

"Just try it before it gets cold." I laugh. "You might actually like it."

Belly brings the mug to her lips and takes a tiny sip. She was usually a frappe or iced coffee person. But as she takes a sip, her face changes. She sets the warm mug down on the counter and covers her mouth in surprise.

"Okay. That is amazing?!" She laughs, licking her lips and sipping more of it. "Wow."

"Told you." I smirk.

"You do know your coffee." She laughs, sipping more. "Coffee is definitely your specialty."

"What about you?" I flirt with her. "Is cocoa still your specialty?"

She looks away, blushing and I grab a mug to pour myself my own cup of coffee. I feel her eyes follow my every move.

"Thank you again for coming this weekend." Belly nods, surprising me with her words. "I still need to open your birthday present... Should I open it in front of you?"

"You don't have to." I shake my head.

"I don't mind." She smiles.

"Belly…" I look away. "It's something you should open alone. On your own time."

We sip our coffees in silence, enjoying the quiet morning.

"Well, I guess I should say bye to you now." Belly stands up. "I'm leaving with my mom to grab some things before I move here for the summer."

"Oh." I say looking at the time on the stove then back at her. "When are you heading out?"

"Knowing my mom..." She laughs. "Soon. Laurel never sleeps in."

We both laugh then look at each other, putting off the inevitable. We were always saying goodbye and I hated it.

Belly crosses the room and it almost feels awkward as she goes in for a hug. But as soon as her arms wrap around me, everything fades away in that moment. All that matters is her. I wrap my arms around her and close my eyes. It was just like the night of the hospital a month ago. Both of us waiting for the other to let go first. Cleveland's words echo in my brain as I hug her. I knew this was it. I needed to do something. Say something. Stop wasting time.

Shoot your shot.

"Belly?" I whisper into her hair as we stand there hugging in the kitchen.

She nods in my arms.

"I don't want to repeat last month." I breathe. "I don't want this to be goodbye."

My voice sounds nervous. I cringe at myself and my words. But Belly's reaction is worth it because she pulls away to look at me. Her arms stay locked around me as she looks up at me with those chocolate eyes. I look down at her, trying to man up and say the words.

"Can I call you?"

A smile stretches across Belly's face. I memorize and save it in my head for a rainy day. That smile melted me.

"I thought you'd never ask." She laughs, hugging me.

When she pulls away again, our faces are inches apart. If we leaned in any closer, we'd be kissing.

"Belly?" Laurel's voice echoes. "Are you out here?"

Belly and I let go of each other but it was already too late. Laurel catches us. And she doesn't look mad about it. She crosses her arms as her eyes flash back and forth between us. It reminds me of the way my mom had caught Belly and I holding hands walking inside the beach house after our first kiss on the beach. I smile at the memory and Belly smiles too. We were both remembering it as we looked at each other then looked back at Laurel.

"Early morning swim?" Laurel raises a brow.