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“Yeah, and people can be awful,” Riley said, reaching for Alex’s hand. “We deal with assholes from time to time.”

“I hope you don’t mean me,” Sylvie said, walking onto the patio with Carmen right behind her.

“Hey,” Liz said. “You’re only awful when we need you to be.”

Sylvie laughed. “I have had to play bouncer a few times.”

“I think I’m the awful one today,” Carmen said, sitting down across from Kelsey and Isabella.

“I’m sure you were surprised by our news,” Kelsey said.

“I shouldn’t have been, but I don’t think you’re going to like what I have to say,” Carmen replied.

Isabella raised her brows and reached for Kelsey’s hand under the table. “Why’s that?”

“For now, we think it’s best for you two to remain the friendly single moms in front of the camera,” Carmen said.

“I don’t know why it has to be such a big deal,” Isabella said softly then sighed.

“It won’t be any different than what you’ve been doing,” Carmen said.

“I understand that,” Kelsey said. “But what if we run into people at the resort that are here because of the earlier posts we’ve done? Are we supposed to act like nothing is going on between us while we’re in public?”

Carmen nodded. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but for now I’d rather you keep your relationship between us.”

“It might be a good thing.” Riley shrugged. “You won’t have anyone staring or approaching you with questions.”

“I’m not sure why you want to keep it a secret,” Liz said. “It was obvious from the beginning that the two of them have chemistry. Don’t you think your followers can see that?”

“That’s just it. We never mentioned anything about them being a couple. If it comes out, I think it could be a shit show,” Carmen said.

“Some people won’t like that you’re gay,” Alex said. “Some people will think you were keeping secrets.”

“And others may not give a shit,” Isabella said, exasperation in her voice. She had no idea this would be such a big deal. While she had concerns about how her boys might react, she never dreamed it would be such a problem for the resort.

“I know you think we’re making a big deal out of this when we shouldn’t, but you and Kelsey are reaching more people than you think, Isabella. And you of all people know how a blemish on our brand could affect us going forward,” Carmen said.

“Of course I understand all that,” Isabella said. “In my experience, honesty works so much better in the long run. Trying to spin things often times leads to more problems.”

Carmen studied them for a moment. “Give me more time to think this through. I’m listening to what you’re saying, but I also know there are more haters out there than you think.”

Isabella looked over at Kelsey. She didn’t want to hide her feelings. The last couple of days had felt magical. They had openly expressed their love for each other whether it was through a look, a touch, or simply a smile. It felt wonderful and freeing. And now Carmen wanted them to rein it in.

Kelsey gave Isabella a sad smile. “I guess that messes up our first date.”

“It’s okay.” Isabella squeezed her hand.

“What are you talking about?” Riley asked.

“We realized all this time we were kind of dating,” Kelsey said.

“Yeah, we just didn’t know it.” Isabella chuckled. “Anyway, we were going to get dressed up and have our first official date at the resort.”

“I’m sorry,” Carmen said with an apologetic look.

“You can have it here,” Riley said. “I know a place that is very romantic as well as private.” Riley looked at Alex and raised her brows.

“What a great idea,” Alex said. “We’ll take care of everything.”