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Carmen chuckled. “I can and I’m glad to see it.”

Isabella looked over at Kelsey and smiled. This has been the best day.

7

They talked over a few other things with Carmen then decided to watch the sunset on the beach after another swim. Carmen suggested they have dinner so they’d feel peachy in the morning. This brought on another round of giggles.

“Let’s change for dinner,” Isabella suggested. “Are you tired?”

“Nope. I feel great. Taking a swim after each drink was a good idea. I was a little tipsy and our fit of giggles would’ve probably happened no matter if we'd had one or no drinks.” Kelsey chuckled.

“We did laugh a lot, but that’s a good thing,” Isabella said. “I love your laugh.”

“We should try one of the other restaurants for dinner,” Kelsey said. “I’ll have my small purse again,” she added as they made the short walk to their bungalows.

“Got it.” Isabella chuckled. “What are you going to wear tomorrow?”

“Hmm, probably my board shorts with a swim top and shirt. They’re comfortable and I can wear them all day. Oh, I’ll also wear my hiking sandals. I’m glad I threw them in my bag at the last minute,” Kelsey said.

“You’re going to have to show me how you got all of that in one bag,” Isabella said.

“I’m telling you, I’ll be repeating outfits. Don’t be judgy,” Kelsey said with a laugh.

“Me? Surely you can tell by now that I’m not like that.”

“You wouldn’t judge me because now I’m your friend,” Kelsey said. “I’m going to take a quick shower. I’ll see you in a few.”

“Okay,” Isabella said, walking in her back door.

Kelsey threw her bag on the bed and took her swimsuit off before stepping into the shower. The water felt glorious, washing away all the sand and sweat that had accumulated over the afternoon. She washed her hair and thought about what Isabella had said earlier. Was she beautiful? Kelsey would never say that about herself. She knew her eyes were interesting because of the way they changed colors depending on what she was wearing or her surroundings, like being near the water today.

It was nice the way Isabella had said there was more to her than her looks. But to be called beautiful still made her feel good and it did make her heart skip a beat. She stepped out of the shower and towel-dried her hair. As she looked in the mirror she started to pull it up and away from her face, but decided to leave it free to curl at her shoulders.

Kelsey slipped into a pair of wide-legged pants and put on a sleeveless top. She decided to apply a little mascara and lipstick. Her phone pinged with a text message just as she slipped her feet into her sandals. Isabella was ready and waiting on her front deck.

Kelsey smiled, slipped her phone into her small purse, and took one more look in the mirror. She nodded and opened the front door.

“Hey,” Isabella said. “Don’t you look fresh and lovely. Your hair looks great like that.”

“Thanks, so do you. Did that shower feel amazing or what?” Kelsey said, falling into step next to her.

“God, yes. I didn’t think I tracked in that much sand, but it was everywhere.” Isabella knocked her shoulder into Kelsey’s.

“Oh, I know.” Kelsey chuckled.

They had dinner in the casual restaurant and Kelsey tried the conch that Carmen had told her about that morning. When they finished eating, Kelsey reached for the ticket and signed it with her bungalow number then looked up at Isabella.

“I guess it doesn’t matter who gets this because Carmen’s paying our way.” Kelsey shrugged.

“I know, but it’s still fun to take turns,” Isabella said. “Are we walking on the beach?”

“I think we should. It’s a nice way to end the day,” Kelsey said. She held out her arm and chuckled when Isabella looped her arm through it.

“We need to try the swimming pool while we’re here,” Isabella said as they walked past it.

“I’m hoping we can try the spa, too.”

“That might be good after our big day tomorrow,” Isabella suggested.