Page 123 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“I think the others are waiting outside,” Dana said. “Shall we go?”

The party had been bittersweet. We’d all been more emotional than I’d expected, and I’d succumbed to my tears when Vera gave the opening speech before dinner. I’d gotten good at this crying in public thing. When Vera spoke about lifelongfriendships, I hoped it would be true. I’d become closer to the women from our villa than I’d ever thought possible. I knew if I needed to talk to someone, I could call any of them. Sad, but I didn’t feel that bond with my friends back home. I chuckled to myself. I could just imagine their reaction if I called them and told them I needed a shoulder to cry on. They’d have me committed. Merely contemplating the idea caused me to shudder. None would ever know about my breakdown, at least that was what I was calling it.

By nine o’clock, the party was winding down since we wanted the opportunity to return to our favorite spot—the firepit. I’d gotten little time with Robyn since everyone wanted a piece of her. At least, I’d been able to admire her from afar. The casual elegance of her white sundress with blue flower print was undeniable. The half sleeve wrap she wore over the top covered her shoulders, which I was dying to see. While I’d chosen to entice her by showing as much of me as I could, she did the opposite, covering up, making me want to see what was underneath.

Tonight, I wasn’t jealous of the others monopolizing her time since she’d promised to come back to the villa for after party s’mores. I hoped I’d get some time alone with her. All evening, my gaze had wandered to her lips. I wanted another taste of their softness.

“How you holding up?” I asked Helena, who sat across the table from me.

“Pretty good.” She smiled, but pain flickered in her eyes.

“Flare-up?” In this short time, I’d learned to read her. Another thing that astonished me.

She nodded. “A little, but I don’t want to ruin the party for Katlynn.”

“She’ll understand.”

“I know, but I’m trying to push through sometimes. I’ll be in pain whether I’m sitting here or lying in bed.”

“Just don’t push yourself too hard. Doesn’t that make it worse?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out.” Helena’s eyes clouded, but then a determined look descended. “In my previous life, my pain was discounted, so I always had to push for what I needed. Here, all of you—Katlynn—are the opposite. Everyone watches out for me, which gives me the energy to push through instead of expending precious energy fighting for what I need.” Her eyes narrowed. “Does that make sense?”

“Yeah. It does.” I’d never considered it that way. Coping with her illness must be hard enough without dealing with her girlfriend’s betrayal. Anger bubbled inside of me. “You deserved so much better.”

“Thank you.” Helena smiled. “Then I’d felt fortunate she stuck around when I was such a burden.”

I wanted to hug her or beat the shit out of her ex. “You put up with a lot.”

“More than I should have.” Helena waved her hand. “But no negative talk tonight. I’ve found if I dwell on it, my body absorbs it and then rebels.”

“Got it.” I pointed at the others gathered across the room. “It looks like they’re wrapping up.” I stood and walked around the table. I held my arm out. “May I be of assistance?”

Helena took my arm. “I’d appreciate that.”

I used more strength than I’d expected to help her to her feet. Not wanting to offend her, I wrestled with my response.No.Our friendship had blossomed through honesty, so I said, “I could borrow Vera’s golf cart and give you a lift back to the villa.”

She shook her head but stopped. “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m afraid the walk will zap me, but I want to be part of the shenanigans around the fire. Laughter is the best thing for me.”

“Then you stay right here.” I helped her sit back in her chair. “Your chariot will be here soon.” I winked at her. “I’d love to be your chariot driver, but I doubt Katlynn would go for it.”

Helena smiled up at me. “I think you’re right.”

Selfishly, I was glad Katlynn insisted on driving Helena so I could walk with Robyn. I expected she’d be hesitant, but as soon as we began our trek back to the villas, she took my hand.

The party’s festive mood continued on our walk as more than a dozen women joined in the revelry. Someone from another villa started singingGirls Just Want to Have Fun, and soon the group was singing and dancing.

Robyn glanced at me and raised our linked hands over our heads as she broke into her best Cyndi Lauper impersonation. I laughed and joined her as we skipped through the group, weaving in and out of the others. Seeing Robyn so carefree filled my heart. Her concerns over our dating arrangement seemed to be forgotten, so I relaxed and enjoyed the moment.

As soon as they arrived at the end ofGirls Just Want to Have Fun,someone called out,I Am Woman, and we were off on our next song. Our voices raised as one as we belted out the lyrics.

Once it ended, one of the younger attendees called out, “Sheesh, can we sing something newer?”

“You call it,” someone yelled out.

The young woman shook her hips and broke into Taylor Swift’sShake It Off.

“Go, girl,” Annie called out and joined her.