Page 124 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

I looked at Robyn and shrugged. “The only words I know are shake it off.”

Robyn laughed. “Just hum the rest.”

Which I did as we shook and sang our way toward the villa.

When we arrived at the path between the villas, we paired off to walk down the pathway. It gave me the opportunity to lean over toward Robyn. “I didn’t get the chance to tell you, but you look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you.” Robyn’s voice was low, almost shy. I think she blushed, but in the moonlight, it was only a guess.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“I am, too.” She squeezed my hand. “And for the record, I noticed your outfit.”

I laughed. “You did, huh? I thought maybe you’d missed it.”

“I call foul. It wasn’t fair I had to mingle while you strutted around looking like that.”

“Strutting? I wasn’t strutting.” I had been. Any time anyone at my table needed a drink, I volunteered to get it. I was certain they’d figured out my game, but they’d played along.

“Really? Then I’m thinking you’ve got a whale-sized bladder.”

“Do whales have bladders?” I asked.

“They must, but that’s not the point, so stop changing the subject.”

“Me?” I feigned innocence. “Fine, I might have been keeping the table in drinks.”

“I knew it.” Robyn laughed. “Do you know how distracting it was?”

“I’m just happy you noticed.”

“Oh, I noticed.”

I smirked. “Good.”

Only a handful of us remained around the fire. Those with early flights had said their goodbyes. I’d cried when Dana hugged me before she retired and been surprised to see tears streaming down her face. She’d brushed them away and made me promise not to tell anyone.

The fire flickered and flames lapped at the blackened wood, trying to find something to burn. Earlier, the blaze had kept me warm, but the dying embers no longer radiated the same heat.

Robyn leaned against me. “Getting cold?”

“A little,” I answered.

“I should head home. Millie will need to go out.”

“Can I walk you to your van?”

“I’d like that.” Robyn pointed toward the path. “I’m parked out back.”

I stood and then helped her to her feet.

“Are you leaving?” Helena asked.

“I am,” Robyn answered.

“I’m gonna walk her out,” I said.

After a round of hugs, Robyn and I walked the pathway, hand in hand.