Page 191 of The Romance Adventure

She wears a pair of leggings and a Boo’s Battle Bro’s T-shirt. She passes one to me. “Happy belated birthday.”

“You had these made?”

My resolve to end things goes out to sea. She’s so thoughtful, so perfect. But what if something happens? What if something happens to me and it breaks her?

“Are you ready?” she thumbs over her shoulder toward her SUV. “The idea is to leave at sunset to enjoy it and naturally acclimate to the lack of light.”

“We’re going somewhere? Can’t we just use the kayaks I got for the program?”

“It’s a group excursion with a guide. Figured it would be safer because they know the best launch spots, the currents, and any hazards.”

I grunt.

When we get to the kayak shop, a man half my age gives us a spiel about what to expect, safety, and to watch out for Lola.

The Manatee Jubilee, which I missed, comes to mind. I won’t lie, I enjoyed the pie Lally left for me, but I know it was meant for us. She works so hard, tries so hard. She’s amazing.

But I shake my head, telling myself no.

“Did you have a question, sir?” the kid asks.

“What? Oh, no. I’m fine.”

Lally’s brows pinch together.

She can tell that I’m not all here, but I have to create distance. It can’t be physical because we’re neighbors and she’s an amazing veterinarian that I’m lucky to have on staff, but I will create emotional space between us.

It’s for her own good.

Lally and I load into a tandem kayak with a clear hull. As we launch, I realize it’s been far too long since I’ve been on the water. Getting a boat to go along with the retreat experience at the cottages wouldn’t be a bad investment. I wonder if Boo would enjoy it.

My mind elsewhere, I don’t notice the sunset. I don’t hear Lally whispering my name until she looks over her shoulder, rocking the boat.

“Are you back there?” she asks with laughter in her voice. Or maybe it’s nervousness.

It’s then that I notice we’re paddling directly toward a neon bloom. It’s wondrous. Magical. Breathtaking.

“It’s like shooting stars under the water,” Lally says as we get closer.

Little creatures like plankton and other microscopic organisms put on a show. They glow fluorescent, shimmering and swaying underwater.

The guide and the other kayakers continue while Lally and I remain behind, completely rapt, and almost wrapped up like a glowing gift.

“It’s amazing,” she whispers.

“Yeah,” I repeat. “Thanks for the birthday present, by the way.”

“You’re welcome. Wish we were side by side,” she says, craning over her shoulder.

The boat teeters.

I tell myself that, no, the space is necessary. I do battle with myself, fighting between thanking her with a massive kiss when we’re back on land or saying a polite goodnight.

The kayakers paddle in a loop and we’re so far behind that we cut across the water in the direction they’re going so we can join up again.

At that moment, Lola swims by, a massive manatee, lit up like a Christmas tree.

From in front of me, Lally gasps.