straight ahead. “I think you will.”
“What about you?”
Dani scoffed. “I’m more of a loner. I’ve always been that
way. I don’t do love. Love is ridiculous. I think it’s old
fashioned. I’m not sure it’s even real. I think people just like to
talk about it because everyone is obsessed with the notion of
chasing it.”
“So, you think that’s all anyone can ever do? Chase it and
never catch it?”
Dani sighed. She sounded tired all of a sudden. “I think
there are a lot of lonely people out there.”
Emily realized she should have thought about it before she
did it, but she reached over from her towel and set her hand on
the edge of Dani’s. Dani froze, but she didn’t move her hand
away. With unnatural and painful slowness, Emily let her
fingers inch over, closing the distance between them. Dani’s
hand was warm, her skin golden. Emily looked at her hand, set
on top of Dani’s. The ring was missing. She’d taken it off.
Emily couldn’t help the tide of disappointment that crashed
over her. Even if it was irrational, it still hurt.
“I’m sorry that you’re lonely,” Emily whispered.
Dani turned sharply, her eyes wide and searching. Emily
didn’t look away, even though Dani’s gaze was so intense.
“Why are you sorry?” Dani asked softly. “It’s not your fault.”
“Yes, but I…” Emily couldn’t put into words what she
wanted to say.
She cocked her head and studied Dani. Dani didn’t look
away. She didn’t break eye contact. Her eyes were so lovely.
Emily wished she had more time. More time like this. She felt
an unexpected longing flood her chest. Her hand was still on